The special touristic Renfe train, which initially started operations in July 1983, has established itself over the years as a distinguished option in luxury rail tourism globally. This service provides routes between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela, featuring 8-day and shorter 4-day trips, with various starting and ending points, including Oviedo and Gijón.
The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo includes seven sleeper cars, four lounge cars, and one kitchen car, accommodating up to 28 passengers in 14 double suites, which can also be converted into triple suites. The onboard accommodations are designed for comfort and luxury, offering Grand Luxury Suites with a bedroom, living room, and comprehensive amenities, including internet access and a minibar.
Dining options on the train include meals prepared onboard and at selected restaurants along the route, along with guided tours, tickets to cultural and historical sites, onboard entertainment, and a multilingual guide for the duration of the trip. The train’s facilities feature dining, pub, and bar cars, providing a variety of social and dining settings.
The history of the Transcantábrico traces back to its inception as Spain's first tourist train and the world's first on metric gauge rails, inspired by the Belle époque trains. Initially managed by Feve and later integrated into Renfe in 2013, the train's development involved the restoration of historical cars and the incorporation of modern amenities to meet traveler expectations. Over the years, the service evolved, including a significant upgrade in 1999 and the introduction of a second train in 2000 to accommodate growing demand. The 2020 and 2021 seasons saw a temporary halt in operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a subsequent focus on the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo service.
