The Al Ándalus Train expands its route to uncover the soul of Spain
The iconic tourist train now stops off at Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura
The Al Ándalus Train, a jewel of luxury rail tourism, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by launching an expanded route that will travel across Spain’s monumental heartland. From 2026 onwards, this iconic train will stop off in Madrid, Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, inviting travellers to explore fresh landscapes steeped in history, art and gastronomy. For the first time, the capital will serve as either the starting point or the final destination of a journey that seamlessly blends past and present into a timelessly elegant experience. In this way, Renfe will add new stops, enabling travellers to enjoy a wider and more diverse itinerary that links the interior of the peninsula with the most iconic destinations of Andalusia. Madrid, Aranjuez, Toledo, Alcázar de San Juan, Cáceres, Mérida, Córdoba, Jerez, Cádiz and Seville form the itinerary, where heritage, fine dining and warm hospitality come together.
The journey sets off from Madrid, offering the perfect panoramic views to take in its grand architecture and vibrant urban life. From there, passengers travel to Aranjuez, to marvel at the Royal Palace and its gardens and to witness the splendor of the Bourbon court. In Toledo, the city of three cultures, travellers wander through a labyrinth of medieval streets that preserve the heritage of Christians, Muslims and Jews. Meanwhile, in Alcázar de San Juan, they explore the Manchegan plains, dotted with wineries, cheese dairies and windmills that famously inspired Cervantes. The journey continues into Extremadura, where the walls and palaces of Cáceres are a living history lesson. In Mérida, the Roman capital of Lusitania, the grand theatre and amphitheater whisk visitors back in time two thousand years. From there, the train ventures into Andalusia to discover Jerez, the birthplace of fortified wine and equestrian arts, where Andalusian horses dance in harmony with Spanish music. The experience finishes up in Cádiz, the “Tacita de Plata” (Little Silver Cup), a city bathed by the Atlantic and brimming with light, before arriving in Córdoba, where the Mosque-Cathedral dazzles with its unique fusion of cultures. The journey concludes in Seville, a city of gardens, towers,and legends, encapsulating the soul of southern Spain. On board the Al Ándalus Train, comfort is paramount: luxury suites, cuisine inspired by Spain’s most renowned products; olive oil, Iberian ham and sherry wine, accompanied by multilingual and bespoke service. Every last detail has been designed to offer a leisurely, sustainable and deeply authentic travel experience.
With this expansion, Renfe is strengthening its commitment to a travel model that seamlessly blends history, elegance and culture. The Al Ándalus Train does not just connect destinations; it connects emotions too: Forty years on, it remains one of the most exclusive ways to discover Spain.