The railway in Guadeloupe was used to transport sugar cane. The first line to the sugar factory was built in the 1860s. By the mid-19th century, a 160-kilometer railway network had been built on the islands of Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, and Marie-Galante. Currently, train travel in Guadeloupe is possible in sugar cane museum in Beauport.
Last updated: 19.01.2024
From the 1960s, the importance of the sugar industry began to decline and the railways were gradually closed.
The last narrow-gauge railway was closed in 1989, because cyclone “Hugo” destroyed the railway network and sugar factory in Beauport equipment.
The former sugar factory in Beauport has been converted into a learning center about the local region and the history of slavery and sugar industry. The part of the sugar cane railway was opened as a tourist service. The train named “Flèchkann” is hauled by a diesel locomotive has wooden small carriages. Total length of the route is 6,5 km.
On designated days, the museum offers train rides through the old sugar plantation. The ride lasts 50 minutes. Train runs twice a day – on 11:00 and 15:00.
There is also an old steam locomotive as a display.
There are remains of old railway lines on the islands.
Project of the public railway between Pointe-à-Pitre and Le Moule on Grande-Terre island was abandoned.
See also:
Railway in Americas by country
