"I've tested the Al Andalus train journey for you!"

What made you want to try out the Al Andalus train journey?

In 2023, the Al Andalus train will be inaugurating a new route between Seville and Compostela*. Until now, it has concentrated on Andalusian routes. But in August this year, its South-North programme entitled The Spanish Symphony, hitherto reserved for the German public, will open up a departure point for other international travelers. I wanted to find out for myself what I was going to offer my travellers.

Yulia Santalova with the catering manager of Al Andalus and "The Train Maiden", Discovery Trains' ambassador mascot © DT

What do you think of the Al Andalus train?

I really like it! I love the Belle Epoque style of the Al Andalus Train. It's the only luxury train in Spain with this authentic feel. The decoration, the furniture, everything has been preserved and very well maintained. This old-fashioned, romantic feel appealed to me. For me, it's a bit like the Spanish Orient Express.

Train Al Andalus et sa décoration Belle Epoque

Is this prestigious Spanish train really a "hotel on wheels"?

Yes, that's a bit the feeling you get on board. When you arrive, the train manager greets you at reception. Behind her counter, she checks your passport, shows you to your room and gives you your magnetic key. On the last day, you check out. It's just like staying in a hotel.

Are the compartments on the Al Andalus train comfortable?

I was lucky enough to travel on the Al Andalus train in a Suite Deluxe compartment. They are large and beautiful, with inlaid wood panels and an elegant beige sofa that transforms into a large, very comfortable double bed in the evening. I slept perfectly!

Al Andalus train: Deluxe Suite compartment

Is the Gran Clase compartment very different from the De Luxe compartment?

Not really. The surface area of the compartments is identical. It's just that in the Gran Clase you have two single beds instead of one double. The real difference between the two categories of compartment is the size of the bathroom: it's much smaller in the Gran Clase, even though it still has everything you need, WC, shower, etc. The Deluxe carriages in the Al Andalus train have another advantage: they are closer to the head of the train where the restaurant and lounges are located.

What are the meals like on board the Al Andalus train?

The meals are excellent. I would say that the cuisine on board is semi-gastronomic. The train has a fairly large kitchen area. During our journey, we ate out several times, in well-known restaurants. Despite this, I think it was the meals on board that I enjoyed the most. It's a four-course meal! And the wine is included. The Al Andalus train buffet breakfast is very nice too, with local produce, tortillas, cold meats, cheeses... and even champagne! It's like being on a luxury train.

The dining car

Does this luxury espangol train run at night?

The train only runs during the day so that passengers can enjoy the scenery. This is not the Trans-Siberian Railway or a train journey in Canada: in Spain, distances are short. At night, the train pulls into the stations. Sometimes a pianist comes on board to give a little concert. But if you want to take advantage of the evening to do a little sightseeing outside the programme, that's perfectly possible.

A pleasant surprise on board?

The wifi: it's excellent and stable throughout the tour. This is not so common on touring journeys, even on luxury train journeys.

The reception of the Al Andalus train

I also liked the train staff. The crew on board are lovely, caring and kind. Most of them have been working on the train for a long time, some for over 15 years! They're like the train's family.

Reviews of Spanish luxury trains are quite positive. Is Al Andalus the best of them?

During my trip to Santiago de Compostela, I visited all the luxury and tourist trains in Spain: Al Andalus, but also El Transcantabrico and El Expreso de la Robla. You can also check out my comparison of their strengths. It's hard to say which is the best, as each has its own particularity. El Transcantabrico is undoubtedly even more luxurious, while El Expreso de la Robla is more unusual, as it retraces the route to Santiago de Compostela with stops for pilgrims. But Al Andalus train was my favourite. I think it offers good value for money. And its vintage feel adds cachet to the experience.

What journeys does Discovery Trains offer on this train?

We offer the classic Andalusian route from Seville to Malaga, via Granada and Cordoba. Around twenty multilingual departures are available throughout the year. And since this year, we've also been offering a new route, Seville-Compostela. This itinerary is very special because there will only be one departure, on 27 August. We already have a group booked for this departure. Discovery Trains is the only agency to have guaranteed seats on board.

train al andalus trip (ref.)