Transcantábrico, the Spanish version of the Orient Express luxury train
24 January, 2024The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is a Renfe luxury convoy inspired by the Belle Époque and designed for passengers seeking the most exclusive services and who want to enjoy the charms of the Cantabrian coast. The convoy travels between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela, relying on the coach for some journeys. Some call it the Spanish Orient Express.
On its route, it offers passengers the chance to enjoy places such as Bilbao, Santander, Gijón, Oviedo, Luarca, Ribadeo, Viveiro and Ferrol. And if the display of coastal landscapes and lush forests were not enough, the journey is accompanied by nights in suites, dining cars inspired by the 1920s, parties, restaurants and routes with tour guides.
The Transcantábrico opened in 1983 in León, was refurbished in 2000 and underwent a complete transformation in 2011, when it became El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Its commitment to the premium market was so successful that three years later it received international recognition. In 2009, the International Society of Railway Travellers had already included it in the ranking of the 25 best trains.