Al Ándalus vs El Transcantábrico: Southern Splendour or the Green North?

The Al Ándalus and El Transcantábrico are Spain's two great luxury trains — and they could hardly be more different.

Landscape

The Al Ándalus crosses the warm south — Seville, Córdoba, Jerez and Cádiz, with Mérida, Cáceres and Toledo on the way to Madrid: Moorish palaces, Roman ruins, sherry and flamenco. El Transcantábrico follows the cool, green northern coast — sea cliffs, the Picos de Europa and fishing villages.

The trains

The Al Ándalus is the grander, more palatial train — restored 1920s Belle Époque carriages once built for British royalty, with 32 cabins and salon cars. El Transcantábrico is more intimate and coastal.

Which to choose

Choose the Al Ándalus for Moorish monuments, southern warmth and a palace on rails. Choose El Transcantábrico for green coastline and cooler weather. As the official source for both, we can help you decide.