The Height of Luxury: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo
Often called a 'palace on wheels', the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is the pinnacle of luxury train travel in Spain. This is not mere transportation; it is an eight-day, seven-night grand tour that glides from the culinary capital of San Sebastián to the pilgrim's
destination of Santiago de Compostela. The journey is designed for slow travel, allowing passengers to savour every moment. Onboard, you’ll find deluxe suites, elegant lounge cars, and a dining experience that showcases the finest gastronomy from the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. The train itself harks back to the golden age of rail travel, with Belle Époque decor combined with modern comforts like private bathrooms and hydromassage showers. Excursions via luxury coach take you to UNESCO sites, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and the stunning Picos de Europa National Park.
Classic Comfort: The Costa Verde Express
Offering a similar route but in a six-day format, the Costa Verde Express is another premium tourist train that journeys between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela. Formerly known as the Transcantábrico Clásico, this service combines classic charm with exceptional comfort, making it a fantastic alternative to its more opulent sibling. Passengers travel through Green Spain, enjoying organised tours in cities like Santander and Oviedo and excursions to natural wonders like the Picos de Europa and Covadonga Lakes. The train’s route hugs the rugged coastline, offering a front-row seat to the Bay of Biscay's dramatic cliffs and verdant meadows. With a focus on regional cuisine and culture, it's an immersive experience that feels like a cruise on rails, stopping at key historical and natural sites along the way.
Authentic & Local: The Narrow-Gauge Network
For a more local and less formal experience, the narrow-gauge railway network, formerly known as FEVE and now part of Renfe Cercanías AM, is a revelation. This extensive network connects coastal towns and villages from Ferrol in Galicia all the way to Bilbao, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in Northern Spain. Unlike the luxury tourist trains, these are commuter services, meaning you can hop on and off as you please without advance reservations. The slower pace is the main attraction, as the train snakes through densely forested hills, past quiet lakes, and along seaside cliffs that larger trains can't access. It’s the perfect way to explore charming fishing villages like Luarca or the medieval town of Santillana del Mar at your own pace, creating a truly bespoke adventure along the Green Coast.
Into the Mountains: The Bulnes Funicular
While the coastal routes are breathtaking, no trip to Northern Spain is complete without venturing into the Picos de Europa mountains. For a unique rail experience, the Bulnes funicular railway offers a dramatic journey deep inside the mountains. Starting from Poncebos in Asturias, this funicular travels through a tunnel carved directly into the rock for nearly a mile and a half, emerging into the remote, vehicle-free village of Bulnes. The contrast is striking, as you leave a concrete tunnel and step into a stunning high-altitude landscape. The village itself is tiny, serving primarily as a base for hikers looking to explore the numerous trails that spiderweb out into the national park. Even if you're not an avid hiker, the short trip offers unparalleled mountain scenery and a sense of true isolation. It’s a short but unforgettable journey into the green heart of the region.
