The Complete Guide
All You Want to Know
All You Want to Know
About Costa Verde Express
The Costa Verde Express is a rare journey through the verdant, lesser-known north of Spain, rolling between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela aboard lovingly restored 1920s Pullman cars. Over five nights and six days, guests discover medieval villages, Cantabrian seascapes, Asturian mountain scenery, and Galician heritage — all from the comfort of a private en-suite suite with gourmet dining at every turn. Whether you are a first-time visitor to northern Spain or returning to go deeper, this is the unhurried way to experience one of Europe's most rewarding corners.
At a Glance
| Region | Europe · Spain |
| Countries | Spain |
| Journey length | 5 nights / 6 days |
| Itineraries | Bilbao – Santiago de Compostela; Santiago de Compostela – Bilbao |
| Price | from €5,000 per person (varies by cabin & season) |
| Upcoming departures | 22 dates, Jun 2026 – Oct 2027 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Costa Verde Express and where does it travel?+
The Costa Verde Express is a luxury hotel train operated by RENFE Viajeros that glides through the green, coastal north of Spain — a region of medieval villages, Cantabrian seascapes, and Asturian mountains that few visitors ever slow down to discover. The journey connects Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela, passing through Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, and runs in both directions so guests can choose their preferred start city.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long do they last?+
There are two itineraries, both spanning 5 nights and 6 days: the westbound Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela route and the eastbound Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao route. Both follow the same curated sequence of stops — Laredo, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Llanes, the Picos de Europa, Oviedo, Luarca, Ribadeo, Taramundi, and Viveiro — simply experienced in reverse order. The journey begins and ends at approximately 10:00 and 16:30 respectively on the first and final days.
How much does the Costa Verde Express cost?+
Fares start from €5,000 per person for a Gran Clase Double Suite on a twin-share basis; a single supplement of €4,000 applies if you are travelling alone and wish to occupy a suite to yourself. Final pricing varies by cabin, season, and party size — contact Palace Trains for a confirmed quote: toll-free 1-800-724-5120, international/WhatsApp +1-786-408-0610, or travel@palacetours.com.
What accommodation and cabin types are available on board?+
The train offers 23 Gran Clase Double Suites, each measuring 6 sq.m. and featuring a double bed (1.35 m wide by 1.85 m long) that converts to a sofa during the day. Each suite includes large curtained windows, a mini-bar, safe, wardrobe, writing desk, telephone, individually controlled air-conditioning, heating, music, and lighting, plus a private bathroom with a hydro-sauna turbo-massage steam shower and hair dryer.
What is included in the fare?+
The highlights listing confirms that all meals, wines, guided excursions, and entrance fees are included. On board, guests enjoy à la carte and buffet breakfasts, as well as chef-prepared lunches and dinners in the elegant Dining Car, with the Bar Car open throughout the journey. Inclusions can vary by specific departure, so Palace Trains will confirm exactly what is covered for your chosen journey — call 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com.
When does the Costa Verde Express operate and how many departures are there?+
The Costa Verde Express runs during the spring and autumn seasons, with departures in May, June, July, September, and October. There are 22 upcoming departures available, running from June 2026 through October 2027. Check the departure table on the train's page for the full schedule, or contact Palace Trains to find the date that suits you best.
Who operates the Costa Verde Express and what makes it special?+
The train is operated by RENFE Viajeros, Spain's national rail operator, and its saloon cars are genuine treasures of railway heritage — several of them original 1923 Pullman cars, all painstakingly restored to luxury standard. What sets the experience apart is the combination of a beautifully preserved moving hotel, a deeply curated itinerary of art and gastronomy in northern Spain's lesser-visited corners, and onboard spaces ranging from the Panorama Coach and Tea Saloon to an Entertainment Saloon with live evening entertainment.
How do I book or check availability?+
Reach the Palace Trains team directly to check availability and reserve your cabin: call toll-free 1-800-724-5120 (US), +1-786-408-0610 (international or WhatsApp), or email travel@palacetours.com. You can also view upcoming departure dates on the Costa Verde Express page and request a callback from there.
What are the signature excursions and highlights along the route?+
The itinerary is packed with standout experiences: a visit to Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, a funicular ride up to the Picos de Europa mountain village of Bulnes, a tasting at the Cabrales Cheese Cave, the Altamira neo-cave (a faithful reproduction of the famous prehistoric paintings), the Taramundi knife museum, and a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela's cathedral. Guided city tours of Santander, Oviedo, and Viveiro are also woven into the programme.
What onboard dining and socialising spaces are there?+
The train's Dining Car serves à la carte and buffet breakfasts each morning and chef-prepared lunches and dinners. The Bar Car is open throughout the journey — ideal for watching the Cantabrian landscape roll past with a drink in hand. Further spaces include a Tea Saloon, a Panorama Coach, and an Entertainment Saloon that doubles as a small nightclub with live entertainment each evening, plus a library stocked with newspapers, magazines, DVDs, and television.