Tourist trains in Argentina: Routes and where to buy tickets

Argentina offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes and there is no better way to explore them than aboard its tourist trains. On this journey we’ll introduce you to the six most emblematic trains in the country: the Train of the Sierras in Córdoba, the Patagonian Train, La Trochita, the Matafer-Bariloche Train, the End of the World Train and the Train to the Clouds. Each of these Argentine tourist trains takes you through unique scenic routes, from the majestic mountains of Córdoba to the inhospitable confines of Patagonia. Get ready for a railway adventure that will connect you with Argentine nature and culture like never before.

End of the World Train

The End of the World Train is the southernmost train in the world, located in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. The adventure begins at the End of the World Station, located 8 kilometers west of Ushuaia. You can get there by public transport, such as taxis or remises, or by hiring a shuttle service, all these can be found in the city center.

The train follows an old path that the prisoners of the Ushuaia prison would use more than 70 years ago to collect firewood and materials. 

Where to buy tickets for the End of the World Train

Tickets can be purchased on the official website: https://www.trendelfindelmundo.com.ar/

Season: All year round.

Schedule: The first departure is at 9.30 a.m. and then it departs at 12.15 p.m. and at 3:00 p.m.

Rates: Prices from the age of 13 are 50,000 Argentine pesos between July and September.

Classes: Economy class and premium class (include breakfast in the morning departure and casseroles at midday and in the afternoon departures).

End of the World Train Route:

The route is 7 kilometers long and it has 3 stations and 6 panoramic points: End of the World Station, Puente Quemado, La Macarena Waterfall, National Park Limit, the tree cemetery and National Park Station

This route crosses peat bogs and lenga and ñire forests, and reaches the Macarena waterfall, where passengers can get off and enjoy a panoramic view. The journey ends at the limits of Tierra del Fuego National Park. The tour offers spectacular sights of mountains, forests, rivers and peat bogs, making this train a unique and memorable experience.

Train to the Clouds

The Train to the Clouds is one of the most famous trains in Argentina and the world. It is located in the province of Salta, Argentina and is considered a high mountain excursion due to the height it reaches, starting in San Antonio de los Cobres and ascending to more than 4,200 meters above sea level, making it the third highest train in the world. Passengers can hire a transfer that leaves in the morning from the city of Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, where the train tour begins.

The train traverses breathtaking landscapes of the Andes region, crossing bridges and viaducts, and passing through tunnels and zigzags. Its route finishes in La Polvorilla viaduct, located above the famous Route 40. This viaduct is one of the highest points on the route and offers spectacular panoramic views. The experience of traveling on the Train to the Clouds is unique, allowing passengers to enjoy the majesty of the Andes and the feeling of "flying" above the clouds.

The circuit of the Train to the Clouds includes a vehicle departure from the city of Salta, traveling along the RN 51 through the towns of Campo Quijano and Gobernador Solá until it reaches the El Alfarcito inn. Here, a stop is made to enjoy an outdoor snack with local products made by the communities in the area. This parador also houses an operational center of the Alfarcito Foundation, which works with 25 local communities and has a Mountain Hostel School that serves 154 students with a focus on tourism.

During the ascent, a stop is made in Santa Rosa de Tastil. Then, the trip continues through the Quebrada de las Cuevas and the Muñano plain until you reach San Antonio de los Cobres. Here, passengers transfer to the Train Station to board the Train to the Clouds, which takes them to La Polvorilla Viaduct, 4,220 meters above sea level. After a 30-minute stop, the train returns to San Antonio de los Cobres, where passengers board the buses again to return to the city of Salta.

Where to buy Train to the Clouds tickets:

Official website: https://trenalasnubes.com.ar/

Departure times: From Salta at 7:00 or 9:00 in the morning, depending on the day.

From San Antonio de los Cobres at 12:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m., depending on the day.

Train to the Clouds Tour

Train of the Sierras

The Tren de las Sierras connects the city of Córdoba with Capilla del Monte in the province of Córdoba, Argentina, offering a scenic route along approximately 100 km. During its journey, the train passes through 22 stations, allowing passengers to enjoy the impressive mountain landscapes of the Punilla Valley. The journey between the main stations takes around 5 hours, with stops in charming towns such as Cosquín and La Cumbre. Throughout the journey, passengers can admire rivers, streams and the characteristic vegetation of the region, making this train an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the Córdoba mountains.

Bear in mind:

- There is no direct service between the city of Córdoba and Capilla del Monte, you have to make a transfer in Valle Hermoso.

- The route between Córdoba and La Calera is an interurban service, used by people who live in the city and its surroundings.

- The route from La Calera to Capilla del Monte crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Punilla Valley and is used by many tourists.

Where to buy tickets to the Train of the Sierras

Official website: https://www.trendelassierras.com.ar/

Where to buy: https://webventas.sofse.gob.ar/

Or at the box offices: Box office hours.

Schedules:

Córdoba: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m

Alta Córdoba: Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Route of the Train of the Sierras:

Patagonian Train

The Patagonian Train connects the cities of Viedma and San Carlos de Bariloche, crossing the province of Río Negro. This train offers a comfortable and scenic option for traveling between the Atlantic coast and the Andes. The journey includes breathtaking views of the Patagonian steppe and Andean forests, and features amenities such as cabins and dining cars. It is also recommended in winter with snowy roads.

Where to buy Patagonian Train tickets:

Official website: https://trenpatagonicosa.com.ar/

Patagonian Train Route

Train Materfer – Bariloche Perito Moreno:

The Bariloche Materfer Train offers a charming tourist service that allows passengers to enjoy the beauty of the region and the Patagonian culture.

Upon the arrival of the train at the Perito Moreno station, passengers are received at the station's Tea House. Here, you can enjoy hot drinks such as wine or chocolate, accompanied by delicious canapés, in a relaxed atmosphere and good company. After this warm welcome, visitors are invited to enter the Quincho (a kind of gazebo) of the station.

At the Quincho, passengers can enjoy an authentic experience of Patagonian cuisine, accompanied by good live music and the nocturnal beauty of the steppe. The menu includes a barbecue with empanadas, roast and lamb on the grill, chorizos, blood sausages and offals, accompanied by salads or chips, bread, fried cakes and dessert. In addition, the menu has vegan, vegetarian and celiac-friendly options. (Drinks are not included and are paid separately at the Perito Moreno Quincho).

The return on the Materfer Train from the Perito Moreno station is scheduled at 10:30 p.m., arriving in San Carlos de Bariloche at 11:21 p.m. At the end of the tour service, passengers return to their accommodations on their own.

This tour on the Bariloche Materfer Train offers a complete experience, combining the natural beauty of Patagonia with the rich local culture and gastronomy, setting the scene for a memorable night for all visitors.

Where to buy Materfer Train tickets:

Official website: https://trenpatagonicosa.com.ar/

La Trochita

Also known as the Old Patagonian Express, La Trochita is a narrow-gauge train that operates in the provinces of Río Negro and Chubut, in Argentine Patagonia. This steam train, dating back to the early 20th century, offers a nostalgic journey through the Patagonian landscapes, with a top speed of just 45 km/h. Its old locomotives and carriages have been restored to maintain their historic charm.

During the autumn-winter season, the route departs from the Ing. Jacobacci station and runs 15 kilometers until it reaches Junction 648. In the spring-summer season, starting in October, the route begins at the Ing. Jacobacci station and covers 43 kilometers until it reaches the Ojos de Agua station. Once they arrive, passengers descend to a traditional convenience store, where they can enjoy an optional lunch with local products or eat the food they wish to take, while enjoying the Patagonian landscape.

Finally, visitors ascend again to La Trochita to begin the return trip to the Ing. Jacobacci station. This train journey offers a unique and picturesque experience, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the history and natural beauty of Patagonia.

Even if this is one of the most picturesque trains,  it is currently without services, but check on the official website to see when they resume ticket sales:

La Trochita: https://trenpatagonicosa.com.ar/la-trochita/

Bonus Track:

Solar de la Quebrada Train:

This train in the province of Jujuy, is an innovative jewel in tourist transport in Latin America, being the first solar train in the region. This train is 100% sustainable, powered by lithium batteries and solar energy, offering an eco-friendly and modern way to explore the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Jujuy.

Read more: Solar de la Quebrada Train: What is the tour of the magical towns of Jujuy like?

Route of the Solar de la Quebrada Train: