Families and railway enthusiasts have a new incentive to explore the parks and forests of Catalonia this season. A new initiative allows children and adults to ride on a network of 11 miniature trains for free, using a special passport to collect stamps along the way.

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The Federació Catalana d’Amics del Ferrocarril (Catalan Federation of Railway Friends) launched the ‘Pasaporte dels Trens Petits’ (Passport of Small Trains). This scheme promotes unique, volunteer-run attractions, offering affordable, open-air leisure days set in public parks and natural surroundings across the region.

This project provides a charming alternative for local outings, as detailed in our guide to family activities in Barcelona. It also adds another dimension to the region’s diverse railway landscape, which includes major infrastructure projects like recent upgrades in Figueres.

How the Passport Works

The system, first reported by Barcelona Secreta, is straightforward. Visitors can request a passport free of charge at any of the 11 participating circuits. Each time they visit a different railway, they receive a stamp.

After collecting four stamps from four separate locations, the passport holder is entitled to a free trip on a fifth miniature train of their choice. But the rewards don’t stop there. Those who collect a fifth stamp automatically enter a grand prize draw.

The top prize is a journey for four people on the famous Cremallera de Núria, the historic rack railway that ascends into the stunning Pyrenean valley of Vall de Núria. The campaign will run for two years, giving families plenty of time to explore, with a final deadline of 30 April 2026.

Where to Find the Trains

The network of miniature railways spans Catalonia, offering accessible day trips from the capital and beyond. Within Barcelona city, the circuit at the Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district is a well-loved classic.

In the wider metropolitan area, several other parks host these charming railways:

  • Cornellà de Llobregat: Parc de Can Mercader
  • Terrassa: Parc de Vallparadís
  • Sabadell: Parc de Catalunya
  • Vilanova i la Geltrú: Parc de Ribes Roges
  • El Masnou: Parc de Vallmora

Further afield, enthusiasts can find tracks in the province of Girona at Castell d’Aro and Fornells de la Selva. In Tarragona, the Parc del Trenet in Reus participates in the scheme.

A Nod to Railway Heritage

Most of these railways operate on weekends and public holidays. While prior booking is not usually required, organisers recommend checking each park’s specific opening hours before travelling, as schedules can vary.

A key aspect of their appeal is their authenticity. Local railway appreciation societies manage and meticulously maintain the locomotives and carriages, building them to a high technical standard. This dedication ensures a genuine and safe experience that celebrates Catalonia’s rich railway heritage.

The initiative promotes a model of local, sustainable tourism, contrasting with the high-spend international visitor market. While recent data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) shows international tourist spending in Catalonia is rising, initiatives like the miniature train passport highlight the value of accessible and community-driven leisure for residents and visitors alike.