There are journeys that transport you. And then there is The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey that takes you back to the Belle Époque as you travel through the most beautiful landscapes of southern Spain.
At THE SUN PLACES, we tell you all about this unique experience: its history, its dreamlike suites, its gastronomy, its itineraries and why staying with us is the perfect complement to this adventure.
🚂 What is The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey?
The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is a top-class tourist train that travels through Andalusia and other regions of Spain. Inaugurated in 1983 by RENFE under the name Al‑Ándalus Expreso, it was conceived as one of the most luxurious trains in the world. It is currently one of Renfe's four luxury trains, along with the Transcantábrico.
Its name evokes the splendour of Andalusian culture. And Cádiz, with over 3,000 years of history, is one of the most emblematic stops on this journey. Without a doubt, The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is much more than a means of transport: it is a palace on rails that connects with the purest essence of the province of Cádiz.
What is the History of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey?
🏰 History: A train with a royal past
The history of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is as fascinating as the journey itself. Its carriages were built before 1930 by the Wagon‑Lits Company in France. Five of its sleeping cars date from 1929 and were originally used by the British monarchy for their holiday travel from Calais to the French Riviera. In 1939, Ferrocarriles Españoles acquired the train and in 1941 it became part of Renfe.
The train ran from 1985 until 2005, when it ceased operating. In 2012, after a meticulous restoration, it returned to the tracks as The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey, recovering its original splendour and becoming one of the most exclusive railway experiences in Europe.
🛏️ A five-star hotel on rails: the suites
The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is the longest train in Spain: at 450 metres in length, it would be comparable to a 150-storey skyscraper. It is made up of 14 carriages with capacity for only 64 passengers in 32 suites, offering an atmosphere of absolute privacy.
Two categories of exclusive suites:
- Deluxe Suite: 8.26 m² with a double bed (1.90 x 1.50 m) that converts into a sofa during the day. It has a private bathroom with whirlpool/steam sauna, adjustable air conditioning and large windows.
- Gran Clase: 6.58 m² with two single beds that can be converted into armchairs, a complete private bathroom and all the amenities of a Deluxe Suite.
In addition, on board you will find:
- Two restaurant cars (Alhambra and Gibralfaro)
- Bar car (Giralda) and lounge and games car (Medina Azahara)
- Private bathroom in each room, air conditioning and 24-hour room service
The entire interior is decorated in Belle Époque style, with fine woods, velvets and an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s. Every detail of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is designed for maximum comfort.
What can I eat on board The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey?
🍽️ Gastronomy: A feast for the senses
Gastronomy is one of the pillars of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey, offering a true journey through the flavours of the south:
- Star Products: Jabugo Iberian ham, extra virgin olive oil and typical Andalusian dishes.
- Exceptional Pairing: Excellent Sherry wines and other wines that accompany every meal.
- Included Service: All meals, dinners, drinks (wine, water, soft drinks and coffee) are included in the price of the trip.
- Entertainment and service: The soul of the journey. The train's lounges, authentic jewels built between 1928 and 1930, are spaces that invite conviviality:
- Piano Car: Enjoy live music at night in an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Bar and Lounge Car: Ideal places to relax with a drink or afternoon tea as the landscape passes before your eyes.
- Exceptional Service: The staff have received constant praise for their attentiveness, making The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey an even more special experience.
🗺️ Routes of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey: The Andalusian Route (7 days / 6 nights)
The best-known itinerary of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is the Andalusian Route, which begins in Seville and visits gems such as Jerez, Cádiz, Ronda, Córdoba, Úbeda, Baeza, Granada and Málaga. Below are the details of the days dedicated to the province of Cádiz:
📅 Day 1: Seville - Jerez
- Morning: Reception at the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, welcome toast and private tour of the Royal Alcázar and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
- Afternoon: Boarding, welcome toast from the crew. Dinner in the restaurant car as the train heads to Jerez, where it stays overnight.
📅 Day 2: Jerez - Cádiz - Jerez
- Morning: Breakfast on board and luxury coach excursion to Cádiz to visit its historic centre.
📅 Day 3: Jerez - Ronda
- After breakfast, excursion to the monumental city of Ronda. Lunch at a local restaurant and dinner on board during the journey.
📅 Day 4: Ronda - Granada
- Morning: Breakfast on board and time to explore Ronda before lunch.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Granada, where the train will spend two nights.
📅 Day 5: Granada
- Complete visit to the Alhambra and Generalife, a World Heritage Site. Lunch in Granada and free time to explore the city.
📅 Day 6: Granada - Úbeda/Baeza - Córdoba
- Morning: Breakfast on board and excursion to the Renaissance cities of Úbeda and Baeza, World Heritage Sites.
- Afternoon: Lunch in the surrounding area and dinner on board during the journey to Córdoba.
📅 Day 7: Córdoba - Seville
- Morning: Breakfast on board and guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and the Jewish Quarter.
- Afternoon: Farewell lunch on board during the return journey to Seville, where The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey comes to an end.
🗺️ The new Madrid‑Seville route of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey (2026)
From 2026, The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey will launch a new itinerary connecting Madrid with Seville, but maintains Cádiz and Jerez as mandatory stops within the Extremadura and La Mancha route. Stops include:
- Andalusia: Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera
- Extremadura: Zafra, Cáceres, Mérida
- Castilla‑La Mancha: Alcázar de San Juan, Toledo
- Community of Madrid: Aranjuez
The inaugural departure of this new route will take place on 5 April 2026 from Seville Santa Justa station bound for Madrid.
💰 Prices (2026 season) of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey
Prices for experiencing The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey vary according to the type of suite and occupancy:
- Gran Clase double: €6,600 per person
- Gran Clase single: €11,200 per person
- Deluxe Suite double: €7,900 per person
- Deluxe Suite single: €13,800 per person
The price includes:
- Accommodation on board for 7 days and 6 nights
- All meals and drinks on board
- Excursions with multilingual guide, including visits to Cádiz, Jerez and Sanlúcar
- Entry to all monuments and shows
- Luxury coach that accompanies the train throughout the route
📅 Departure dates for The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey for 2026
The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey has scheduled departures on the following dates:
✨ 2026 New features: 40th anniversary and "Slow Luxury"
Next year will be especially important for The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary:
- New Routes: Itineraries will be launched connecting Madrid with Seville, extending its route through Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha.
- "Slow Luxury": The 2026 renovation aims to position The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey in the international "slow luxury" trend, offering exclusive and unhurried travel experiences.
💬 What does The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey represent for Seville, Cádiz and for THE SUN PLACES?
For Seville, The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is an emblem of the city as a gateway to luxury and culture. The Andalusian capital is not only the starting point (and often destination) of this unique journey, but also embodies the Andalusian spirit that the train celebrates: art, history, gastronomy and a way of life that invites pause and enjoyment.
For Cádiz, The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey:
- A showcase of excellence: The arrival of this luxury train places Cádiz on the map of the most exclusive tourism, attracting travellers from all over the world seeking authenticity and beauty.
- A tribute to wine and gastronomic tradition: The visits to the wineries of Jerez and Sanlúcar, as well as lunches with local products, highlight the wine and food heritage of the land.
- A link with history: Cádiz, the oldest city in the West, dialogues with the train's Belle Époque, creating a unique symbiosis between past and luxury.
- A boost for the towns: Not only the capital of Cádiz, but also Jerez, Sanlúcar and the white villages benefit from the visibility and flow of high-spending travellers.
For the people of Cádiz, seeing the vintage locomotives arriving at Jerez station or passengers enjoying a manzanilla in Sanlúcar is a source of pride. The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey celebrates the essence of Cádiz: its light, its salt, its wine and its people.
For THE SUN PLACES, The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey represents the same commitment to excellence and unforgettable experiences. That is why, for those who embark on this adventure on rails, we offer our luxury apartments in Seville, designed to extend the magic before or after the trip.
🏡 THE SUN PLACES: Your Luxury Refuge to Enjoy The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey
At THE SUN PLACES, we know that experiences like The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey deserve accommodation to match. That is why we offer you our exclusive selection of Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, designed so that you can combine the magic of the train journey with absolute comfort.
🌟 Why stay with THE SUN PLACES?
- Unbeatable Location: Our properties are located in the heart of the historic centre, just a few minutes from the Cádiz-Estadio station, the departure point of The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey.
- Absolute Comfort: Enjoy spacious areas, equipped kitchens, high-quality beds and private terraces with views of the Giralda or La Cartuja.
- Specialised Concierge: Our local team will help you with train reservations, recommend the best restaurants and prepare you to live in Seville like a true luxury traveller.
- The Perfect Refuge: After 7 days of travel on rails, return to a space of tranquillity and elegance where you can share your memories and recharge your batteries.
"The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey is a palace on rails that travels through the most beautiful landscapes of Spain. At THE SUN PLACES, we open the doors of Seville for you to experience this unique moment with the comfort and elegance you deserve."
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES to book your Luxury Apartment in Cádiz
Do you want to embark on The Al Ándalus Train, a Luxury Journey? Would you like to wake up just a few minutes from Cádiz-Estadio Station?
THE SUN PLACES has the perfect refuge for you. Book your Luxury Apartment in Cádiz now and get ready to discover the most elegant Cádiz and the most exclusive railway experience in Europe.