The historic 'Tren Granota' (Frog Train) of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) returns to Barcelona province this Sunday, 3 May. This season, the train will operate its usual route between Les Planes (Sarrià-Sant Gervasi) and the stations of Terrassa and Sabadell. Six services are planned for the first Sundays of each month from May to December, with the exception of July and August.
This train is a historical railway gem in Catalonia and was declared a National Cultural Asset of Cultural Interest in 2023. It allows passengers to experience travel as it was in the past. Users can ride the train with an integrated ticket or an FGC-specific ticket; the fare varies depending on the origin and destination stations of the journey.
Along the route through the Barcelonès and Vallès Occidental regions, several Modernista-style stations stand out, such as Les Planes and Sant Quirze del Vallès. Further information is available on the official FGC website.
Over 80 Years of Railway History
The 'Tren Granota' is a tribute to the workers who, during the post-war period, designed and built a modern and advanced railway vehicle for its time at the Sarrià workshop. This train, part of the 400 series, entered service in 1944 and received its nickname due to its distinctive frontal appearance.
For approximately four decades, the 'Granota' units formed the core of the rolling stock on the lines of the former Sarrià Railway, which were later integrated into FGC. Their design combined innovative aesthetics with comfort improvements that were uncommon in those years.
From Service to Heritage
In 1996, these trains were withdrawn from regular service and replaced by more modern units. Some vehicles were sold to Cuba, while others were transformed or preserved as historical heritage. Today, the 'Tren Granota' has been restored as a symbol of Catalonia's railway legacy and as a tool for educating new generations about this important part of the region's history.
