train journeys in chile

May 23, 2021 | Countries

Chile By Train

A Travel Guide For Train Travel In Chile.

Here you will find information for Chile about trains, routes, tours, connections, where to buy train tickets, and more.

Useful Information

Population: 18 .73 million

Currency: Chilenian Peso

Language: Spanish

Capital: Santiago de Chile

Country code: +56

Time zone: Chile Standard Time (CLT)

Train Companies | Tickets | Rail Passes | Train Types | Routes   | Main Stations | Good To Know

Train Companies

The rail network in Chile is operated by the state owned company Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE) .

Train Tickets

Check timetables and buy your train tickets for Chile online at Grupo EFE.

Rail Passes

There are no rail passes available for Chile.

TrAIN tYPES

• National Trains

Terrasur trains run from Santiago South to Chillán.

• Air-conditioned
• Refreshment car

Frequently Travelled Routes In Chile

International, chile travel routes, main train stations.

• Santiago (Estación Alameda)
• San Fernando

Good to know

Best time to travel to chile.

Chile is a year-round destination but depending on what kinds of activities you enjoy will determine a better time to visit than another. For the best savings, we recommend traveling in the shoulder seasons: autumn (March to May) and spring (September to October), this is when accommodations will be more affordable. The best time for outdoor activities is November to March when the mountains are clear of snow offering up Patagonia as a nature lover’s paradise.

Interested in snow sports? Visit from June to August. Looking toward the north? The capital, valleys, and desert are year-round places to visit and when you want to visit the whole country in one swoop the best month to do so is in March.  Love wine? Come during April or May during the harvest season and celebrate Vendimias, celebrated in the lake district, Santiago, and in Valparaiso. And before leaving, don’t forget to witness the best stargazing opportunity in the salt flats  from December to February

Chile is truly amazing from spectacular beaches to breathtaking mountains to hundreds of geysers to sprawling vineyards to desert to everything else you’d want to see! Oh and don’t forget about Easter Island! All in all, we promise Chile won’t disappoint!

•   High Season: November to February

Accommodation In Chile

The best place to find cheap hotels for is to book by www.booking.com . There you will find a large selection of cheap hotels, hostels, and apartments. > BOOK HERE

Hostelworld

If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, then go on www.hostelworld.com . They have the best choice of cheap hostels for backpackers and low budget travelers. > BOOK HERE

Guidebooks For Chile

Travel with a guidebook ease your journey to find best sights and things to do. Buy it on Amazon.

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Train information

Once upon a time, train trips were a normal part of life in Chile. However, times (and budgets) have changed and these days Chile’s rail network is not large, but it does have a small collection of scenic rail journeys with some unforgettable views.  Chile's railways (except for a few industrial lines) are operated by the state owned company Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE).

While many passenger lines are in disuse (there are no services north of Santiago), there are frequent services from Santiago south to Chillan . Seven 'Terrasur' trains run on weekdays, and four on weekends, stopping on the way at Curico, Talca, and Linares.  The trains are air-conditioned, with one class, and a refreshment car.  Some of these trains have a bus connection from Chillan to Concepcion.  The rest of Chile's main line south from Chillan towards Temuco and Puerto Montt is currently not working, though there are plans to restore services in the future.

Smaller interurban lines with tousitic value include:

• Concepción-Laja (Corto laja): Train with 22 stops between Talcahuano and Laja, which diverse scenery including the cities of Talcahuano and Concepción and magnificant views of the Bio Bio River. CLP$1,650.
• Talca-Constitución (Ferrobus): A 3-hour journey bordering the beautiful Maule River to the coast with 11 stops. There are two daily services - Talca to Constiución at 7:15am and 4:30pm and Constitución-Talca at 7:00am and 4:15pm. CLP$1,400 (no telephone reservations)

As things can change due to government decisions or other events, please check the following pages before travelling:

• Trains in general: www.efe.cl
• Santiago-Chillan & Talca-Constitución: www.terrasur.cl
• Talcahuano-Laja: www.cortolaja.cl

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Recommended Experiences in Chile

San Pedro de Atacama: Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache Tour

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Santiago: Vina Del Mar, Valparaiso, Casablanca & Reñaca Tour

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From San Pedro de Atacama: Puritama Hot Spring Experience

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Piedras Rojas, Altiplanics Lagoons & Salar Full-Day Tour

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Transportation

You can travel from Santiago to Chillán in modern and comfortable trains. Terra Sur Company offers differnt trips, in which you can enjoy the southern part of the country. Questions and reservations at www.efe.cl

Taking the TrenCentral from Santiago to Chillán

Travelling on chile’s only "long distance" train.

Chile is the gateway to Patagonia and one of the most developed countries in South America. In the late 19th century Chile's railway experienced its heyday. Today, most lines of the longest country in the world have unfortunately become unusable. The longest – still existing – line runs from the capital Santiago de Chile to Chillán and is operated by TerraSur (formerly also known as EFE). The 400 km long route, includes 10 stops, takes 5 hours and is the fastest option heading South (compared to the bus).

There are also some regional trains and metros, as well as special tourist trains, which run only a few days a year. Soon, new routes will be opened. But more about that when the time comes.

On my way to Patagonia I didn't want to miss the chance to go on a train ride in Chile. In the following lines you can read everything about my experiences, the journey, timetables and what else there is to know. Have fun!

Santiago de Chile

Santiago is the buzzing capital of Chile. In many places it feels almost European. Those who - like me - arrive by plane can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Andes with a window seat. One gets into the city quite simply by taxi - or for those, who like it cheaper, by bus (for the equivalent of €1.80).

For my stay, I picked a private apartment near the train station. It had everything you need to live: a small, well-equipped kitchen, a sofa, a TV, a huge bed, a clean bathroom and even a balcony. The complex also has a swimming pool (perhaps a bit cold in spring) and a gym ("unfortunately" closed during my stay).

If you want to have a look around the city centre, you can buy a so-called "Bip!"-card at every metro station (by the way, mine was only 20m away from the flat) and top it up with corresponding amounts. The Bellas Artes district is especially beautiful - the metro station has the same name - where you should definitely visit the super cosy "Wonderland"-Café!

Find cheap hotels in Santiago

Tickets, timetables and prices

I bought my ticket online at www.efe.cl without any problems. On their webpage, you can find the connection under "Larga distancia" (=long distance).

The train between Santiago Alameda (that's the name of the main station) and Chillán runs twice a day; once at 8.30 am and at 5.30 pm, with an additional connection on Fridays at 6.25 pm. In the opposite direction, the train runs at 8 am and 3 pm, and on Fridays additionally at 5 pm.

Seats can be easily selected during the booking process, just like the service class (First Class is located at the rear end of the train, which borders the on-board restaurant). In the middle, it is indicated that there is a carriage without windows - which is not true - and belongs to Second Class, just like the carriage in the front of the train.)

Tickets can be purchased either online, at the counter in the station (Mon-Sun 7:30 am to 8 pm) or from the conductor on the train itself. There are two classes of trains, Salón (€15) or Preferente (€28,80).

Departure from Alameda main station

My journey begins at 8.30 am, which is why I generously set my alarm to 7 o'clock. Fortunately, my flat - as mentioned before - is only 2 metro stations away from the main station. The trip there is super easy. After I already spent some days in Santiago using the public transport, I am already in the possession of a so-called "Bip! card", which gives me access to metro and buses. The purchase of this card is already worthwhile after trip number 3 or 4. Those who are only passing through and don't want to buy a card, can either ask a person in the metro to take them with them or simply order a taxi or an Uber to the train station. My ride is more or less relaxed, thankfully it's only two stations – in the morning, the metro unfortunately gets quite cramped.

Hundreds of people are scurrying around the main station , possibly on their way to work. Countless street vendors are ready to provide the crowds with all kinds of snacks, drinks, sandwiches, headphones, USB sticks and whatever else you can imagine. I stand in front of the huge station building. Not so much a building, but rather a reception hall. The beautiful steel girder roof construction is reminiscent of the splendour of a glorious past.

On each side of the hall, there are two large station halls which are used as shopping malls. Unfortunately, the beautiful face of the venerable station is clouded by a rather ugly, centrally placed construction site, which hopefully will be removed soon.

Access to the trains, as well as ticket counters, are located on the other side of the large hall and are very easy to find. The ticket counters are divided into two categories. The left counter is responsible for tickets for the Chillán long-distance train, while the right counter serves passengers on regional routes.

I still have a few minutes to grab an oversized Starbucks cappuccino and ask the lady at the counter, if I should have printed out my online ticket. She says no and points me to my track. Track 1 is located near the other counter on the right and is indicated by a sign ("Salidas/Llegadas Chillán" = arrival/departure Chillán). My train is already waiting there.

Various small signs about luggage regulations unsettle me. It seems, that only hand luggage is allowed, but I travel with a relatively large 65L backpack... Well, I guess, somebody will say something. I show the ticket on my smartphone to the costumed ladies, who are standing in front of the train entrances, and I am being pointed to wagon 1, where my seat number 52 is located.

First Class, Second Class, Restaurant, Service

When entering the car, it is immediately noticeable that, even though the interior looks quite new, the seats have not seen an update for a long time. They are covered with blue fabric, which is faded and worn. It seems as if they are slightly reclinable, but I don't dare to operate the button foreseen for it. I'm too afraid to destroy the delicate construction. The seats have a pocket to store smaller items, a relatively large folding table including an unusable fold-out cup holder. My table is also broken and lies on my thighs.

There is not much space for luggage, only a narrow shelf above the seats. I can't find a separate luggage rack in the aisle (but as it turns out later, you can have your luggage stowed for a small fee - read more below). Instead, there is plenty of legroom; sockets, coat hooks and Wi-Fi were unfortunately completely omitted, which limits working to the battery life of my 8-year-old MacBook and the network coverage of my Chilean SIM card. Also, the windows haven't seen a cleaning for a long time, but I don't care about that, because there is no window at my seat (52) anyway.

You should therefore try to get a seat with a large table when booking online. Or any seat, other than mine, really. Admittedly, the view from the window is not too breathtaking. The landscape we are crossing feels quite "European". Past vineyards, fields, meadows, streets, often with the distant mountains in the background.

Shortly before the start of my journey, some conductors walk through the train. Since I didn't manage to squeeze my backpack into the undersized luggage rack above the seats, I tried to position it next to me, as space-saving as possible (but it still protruded a little into the corridor). One of the conductors more or less politely points out to me that I should please stow my luggage in the luggage rack. I explain that it's not possible, whereupon she informs me, that there is a luggage room which I can use for 2,000 CLP (approx. €2.50). I agree - but after all, I have no other choice. A middle-aged gentleman promptly hurries to my seat and takes my rucksack, while he explains to me, that a ticket for it will be issued immediately, which I could exchange for my luggage at my destination. Payment will be made later during the ticket control. Well, that's dealt with.

A little later, the conductor comes again, wants to see my ticket and charges my luggage fee. Once we pick up some speed, I decide to have a look around. This happens quite fast, as the train has only 3 wagons. In the third and last car, which also accommodates the First Class, I find the on-board bistro. I only have a quick peek, there are no seats and it is also relatively unkindly arranged and except for a single, waiting person, deserted.

I go back to my windowless seat. Here and there, I run into the man who took care of my luggage. Sometimes, he takes rubbish out of my hands, which I was bringing to the bin, sometimes he mops the corridor, sometimes he brings toilet paper (an exception on "public" toilets in Chile). A nice, friendly gentleman. I guess, he is something like a train janitor.

About halfway down the line, a friendly young man walks through the train and takes orders from the on-board restaurant. There are small snacks, hot and cold drinks. I decide - as always - for a simple coffee for the equivalent of €1.25, which is also paid to the conductor. A little later a Styrofoam cup with hot water and a packet of instant coffee are pressed into my hands. I must have looked pretty surprised... So I mix my transparent-brown brew together and listlessly sip it a few times. Plus points for the service, but deductions in the B-note.

I look at my watch, half the journey time has already passed and I decide to put an end to my miserable (better: non-existent) view, by moving to a free window seat with a clear view. Well. Almost clear, because again, the windows could use a little window cleaner. With some pain and misery, one can look through yellow-brown stains to catch some outside views. After all, the view is quite nice. The Andes rise on the horizon and small settlements, vineyards and agricultural areas pass in front of me. Some cities we pass (by the way with up to 130 km/h) look like they have simply been copy-pasted. One house next to the other, beautiful in rank and file. Each looks like the other and I imagine living there, regularly confusing my own house.

Arrival in Chillán/Continuing to Pucón

The intermediate stops are short and unspectacular, we reach our destination with a delay of 23 minutes. In Chillán all passengers get off the train and begin to gather in the front to exchange their oversized luggage for a small piece of paper. Although the train station in Chillán is fairly small, it has a waiting hall with benches and a ticket counter. A large mural welcomes the arriving passengers. Unfortunately, I am in a hurry, as I don't want to miss my bus to Pucón.

Book cheap hotels in Chillán

I have 25 minutes to get to the bus station, thanks to the delay. So I jump into a taxi whose talkative driver takes me to the correct bus station (there are several ones, depending on your destination). In front of me lie 6 more hours of bus journey, which I bypass with a nap.

Book the bus Chillán to Pucón

Before I finish, I urgently need to say a few words about the beautiful town of Pucón . It is the gateway to Patagonia and is guarded by an impressive snow-capped volcano.

One should definitely consider spending some nights there and visit the Huerquehue National Park. I found shelter in the Hostal Flamingo , which I can warmly recommend to anyone. A stylish, colourful, beautifully furnished hostel, where you can feel at home, with a superbly equipped kitchen and incredibly friendly staff. (The photos speak for themselves)

Find accommodation in Pucón

The train's fast, I'll give it that. However, I had expected a little more. The trains of the TerraSur definitely need a general overhaul. Or at least a thorough window cleaning. Maybe I just had bad luck with my train. With €15 the ticket is relatively cheap and the service is very uncomplicated and friendly as well.

Those who, like me, do not stay overnight in Chillán but continue directly to Pucón should consider, whether it might even be more relaxed to take a bus directly from Santiago to Pucón . Then one won't save oneself any time, but a possibly stressful change. But then, of course, one has to do without train travel.

Anyway, I will still keep my eyes open regarding the Chilean rail network, as the government has announced recently, that some neglected lines will probably go back into operation in the future. Especially a route reopening to Puerto Montt should be interesting for all Patagonia travellers. ;)

Now I would like to release you with a photo of wonderful Patagonia and hope you had fun reading this blog. Thank you very much!

👁 7421

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If you’ve experienced any part of Latin America before, you’ll know just how stunning the countries are that make up this part of the world. With countries such as Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to immersing yourself in new cultures and exploring some incredible destinations. Train travel in South America is a prevalent choice of transport for seeing Latin America at a slower pace that allows you to enjoy the journey rather than simply moving from point A to point B. You can travel by train in South America on a number of different routes and trains. Luxury train travel in South America is less talked about when compared to well-known routes through Europe and Asia. Still, the best train rides in South America provide travellers with something truly unique, from the opportunity of visiting glaciers and mountains to interacting with the indigenous people and experiencing new cultures and culinary delights that you simply can’t find elsewhere. One of the great things about train travel in South America is the number of route options. You could take a journey on a luxury train in South America with a duration of a couple of hours that is incorporated into a Latin America tour itinerary, or you could sit back and relax onboard one of the train tours in South America that wind its way through the region over the course of several days. Whatever the duration you decide to travel by train in South America, you’ll be creating an unforgettable experience that will instil a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Are there international trains in South America?

There is no longer a coherent international rail network in South America, but you can still choose individual railway networks as a fabulous way to see Latin America. Train travel in South America gives rise to boundless wonderful opportunities for travellers. In particular, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador are spectacular countries to explore on South America luxury train holidays. Brazil is also one of Latin America’s gems and well worth exploring. The country has some captivating rail journeys. Argentina and Chile would also be high on the list of countries to visit using South America train travel as your preferred mode of transport. Patagonia is a magical place to visit during a South America luxury train tour. If you’d like to explore all your options for train travel in South America, we’ve got experts that can help. The Luxury Train Travel Company has many years of experience creating itineraries and travel plans for clients looking for the best train travel experiences. Whether you want to experience a couple of short South America train tours during your trip or go cross-continent utilising luxury train travel in South America, we’ll help you design your ultimate train tour package that ticks all the boxes for you and ensures you get the finest South America train travel vacation.

What is South America’s most luxurious train?

The definition of luxury differs for different people. Still, as highly experienced luxury train experts, the Andean Explorer must be at the top of our list of luxury trains in South America. The train is operated by Belmond and strays away from more traditional interiors with a more contemporary aesthetic. The carriage interiors were completed using light earthy tones, and each carriage was given the name of flora or fauna that can be found along the train route. Passengers on these South America luxury train tours can choose between any of the beautifully appointed cabins. There are 35 cabins onboard, and you can enjoy either bunk beds, or twin, or suite cabins. Guests can enjoy an en suite bathroom with a shower on this luxury train in South America, a wardrobe, a 24/7 call button, a robe and slippers, and air conditioning. While onboard, passengers can relax in the lounge car and then indulge themselves in a genuinely wonderful fine dining experience in one of the train’s two luxury dining cars. Train travel in South America just doesn’t get better than this, which is why it is so popular among new and seasoned travellers. They’ve even taken luxury one step further with their train trips in South America by having the Picaflor Spa car. There surely can’t be a better way to relax during a journey than a spa treatment. They even provide an altitude acclimatisation treatment that helps to alleviate the effects of climate sickness when travelling at altitude. The choice of routes available is incredible, and you’ll be able to travel along one of the highest rail routes in the world, making it one of the best train rides in America, all done onboard the most luxurious and opulent train.

What’s the transcontinental rail route in South America?

An agreement was signed in 2017 for an Atlantic-Pacific railway, and work began in 2019. Due to be completed in 2024, the transcontinental railway will stretch some 3750 kilometres and make for wonderful train journeys in South America. There are two proposed routes that will be available for taking a train across South America. Both routes are expected to end in Santos, Brazil, with the Pacific coast ending in Ilo and Matarani, Peru. Passengers fortunate enough to be able to enjoy rail travel in South America along this route are in for a real treat. If you’re interested in taking a South America luxury rail holiday along the transcontinental railway, contact us here at The Luxury Train Travel Company, and our experts will gladly assist you in booking your dream train travel in South America.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, train travel in mexico, central & south america.

Unlike in Europe, or parts of Asia or Africa, there's no real coherent international rail network, and most journeys must generally be made by long-distance bus or plane..  Indeed, most countries have no coherent national rail network.  But here and there you'll find odd rail lines that make an interesting way to travel and are worth knowing about. 

More information...

If you have any information, feedback or photos that would be relevant to travellers in South America, please e-mail me .

Europe to South America by sea

There are no regular passenger ships from the UK or Europe to Central or South America.  If you have the time and money, it's possible to cross the Atlantic from Southampton to New York with Cunard, catch an Amtrak train from New York to New Orleans then somewhere like El Paso, followed by buses down through Mexico.  See the United States page for more information.  Alternatively, some freight ships have a limited number of passenger places, and there may be the occasional cruise especially in spring & autumn when cruise ships relocate across the Atlantic. 

For Europe-South America cruises, try www.cruise.co.uk on 0800 408 6200 or www.cruisedirect.co.uk on 0800 093 0622.

For travel by freighter, the best place to start your research is www.freightercruises.com .  UK agencies booking travel on cargo ships include www.strandtravelltd.co.uk  & thecruisepeople.wordpress.com .

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Train travel in Argentina

There are InterCity services on quite a number of routes.  Trains in Argentina are experiencing something of a revival, since the government intends to re-establish long-distance passenger trains between all major cities.  The network or British & French-owned lines was nationalised in 1948, re-privatised in the 1990s and renationalised again in 2015.

You can now get timetables for all passenger routes at www.sofse.gob.ar/servicios/horarios-larga-distancia.php

Also try www.sateliteferroviario.com.ar/horarios (in Spanish only), which has info on all Argentinean train services.  Also try www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/trenes-argentinos .  See map of Argentina .

El Tren a las Nubes

The Train to the Clouds (El Tren a las Nubes) is a tourist service runs from Salta in northern Argentina, see www.trenalasnubes.com.ar and also this report, www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g312822-d313778-r49377372-Train_to_the_Clouds_El_Tren_a_las_Nubes-Salta_Province_of_Salta_Northern_Argentina.html

Buenos Aires - Mar Del Plata

Buenos aires - rosario, buenos aires - rosario - cordoba, buenos aires - rosario - tucuman, buenos aires - bahia blanca, carmen de patagones - viedma - s.c. de bariloche .

Traveller Ian Hunter says  "As in North America, people travel on the long distance trains in Argentina because they like travelling by train and dislike buses or flying. This creates a very convivial atmosphere in which the journey becomes a worthwhile experience for its own sake.  It means the trains are busy so buy your ticket a day or two in advance if possible, especially if you want a sleeping car berth. The trains  are cheaper than buses, so popular with students and young people. After years of decline, decay and neglect there is a political initiative to restore long distance trains, but progress is slow in rehabilitating track and rolling stock. There are reports that the 'Trans-Andino' line between Mendoza and Santiago de Chile will be operating again by 2010. I f this happens I would love to return to travel on it.  The experience of train travel is unique in each country, and somehow manages to capture so much of a nation's character, but buses and planes are the same everywhere!"

Train travel in Bolivia

There are a few train services in Bolivia, operated by two train companies, eastern and western. 

For the western network see www.fca.com.bo .

This network is more tourist-orientated, with trains from Oruro to Tupiza.  There are two types of train, the expresso and WaraWara (the slower train makes more stops).  There are 3 or 4 classes, ejecutivo being the best.  It can get very cold in the train, with trips in both directions mainly made at night.  The main line from Oruro to Tupiza runs almost daily.  See map of Bolivia .

For the eastern network see www.fo.com.bo .

The rail hub is Santa Cruz, and trains go east to the Brazilian border and South to the Argentine border.  There is a train every day from Santa Cruz east to Puerto Suarez.  However, there are a mix of services.  There is a normal train that locals take and takes the longest.  There is an express train.  And there is a fast but expensive ferrobus which is a modern railcar, fare about 150 bolivianos per person.  Different services go on different days but there is some sort of service every day.  Tickets can only be bought the day of departure at the ticket counter (train & bus stations are located together) which opens at 08:00 but the queue starts to form earlier.  The service south to Villamontes has similar service and a complicated schedule and goes almost every day.  The train is comfortable and for the eastbound journey pretty much the only way to go overland. 

You can find train times to & from Santa Cruz at www.fo.com.bo/SERVICIOS/ Pasajeros/SitePages/TarifasItinerarios .

Train travel in Brazil

Vitoria - Belo Horizonte:  Intercity train services operate on one route, from Vitoria to Belo Horizonte ( see map ).  This train is cheaper and more comfortable than a bus.  It leaves daily at 07:00 from Vitoria and 07:30 from Belo Horizonte, arriving at its destination around 19:30-20:00.  The train has two classes,  Executivo is the best with AC and aircraft-style seating with a decent amount of legroom or Econômica.  There's a restaurant car, although the food does not get good reports.  Operated by the most prosperous freight railway in Brazil, the journey is very scenic and it's a pleasant way to spend a day.  The most scenic section is towards the Belo Horizonte end of the trip, so you'll see more of this in daylight if you start at the Belo end, travelling in the Belo to Vitoria direction.  The train information part of their website is www.vale.com/brasil/pt/business/logistics/railways/trem-passageiros/paginas/default.aspx (the English version appears to omit the train info, so stick with Portuguese and remember that 'preç os' is prices and 'horarios' means 'timetables').

Traveller Pietro Ferreira reports:   "The Vitoria-Belo Horizonte journey is indeed a wonderful way to spend the day.  If you are travelling on weekends, it is highly advisable to buy your ticket two or three days in advance, as they may sell out quickly. Executive-class cars are comfortable and silent, although somewhat cold. Meals are charged separately and can be served at your seat. Drinks trolleys are frequent and are available on both classes. A great way to spend your time is to stand in the smokers area, where large windows are kept open throughout the journey. It is also a nice place to engage in conversation with other travellers."

The other operating train is a steam tourist oriented train but it offers transport in between two important Brazilian tourist towns, Sao Jao del Rei and Tiradentes.  The steam train makes a nice alternative to the bus. The trip takes an hour and is about 20km. It runs daily leaving Sao Jao del Rei at 10:00 and returning in the afternoon. The train ticket gives free entry to the train museum at the station in Sao Jao del Rei.  Internet info:  www.antt.gov.br/destaques/anexos/TremDelreiTiradentes.htm .

There is now no train service at all between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.  There's a list of all Brazilian train services (regular and tourist-orientated) at www.antt.gov.br/destaques/TrensDePassageiros.asp .

Train travel in Chile

The Chilean state railways official website is www.efe.cl , although for passengers trains use www.trencentral.cl .

Several Terrasur trains per day link Santiago's Alamada station with Curico, Talca, Linares and Chillan on the electrified main line.  The trains are air-conditioned, standard class & preferente class with a refreshment car.  Three of these trains have a bus connection from Chillan to Concepcion.

There's an overnight train between Santiago & Concepcion weekly in summer (January, February) and on key holiday weekends through the year, see tren.cl .  It leaves Santiago on selected Fridays around 22:30 and arrives Concepcion around 07:00.  It leaves Conception on selected Sundays at 21:20 arriving in Santiago next morning.  The car has 3 classes of seat (but no sleepers) and a restaurant car. 

Sadly, the rest of Chile's main line south from Chillan towards Temuco and Puerto Montt is currently not working, though there are plans afoot to restore service in the future.  There are odd trains on a few other routes, such as Valparaiso to Limache (which crazily no longer goes on to Santiago).  See map of Chile .   If you have any feedback, please email me .

Traveller Kalle Michielsen reports from the Santiago-Concepcion night train (2023):   "The train itself had 6 passenger cars, 2 Salón Turista, 1 Súper Salón, 2 Preferente and, to my surprise, a restaurant car. The price seems to fluctuate a bit depending on the departure date, but is around 22.000 pesos for Salón Turista, 26.000 pesos for Súper Salón and 32.000 pesos for Preferente. I decided to get a Preferente seat. The Súper Salón seemed most popular by the locals, and was sold out. Additionally, there were some large ancient cars at either end, though I have no clue what their purpose was. Just after departure, an attendant gave an extensive explanation of on-board rules to all participants. As most things in Chile, everything was in Spanish and you should not expect the staff to speak English. Most people were carefully listening and did not seem acquainted with train travel at all, quite an interesting contrast to Europe. Afterwards, a pillow and small blanket was provided. At around midnight the lights were lowered and everyone tried to keep quiet. The Preferente seat was quite comfortable, with a significant recline (though not completely flat). It also has electricity outlets (Type L, like in Italy) and a tray hidden in the armrest. I did not have time to explore the restaurant car or other classes, though it seemed like the restaurant car was open all night with drinks and snacks. The ride itself started smoothly, however the last section to Concepción is less well maintained. As the complete journey is in darkness I can’t say anything about the view, but I am quite sure that it would be spectacular during daytime hours, especially when the tracks follow the Biobío river. The arrival in Concepción was a tad chaotic, as the platform was not large enough for the train, so the last two carriages all had to go to the front to get off. The platform itself was a hole-filled mess, but it seems like they are working on fixing it."

Traveller Douglas Clark reports (2014):  "I took the Terrasur train from Santiago (confusingly, listed as Alameda on the online booking system).  This is an excellent service with two classes - standard and Preferente.  The train consists of a three-car electric unit with one carriage of Preferente stock in a 2+1 seating format.  There is then a standard carriage that features a cafeteria and then another open standard 2+2 carriage.  There are two services a day to Chillan, one leaving at 0840hrs and the other at 1830hrs. The Preferente seating is extremely comfortable with wide, well-upholstered seats that recline fully.  There is an at-seat service of refreshments in Preferente (for which you pay the normal cafeteria prices).

I tried to book my tickets to Talca and return online but the site rejected my credit card. In the event, I was glad I had to go to the booking office at Alameda station on the morning I was intending to travel. The cost of a return ticket online was 44,000 CLP (about£46) whereas at the station I was able to buy Promo fares that reduced the return ticket price to 19,000 CLP.

I stayed overnight in Talca so that I could catch the 0730hrs train the next morning to Constitucion.  I got to the station a little before 0700hrs and just as well that I did as there were few tickets still available to non-residents at that time.  Residents get priority on the train and you can only buy tickets in the couple of hours before the train departs.  The train was full to capacity when it left Talca and we picked up lots of passengers en route.  I travelled on a Sunday morning and after leaving the station at Gonzalez Bastia we picked up people at lineside halts most of the way to Constitucion - local farmers who were bringing produce to the Sunday market in Constitucion.  Long before we arrived at our destination the train was overflowing with people standing in every available space and with baskets full of tomatoes and other vegetables.

I had intended to take the train back to Talca. I turned up at the station in Constitucion at about 1430hrs, two hours before the train was due to leave, only to find a notice on the door of the closed station to say that were no spaces available to Talca on the train that afternoon.  Fortunately, the bus station is right by the railway station and there are several bus companies offering services to Talca. I was able to get a space on the 1515hrs PullmanSur bus to Talca for about the same price as the train and was transported by air-conditioned bus (in contrast to the rickety Buscarril) in a little under two hours (the train takes 3.5hrs).  However, the Buscarril is an experience as the last branch line in Chile.  The train trundles through a part of Chile that you would not otherwise see - along the Maule River valley - where there are no proper roads. For the sparsely-scattered communities along much of the line, the train is the only transport link that they have. 

I am so glad I managed to travel by train in Chile. It is such a pity that the rail network has been allowed to decay as it has: the coaches that ply frequently between the towns and cities provide an excellent service but there is no comparison with the Preferente class on the train. Unfortunately, the train is much slower than the coaches as the Chileans have invested heavily in the road system, whereas the rail network has been allowed to decline. There are signs of a revival, at least in the suburbs south of Santiago, where new track is being laid and new stations built for what I assume is to be a new fast suburban rail service by MetroTren. I think this should also allow the acceleration of the Terrasur service to Chillan, as many level crossings are being closed with overbridges and underpasses replacing them. Who knows how much longer the Buscarril service will operate? There were rumours when I was in Chile that the government is considering withdrawing the subsidy that allows the Buscarill to operate. That would be a pity - the line is not really marketed as a tourist attraction but it could become a well-used one. I would estimate that about 75% of the passengers from Talca were tourists, almost exclusively Chileans."

Train travel in Colombia

There are few working railways in Colombia, after the State rail operator went bankrupt a few years ago.  However, a useful tourist train links Bogota with Zipaquira , where the salt cathedral is not to be missed.  The train makes a daily round trip at 08:30 from Estación de la Sabana in Bogota, with time in Zipaquira and Cajica.  For times, fares & online booking see www.turistren.com.co .

Traveller Sebastien Ferenczi reports: "It's a touristic train, but aimed at tourists, not railway buffs, as it's the best way to visit the tourist attractions of Zipaquira, famous for its salt cathedral listed as "not to be missed" by Lonely Planet, which is how I found the existence of the train. All information is on their website www.turistren.com.co. I used the train in June 2013. With only a short week-end in Bogota, I tried the online booking but they refused my credit card. So on saturday afternoon I rushed to La Sabana station where I grabbed one of the last seats, not on the steam train which was already full, but on the Autoferro they put as a relief train (technically, a two-car dmu pulling two more cars, quite comfortable). Touristically, this was even better as it left Bogota later (9.15) and left more time in Zipaquira. The train was full of local families, the trip was pleasant and Zipaquira is a very nice place, otherwise reachable only by crowded local buses or expensive taxis. In Bogota, La Sabana station is close to the district of La Candelaria where all tourists stay, and served by the Transmillenio express bus network; a stop is also made at Usaquen to serve the "beaux quartiers" of Bogota."

Train travel in Ecuador

The famous 446 km Guayaquil to Quito railway was completed in 1908, and was described even then as The most difficult railway in the world in terms of the Andean landscape through which it passes.  The line rises from around sea level at Duran (across the river from Guayaquil) to over 2,500 metres above sea level at Quito, with parts of the line above 3,000 metres.

Landslides blocked the line in the 1990s and for some years only parts of the route remained operational with occasional tourist trains.  However, the line was rebuilt and in summer 2013 the whole line reopened, offering a 4-day 3-night cruise train from end to end.  Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, Ferrocarril Ecuador went bust in October 2020 and operations ceased.  Money is being raised to perhaps resume operations in 2023.

Train times, routes, prices used to be at www.ferrocarrilesdelecuador.gob.ec .

The route:   The main line runs Quito (0km) - Machachi (45km) - El Boliche - Latacunga (110km) - Ambato (149 km) - Riobamba (223 km) - Palmira (298 km) -  Alausi (321 km) - (Devil's Nose) - Sibambe (334 km) - Yaguachi - Duran (446 km, just across the Guayas River from Guayaquil). 

For background information on the amazing Quito-Guayaquil railways, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empresa de Ferrocarriles Ecuatorianos . For a route map, see railroadinthesky.com .

Train travel in Mexico

Mexico used to have a good train service linking all major cities, with restaurant cars, sleeping-cars and observation cars, many inherited from the USA.  Sadly, the Mexican government pulled the plug on almost all long-distance passenger train service in the 1990s, leaving buses and planes the only way to get around Mexico, apart from a couple of services in remote areas such as the famous scenic Copper Canyon service.  However, a new network called Tren Maya started operating with modern trains in 2023, and it's due to expand.  For a summary of remaining Mexican train services see www.mexlist.com/pass.htm .

The first section of a modern train network around the Yucutan peninsula opened in late 2023, for a map and details see www.trenmaya.gob.mx (in Spanish, use Google translate).

Ferrocarril Interoceanico

A new railway service started in December 2023, crossing Mexico from Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz state on the Atlantic coast to Salina Cruz on the Pacific.  It uses ex-Amtrak cars and even some second-hand British Intercity 125s.  Trains seem to run every second day, once a day.  See www.pasajerosinteroceanico.com.mx (in Spanish, use Google translate).

A former British Rail Intercity 125 in Mexico, interiors unchanged from service with LNER.  Courtesy of Stellan Danielsson.

Mexico's Copper Canyon Train from Chihuahua to Los Mochis

The famous Copper Canyon train from Los Mochis to Chihuahua deserves a special mention.  In fact, there are two trains, the tourist-orientated Chepe Express 3 times a week between Creel & Los Mochis with Executive & Tourist class, and the Chepe Regional all the way between Chihuahua, Creel & Los Mochis 3 times per week with Regional Tourist & Economy class.   For times and prices see chepe.mx .  There's no online booking, but their website gives phone numbers and email addresses.   You should book several months ahead in high season (July-August, Christmas & Easter).

Traveller Martina Donkers reports:   "I travelled the Copper Canyon Train (called El Chepe locally) in June 2016. It was a fabulous experience. The train station in Los Mochis is easy to reach by taxi, and was fairly uncrowded at 5am. I bought my ticket at the window. It's only possible to buy tickets in Los Mochis, Creel or Chihuahua, but you can stop at any of the villages in between, and if you book your stops in when you purchase the ticket it doesn't cost extra. I booked myself to Bahuachivo with an onward journey to Creel 3 days later for 1600 MX. The train left on time, and the seats were quite comfortable - thy use old first class carriages on the economy trains. The scenery was excellent, as promised. The windows don't open but you can stand between the cars where things are open and get closer to the view. I alternated this with being back in my air-conditioned seat every so often - it was hot! Seeing the train zig-zag and loop back on itself to gain altitude was really, really cool. The dining carriage served ok food. At Bahuachivo station, you're met by a group of hotel operators. There's a bus that goes from Bahuachivo to Urique at the bottom of the canyon - it's well worth it, but you have to wait for the last train of the day to arrive, which might be delayed as it was the day I did the journey. I grabbed a lift to Cerocahui with one of the hotel operators and had a look around the village while I waited. The bus to Urique is a hectic 39km 3 hour ride on an old yellow school bus straight down the sheer side of the canyon!! It's incredible, though not exactly comfortable. Getting back on the train 3 days later was simple - I had my ticket already, and just jumped on. The train stops for 20 minutes at Divisadero - use the time wisely! It's the best view on the whole trip, and the vendors there sell the best gorditas in all of Mexico! You'll want to divide time between the view and the food, and maybe the handicraft stalls too. Be careful not to miss the train - a blast of the horn is your cue to get straight back on. Twenty minutes goes fast!! Technically hot food isn't allowed, but they waved me on with my gordita in hand. At Creel station you get bombarded by touts and it's a bit intense. The station is right in the middle of town just off the plaza, so it's not too hard to get your bearings once you've made it through the crowd. After Creel, the road follows the train line, and arrives into Chihuahua after dark, and unfortunately it's one of those cities where you really don't want to be in the streets once the sun is down - it's amazing how quickly the streets empty!"

Traveller Graham Norman reports:   "We took Amtrak's Sunset Limited from Houston to Tucson and then a bus down to Los Mochis.  Although the Copper Canyon train starts there, we took a taxi to the next stop at El Fuerte and stayed the night.  We joined the Primera Express at El Fuerte at about 9am and travelled to Bahuichivo, where we spent a night at a lodge on the Canyon’s rim. We picked up the train the following day at 1pm and travelled to Creel where we spent two nights (there’s plenty to see).  We took the last stage of the train from Creel, at 4pm, arriving in Chihuahua around 9pm.  Many people use the bus from Creel as it’s quicker and the scenery from the train not so spectacular.  We took a bus back to the US border at El Paso and travelled on the Amtrak train back to Houston.  I used a local agency called 3 Amigos ( www.amigos3.com ) to book the train for us (although there are other agencies), but we paid for the tickets on board.  They also booked the Copper Canyon hotels for us and the taxi from Los Mochis to El Fuerte.  I booked the Amtrak ( www.amtrak.com ), hotels in the US and Chihuahua on the internet.  The Copper Canyon train was a very memorable experience and the scenery was spectacular.  Although most passengers on the Primera Express train were tourists, it doesn't feel like a tourist train and I assume the other daily train, the Clase Economica, is more for local people.  There were armed guards on the train and in Creel but we never felt threatened at any stage.

Further feedback would be very welcome !

Train travel in Panama

The Panama Canal Railway provides one daily train between Ciudad Panama and Colon on Mondays-Fridays.  It leaves Ciudad de Panama at 07:15 on Mondays-Fridays only, arriving Colon at 08:15.  It leaves Colon Mondays-Fridays only at 17:15 arriving back in Panama City at 18:15.  It has air-conditioned Executive class coaches with refreshments available.  The new station for Panama City is in the northern suburb of Allbrook, not far from the domestic airport - the old station in Panama City is now a MacDonald's!  The distance is 77 km (48 miles).  See www.panarail.com for info.  Service ceased during the pandemic, it's not clear if services have resumed.

Train travel in Paraguay

There are no passenger trains in Paraguay, other than a tourist steam train on Sundays from Asunción botanical gardens station.

Train travel in Peru

Train travel in uruguay.

Train service was restored on the line between Tacuarembó and the Brazilian border at Rivera in 2019.  The train is operated once a day by AFE, for times and fares see www.afe.com.uy .  It's roughly 110 km, journey time around 2h10.

 There is also a limited suburban service in Montevideo.

Recommended guidebooks

Buy Rough Guide to South America online at Amazon.co.uk

Accommodation in South America

Backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to South America

Overland travel by train & bus around South America is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach SA in the first place.  For flights to South America, start with Skyscanner.

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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3 Amazing Ferrobus Journeys in South America

Ferrobuses are the chasses of (old) overland buses put on rails. These vehicles are an exciting way to discover remote parts of South America, especially in the Andes. Ferrobuses often serve small villages in sparsely populated areas without official road access. Usually the roads are so bad that a rail vehicle journey is much more comfortable. The Gondola Carril in Chile is an exception because it is a pure tourist train. 

Chile: Gondola Carril from Los Andes to Rio Blanco

The Gondola Carril dates from the 1920s and is a national monument in Chile. It is the only operating ferrobus rail car in Chile and travels on the Trasandino narrow-gauge railroad from Los Andes (about 85km north of Santiago de Chile) along the picturesque Aconcagua Valley to Rio Blanco. This line originally connected Los Andes in Chile with Mendoza in Argentina.

The rail journey is organized about once a month and includes lunch in Rio Blanco. The 27 passengers of the train first visit the old locomotive depot in Los Andes. Along the way, a local guide explains the stunning scenery and the history of the Trasandino train. The tour includes lunch in a hotel near Rio Blanco before the train returns to Los Andes. This journey can easily be planned as a day trip from Santiago de Chile, driving with a private car from Santiago to Los Andes. 

For further information visit:  https://www.efe.cl/nuestros-servicios/turisticos/gondola-carril/

Colombia: Ferrobus from Puerto Berrio to Barrancabermeja

Located on the shores of the Magdalena River, Puerto Berrio was a railway junction where the Antioquia Railway from Medellin met the Ferrocarril del Atlantico, which followed the Magdalena River to Santa Marta in the Caribbean. Today, the company FENOCO runs cargo trains on the railroad between La Dorada and Santa Marta in the Caribbean. Coopsercol Cia Ltd. operates a daily ferrobus traveling 125 km between Barrancabermeja and Puerto Berrio on this same railroad. The ferrobus leaves Barrancabermeja in the morning and returns from Puerto Berrio in the afternoon, along the way passing through many remote tropical villages in the River Magdalena plain. 

The ferrobus runs daily, including Saturdays and Sundays. The timetable is not reliable, and it is best to check departure times the day before you plan to travel. When I used the ferrobus a few months ago, we left Puerto Berrio at 1 p.m. and reached Barrancabermeja around 5 p.m. For more information, call the railway station in Barrancabermeja at (7) 611 0667.  ‍

🚂. Travel Tip:  The journey on the ferrobus is a travel adventure, so be prepared for heat and humidity. To make the trip pleasant for our tour guests, we charter a ferrobus on this railroad on our journey “Coffee, Rum, and Trains in Colombia and Panama.”

Heavy rainfalls are frequent in this tropical region, so ensure that your luggage is transported in a separate carriage and not on the train’s roof. It is best if you take this trip with only a small suitcase or backpack.

Ferrobuses in Bolivia

Bolivia is a paradise for ferrobus fans. There are three regions that ferrobuses can reach, but at the present time only the ferrobus from Viacha to Charaña is in operation. The ferrobus from Potosi to El Tear near Sucre is not circulating due to a collapsed bridge between Yotala and El Tear. The Cochabamba to Aiquile ferrobus is not running because a flood washed away the tracks near Cliza.  ‍

Bolivia: Ferrobus on the Arica – La Paz Railway between Viacha and Charaña ‍

The ferrobus from Viacha to Charaña is a journey to a very remote region of the Bolivian Altiplano. The ferrobus leaves from Viacha (near El Alto) on Mondays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. and travels 208km to reach Charaña around 2:30 p.m. The trip is mostly flat but becomes more scenic as the train gets closer to Charaña.  ‍

🚂  Travel Tip:  Accommodation is not available in the region of Charaña, and border crossing from Charaña to Visviri in Chile is not possible, as it is not an official border and no one there can stamp passports. This ferrobus journey can be a day trip from La Paz if a private vehicle is arranged for the return trip from Charaña to La Paz in the afternoon. Public buses are not reliable because the region is very sparsely populated. 

This ferrobus journey is part of our tour “Rail Adventures in the Andes.” For individual travelers, arrive early at the railway station to buy tickets. Sometimes it is possible to get tickets the day before at the railway station in Viacha.

Sounds interesting? Then check out these tours I organize:

Rail South America hosts world-class small-group tours utilizing rail travel whenever possible to discover the most renowned, unique, and unforgettable destinations in South America.

Learn about tourist train services in Chile these summer vacations

From Arica to Temuco, tourist and heritage trains will be ready to show you the country. 

A number of tourist and heritage trains have been put into service by the state railway company, EFE, for the summer vacations. They will be available from Arica to Temuco. 

The president of EFE, Eric Martin, stated that this holiday season is a very special one, as the company turned 140 years old on January 4. A new bimodal train has been launched in honor of the anniversary. It is the most modern in South America, and debuted this Friday, January 19 in Curicó. 

“We are making everything we can available to our passengers this summer, offering the same quality, safety and comfort as always. We have a history of railways linked to tourism, and this has now been joined by the implementation of the fastest train in South America. With this, EFE is taking a new step towards modernity through higher standards,” Martin stated. 

Summer tourist and heritage train itineraries 

This summer season will not only see the debut of the new bimodal train to Curicó. Through its alliances, EFE will also put into service a number of tourist and heritage trains from the Arica and Parinacota Region to La Araucanía. 

• Arica-La Paz: In the north of Chile, the EFE Arica La Paz service will travel to the town of Poconchile in the Lluta Valley on January 13 and 27. 
• Heritage Train to Ritoque: This train will be in service every weekend. For the first time, it will travel to Ritoque beach in the municipality of Quintero. These journeys can be made from the town of Limache and, in February, can be made from Santiago. 
• Santiago to San Antonio: This service joins a special route from Rancagua to the port of San Antonio, so that the inhabitants of the O’Higgins Region can also enjoy this experience for the first time. 
• Heritage Train to Ocoa: This train will depart from the municipality of Hijuelas in the Valparaíso Region, where a heritage fair with the best of our country’s traditions will take place. 
• Talca-Constitución narrow-gauge railway: The service has been resumed following infrastructure repairs as a result of storm damage. There will be two daily departures in each direction, and the journey will take 2 hours 50 minutes. 
• Concepción-Colcura: In Chile’s south-central zone, journeys can be made between Concepción and Colcura beach in Lota for the first time this summer. The route to Penco beach in the Biobío Region will also be resumed. 
• Pitrufquén: In La Araucanía Region, special departures will be scheduled to Pitrufquén for La Truchada Festival on the Toltén River. Temuco’s Pablo Neruda Railway Museum will also resume its traditional journeys in February, on our country’s only operational steam train, bound for the municipality of Victoria.

All available train and travel schedules for this summer 2024 are available on www.efe.cl and  www.trendelrecuerdo.cl .

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Why Chile is home to the fastest trains in South America

The government of gabriel boric is set to unveil six new high-speed machines that will cut down the trip between santiago and chillán to under four hours.

One of the main goals of the Chilean government of Gabriel Boric is to revive the use of trains in the country , which is the longest in the world, with 2,670 miles (4,300 kilometers) of coastline but railway coverage of only about 500 miles (800 kilometers). As part of the plan, the government and Chilean State Railways (EFE) presented two of the six trains that will be incorporated into the fleet that connects the capital, Santiago, with the city of Chillán, located 250 miles (400 kilometers) to the south. The new trains, capable of reaching a speed of 99 miles (160 kilometers) per hour, will shorten the five-hour trip to three hours and 40 minutes.

The Santiago-Chillán route is one of Chile’s two interregional services and the only long-distance network that operates regularly. Its current fleet of six trains — which reach a speed of 87 miles (140 kilometers) per hour — are already the fastest in South America. Second place in that ranking is occupied by the Argentine rail service that connects Buenos Aires with Mar del Plata — a distance of 257 miles (414 kilometers) that takes five hours and 36 minutes to cover, according to figures provided by EFE.

Chilean State Railways, which operates under the Ministry of Transportation, invested $70 million in six high-speed trains , which will be manufactured by the construction company China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC). The project was awarded during the right-wing government of Sebastián Piñera in 2020. One of the special features of the trains is that they can automatically switch from electric power to diesel. Currently, Chilean trains run on either diesel or electric.

The first two trains arrived in early March at the port of San Antonio, in the Valparaíso region, near Santiago. The trains are now undergoing a calibration and testing process that will last six months. They are scheduled to start operating during the third and fourth quarters of 2023. The remaining four trains will arrive in Chile in the middle of the year. Once they are incorporated, the plan is for them to replace the current trains on the Santiago-Chillán route. The older trains will be used for other services.

The Ministry of Transportation says the high speeds and lower maintenance costs of the new fleet will allow it to offer 12 daily services, doubling the current number. According to its projections, once the six high-speed trains are operational, the annual number of passengers will increase from 315,000 to 800,000.

At the presentation this week, EFE president Eric Martin said the trains were part of a broader project, including “the restoration of 12 stations, upgrading the track standard and a modern maintenance center.”

The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Juan Carlos Muñoz, added that the “fastest and most modern” trains in South America will offer different services. Some will be used for trips with more stops, connecting not only the regional capitals, but also in-between cities such as San Javier, San Carlos and Parral, where the poet Pablo Neruda was born in 1904.

The modernization of the Santiago-Chillán railway route is part of the “Chile on Rails” project, which continues the plan drawn up by the Piñera government in 2019. The goal of the plan is to triple the number of train passengers to 150 million, and double freight transportation from 10 million to 20 million tons.

Train use in Chile has fluctuated throughout history, reaching a peak in 1972, under the government of Salvador Allende , when there were 27.5 million passengers. During the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990) more than a third of the country’s railways disappeared. Since the 2000s, inner city rail networks have been strengthened, but the country has yet to achieve its dream of having a train that unites the South American country.

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Ways To Travel From London To Italy And Explore

• Last updated May 30, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

London is a vibrant city that offers a multitude of attractions and experiences, but sometimes the allure of exploring beyond its borders becomes irresistible. Italy, with its rich history, captivating landscapes, and delectable cuisine, is a destination that beckons countless travelers. Luckily, there are several ways to travel from London to Italy, each offering its own unique adventure and opportunity to discover the beauty of this Mediterranean country. So, whether you prefer the convenience of flying or the romance of a scenic train journey, let's explore the various ways to embark on this enchanting voyage from London to Italy.

What You'll Learn

Travel options from london to italy, best transportation methods for london to italy travel, affordable ways to get from london to italy, tips for a smooth journey from london to italy.

Are you planning a trip from London to Italy? You're in the right place! In this guide, we will explore various travel options to help you find the best way to reach your destination. Whether you want to travel by air, train, ferry, or road, we've got you covered.

The most popular and convenient way to travel from London to Italy is by plane. Numerous airlines offer direct flights from London's major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, to several cities in Italy, such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. The flight duration typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your destination. It's recommended to book your flight in advance and compare prices from different airlines to get the best deal.

If you prefer a more scenic and relaxed journey, traveling by train is a fantastic option. Eurostar offers high-speed train services from London to Paris, where you can then transfer to a connecting train to Italy. The journey from London to Paris takes around 2 hours, and from there, you can take the TGV train to your desired Italian city. Keep in mind that train travel may be a bit slower compared to flying, but it offers stunning views of the European countryside.

For those who enjoy maritime adventures, taking a ferry from London to Italy can be an exciting option. Several ferry companies operate services from Dover or Portsmouth, UK to various ports in France, such as Calais or Dunkirk. Once in France, you can drive or take a train to Italy. While this option may take longer (around 20-30 hours), it allows you to bring your car or motorbike, giving you the flexibility to explore Italy at your own pace.

If you prefer driving, you can embark on a road trip from London to Italy. The journey involves taking the Eurotunnel or a ferry from Dover to Calais, and then driving through France, Switzerland, or Austria to reach Italy. This option allows you to experience the freedom of the open road and visit multiple destinations along the way. However, keep in mind that road trips require careful planning, including mapping out your route, checking for tolls, and considering any travel restrictions or requirements.

No matter which travel option you choose, make sure to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements for Italy, including COVID-19 related restrictions. It's also essential to book your transportation and accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.

In conclusion, there are several travel options available for your journey from London to Italy. Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of flying, the scenic beauty of train travel, the adventure of a ferry ride, or the freedom of a road trip, you can find the perfect way to reach your destination. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Italy!

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If you are planning to travel from London to Italy, there are several transportation options available to choose from. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it's important to choose the one that suits your preferences and needs. In this article, we will discuss the best transportation methods for London to Italy travel.

Flying is the fastest way to travel from London to Italy. There are several airports in London, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, which offer direct flights to major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice. The flight duration varies depending on the destination, but it usually takes around 2-3 hours to reach Italy. When booking your flight, make sure to compare prices from different airlines to get the best deal. It's also worth considering the baggage allowance and any potential layovers.

Another popular transportation method for traveling from London to Italy is by train. You can take the Eurostar train from London to Paris, and then transfer to another train that will take you to Italy. The Eurostar journey from London to Paris takes around 2 hours, and the train ride from Paris to Italy can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, depending on the destination. Taking the train allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way, and it's a great option if you want to experience a more relaxed and comfortable journey.

If you prefer a budget-friendly option for traveling from London to Italy, taking a bus might be the right choice for you. There are several bus companies that offer routes from London to various Italian cities. The journey can be quite long, usually taking around 20-24 hours, depending on the destination. However, traveling by bus allows you to save money on transportation and also gives you the opportunity to see different cities and landscapes along the way. Make sure to check the bus company's schedule and amenities before booking your ticket.

If you enjoy driving and want to have more flexibility during your trip, you can choose to travel from London to Italy by car. The journey involves crossing the English Channel, either through the Eurotunnel or by taking a ferry. It's important to plan your route in advance and be aware of any toll roads or border regulations. Also, keep in mind that the journey can be quite long, as it can take around 18-20 hours to reach Italy from London by car, depending on the traffic and the stops you make along the way. Make sure to have all the necessary documents, including a valid driver's license and insurance.

In conclusion, there are several transportation methods available for traveling from London to Italy. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it's important to choose the one that suits your preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a quick and convenient flight, a scenic train ride, a budget-friendly bus journey, or the flexibility of driving, there is an option available for you. Plan your trip in advance and consider factors such as cost, duration, and personal comfort to make the best decision for your London to Italy travel.

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If you're looking for an affordable way to travel from London to Italy, there are several options available that can save you money without compromising on the experience. Here, we will explore three affordable ways to make the journey:

Budget Airlines:

One of the most affordable ways to travel from London to Italy is by taking a budget airline. Companies like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer low-cost flights from various airports in London to several destinations in Italy, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Pisa. These airlines often have regular sales and discounts, so it's worth checking their websites frequently to find the best deals. Keep in mind that budget airlines usually charge extra for checked baggage, so try to pack light to avoid additional costs.

Another affordable option is to take a train from London to Italy. Although it's not a direct journey, it can be a cost-effective and scenic way to travel. Start by taking the Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. From there, you can transfer to a high-speed TGV train to reach the Italian border town of Turin. Once in Turin, you can connect to the Italian train network and reach your desired destination in Italy. This option allows you to see the beautiful countryside along the way and experience the convenience of train travel in Europe.

If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, consider taking a coach or bus from London to Italy. Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer long-distance bus routes that connect London with various cities in Italy, including Rome, Milan, and Florence. Although the journey can be long (around 24-30 hours), it can be a cost-effective way to travel if you're on a tight budget. Some coaches have comfortable seats, power outlets, and onboard Wi-Fi to make the journey more comfortable.

Remember to book your tickets in advance to secure the best prices. Keep in mind that travel times can vary depending on the chosen option and any transfers. Research the most convenient departure and arrival points for your preferred mode of transport. Additionally, consider comparing different travel options to find the most affordable and convenient route for your specific needs.

By choosing one of these affordable ways to travel from London to Italy, you can save money and still enjoy a wonderful journey to your Italian destination of choice. Happy travels!

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Are you planning a trip from London to Italy? With its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Italy is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, here are some tips to help you plan your trip.

Choose the Right Transportation Option

There are several transportation options available for traveling from London to Italy. The most common ones are by air, train, or ferry. Consider your budget, travel preferences, and time constraints when choosing the right option for you.

• Air: Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from London to Italy. There are direct flights available from major airports in London to various cities in Italy. Check for deals and book your tickets in advance for the best prices.
• Train: If you prefer a scenic journey and have more time to spare, taking a train can be a great option. Eurostar operates a service from London to Paris, and from there, you can take a high-speed train to Italy. This option allows you to enjoy the breathtaking countryside views along the way.
• Ferry: If you enjoy a slower pace of travel and want to take your car with you, taking a ferry from the UK to Italy is a popular choice. There are ferry services available from ports in the UK to various ports in Italy. Check the schedules and book your tickets in advance to secure a spot.

Plan Your Itinerary

Italy has so much to offer, from the historical landmarks of Rome to the charming canals of Venice to the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time and ensure you don't miss out on any must-see attractions. Research the cities and regions you want to visit, and allocate enough time for each destination. Consider factors such as travel time between cities and the opening hours of attractions when planning your itinerary.

Packing smartly can make your journey much more comfortable and stress-free. Consider the climate and the activities you'll be doing during your trip. Italy can be hot in the summer, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you plan on visiting religious sites, remember to pack appropriate attire that covers your knees and shoulders. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll likely be exploring many cities on foot. Finally, pack any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices.

Learn Some Basic Italian Phrases

While many Italians speak English, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. Learn essential phrases such as "hello," "thank you," "please," and "excuse me." Being able to communicate in the local language will not only make it easier to navigate your way around but also show respect to the locals.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Customs and Etiquette

Italy has its own set of customs and etiquette that may differ from what you're used to. Familiarize yourself with these customs to ensure that you are respectful and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. For example, in Italy, it's common to greet people with a kiss on both cheeks. It's also considered polite to say "buon appetito" before starting a meal and to keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows). Taking the time to understand and appreciate local customs will enhance your overall experience in Italy.

Travel Insurance

Before embarking on your trip, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance. This will protect you in case of any unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. It's better to be safe than sorry, so invest in travel insurance and have peace of mind throughout your journey.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from London to Italy. Bon viaggio!

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