The Al Andalus is one of the most spacious luxury trains in the world and a genuine piece of railway history. Operated by Renfe, it carries up to 64 passengers in two accommodation categories — 20 Deluxe Suites and 12 Gran Clase rooms — across Belle Epoque carriages originally built in 1928-1930 for the British Royal Family's use on European travels. The train's crimson-and-gold exteriors house four lounge cars that rank among the most beautiful public spaces on any train operating today, with rich wood panelling, silk upholstery, brass fittings, and panoramic windows.
The Al Andalus runs a 7-day/6-night route between Seville and Madrid (or reverse), crossing the heart of Andalusia and central Spain through Cordoba, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Caceres, Merida, La Mancha's windmill country, Toledo, and the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. This is the only Spanish luxury train that covers the south — Moorish architecture, flamenco heritage, sherry bodegas, and Mediterranean cuisine are the defining themes. Like its northern counterparts, the train parks overnight at stations for undisturbed sleep and the freedom to explore each town after dark.
All meals are included, both onboard in the elegant dining cars and at selected regional restaurants. Daily excursions with a multilingual guide cover UNESCO World Heritage sites, equestrian shows ("How the Andalusian Horses Dance" in Jerez), artisan cheese makers, wine cellars, and Roman ruins in Merida. The four heritage lounge cars — open 24 hours — include a restaurant, bar, tea salon, and entertainment lounge with live music. Palace Tours is the official representative of Renfe luxury trains in the USA, offering instant confirmation and exclusive add-on packages.
Max Passengers64 max (20 Deluxe Suites + 12 Gran Clase rooms)
Cabins32 accommodations in two categories
Rating5-star luxury
SeasonApril to October 2026
FromEUR 6,600 per person (Gran Clase); EUR 7,900 (Deluxe Suite)
Built/RestoredLounge cars original 1928-1930 (built for British Royal Family)
MealsAll meals included — onboard chef + regional restaurants
ExcursionsDaily guided excursions with entrance fees included
Cabin Categories
Suite Deluxe (20 available)
Size: Spacious suite
Bed: Wide double bed that converts to comfortable sofa during daytime
Bathroom: Private en-suite with shower, hairdryer, welcome amenity set
Features: Wood-panelled with Belle Epoque character, safe, minibar, wardrobe, luggage rack, individually adjustable climate control. Bed converts to lounge sofa by day for comfortable daytime use
From EUR 7,900 per person (7-day journey) per person
Habitacion Gran Clase (12 available)
Size: Original compartment dimensions
Bed: Two individual beds that convert to comfortable armchairs during daytime
Bathroom: Private en-suite with shower, hairdryer, welcome amenity set (compact, space-efficient design)
Features: Retains the charm and proportions of the original compartments. Minibar, safe, wardrobe, luggage rack, individually adjustable climate control
From EUR 6,600 per person (7-day journey) per person
What's Included
✓ Included
6 nights accommodation in a private en-suite cabin (Deluxe Suite or Gran Clase)
Full board: all breakfasts (buffet onboard), lunches, and dinners — served both onboard and at selected regional restaurants
Regional wines with meals
Daily guided excursions with professional multilingual guide
Entrance fees to all museums, monuments, and attractions
Luxury coach accompanying the train throughout the journey
Four heritage lounge cars (1928-1930) open 24 hours: restaurant, bar, tea salon, entertainment lounge
Live music and entertainment in the lounge cars
Welcome amenity set and toiletries
Expedition leader and multilingual guides throughout
Security service
✗ Not Included
International flights to Spain
Travel insurance
Additional beverages purchased from the bar outside mealtimes
Laundry service
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Pre- and post-journey hotel accommodation
Personal expenses and souvenirs
The Route
The Al Andalus runs between Seville and Madrid (or reverse) over 7 days, crossing Andalusia and central Spain on standard-gauge track. The Seville to Madrid route visits Cordoba and its Mezquita-Cathedral on Day 2, then heads south to Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera for the famous Andalusian horse show and a sherry bodega visit. From Jerez, the train travels west to Zafra and north to Caceres — a UNESCO World Heritage city with one of Europe's best-preserved medieval centres — followed by Merida with its extraordinary Roman theatre and amphitheatre.
The route then crosses into La Mancha — Don Quixote's homeland — visiting artisan cheese makers, wine cellars, and the iconic windmills of Campo de Criptana. The penultimate stop is Toledo, Spain's former capital and a city where Christian, Islamic, and Jewish heritage converge, followed by the Royal Palace and gardens of Aranjuez. The journey concludes with a guided tour of Madrid.
The reverse route (Madrid to Seville) covers the same cities in opposite order. Unlike the northern Spanish trains, the Al Andalus operates on standard gauge, allowing it to share infrastructure with Spain's high-speed AVE network — meaning smoother, faster travel between cities.
Best Time to Travel
The Al Andalus operates from April through October, with biweekly departures from both Seville and Madrid. Spring (April-May) is the ideal time — Andalusia's gardens are in full bloom, temperatures average 20-28°C (68-82°F), and the region buzzes with Feria and Semana Santa celebrations. Early summer (June) is warm but manageable, especially since the train is fully air-conditioned and most midday excursions are indoors.
September and October offer the most comfortable conditions: warm days, cooler evenings, and harvest season in La Mancha's wine country. July and August are deliberately not scheduled — southern Spain's extreme summer heat (35-45°C) would make outdoor excursions uncomfortable. Booking 4 to 6 months ahead is recommended; the April and October departures sell out fastest as they coincide with the most pleasant weather.
How to Choose
Spain offers three Renfe luxury trains, each covering a different region. The Al Andalus is the only one that explores the south — Andalusia, Extremadura, La Mancha, and Castile. If your interest is Moorish architecture, flamenco, sherry, Mediterranean cuisine, and Roman ruins, this is the train. The Costa Verde Express and El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo both cover the northern Atlantic coast (Green Spain), offering ocean views, Celtic heritage, and Asturian cider culture.
In terms of accommodation, the Al Andalus offers two tiers: the Deluxe Suite at EUR 7,900 and the Gran Clase room at EUR 6,600 — making it the only Spanish luxury train with a lower-priced cabin option. The Gran Clase rooms are smaller (original compartment size) but still include private bathrooms, unlike the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Historic Cabins which have shared facilities at a higher price point. The Deluxe Suites are comparable in size and amenities to the Costa Verde Express Gran Clase suites but lack the hydromassage/sauna feature of the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo.
The Al Andalus carries 64 passengers — more than the Gran Lujo (28) or Costa Verde (48) — but the four heritage lounge cars dating from 1928-1930, originally built for the British Royal Family, are arguably the most beautiful public spaces on any luxury train in Europe. Palace Tours can advise on which Spanish train best matches your preferred region, budget, and travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Al Andalus train price?
The fare covers 6 nights in a private en-suite cabin, all meals (onboard and at regional restaurants), regional wines with meals, daily guided excursions with a luxury coach, entrance fees to all attractions, live entertainment, and a multilingual guide throughout the journey.
What are the two cabin types on the Al Andalus?
The Deluxe Suite (20 available) has a wide double bed that converts to a sofa by day, spacious private bathroom, and full amenities at EUR 7,900 per person. The Gran Clase room (12 available) retains the original compartment proportions with two individual beds converting to armchairs, compact private bathroom, and the same core amenities at EUR 6,600 per person.
What route does the Al Andalus follow?
The 7-day route runs between Seville and Madrid (or reverse), visiting Cordoba, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Zafra, Caceres, Merida, Alcazar de San Juan (La Mancha), Campo de Criptana, Toledo, and Aranjuez.
When does the Al Andalus operate in 2026?
April through October, with biweekly departures. From Seville: April 5, 19; May 3, 17; June 7, 21; September 6, 20; October 4. From Madrid: April 12, 26; May 10, 24; June 14, 28; September 13, 27; October 11.
What is the history of the Al Andalus train?
The four lounge cars were originally built in 1928-1930 for the British Royal Family's use on European travels. They are among the most beautiful heritage railway carriages still in active service. The train runs on standard gauge, unlike the narrow-gauge northern trains.
How does Al Andalus compare to Costa Verde Express and Transcantabrico?
The Al Andalus covers southern Spain (Andalusia, Extremadura, La Mancha) while the other two cover the northern coast. It offers two price tiers (EUR 6,600 and EUR 7,900), carries 64 passengers, and has heritage lounge cars from 1928-1930. The Gran Lujo is more exclusive (28 passengers, EUR 9,900) with hydromassage suites. The Costa Verde is more affordable (48 passengers, EUR 5,000) with smaller cabins.
Does the Al Andalus travel at night?
No. Like all Spanish luxury trains, the Al Andalus parks overnight at stations. You sleep in stillness, and you can step out to explore each town after dinner.
What excursions are included on the Al Andalus?
Highlights include the Mezquita-Cathedral in Cordoba, a sherry bodega in Jerez, the Andalusian horse show, the UNESCO-listed old town of Caceres, Roman ruins in Merida, La Mancha windmills, artisan cheese and wine visits, Toledo cathedral and historic quarter, and the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.
Booking Advice
The Al Andalus operates limited departures from April to October with 64 passengers per journey. We recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for April and October departures which coincide with the best weather in southern Spain. The Deluxe Suite (EUR 7,900) provides a noticeably more spacious experience than the Gran Clase (EUR 6,600), but both include private bathrooms and identical meals, excursions, and entertainment — making the Gran Clase excellent value for a luxury train journey.
For travelers choosing between Spain's three luxury trains, consider your preferred region: the Al Andalus for Moorish Spain, Andalusian culture, and the south; the Costa Verde Express or Transcantabrico Gran Lujo for the Atlantic coast and Green Spain. Palace Tours is the official representative of Renfe luxury trains in the USA, offering instant confirmation, exclusive add-on packages, and coupon codes for additional savings. We can also combine any Spanish train with Douro River cruises from nearby Porto. Contact us at 786-408-0610 or travel@palacetours.com.
Why Book with Palace Tours
Official representative of Spanish Railway (Renfe) in the USA — instant booking confirmation
Largest reservation agency for Spanish luxury trains in North America
Expert knowledge of all three Renfe trains: Al Andalus, Costa Verde Express, and Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
Exclusive add-on packages averaging $500+ in value
Use coupon codes at checkout for additional savings
Personalized advice on choosing the right train for your preferred region and budget
Combination packages with Douro River cruises, Parador hotels, and other European trains
Full concierge service from first inquiry through journey's end
