FAQs

El Transcantábrico is a luxury tourist train that travels through 'Green Spain' along the Cantabrian coast in the north of the country. The flagship El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo runs an 8-day, 7-night journey between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela, in both directions, passing through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia.

Fares for the 8-day Gran Lujo journey start from around €4,900 per person in a double Grand Deluxe Suite, all-inclusive. The price covers the suite, full board, all excursions, and onboard entertainment. Contact our official reservations office for current 2026 pricing and availability.

The fare is all-inclusive: accommodation in a Grand Deluxe Suite, all meals (full board, including gourmet dinners at restaurants along the route), all guided excursions and entrance fees, onboard drinks and entertainment, and a coach that follows the train to carry guests on excursions.

The route runs along the north coast of Spain between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela, with stops and excursions in Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Comillas, the Picos de Europa, Oviedo, Gijón, Cudillero, Ribadeo and the Playa de las Catedrales, ending at Santiago de Compostela — about 1,000 km in total.

The train operates seasonally from spring to autumn, roughly May through October, when the green north is at its most beautiful. Departures leave in both directions on selected dates each month.

Not as a separate train. The original 'classic' Transcantábrico has been retired; its shorter northern itineraries are now operated by the Costa Verde Express, which follows a different, shorter route. El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo continues as the flagship — the premium 8-day San Sebastián–Santiago journey, with the largest Grand Deluxe Suites, full bathrooms with hydromassage, and the highest level of service and gastronomy.

The Gran Lujo carries a maximum of around 28 guests in 14 Grand Deluxe Suites, ensuring an intimate, personal experience with a high ratio of crew to guests.

Generally no. The train travels during the day for the scenery and excursions, and is parked at quiet stations overnight so guests sleep without motion. Suites are private and fully en-suite.

Absolutely. We are the official authorized booking and information source, with English-speaking specialists, pricing guidance in your currency, and help coordinating flights and extra nights in San Sebastián or Santiago. Many of our guests travel from across North and South America.

Book through this official site or call our US toll-free line at 800-724-5120 (or +1 786-408-0610 internationally). As the authorized source, we confirm against live availability with no reseller markups.