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Transcantábrico train from Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián.

We are interested in this train adventure which goes to many small towns. The online reviews I can find are very mixed. Has anyone taken this train for a week? It is pricey, so we would like to know that it is worth it. The idea is very appealing, but how was the actual experience?

Posted by
20 posts

Hi,

Just wondering if you are walking Camino before starting a Basque tour? I am headed the same direction the end of September. I looked at buses and trains. I have 5 days between the walk and the tour. I was going to go to Bayonne and travel around the southern France area, But taking tstops along the coast might be a good ides.o look

There is an 11 hour bus route along the northern coast of Spain. And, I think the train route is about the same. I was using Rome2Rio for transportation options. I am going to watch your queue for suggestions.

Posted by
1 posts

This is very old, second hand info, but my parents took this week long train trip across northern Spain probably 15-20 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember that it had been pricey, but they both (both well heeled travelers) enjoyed it thoroughly, in particular the level of service on the train.

My husband and I are planning a trip to northern Spain and I did look at this train as my parents had enjoyed it, but it was way out of our league, price wise. I suspect it was a lot less expensive when my folks went (otherwise, my dad would not have booked it :) )

Posted by
424 posts

FEVE runs narrow-gauge local trains mostly along the coast from Bilbao to Ferrol. This is NOT the luxury Trans Cantabrio train. Look no further for a “train adventure”. Good videos on YouTube. Google is your friend.

Posted by
1 posts

Did you ever take the trip? We are booked on the train in May and would love to hear about your experience.

Posted by
2 posts

Sorry I can’t provide a review yet..we are booked in June! Love to hear about your experience..

Posted by
835 posts

There's a one hour show on this train trip, season 4 episode 2 of Smithsonian Channel's "Mighty Trains". The episode is also for sale on Amazon & Google Play. Some other streaming channels may carry it.
from the Google Play site:

2 Transcantábrico Clásico
7/18/21
Host Teddy Wilson takes a bucket-list tour across Spain's lush and rugged northern coast aboard the "five-star hotel on wheels" Transcantábrico Clásico. This eight-day, 600-mile trip features jaw-dropping scenery, remarkable excursions, and gourmet meals. But while passengers live in luxury, the drivers and crew must battle extreme weather, challenging terrain, a problematic braking system, and slippery tracks. But no obstacles can keep this team from delivering a first-class experience on one of the most glamorous train rides in the world.