I’ve spent over a decade crisscrossing Spain by train, and I can tell you this: the country’s rail network is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s a journey through history, culture, and some of the most breathtaking scenery Europe has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip to Spain, these seven train routes will leave you spellbound. So, grab your ticket, settle into your seat, and let’s explore the best of Spanish train travel in 2026.

1. The Transcantábrico: A Luxury Journey Along the Northern Coast

Route: San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela (or vice versa)

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Best Time to Go: May to September

Address: Departs from San Sebastián (Amara Station) or Santiago de Compostela (Santiago de Compostela Station)

Hours: Departures vary; check the official Transcantábrico website for 2026 schedules.

If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of Spanish train travel, the Transcantábrico is it. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a moving five-star hotel, a gourmet restaurant, and a front-row seat to some of Spain’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The route hugs the northern coast, winding through the lush, green landscapes of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.

Why It’s Stunning:

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against rugged cliffs, your window framing a view of the Cantabrian Sea. The Transcantábrico takes you through a Spain that feels untouched by time—quaint fishing villages, rolling hills dotted with cows, and misty forests that look like they’ve been plucked from a fairy tale. Highlights include the Picos de Europa mountains, the medieval town of Santander, and the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

The Experience:

The train itself is a masterpiece of luxury. Your cabin is a cozy retreat with en-suite facilities, and the dining car serves up Michelin-worthy meals paired with local wines. There’s even a lounge car where you can sip on a glass of Rioja while swapping stories with fellow travelers. The journey includes guided excursions, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and explore charming towns like Oviedo and Bilbao.

Insider Tip:

Book early—this is one of Spain’s most sought-after train experiences, and cabins fill up fast. If you’re traveling in 2026, aim to reserve your spot at least a year in advance. Also, pack layers; the northern coast can be unpredictable, with sunny mornings giving way to misty afternoons.

Cost:

This is a splurge, with prices starting around €3,500 per person for the full journey. But trust me, it’s worth every euro for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. The Al-Andalus: A Journey Through Andalusia’s Heart

Route: Seville to Málaga (or vice versa), with stops in Córdoba, Granada, and Ronda

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Best Time to Go: March to June or September to November (avoid the scorching summer heat)

Address: Departs from Seville (Santa Justa Station) or Málaga (Málaga María Zambrano Station)

Hours: Check the Al-Andalus website for 2026 departures.

Andalusia is the soul of Spain—flamenco, tapas, Moorish palaces, and sun-drenched landscapes. The Al-Andalus train lets you soak it all in without the hassle of driving or navigating buses. This route is a deep dive into southern Spain’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Why It’s Stunning:

The Al-Andalus takes you through some of Spain’s most iconic cities. In Seville, you’ll marvel at the Alcázar’s intricate tilework and the grandeur of the cathedral. Córdoba’s Mezquita, a mosque-turned-cathedral, is a breathtaking blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. And then there’s Granada’s Alhambra, a palace so stunning it feels like stepping into a dream. But the real magic happens in between—rolling olive groves, whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides, and the dramatic gorge of Ronda, where the train slows to a crawl so you can take in the views.

The Experience:

Like the Transcantábrico, the Al-Andalus is all about luxury. The train’s vintage carriages have been lovingly restored, with plush cabins and a dining car serving Andalusian specialties like salmorejo (a chilled tomato soup) and rabo de toro (oxtail stew). There’s live flamenco music on board, and the excursions are top-notch, with expert guides leading you through each city’s highlights.

Insider Tip:

If you’re a photography buff, keep your camera handy as the train approaches Ronda. The views of the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge are unforgettable. Also, consider extending your trip with a few extra days in Seville or Málaga to explore at your own pace.

Cost:

Prices start around €2,500 per person for the full journey. It’s pricey, but the all-inclusive nature (meals, excursions, and accommodations) makes it a great value for the experience.

3. The Mediterranean Route: Barcelona to Valencia

Route: Barcelona to Valencia (with stops in Tarragona and Castellón)

Duration: 4–5 hours (direct), or longer if you break it up

Best Time to Go: April to October

Address: Departs from Barcelona Sants Station (Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 08014 Barcelona) or Valencia Joaquin Sorolla Station (Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 171, 46007 València)

Hours: Multiple daily departures; check Renfe’s website for schedules.

If you’re short on time but still want a scenic train ride, the Mediterranean Route from Barcelona to Valencia is a winner. This route is all about the sea—sparkling blue waters, golden beaches, and the occasional glimpse of sailboats dotting the horizon.

Why It’s Stunning:

The train hugs the coastline for much of the journey, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. You’ll pass through Tarragona, a Roman gem with an impressive amphitheater overlooking the sea, and Castellón, a charming city with a palm-lined promenade. As you approach Valencia, the landscape shifts to vast orange groves, a reminder of the region’s agricultural roots.

The Experience:

This isn’t a luxury train, but it’s comfortable and efficient. Renfe’s high-speed AVE trains make the journey in about 3 hours, but I recommend taking the slower regional train (about 4–5 hours) for better views. The regional trains have large windows and fewer crowds, so you can really soak in the scenery.

Insider Tip:

Pack a picnic! The train has a café car, but bringing your own snacks (think jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and fresh bread) makes the journey feel like a proper Spanish adventure. Also, if you have time, break up the trip with a stop in Peñíscola, a medieval town perched on a rocky peninsula—it’s like something out of a Game of Thrones episode.

Cost:

Tickets start at around €20 for the regional train, making this one of the most affordable scenic routes in Spain.

4. The Rías Baixas Route: Vigo to A Coruña

Route: Vigo to A Coruña (or vice versa), with stops in Pontevedra and Santiago de Compostela

Duration: 3–4 hours

Best Time to Go: May to September

Address: Departs from Vigo Urzáiz Station (Rúa de Urzáiz, 167, 36205 Vigo) or A Coruña Station (Rúa da Estação, 4, 15004 A Coruña)

Hours: Multiple daily departures; check Renfe’s website for schedules.

Galicia is Spain’s best-kept secret—a land of misty forests, rugged coastlines, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste. The Rías Baixas Route takes you through the heart of this lush, green region, offering a glimpse into a side of Spain that many visitors miss.

Why It’s Stunning:

The train winds through the Rías Baixas, a series of coastal inlets known for their stunning beauty and bountiful seafood. You’ll pass through vineyard-covered hills (this is Albariño wine country, after all), charming fishing villages, and the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. The scenery is lush and verdant, with a distinctly Celtic feel—think rolling green hills, stone bridges, and ancient forests.

The Experience:

This is a regional train, so don’t expect luxury—but do expect comfort and plenty of local flavor. The trains are clean and efficient, and the views are spectacular. If you’re a foodie, this route is a must. Stop in Pontevedra for fresh oysters and razor clams, or hop off in Santiago de Compostela to try the famous pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).

Insider Tip:

If you have time, extend your trip with a visit to the Cíes Islands, a pristine archipelago off the coast of Vigo. The islands are part of a national park and are often called the “Caribbean of Europe” for their white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Cost:

Tickets start at around €15, making this one of the most budget-friendly scenic routes in Spain.

5. The Pyrenees Route: Barcelona to Latour-de-Carol

Route: Barcelona to Latour-de-Carol (with stops in Ripoll and Puigcerdà)

Duration: 3–4 hours

Best Time to Go: June to September (for the best mountain views)

Address: Departs from Barcelona Sants Station (Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 08014 Barcelona) or Latour-de-Carol Station (Avenue de la Gare, 66760 Latour-de-Carol, France)

Hours: Multiple daily departures; check Renfe’s website for schedules.

If you’re a mountain lover, the Pyrenees Route is for you. This journey takes you from the bustling streets of Barcelona to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, with stops in charming Catalan towns along the way.

Why It’s Stunning:

The train climbs steadily into the mountains, offering jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. As you approach Latour-de-Carol (just over the French border), the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with the train winding through narrow gorges and past cascading waterfalls.

The Experience:

This is a regional train, but the views are anything but ordinary. The journey is a mix of Catalan countryside and alpine beauty, with stops in historic towns like Ripoll, known for its Romanesque monastery, and Puigcerdà, a picturesque mountain village with a lovely lake.

Insider Tip:

If you’re traveling in winter, this route is a gateway to some of the Pyrenees’ best ski resorts, like La Molina and Masella. In summer, it’s a hiker’s paradise, with trails leading to hidden lakes and panoramic viewpoints.

Cost:

Tickets start at around €20, making this an affordable way to experience the Pyrenees.

6. The La Robla Route: Bilbao to León

Route: Bilbao to León (with stops in Burgos and Palencia)

Duration: 5–6 hours

Best Time to Go: April to October

Address: Departs from Bilbao Abando Station (Plaza Circular, 2, 48001 Bilbao) or León Station (Plaza de la Estación, s/n, 24002 León)

Hours: Multiple daily departures; check Renfe’s website for schedules.

The La Robla Route is a journey through Spain’s industrial and agricultural heartland, but don’t let that fool you—this trip is packed with scenic beauty and historic charm.

Why It’s Stunning:

The train takes you through the rolling hills of Castile and León, a region known for its medieval towns and vast plains. Highlights include the historic city of Burgos, home to a stunning Gothic cathedral, and the charming town of Palencia, with its Romanesque churches and lively tapas scene.

The Experience:

This is a regional train, so it’s not fancy, but it’s a great way to see a side of Spain that’s often overlooked. The landscapes are wide-open and dramatic, with golden fields stretching as far as the eye can see. If you’re a history buff, this route is a goldmine, with stops in some of Spain’s most important medieval cities.

Insider Tip:

Don’t miss the chance to try lechazo (roast lamb) in Burgos—it’s a local specialty and one of the most delicious dishes in Spanish cuisine.

Cost:

Tickets start at around €25, making this an affordable way to explore northern Spain.

7. The Costa Blanca Route: Alicante to Murcia

Route: Alicante to Murcia (with stops in Elche and Orihuela)

Duration: 1.5–2 hours

Best Time to Go: Year-round (but spring and fall are ideal)

Address: Departs from Alicante Terminal Station (Av. de Salamanca, 1, 03005 Alicante) or Murcia del Carmen Station (Plaza del Carmen, s/n, 30002 Murcia)

Hours: Multiple daily departures; check Renfe’s website for schedules.

Last but not least, the Costa Blanca Route is a short but sweet journey through one of Spain’s most beloved coastal regions. This route is perfect if you’re looking for a quick escape to sun, sea, and sand.

Why It’s Stunning:

The train hugs the coastline, offering views of golden beaches, palm trees, and the sparkling Mediterranean. You’ll pass through Elche, famous for its palm groves (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Orihuela, a historic town with a stunning cathedral.

The Experience:

This is a quick, easy trip, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The trains are modern and comfortable, and the views are quintessentially Spanish—think sunny beaches, whitewashed villages, and vibrant bougainvillea.

Insider Tip:

If you’re a beach lover, hop off in Torrevieja, a coastal town known for its salt lakes and stunning beaches. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

Cost:

Tickets start at around €10, making this one of the most affordable scenic routes in Spain.