Galicia has a rich railway tradition that dates back to the 19th century, when the train became a symbol of progress and a link between towns and cities.
The first line was inaugurated in 1873, connecting Cornes (actualmente en Santiago de Compostel) y Carril (actualmente en Vilagarcía de Arousa), and shortly afterward the connection with the Spanish Meseta was completed, opening the way for modern passenger and freight transport and contributing decisively to the economic and social development of the region.
The Galician railway network, shaped by the region’s mountainous terrain and natural landscapes, makes every journey a unique experience through valleys, rivers, hills, and the Atlantic coast.
Today, the train is not only a means of transportation but also a vehicle for experiences, culture, and sustainable tourism, thanks to initiatives such as the Galicia Tourist Trains.
Galicia Tourist Trains
Aiming to offer new ways to discover the region, the Galicia Tourist Trains program was launched in collaboration with Renfe and Inorde.
Each year, travelers can enjoy thematic routes that combine train journeys with guided visits to vineyards, wineries, cheese factories, gardens, castros, medieval towns, and monasteries.
In 2025, 13 different itineraries were offered, with more than 2,500 seats and an average occupancy rate of 92%, consolidating the program as one of the most highly valued experiences by visitors.
Highlighted routes include:
- Lighthouse Route: Cabo Ortegal, Vixía Herbeira, Santo André de Teixido, Viveiro, and Estaca de Bares.
- Wine Routes: Ribeira Sacra (Sil and Miño rivers), Valdeorras, Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, and Monterrei.
- Manor Houses and Historical Gardens Route: Rubiáns, Soutomaior, and Pazo Quinteiro da Cruz gardens.
- Galicia Cheese Route: featuring the Tetilla, Arzúa-Ulloa, and San Simón da Costa denominated cheeses.
- Other Routes: Monasteries, Mariñas, MEGA Experience, and A Coruña in 1906.
The Lighthouse Route, recognized by the International Union of Railways
The 2025 season closed with great news: the Lighthouse Route was awarded the “Tourism-Friendly” Prize in the short-distance travel category, granted by the International Union of Railways (UIC) at the TopRail Tourism Awards 2025.
This international recognition highlights the excellence and innovation of Galicia’s railway experiences, as well as the train as a sustainable and inclusive mode of transport. It is an incentive to continue offering journeys that combine nature, heritage, and culture, proving that traveling by train is another way to discover Galicia. Will you join us next season?
