The Best Train Tours In Spain

Traveling by rail is like more traveling. No? Here we invite you to discover the best train routes in Spain, all of them itineraries at rates much slower than the high speeds of modernity. That is why these trips are to be enjoyed, contemplating the landscapes from the window  and with time to take photos, reflect and savor the trip.

Some of the train tours in Spain that we propose here follow historical routes, others are even made in wagons with decades of history.

However, in Hispanic lands not as many old machines, wagons and tracks have been preserved as in other European countries, where it is a true tradition. This is the reason that some of the proposals that we make here are temporary, on the occasion of certain events or on specific dates. However, other routes that we discover can be done any day of the year.

1. Train “El Canfranero”

Every day this train connects Zaragoza with the Pyrenean town of Canfranc, already on the border with France. In fact, this route was born with an international vocation in 1928, since through a tunnel the same train continued on its way to Pau, until an accident on the French side damaged the tracks in the 70s of the last 20th century. Since then, the train has never circulated on the French side again.

Perhaps that is why, as a constant Aragonese claim to have a railway crossing to Europe, the train undertakes the daily journey between Zaragoza and the magnificent Canfranc station. The mere contemplation of this magnificent building already makes the trip worthwhile.

However, there are many other attractions during the slow journey, slow both because of the slope and because of the multiple stops. In fact, it is best to save the initial section and take the train in Huesca, and even in the town of Ayerbe, in order to make the approach towards the Pyrenees contemplating landscapes as spectacular as the Mallos de Riglos.

2. Train from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller

This train has been uninterruptedly linking the capital of Mallorca with the town of Sóller for more than a hundred years, on the other side of the Sierra de Tramuntana. Just 30 kilometers of fascinating route to the rhythm of an old electric train.

Everything smells stale:

Yes. It is a tourist train, between two very attractive points, since Sóller is a very elegant town that has an important range of services and heritage. But in addition, from Sóller the contemporary tram also leaves for the train, which takes tourists to the nearby Port de Sóller. In fact, the ticket is set.

3. By steam train from Azpeitia to Lasao

Yes. By steam train. The 5 kilometers between the Gipuzkoan town of Azpeitia and Lasao cost about 20 minutes. Although, it is worth experiencing that feeling.

Obviously it is an offer mainly for nostalgic people, who already greatly enjoy the Basque Railway Museum in the town of Azpeitia itself, which houses one of the best railway collections in the country.

And furthermore,  the old Urola train is preserved, restored and in perfect working order, which on weekends offers visitors this short but beautiful journey.

Without a doubt, any train lover has this must-see in Azpeitia. And for anyone it is very attractive to get into those old wooden wagons and feel dragged by the heavy smoking locomotive.

4. The train from Cercedilla to Cotos

The route that this train proposes to us through the Madrid mountains we could call it an itinerary through nature, since thanks to this railway line, opened in the distant year 1923, we can enter the landscapes of the Sierra de Guadarrama and get closer to the protected area of ​​the National Park.

The itinerary begins at the Cercedilla station, in the Community of Madrid, and ends at the Cotos station, already in the province of Segovia. But first, it  crosses beautiful spaces such as the slopes of the Siete Picos or the Ports of Navacerrada, first, and Cotos, later. This in terms of the most notable geographical accidents, but in terms of scenery, all passengers are impressed with the dense pine forests of Valsaín.

This is an excursion that can be done all year round, since in good weather nature looks splendid. Meanwhile, in the winter months it is a very attractive and accessible way to enjoy a day surrounded by snowy landscapes.