Travel Tips
The Train:
What is the capacity of the train?
There are 14 suites on the train. The number of passengers really depends on the occupancies sold in that departure. The maximum capacity of the train is normally 28 passengers, but it could also reach 42 passengers using the sofas as triple.
Is there a dress code on board?
There is no official dress code on board, but we recommend comfortable shoes and clothes due to the nature of the visits and excursions.
What kind of food is served on the train?
Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and Castilla y León are, in the opinion of the most fastidious chefs and gourmets, the regions where you can still find the best cuisine in Spain. The cheeses, sausages, meat, vegetables, fish and seafood are all universally renowned.
The restaurants on our route not only select the highest quality raw materials and have them prepared by the greatest professionals; they are also the ideal setting for tasting the local cuisine. All of our menus include a careful selection of wines that blend harmoniously with the ingredients of each lunch and dinner. Coffee and liqueurs are also included.
How are the meals served?
Breakfasts are buffet-style and are served on board the train in the four lounge carriages. Lunches and dinners are taken at restaurants in the cities as mentioned in each day’s itinerary, or in the elegant dining car.
Is there a laundry/dry cleaning service on the train?
Yes, laundry service is available at an additional charge. Please see the crew for details.
Is there internet or telephone accessibility on the train?
There is internet access on board the train but also in cybercenters in several cities along the route. Your room on board is equipped with a telephone, which you may use for long distance calls (guest’s own account). Phones will generally get reception, however sometimes this is a bit difficult due to the mountains and tunnels along the way. Rooms also have a multimedia computer available with free Internet access.
Is the train accessible to wheelchairs / physical challenges?
Wheelchairs for sightseeing excursions are available upon request; kindly advise our office as soon as possible and at least 30 days prior to your departure of the necessity for a wheelchair. Please know there are no ramps for entering/exiting the train, and the train’s corridors are too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs. For those with other physical challenges, please contact our office.
Is smoking allowed on board?
No. Since January 2006, it is forbidden by Law to smoke on board the train and in the train stations.
What facilities are available on the train?
The four lounge carriages of El Transcantábrico are the most unusual and beautiful places on the train. They are veritable rail treasures that are much admired owing to their exquisite design, their finish and the interior decorations. The "pub carriage" has a bar and dance floor and is decorated and lit like a small night-club, where lively entertainment is provided every night until the early hours of the morning. Another lounge carriage also has a bar where you can sit back and have a quiet drink. The other two lounges are for other types of entertainment, such as reading, enjoying a board game with your fellow passengers, talking or watching the passing scenery through the big picture windows. Wherever you are, you will always be served by our attentive waiters.
Passengers are offered daily newspapers, magazines, a thoughtful collection of books from the library, television and videos: all that you need to make your journey a pleasure.
The Rooms:
Are there different types or sizes of rooms on board the train?
There is only one type of suite on board. However, two different layouts are available: either a double/matrimonial bed or two side-by-side twin beds. Suites on board El Transcantabrico are specially designed for rest and privacy. You can sleep in comfort as the train will be parked at a station each night. This means that your sleep will not be disturbed by moving and jolting and also gives those who enjoy nightlife an opportunity to go out and savor the atmosphere of each town.
Suites
There are 14 suites with either double bed (150cm x 200cm) and one sofa (86cm x 182cm) or with two twin beds (85cm x 190cm) and one sofa (86cm x 182cm).The large sofa can be turned into an extra bed. The suites measure 128.7 square feet.
All suites are equipped with a television set, VCR, game console, Hi Fi stereo system, PC with a free internet connection, luggage rack, minibar, safe deposit box, wardrobe, writing desk and a telephone with an outside line. The private en-suite bathroom has a hydro sauna, turbo massage and steam bath, hairdryer, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries. The air-conditioning and heating, piped music and lights are all controlled individually. The electrical power is 220 volts.
Are rooms pre-assigned or can you choose your own room?
The rooms are assigned on site. If you have any specific room requirements, please contact us at least one month prior to departure so that we can send your request to our Operations Team.
Is there a hairdryer in each bathroom? Are toiletries provided?
Yes, there is a hairdryer provided in every bathroom, along with a dental set, comb, eau de toilette, shaving set, shower cup, shoe polish and more.
Is there bottled water available?
Yes, bottled spring water is provided free of charge throughout the tour.
The Tour:
What is the weather like?
Northern Spain experiences a mild oceanic climate, with not too many extreme temperatures. Please bring along a jacket or coat for chilly evenings, and sun protection for warm afternoons.
Do I have to stay aboard all seven nights?
You are not required to stay aboard the train for seven nights. However, as the train follows a fixed itinerary, you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from your points of embarkation/disembarkation, for any hotels you use during the journey, for meals taken while separated from the group, etc. There are no refunds for unused portions of the tour. Therefore, should you choose to shorten the journey in any way, you are still required to pay for the full seven-night tour.
Are doctors available at all times?
The train carries a first aid kit, and El Transcantábrico has contacts with various health centers along the train route.
Expenses:
What expenses will I have during the trip?
El Transcantabrico is a very inclusive experience, so you will not need to pay for any meals, beverages during lunch/dinner, sightseeing, monument entrances or accommodations. You will incur additional cost if you choose to purchase any additional beverages on board; laundry services; camera fees at monuments; transfers, additional sightseeing, or other services in San Sebastian or Santiago de Compostela; gratuities; and/or souvenirs.
How can I settle my expenses on the train?
You may settle your onboard expenses by paying in Euros or by major credit card. Personal expenses in Pamplona must be paid at hotel / restaurants.
How much should I expect to tip?
Tipping is not mandatory, and is left to the sole discretion of the traveler. This is a decision that should be made based on your enjoyment of the journey and the service.
What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to Spain?
Please ensure that your passport has at least three blank pages and that it is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Spain. Please check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements.
When should I plan to arrive in San Sebastian?
We recommend arriving in San Sebastian at least 1 day prior to your tour so that you may acclimate and relax prior to embarking on your exciting trip. Instructions regarding the starting point of the journey will be printed on your travel voucher.