The Al Andalus, Spain’s newest sleeper train, set off on its first cross-country voyage recently, offering a new travel option to those who want a more luxurious journey through the south of Spain.

A luxury sleeper train through southern Spain

The seven-day journey connects Seville to Madrid, with stops along the way allowing passengers to experience the hidden wonders of Andalucía’s countryside. The service is operated as an exclusive rail cruise, designed to combine slow travel with high-end hospitality.

On board the Al Andalus, passengers will enjoy maximum comfort as they travel in glamorous style. Luxury amenities like a salon, games-bar and two world-class restaurants make this more of a hotel-on-wheels than a typical train. Restored carriages are designed to reflect classic European luxury travel and cabins are fully serviced, with private bathrooms, air conditioning and traditional detailing.

Stops, cultural highlights and UNESCO sites

The itinerary typically includes stops in Andalucian cities and villages known for their historical and architectural significance. Destinations may feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, whitewashed villages, Moorish palaces, and traditional wine regions. Excursions often include guided tours, cultural visits and local experiences that showcase the diversity of southern Spain beyond the main tourist hubs.

An appealing attraction but not a convenient alternative

Scenic sleeper trains are attractive to a certain type of tourist, case in point the lasting popularity of the Orient Express. The Al Andalus follows this tradition, positioning itself as a heritage-style luxury travel experience focused on atmosphere, service and curated excursions rather than speed. While the Al Andalus is a great addition to Spain’s tourist offering, it is not a convenient alternative for everyone wishing to travel to the country’s capital.

For one thing the train operates on a significantly reduced schedule, only nine trains depart throughout the 2026 season. For another, prices are much more expensive than the typical high-speed AVE. Fares for a double cabin start at €6,600 per person, while a single cabin will set travellers back €11,200.

The limited availability contributes to its premium pricing, placing it firmly within the luxury tourism market. While it offers an immersive and comfortable way to see Spain, it remains a niche option for travellers seeking slow, scenic and high-end rail journeys.

It is something most people only notice after a close call. A pedestrian steps off the pavement, a cyclist appears in a blind spot, or a vehicle brakes too late at a busy crossing. In Spain’s cities, where traffic, scooters, and foot traffic mix constantly, those moments are part of everyday life.

Now, a new bus safety system being tested could help prevent them before they happen. The pilot was rolled out on April 25, 2026, in Madrid, where buses operated by Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid are now being equipped with the technology. The system is currently being used on vehicles running along the capital’s dedicated bus lanes, known as “carriles bus”, where buses share space with dense traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings.

How does the new ‘anti-runover’ bus system work?

The system uses a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the area around the bus. It can identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles nearby, particularly in blind spots or low-visibility situations. If a potential collision is detected, the driver receives an immediate alert. In some cases, external signals can also warn pedestrians or nearby road users that a bus is approaching or that a risky situation is developing. This type of technology is already present in some modern cars, but applying it to buses is a significant step. Public transport vehicles operate in complex urban environments, often stopping frequently and interacting with large numbers of people.

Why this matters for everyday life

Pedestrian accidents remain a concern across Spain, especially in busy urban areas. Crossings, bus stops, and narrow streets can quickly become high-risk zones, particularly during peak hours.

For expats, and tourists, this system could provide an extra layer of safety. Anyone navigating unfamiliar streets or adjusting to local traffic habits knows how unpredictable city movement can feel. By supporting drivers and increasing awareness around the vehicle, the system aims to reduce those sudden, high-risk moments.

A pilot that could expand across Spain

For now, the system is limited to a pilot programme in Madrid, where it is being tested under real traffic conditions. The focus is on areas with high pedestrian activity and heavy bus traffic. If the results are positive, the technology could be rolled out more widely, both within the capital and in other cities across Spain. That possibility makes the trial particularly relevant. Rather than being a one-off initiative, it could become part of a broader push to improve road safety nationwide.

A small change with real impact

Most people will not notice the system at first. The buses look the same, and the technology works quietly in the background. But if it performs as expected, the impact could be meaningful. Fewer near misses, smoother interactions between road users, and ultimately fewer accidents. In cities where space is shared by so many, even a small improvement in awareness can go a long way.

It is something most people only notice after a close call. A pedestrian steps off the pavement, a cyclist appears in a blind spot, or a vehicle brakes too late at a busy crossing. In Spain’s cities, where traffic, scooters, and foot traffic mix constantly, those moments are part of everyday life.

Now, a new bus safety system being tested could help prevent them before they happen. The pilot was rolled out on April 25, 2026, in Madrid, where buses operated by Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid are now being equipped with the technology. The system is currently being used on vehicles running along the capital’s dedicated bus lanes, known as “carriles bus”, where buses share space with dense traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings.

How does the new ‘anti-runover’ bus system work?

The system uses a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the area around the bus. It can identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles nearby, particularly in blind spots or low-visibility situations. If a potential collision is detected, the driver receives an immediate alert. In some cases, external signals can also warn pedestrians or nearby road users that a bus is approaching or that a risky situation is developing. This type of technology is already present in some modern cars, but applying it to buses is a significant step. Public transport vehicles operate in complex urban environments, often stopping frequently and interacting with large numbers of people.

Why this matters for everyday life

Pedestrian accidents remain a concern across Spain, especially in busy urban areas. Crossings, bus stops, and narrow streets can quickly become high-risk zones, particularly during peak hours.

For expats, and tourists, this system could provide an extra layer of safety. Anyone navigating unfamiliar streets or adjusting to local traffic habits knows how unpredictable city movement can feel. By supporting drivers and increasing awareness around the vehicle, the system aims to reduce those sudden, high-risk moments.

A pilot that could expand across Spain

For now, the system is limited to a pilot programme in Madrid, where it is being tested under real traffic conditions. The focus is on areas with high pedestrian activity and heavy bus traffic. If the results are positive, the technology could be rolled out more widely, both within the capital and in other cities across Spain. That possibility makes the trial particularly relevant. Rather than being a one-off initiative, it could become part of a broader push to improve road safety nationwide.

A small change with real impact

Most people will not notice the system at first. The buses look the same, and the technology works quietly in the background. But if it performs as expected, the impact could be meaningful. Fewer near misses, smoother interactions between road users, and ultimately fewer accidents. In cities where space is shared by so many, even a small improvement in awareness can go a long way.