Costa Verde Express
Bilbao ⇄ Santiago de Compostela · 6 days · 5 nights · from €5,300 (2027, double occupancy) per person, all-inclusive
The journey
The train that invented the Spanish rail cruise. First run in 1983 as El Transcantábrico — the pioneer of luxury tourist trains in Spain — and relaunched in 2022 as the Costa Verde Express. Six days between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela: the end of the Camino, the Picos de Europa, Altamira, Oviedo, the fishing villages of the green coast and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The best value in Spanish luxury rail.
Route: Santiago de Compostela · Ferrol · Viveiro · Ribadeo · Taramundi · Luarca · Oviedo · Gijón · Llanes · Arenas de Cabrales · Cabezón de la Sal · Santillana del Mar · Santander · Bilbao
- The original 1983 Spanish train cruise, fully refreshed for its 2022 relaunch
- 23 Gran Clase Suites, each with a private en-suite bathroom
- Four lounge cars including a pub car with bar and dance floor
- Taramundi's traditional crafts country, the Picos de Europa and the Altamira Neocave
- The most accessible fare in Spanish luxury rail — from €5,300 per person double for 2027 (special offers available)
The itinerary
Directions alternate by departure — the reverse itinerary visits the same places the other way round, with a slightly different day plan. See the calendar for each date’s direction.
Santiago de Compostela — Ferrol — Viveiro
Reception and old-town visit in Santiago de Compostela, then lunch. Coach transfer to Ferrol, where guests board; train on to Viveiro. Night on board.
Viveiro — Ribadeo — Taramundi — Luarca
Ribadeo on the Lugo coast, then the Taramundi area, known for its traditional crafts and natural setting. The train continues into Asturias to Luarca. Night in Luarca.
Luarca — Oviedo — Gijón — Llanes
Visits to Oviedo and Gijón; in the evening the train runs along the coast to Llanes. Night in Llanes.
Llanes — Arenas de Cabrales — Cabezón de la Sal
A day in the Picos de Europa: its mountain villages and the Cabrales area. The train then continues into Cantabria. Night in Cabezón de la Sal.
Santillana del Mar — Santander
The medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Neocave (replica of the cave paintings). Lunch as the train continues to Santander; free time. Night in Santander.
Santander — Bilbao
The train arrives in Bilbao at breakfast; farewell to the train crew. Visit to Bilbao including the Guggenheim Museum, then lunch. End of journey.
Your cabin
Gran Clase Suite
Beds: Matrimonial double 1.35 × 1.80 m
Convertible day/night layout; private en-suite bathroom with shower; minibar, safe, climate control.
In pictures
Upcoming departures
2027 fares from €5,300 per person double occupancy (€9,550 single). Special offers are available on selected departures — sign in to your account to see them. A 15% deposit holds your suite; balance due 35 days before departure.
Live availability for each suite type, updated from the train’s reservation system several times a day. Choose a date and suite to book online.
Join the waitlist
This departure is currently sold out. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment a cabin becomes available.
Shorter journeys and mini-cruises
Prefer to talk it through? Our specialists answer within one business day. Ask a specialist
Costa Verde Express FAQs
Is the Costa Verde Express the old Transcantábrico?
Yes — it is the original El Transcantábrico Clásico of 1983, Spain's first tourist train cruise, refreshed and relaunched in 2022 under its new name.
What does it cost?
2027 season fares start at €5,300 per person in a double Gran Clase Suite at the standard rate (€9,550 single), with special offers available — the most accessible fare in Spanish luxury rail.
How is it different from the Gran Lujo?
Same coastline, two levels of luxury: the Gran Lujo has half the guests in suites twice the size over 8 days; the Costa Verde Express distills the route into 6 days at roughly half the fare, with smaller Gran Clase Suites.
When does it run?
The 2027 season runs from mid-May to early October, plus short 3-day mini-cruises from Oviedo in July and August 2027.
Considering the alternatives? Compare with Transcantábrico Gran Lujo or Al Ándalus, or see all three side by side.