Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world by area with rain forests, large highlands and vast coastlines. Brazil has one of the largest rail networks in the world but railway lines are used predominantly for freight traffic, except for two long-distance trains and couple of tourist services. In the largest cities there are suburban trains. There are no international trains in Brazil.
Last updated: 29.01.2024
The first railway line in Brazil from Port of Mauá to Raiz da Serra (14,5 km) was inaugurated on on 30 April 1854. The line was built for transport of the cargo from the ship Praça XV to Raiz da Serra.
The first railway in the state of São Paulo, connecting the Port of Santos with the coffee farms, was built in 1867.
In the end of the 19st century there were 9,583 km of active railways in Brazil. There were plans to build the railway line across Brazil, but the plan failed due to financial crisis.
In the first half of the 20st century there was significant expansion of the rail network which total long reached more than 29.000 kilometers.
During the ’70s and ’80s many railway lines were closed and abandoned.
In 2008, Brazil’s Transportation Ministry announced a high-speed train project connecting São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Campinas. Due to lack of money the project was abandoned.
Train travel in Brazil – current situation
There are two long-distance passenger trains in Brazil and some passenger services operate in urban areas. Long-distance trains are operated by Vale.
Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas – the first of long-distance passenger trains departs from Cariacica and ends the trip in Belo Horizonte. It’s a daytime service. Trains depart every morning from Cariacica and Belo Horizonte. There is also an additional train that runs between Itabira and Nova Era, both in Minas Gerais. Average journey time is 13 hours. The train covers a route of 662 km. There are 30 stops.
Estrada de Ferro Carajás – the second long-distance passenger train operated by Vale connects São Luís, in Maranhão and Parauapebas in the southeast of Pará. The train runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The journey takes almost 4 hours. Train carriages are fitted with air-conditioning and you can eat something in buffet car or restaurant car.
In 2022 Vale ordered 62 passenger coaches from CRRC Sifang. The new coaches will operate on Vale’s Carajás and Vitória a Minas railways.
Vale.com – more information about trains
Serra Verde Express
The most famous train in Brazil is a tourist train Serra Verde Express from Curitiba to Moretes in the Parana State. The train runs through Pico do Marumbi State Park – it’s the most beautiful section of the train route. The 110 km long railway line was completed in 1884. During the construction thousands of workers died of diseases and accidents.
The train crosses 30 bridges and viaducts and 14 tunnels. The most spectacular is Viaduto do Carvalho above a hillside of rock that stretches over lush forest.
The journey takes 3 or 4 hours. Sometimes the clouds surrounds the train when it rides along mountain range and you wouldn’t take beautiful pictures.
Passenger can choose between various classes. Most of the trains and carriages were produced in the 70’s but are very well maintained and you can open the windows during one of the most scenic rides in the world. The “Litorina de Luxo” carriage is air-conditioned and windows are closed for the whole journey. Boutique class is alike parlour car and at the end of the train is panoramic balcony. Tourist class with upholstered seats is recommended also. Economy class is cheapest but uncomfortable.
Official website – timetable, prices, photos
Tourist trains
There are several tourist trains running in Brazil. Some of them run daily, some several times a year. Tourist trains in Brazil are often named “Maria Fumaça”. It refers to a steam locomotive, not to particular railway. In most of the trains you can experience live music and hawkers trying to sell anything to tourists.
Estrada de Ferro Campos do Jordão – various tourist trains and heritage trams in the heart of the Sao Paulo state, in the picturesque region of Campos do Jordão. Tourist trams from Emílio Ribas to Portal in Campos do Jordão run daily, round-trip journey takes 50 minutes. There is also urban tourist tram in Campos do Jordão from Emílio Ribas station to Abernessia stop. The vintage train is hauled by restored steam locomotive (1947) and passenger travels in passenger car manufectured in 1912. Route of this train is very short – only 4 km between Vila Capivari and Vila Abernessia. Another tourist train departs from Central Station in Campos do Jordão and takes passengers to Piracuama, at the foot of Serra da Mantiqueira. The round-trip journey without intermediate stops takes 2 hours.
Estrada de Ferro Oeste de Minas – steam hauled tourist trains from São João to Rei to Tiradentes (12 km). The trip takes 30 minutes. Train runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. At the Sao Joao station is located little railway museum.
Maria Fumaça Campinas – steam hauled tourist train from Campinas to Jaguariúna (24 km). It runs every weekend and public holidays.
Trem das Aquas – narrow gauge tourist train from São Lourenço to Soledade de Minas (10 km). Steam hauled. It runs every weekend and public holiday. Round-trip with stop in Soledade de Minas lasts 2 hours.
Trem do Vinho – narrow gauge railway between Bento Gonçalves and Carlos Barbosa (23 km). Steam hauled. Journey through scenic villages with a lunch and wine tasting.
Trem Rubi – tourist train from Tubarão to Laguna (30 km) or from Tubarão to Urussanga (58 km). Train is operated by Railway Museum in Tubarão and runs after the announcement of the official website. Steam or diesel hauled.
Trem da Serra da Mantiqueira – narrow gauge steam train from Passa Quatro to Coronel Fulgêncio (about 10 km). There is a brief stop at Manaca station. Train is operated by Regional Sul de Minas da ABPF and runs on weekends and public holidays.
Trem da Serra do Mar – steam hauled tourist train from Rio Negrinho to Corupa (60 km) through mountains, forest, bridges and tunnels. Train runs once or twice a month, only on weekends. There is a stop for lunch in Rio Natal. Train will only go in one direction. Passenger are transferred from Corupa and Rio Natal by bus.
Trem das Termas Piratubo to Marcelina Ramos – steam hauled tourist train from Piratuba to Marcelino Ramos (25 km) through Rio do Peixe valley. During ride the train train crosses the 455 meters long and 100 years old bridge over the Uruguay River.
Vale Tourist Train – temporarily suspended train from Mariana to Ouro Preto (18 km).
See also:
Railways in Americas by country
