Home » Trains » El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo

Luxury Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Journeys | Routes, Suites & Dates

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is Spain’s most exclusive luxury train, offering all-inclusive rail journeys along the dramatic northern coast between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. Travelling through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, the journey combines elegant heritage carriages with fine dining, guided cultural visits and a relaxed, scenic pace.

The Luxury Train Travel Company specialises exclusively in high-end rail journeys worldwide and provides expert planning, confirmed departure dates, suite guidance and tailored extensions for Transcantabrico Gran Lujo journeys. We work with travellers seeking a refined yet immersive way to explore northern Spain, supported by specialist product knowledge and careful itinerary design.

Journeys aboard the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo are fully escorted and include accommodation in spacious en-suite suites, all meals and beverages on board, daily excursions with expert local guides and luggage handling throughout. Days are spent exploring historic towns, coastal landscapes and cultural highlights, with evenings returning to the comfort of your private suite.

Why choose El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo?

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is Spain’s most refined luxury train, combining Belle Époque elegance with immersive access to the dramatic landscapes, cuisine and historic towns of northern Spain. Travelling slowly along the Cantabrian coast, the train offers spacious en-suite suites, regionally inspired dining and curated off-train experiences that reach places inaccessible to larger rail journeys.

On this page you’ll find a clear overview of Transcantabrico Gran Lujo routes and itineraries, suite categories and onboard experience, practical FAQs, and guidance on seasonal dates and indicative pricing to help you decide whether this journey is right for you.

Transcantabrico Dates & Pricing
Suites & Onboard Experience
Routes & Itineraries
Practical FAQs
Why Book Transcantabrico with LTTC
Enquire Now

Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Dates & Pricing

Transcantabrico Gran Lujo journeys operate seasonally, typically between spring and early autumn, with departures running between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela depending on the itinerary.

Pricing varies according to journey length and departure date. Indicative prices generally start from approximately €9,900 per person, based on shared suite accommodation and include:

  • En-suite luxury suite accommodation
  • All meals, drinks and regional wines onboard
  • Guided excursions and entrance fees
  • Luggage handling and transfers on excursions
  • Evening entertainment and lounge car access.
  • This journey is ideal for:
  • Travellers seeking a relaxed pace with daily guided excursions
  • Food-focused guests interested in northern Spanish cuisine and wines
  • Couples wanting spacious en-suite accommodation throughout
  • Guests who prefer hotel stays on wheels rather than overnight train stops

For confirmed departure dates and availability, please view our Transcantabrico train calendar or speak with a luxury rail specialist.

Note: The published prices for these tours are in Euros. However, we can quote and accept payment in GB Pounds, USD, Singaporean Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars and more. Contact us for a confirmed quote in your preferred currency.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

** Special Offer ** Contact us about current discounts and special offers on the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo

RFETGLSCSS | 7 Nights | Santiago De Compostela ● Viveiro ● Ribadeo ● Luarca ● Gijon ● Oviedo ● Llanes ● Santillana Del Mar ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Potes ● Santander ● Carranza ● Bilbao ● San Sebastian


Departs Santiago de Compostela on the following dates in 2026
7th March ● 11th April ● 25th April ● 9th May ● 23rd May ● 6th June ● 20th June ● 4th July ● 18th July ● 1st August ● 15th August ● 29th August ● 12th September ● 26th September ● 10th October ● 24th October

Register with us to be the first to know 2027 dates.

2026 Prices in Euros. Contact us for a confirmed quote in your preferred currency.
★ Deluxe Cabin | Twin or Double bed | Euro 9,900 per person
★ Deluxe Cabin | Single Occupancy | Euro 16,000
★ Deluxe Cabin | Extra bed to make it a Triple | Euro 4,350

Click here to learn about the cabins.


RFETGLSSSC | 7 Nights | San Sebastian ● Bilbao ● Carranza ● Santander ● Potes ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Santillana Del Mar ● Llanes ● Oviedo ● Gijon ● Luarca ● Ribadeo ● Viveiro ● Santiago De Compostela


Departs San Sebastian on the following dates in 2026
21st March ● 4th April ● 18th April ● 16th May ● 30th May ● 13th June ● 27th June ● 11th July ● 25th July ● 8th August ● 22nd August ● 5th September ● 19th September ● 3rd October ● 17th October ● 31st October

Register with us to be the first to know 2027 dates.

2026 Prices in Euros. Contact us for a confirmed quote in your preferred currency.
★ Deluxe Cabin | Twin or Double bed | Euro 9,900 per person
★ Deluxe Cabin | Single Occupancy | Euro 16,000
★ Deluxe Cabin | Extra bed to make it a Triple | Euro 4,350

Click here to learn about the cabins.


  • We really enjoyed our trip on the Gran Lujo. The cabin was one of the most spacious we have experienced on a train and the attendants were very good. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip and your company.

    Ian & Sara Mulder
    El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
  • This was a fascinating trip visiting places we wouldn’t normally reach in a part of Spain that still feels off the beaten track. The Transcantabrico itself was a lovely train full of old world charm and we felt well looked after.
    Ed & Libby Amos.
    El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
  • Thanks to Chris and the team at The Luxury Train Travel Company for arranging this trip for us. This is our second train trip with you and I am sure there will be a third. I’d recommend the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo.

    Deirdre & Alan Lomas
    El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo

Suites & Onboard Experience

Accommodation aboard the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is arranged entirely in spacious en-suite suites, offering a high level of comfort for a moving train. Unlike more traditional cabin-based luxury trains, the Transcantabrico places particular emphasis on space, privacy and daytime comfort, making it especially suitable for longer journeys along Spain’s northern coast.

El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo logo

Gran Lujo Suites

All guests travel in Gran Lujo Suites, which are designed to function as both a comfortable private bedroom at night and a welcoming living space during the day.

FeatureGran Lujo Suite
Bed layoutDouble or twin configuration
BathroomPrivate en-suite with shower
Daytime seatingSeparate lounge-style seating area
StorageWardrobe and dedicated luggage space
Climate controlIndividually controlled air-conditioning
Best forCouples, longer journeys, guests prioritising space


During the day, suites are configured with seating, allowing guests to relax, read or enjoy the passing scenery in privacy. In the evening, the space is converted into a comfortable sleeping arrangement by the onboard team, ensuring a smooth transition between daytime and nighttime use.


Deluxe Class Cabins | El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Train Luxury Train

The spacious Deluxe Suites have a comfortable double bed or two single beds. After the night’s rest, the room is transformed by day into a luxurious private lounge. The bed will be converted into a sofa, from where you can admire the views of the surroundings through the large windows.

Suites are approximately 12.82 m² / 137.99 ft² (including the bathroom). The suites are divided into three zones: a bedroom area, a lounge / sitting area and a private bathroom.

Double-bed suites: The standard double bed is 1.50 m × 1.90 m (≈ 4 ft 11 in × 6 ft 3 in)
Twin / two single beds: Some suites offer twin beds of 0.75 m × 1.90 m (≈ 2 ft 5 in × 6 ft 3 in) each

The private bathroom features a hot shower/steam sauna, a hairdryer and top-notch toiletries. In addition, the suites have wardrobe, luggage compartment, desk, safe and minibar, LED screens, music tuner, individually regulated air conditioning, multimedia computer with free Internet access and an indoor telephone.

Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.

Lounge, Dining & Social Spaces

Beyond the private suites, the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo features a series of elegant lounge and dining cars designed for relaxation and socialising. These heritage carriages provide comfortable seating areas, panoramic windows and a refined atmosphere that encourages unhurried enjoyment of the journey.

Dining on board is a highlight, with meals inspired by regional cuisine from northern Spain, complemented by Spanish wines and attentive table service. Breakfasts are typically relaxed affairs, while lunches and dinners are enjoyed either on board or at carefully selected local restaurants during excursions, depending on the itinerary.

Dining & wine on board

Dining aboard El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is inspired by the culinary traditions of northern Spain, with menus reflecting the seafood, cheeses and regional specialities of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Meals are complemented by Spanish wines and served in elegant restaurant cars, making dining a central part of the journey rather than a secondary feature.

Onboard Atmosphere

The overall atmosphere aboard the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is calm, informal and quietly refined. There is no requirement for formal dress, and days are structured to balance guided excursions with ample free time. The train generally travels during daylight hours, allowing guests to enjoy coastal and countryside scenery, with evenings spent stationary or moving gently to the next destination.

This combination of generous suite space, comfortable public areas and a relaxed pace makes the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo particularly appealing to travellers who value comfort, scenery and a sense of unhurried exploration.

El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Train Luxury train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Train Luxury Train.

Routes & Itineraries

Transcantabrico Gran Lujo itineraries follow Spain’s northern coast at a relaxed pace, combining historic towns, dramatic Atlantic scenery and guided cultural visits. The journey links the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, offering a perspective on northern Spain that is difficult to experience independently. These tours traverse dramatic Atlantic coastlines, medieval villages and scenic rural valleys — from Cantabria’s rugged shores to Galicia’s historic centers such as Ribadeo and Santiago de Compostela.

El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo route map

San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela

One of the classic Transcantabrico Gran Lujo routes travels westwards from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela. Beginning in the Basque Country, the journey passes through coastal and inland regions of Cantabria and Asturias before continuing into Galicia. Along the way, guests explore historic fishing towns, regional capitals and rural landscapes, with excursions carefully paced to balance sightseeing and leisure.

Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián

The route also operates in the reverse direction, allowing travellers to begin in Galicia and travel east towards the Basque Country. While the core experience remains the same, the reverse itinerary can suit different pre- and post-journey travel plans, particularly for those combining the train with wider travel in Spain or Portugal.

Excursions & Daily Rhythm

Excursions are included throughout the journey and are designed to be unhurried and accessible. Travel generally takes place during daylight hours, allowing guests to enjoy coastal views, countryside scenery and river valleys from the train. Each day typically includes one or two guided visits, interspersed with free time for independent exploration or relaxation.

Evenings are usually spent dining on board or at selected local restaurants, depending on the itinerary, before returning to the comfort of the train. The pace of travel is deliberately relaxed, making the journey suitable for guests who prefer a balanced itinerary rather than intensive sightseeing.

How the Route Feels Compared to Other Spanish Luxury Trains

Compared with the Al Andalus in southern Spain, the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo places greater emphasis on scenery, coastline and regional character rather than grand historic cities. It is particularly well suited to travellers who enjoy natural landscapes, coastal culture and a slower rhythm of travel, while still maintaining a high standard of comfort and service.

Explore other European luxury rail tours in our European Rail Tours hub.

How El Transcantabrico compares

Compared with other European luxury trains, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo offers a slower pace, larger en-suite cabins and deeper access to smaller coastal towns rather than major capitals. It suits travellers who value immersion, cuisine and scenery over formal glamour.

Practical FAQs

Yes. The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is particularly well suited to older travellers and those who value comfort and space. The pace of travel is relaxed, suites are spacious, and luggage is handled throughout the journey.

Excursions are generally moderate and designed to be accessible. Most walking takes place at a gentle pace on level ground, with regular breaks. Guests who prefer a lighter schedule can often enjoy free time instead of selected visits.

The train usually travels during daylight hours, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery. Evenings are typically spent stationary or moving gently to the next destination, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

There is no formal dress code. Smart-casual attire is appropriate for most occasions, with comfortable clothing recommended for excursions. The atmosphere on board is relaxed rather than formal.

While both are luxury trains, the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo focuses more on coastal scenery, natural landscapes and regional character. The Al Ándalus places greater emphasis on historic cities and Belle Époque elegance. Many travellers choose between them based on scenery versus cities.

Yes. Solo travellers are welcome on board, and the social nature of the lounge and dining cars makes it easy to interact with fellow guests. Single supplement pricing applies.

Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise us of any requirements at the time of booking.

Most fares include en-suite suite accommodation, all meals and beverages on board, guided excursions, entrance fees, and luggage handling. Some itineraries include transfers between the train and town visits.

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo carries a relatively small number of guests, creating an intimate atmosphere on board. This allows for attentive service and a sociable yet uncrowded experience.

Yes. The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is designed for travellers who prefer a slower, more comfortable pace. Days are balanced between guided visits and time to relax, rather than intensive sightseeing schedules.

Yes. Many guests combine the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo with pre- or post-journey stays in San Sebastián, Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao or further afield. Tailored extensions can be arranged to suit individual interests.

For travellers interested in culturally immersive rail journeys beyond Western Europe, the Danube Express luxury train offers an elegant alternative through Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Why Book Transcantabrico Gran Lujo with The Luxury Train Travel Company

The Luxury Train Travel Company specialises exclusively in premium and luxury rail journeys worldwide, offering expert knowledge across Europe’s leading luxury trains. We work with clients who value careful planning, honest advice and a seamless travel experience.

Our team understands how the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo compares with other Spanish luxury trains, including Al Ándalus and Costa Verde Express, and can advise on which journey best suits your travel style, pace and interests. We can often also arrange tailored pre- and post-journey extensions, allowing you to combine the train with stays in San Sebastián, Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao or further afield.

From initial planning through to departure, we provide clear guidance, confirmed departure dates and personal support, ensuring your Transcantábrico journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Book Your Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Journey

If you would like advice on routes, departure dates or suite availability, or wish to combine the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo with additional travel in Spain or Portugal, our specialists will be pleased to help.

Please contact us to discuss your plans and begin shaping your Transcantabrico Gran Lujo journey.

enquiry@theluxurytraintravelcompany.com

Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620