When to book
May, June, and September sell first — often six months ahead. July tends to clear later. Reservations are confirmed with a 15% deposit; the balance is due 35 days before departure.
Plan your journey
Practicalities.
The honest details. What the fare covers, what it does not, the rhythms of a week onboard, and the questions we hear most.
Included in your fare
- + Accommodation in a Gran Class Suite with private bathroom
- + Buffet breakfast each morning
- + All lunches and dinners (onboard or at selected regional restaurants)
- + Regional wines, water, soft drinks, coffee with meals
- + Welcome drink, end-of-trip gala party
- + Daily guided excursions with multilingual guides
- + Entrance fees to museums and attractions on the itinerary
- + Luxury coach accompanying the train
- + Welcome gift, slippers, bathrobe, toiletries
- + Mineral water in cabin minibar
- + Daily towel & sheet change
- + Daily press, magazines, onboard library
- + Free connecting Renfe rail tickets (Spain-wide, one outbound + one return)
- + Renfe Club Lounge access at outbound and return stations
Not included
- – International or domestic airfare
- – Travel insurance and visa fees
- – Drinks outside of mealtimes
- – Gratuities
- – Hotel nights pre- or post-tour (we can book these for you)
- – Personal expenses, shopping, laundry
- – Optional activities not listed on the itinerary
- – Camera or video fees at certain monuments
Before you go
A short field guide.
Getting to the start
Your fare includes one Renfe train ticket from anywhere in Spain to the embarkation city, and one return ticket from the disembarkation city back to anywhere in Spain. Request these at booking.
What to pack
There is no dress code, though most guests dress smart-casual for dinner. Comfortable shoes for walking on cobbles. A light jacket — Atlantic evenings cool quickly, even in July. The train is climate-controlled.
Weather
Northern Spain has a mild Atlantic climate. May–June: 18–22°C, occasional rain. July–August: 22–25°C, longest daylight. September–October: 16–20°C, autumn colours. Pack layers in every month.
Accessibility
The train was built in the 1920s and the corridors are narrow. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated onboard, though we can arrange wheelchair excursions with at least 30 days' notice. Please contact the reservations team if you have access requirements.
Dietary needs
Vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and most allergy needs can be accommodated with advance notice — please advise at the time of booking. The galley sources from regional markets, so menus change daily.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked.
How many guests are aboard?
Twenty-three Gran Class Suites, accommodating up to 46 guests when each cabin is occupied by two (or up to 54 when including upper bunks). Most departures sell at around 40–46 guests — a small, intimate group.
Does the train travel overnight?
No. The train parks at a station each evening so that your sleep is undisturbed by movement or noise. Travel between destinations and sightseeing happens during the day.
What is the cabin like?
Six square metres (about 64 ft²). One double bed at 120 × 185 cm, with an optional fold-down upper bunk. Private en-suite bathroom with hydro sauna and steam shower. Climate control, minibar, safe, writing desk, wardrobe. Brass and marquetry restored to 1920s drawings.
Is there a dress code?
No official dress code. Most guests dress smart-casual for dinners. Comfortable shoes are advisable — many of the excursions involve cobbled streets and uneven terrain.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, in the lounge cars. Signal can be intermittent in tunnels and remote stretches of coastline; it is strongest when the train is stationary at a station overnight.
Are meals included?
Yes — all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included throughout the journey, whether onboard or at selected regional restaurants along the route. Regional wines, water, soft drinks, and coffee with meals are also included.
What about dietary requirements?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and most allergies can be accommodated. Please advise at the time of booking so the galley can plan ahead.
How do I get to Bilbao or Santiago?
Your fare includes one Renfe train ticket to the embarkation city from anywhere in Spain and one return ticket from the disembarkation city. The team will book these for you alongside your reservation. Airfare to Spain is not included.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations more than 30 days before departure are refunded less 15% of the official fare. Within 30–15 days, 25%. Within 14–5 days, 50%. Within 4–1 days, 80%. Less than 24 hours, no refund. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Are children welcome?
The Costa Verde Express is suited to adult travellers. Children under 12 may be accommodated in the optional upper bunk; teenagers in their own cabin if space permits. The pace and content of excursions are designed for adult interests.
Can the train be chartered?
Yes. The Costa Verde Express and its sister, El Expreso de La Robla, are available for exclusive group hire for up to 54 people. Suitable for corporate retreats, weddings, anniversaries, and private celebrations. Contact the reservations team for charter quotes.
Still have questions?