The history of railways in Chile began in 1851, when the first train made his journey from Caldera to Copiapó (80 km). The line was constructed for transport from silver mines to seaport. The majority of railway lines in Chile was constructed for freight transport. The rail networks in the North and South Chile were essentially separate and used different gauge. The Chilean railway network had endless branches of a local nature. Currently Chile has almost 7,000 km of railway lines, most of them are used for freight transport. Train travel in Chile is limited to one long-distance services, few regional trains and tourist trains.
In July and August 2023 railway infrastructure suffered serious damage caused by floods.
In recent years, Chilean railways have purchased new trains and invested in the renovation of some railway lines. There were reinstated regional trains in Temuco area and was introduced passenger service from Chillan to Parral. Unfortunately, the new trains mostly look like trams.
The Chilean government is investing huge amount of money in largest rail investment programme in the history of the country that includes 27 projects through 2027, for example new suburban passenger services from Santiago to Batuco and Melipilla.
Last update: 29.01.2024
Train travel in Chile – timetables
Almost all regular passenger trains in Chile are operated by state-owned Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE). EFE also runs tourist trains several times a year. Most of trains depart from Estación Central in Santiago. You can check timetable and prices on their website:
Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (timetable and prices)
There are no trains between Santiago and Valparaiso. Passenger service ceased on this line in 1987. There are plans to rehabilitate existing line and reintroduce passenger trains. The line opened in 1863 is 187 km long and single-track.
Long-distance services
There is only long-distance train in Chile. Train from Santiago to Chillan covers a distance of 397 kilometers. It stops at 12 stations. At Talca station you can change to the train to Constitución (check in timetable). The train is comprised of comfortable non-compartment carriages manufactured in Spain.
Passengers can choose between two classes:
Salón (2nd class)
– seats arranged 2+2 across the car width
– 50% of the seats are oriented in the direction of travel of the train and 50% in the opposite direction
– train attendant in each car
– air conditioning
– catering (snacks)
Preferente (1st class)
– seats arranged 2+1 across the car width
– 50% of the seats are oriented in the direction of travel of the train and 50% in the opposite direction
– distance between seats is 49 cm
– reclining seats
– air conditioning
– train attendant in each car
– electrical sockets (220V)
While I was working on the article, the train was temporarily suspended. In 2023 were delivered new trains dedicated for this train. Trains were produced in China.
Train travel in Chile – regional trains
In Chile, there are several regional trains running in different parts of the country. Most popular is train from Santiago to Rancagua (80). The connection from Santiago to Rancagua was inaugurated in 2017. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours at stop at 10 stations. Some trains are extended to San Fernando (134 km).
Among railway enthusiasts from all over the world, the most famous railway line in Chile is Talca – Constitucion. The non-electrified narrow gauge railway (1000 mm is 88 km long and was opened in 1912. It’s famous for picturesque scenery and old railbus Ferrostaal SB-56 produced in Germany in 1960s, which served this line. Old train was well worn but in good condition. This area is sparsely populated and not well served by roads and the train is the only means of transport that can take you to the doctor or to the market from small village to Constitución. Old railbus in 2023 was replaced by modern diesel multiple units (rather tram like train) with capacity of 80 passengers. The line has been under renovation for several years, but badly suffered during during floods in 2023.
Regional trains in Chile run also on following routes:
Laja – Talcahuano (scenic railway)
Talcahuano – Hualqui (Biotren)
Coronel – Concepción (Biotren)
Temuco – Victoria (65 km)
Temuco – Picturefque (29 km)
Chilean – Parral (58 km)
Biotren trains are operated by Ferrocarriles Suburbanos de Concepción (EFESUR). Many of suburban trains have no toilet on board.
In Temuco is located Railway Museum in historic engine shed, but I don’t know whether is open to public.
Suburban trains
There are suburban trains in Santiago and Valparaiso area. Metro Regional de Valparaíso (MERVAL S.A.) operates the commuter trains between Puerta Station in Valparaiso and Limache (43 km). Trains stops at famous seaside resort Viña del Mar.
Several times a year, mainly on public holidays, restored electric trains AES-11, manufactured in Argentina in 1970s, run on suburban lines in the Valparaiso area as a tourist train (between Puerto Station and Maestranza Barón).
Train travel in Chile – international trains
Chile has international railway connections with all adjacent countries. Railway lines to Bolivia are used only by freight trains. Transandine Railway – mountain scenic railway line to Argentina was abandoned in 1984. There were plans to rehabilitate and re-open line for freight and passenger traffic. Salta-Antofagasta railway line is used only for freight traffic.
There are passenger trains between border towns Arica (Chile) and Tacna (Peru). Trains are sometimes suspended, later reinstated and nobody knows where to find the timetable.
See also:
Railways in Americas by country
