Spain is home to three of Europe’s most celebrated luxury trains, and choosing between them is a happy dilemma. The Al Andalus glides through the sun-warmed south, while the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo and the Costa Verde Express trace the green Cantabrian coast of the north. Each offers restored carriages, fine regional cuisine, and off-train excursions, but they differ in route, length, style, and price. Here is how they compare. For an overview of all three, visit our Spain hub.
Route and landscape
The Al Andalus runs seven days between Seville and Madrid, in either direction, through Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castile-La Mancha. Along the way it calls at Cordoba, Cadiz, Jerez, Caceres, Merida, Toledo, and Aranjuez, a route rich in Moorish palaces, sherry bodegas, and Roman ruins. (Note that the current itinerary does not include Granada or Ronda.)
The northern pair follow “Green Spain,” the lush, temperate coast washed by the Bay of Biscay. The El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo travels eight days from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, taking in Bilbao and the Guggenheim, Santander, the Picos de Europa, Oviedo, Gijon, and Ribadeo. The Costa Verde Express covers a shorter six-day stretch from Bilbao to Santiago, calling at Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, and Ribadeo.
Length, style, and price
The three trains sit at different points on the scale of length and indulgence:
- Al Andalus — 7 days, Seville to Madrid (either direction). Restored 1929 Belle Epoque carriages, the grandest and most spacious of the three. From EUR 7,552 per person, double occupancy.
- El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo — 8 days, San Sebastian to Santiago. The longest and most intimate, with a maximum of just 28 guests. From EUR 11,328 per person.
- Costa Verde Express — 6 days, Bilbao to Santiago. The shortest and most accessible introduction to Spanish luxury rail. From EUR 5,821 per person.
Season
All three run through the warmer months. The Al Andalus operates from late June through October in 2026, and from late March through September in 2027. The El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo runs from July to November in 2026 and March to October in 2027. The Costa Verde Express operates from July to October in 2026 and May to October in 2027. Departures fill quickly, so early booking is wise.
Who each train suits
Choose the Al Andalus if…
You are drawn to southern Spain: flamenco, Moorish architecture, sherry country, and the historic cities of Andalusia. The Al Andalus also has the most opulent 1920s carriages, making it a fine choice for travelers who prize period grandeur and a longer week of touring.
Choose the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo if…
You want the most complete and inclusive northern journey, with the longest itinerary, the smallest guest list, and time to savor the Picos de Europa, the Guggenheim, and the pilgrim city of Santiago. The El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is the premium choice for the green north.
Choose the Costa Verde Express if…
You would like to experience the Cantabrian coast in six days at a more approachable price. The Costa Verde Express is ideal for first-time luxury rail travelers or those with less time who still want the charm of Green Spain.
Plan your Spanish rail journey
Whichever route calls to you, our specialists can match you with the right train, cabin, and departure. For current departures, rates, and availability, contact us and we will handle every detail. Explore our booking page or contact us at (855) 720-2539 or bookings@luxurytrainvacations.com to begin planning.