Al Andalus, Spain's luxury train: a new stop in Madrid

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published today

Belle Époque carriages, plush armchairs, a refined dinner served on white tablecloths… and each morning, a new city waiting for you?
Welcome aboard the Al Andalus Train - a rolling palace that glides across Spain at the slow, elegant rhythm of old-world luxury.

And the big news? Starting in 2026, this legendary train will extend its route to include Madrid, in addition to its classic Andalusian jewels.
A true revolution that makes this mythical journey even more accessible — connecting Andalusia to the heart of Spain.
History, routes, onboard experience… here’s everything you need to know about this exceptional train.

What Is the Al Andalus Train?

A Rolling Palace with Belle Époque Charm

The Al Andalus is one of Spain’s most iconic luxury trains. Its historic carriages, dating back to the early 20th century, evoke the golden age of European railway travel.
Meticulously restored, they preserve their Belle Époque elegance while offering modern comfort.
When you step aboard, you don’t feel like you’re entering a train — but rather a refined world of polished wood, soft lighting, and plush armchairs, where time seems to stand still.

A Royal Heritage

Originally, some of the Al Andalus carriages were built for the British royal family to use during holidays on the French Riviera.
Rescued and reinvented by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company, this rolling palace is now part of the “Trenes Turísticos de Lujo” collection — a catalog of the country’s most prestigious railway experiences.

An Invitation to Travel Differently

More than just transportation, the Al Andalus is designed as a cultural and gastronomic journey.
Each day, passengers disembark for guided excursions in a new city. Each night, they return to their elegant cocoon, ready to glide gently toward the next destination.
In short, this is a trip where the train itself becomes the destination.

The Routes of the Al Andalus Train

Current Routes

Until now, the Al Andalus has mainly focused on Andalusian circuits — featuring Seville, Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Ronda, and Granada.
The idea: to offer travelers a concentrated taste of Andalusia, blending history, traditions, and gastronomy.

These 7-day / 6-night itineraries begin and end in Seville, running in spring and autumn.
A unique experience already — centered on Andalusian heritage and southern Spanish culture.

2026 Update: Madrid Joins the Journey

To mark its 40th anniversary, Renfe has announced a major expansion: starting in 2026, the Al Andalus will include Madrid as both a departure and arrival point, and extend its route through new regions such as Extremadura and Castilla–La Mancha, while keeping its signature Andalusian stops.

Madrid thus becomes a new gateway to this legendary train.
In practice, that means travelers can now start or end their journey in the Spanish capital, which is better connected to AVE high-speed lines and international trains.

The 2026 Itinerary, Day by Day: From South to Center

The route will be offered in both directions — Seville → Madrid and Madrid → Seville — over 7 days and 6 nights.

In the Seville–Madrid version, the train will travel through Cádiz, Jerez, Córdoba, Zafra, Cáceres, and Mérida, before heading into central Spain with Aranjuez, Toledo, and Alcázar de San Juan, finishing in Madrid.

In the Madrid–Seville direction, the same itinerary unfolds in reverse.

Each stop highlights a major heritage site:

• the Royal Palace of Aranjuez,
• the windmills of Campo de Criptana made famous by Don Quixote,
• the Roman ruins of Mérida,
• the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba,
• and an equestrian show in Jerez.

A perfect blend of landscapes, traditions, and landmarks — a condensed journey through the soul of Spain, from south to center, in one week.

Life Onboard: Between Luxury and Authenticity

Cabins

Two categories await you onboard:

• Deluxe Suites, featuring a double bed and private bathroom,
• Grand Class cabins, slightly smaller but equally elegant.

Every detail ensures comfort — air conditioning, storage space, and period décor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Gastronomy

One of the highlights of the Al Andalus experience is its gastronomy.
Meals are served either in the elegant restaurant cars or in selected local restaurants during excursions.
Expect regional products, fine Spanish wines, and refined cuisine — each stop offering a new culinary discovery.

You might taste sherry in Jerez, dine in a traditional inn in Cáceres, or enjoy an Andalusian menu prepared by local chefs — every meal becomes part of the journey.

A Slow and Elegant Rhythm

What truly makes the Al Andalus unique is its pace.
Unlike the high-speed AVE, here, time slows down.
Travel becomes contemplative: you wake up in a new city, enjoy a guided visit, then drift leisurely toward the next destination, watching the landscapes roll by.
It’s a celebration of slow travel and timeless elegance — the essence of luxury on rails.

Practical Information

2026 Travel Dates

The 2026 season runs from April to October, with weekly departures (generally on Sundays).
Routes alternate between Madrid and Seville in both directions.

Trip Duration

The format remains the same: 7 days / 6 nights, including transport, accommodation, meals, excursions, and onboard services.

How Much Does It Cost?

As you can imagine, traveling aboard the Al Andalus is a luxury experience.
According to Spanish media, prices range between €10,000 and €14,000 per person, depending on cabin type and travel dates.
That price includes accommodation, gourmet dining, guided excursions, luxury coach transfers, and multilingual service.

When and Where to Book

Seats are limited and demand is high — especially since the Madrid extension was announced.
It’s strongly recommended to book several months in advance, either directly via Renfe or through specialized luxury train travel agencies.

Other Historic Trains in Spain

El Transcantábrico

The Al Andalus’ “big brother,” which travels across northern Spain — from the Basque Country to Galicia — along the Cantabrian coast.
Think green landscapes, the Atlantic Ocean, and seafood gastronomy — another elegant facet of Spanish rail travel.

Tren de la Fresa

The “Strawberry Train” runs between Madrid and Aranjuez in vintage carriages.
This day trip, named after the region’s famous strawberries served on board, immerses travelers in the nostalgic atmosphere of Spain’s first tourist trains.

Tren de Felipe II

A cultural excursion train departing from Madrid to the Monastery of El Escorial — the perfect half-day getaway from the capital.

Ready to Experience It? For 40 years, the Al Andalus has embodied elegance and refinement on rails. With Madrid joining the itinerary in 2026, it opens a new chapter — a journey that no longer stops at Andalusia but embraces Spain’s central heritage too. Between refined cabins, exceptional gastronomy, and a contemplative rhythm, this rolling palace continues to define a unique and sustainable model of luxury train travel.

This article was written in partnership with the Spanish Tourism Office.
To learn more, visit www.spain.info — a treasure trove of practical information to plan your trip!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.