Hydration properties and electrical characteristics of the high-temperature proton conductor La-27(W0.85Nb0.15)(5)O55.5-delta are investigated by means of thermogravimetry, impedance spectroscopy, and the electromotive force (EMF) method as a function of temperature, water vapor, and oxygen partial pressures, as well as isotope exchange measurements in order to elucidate the mechanism and thermodynamics of protons formation and transport. The highest proton conductivity, 1.3 x 10(-3) S/cm, is achieved at 700 degrees C in wet O-2. Proton self-diffusion coefficients are estimated from thermogravimetric measurements of hydration and conductivity data. Comparison of the conductivity characteristics between nominally pure and Nb-substituted materials reveals that the ionic conductivity increases and the activation energy decreases with Nb doping. These differences are discussed to reflect changes in the structure promoting ionic transport rather than changing the concentration of defects to any large extent.