Chile
General train travel information for CHILE. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
The history of rail transportation in Chile dates back to the mid-19th century. In January 1884, Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE) was created through the purchase of companies operating longitudinal routes and the Santiago-Valparaiso route. Over time, the company also acquired the railroads of companies involved in sodium nitrate mining in northern Chile. From 1913, EFE's network extended from Iquique to Puerto Montt.
The stable political and economic climate allowed EFE to embark on the largest investment program in its history during the Ricardo Lagos administration. Between 2003 and 2005, about US$1 billion was spent to increase passenger traffic on the suburban network and improve long-distance passenger services, as well as to restore rail service between Santiago and Puerto Montt via Temuco. However, the project has been plagued by a series of corruption scandals and mismanagement. The long-distance trains purchased from the Spanish railroad company RENFE had serious deficiencies, and the service to Puerto Montt was shut down after a few months. This triggered a government investigation which uncovered a crisis in the company due to mismanagement.
Over the past decade, the company has experienced a revival thanks to public investment during the administrations of Michelle Bachelet and Sebastián Piñera, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of old routes and the integration of some of them with the public transportation systems of Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción.
Today, EFE continues to evolve, adapting to changing needs. Newly invested funds and infrastructure upgrades underscore the importance of rail transport in Chile and its contribution to the country's development.
General Information and Statistics
Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (abbreviated EFE, lit. State Railway Company) is the national railway and the oldest state-run enterprise in Chile. The company carried about 20.07 million passengers in 2022
Chile’s railway network extends 7,300km (2019). As of August 2023, there are 119 railroad stations in Chile.
What connections to other countries there are.
Chile has no railroads connecting the country to other nations, the only railroad goes to Bolivia, but it is almost completely abandoned.
Are trains fast in Chile in general? How much time to cross the country?
Trains in Chile are getting faster. New high-speed trains will reach speeds of up to 160 km/h on the Santiago-Chilian route, reducing travel time from 5 to 3 hours and 40 minutes. This is part of a project to modernize the country's rail infrastructure.
The journey from Puerto to Limache takes 1:03 hours and from Central to Rancagua takes 1:10 hours.
What railway companies are available?
All passenger trains in Chile, except for the Santiago Metro, are operated by Chilean State Railways (EFE), which is exclusively a passenger operator. Currently, only three or four commuter trains leave Santiago each day, none of which reach further than Chilan, 400 kilometers from the capital.
What train types are available in Chile
Chile's railway system offers several types of trains, including:
• Interregional Trains: These are long-distance trains that connect major cities and regions. An example is the Santiago-Chillán route, which is being upgraded to include high-speed trains.
• Suburban Trains: Operating mainly in and around Santiago, these trains serve daily commuters. They connect the capital with its suburbs and nearby cities.
• Tourist Trains: Chile has a few scenic railway routes that offer tourists a unique way to experience the country's landscapes. These trains often run through picturesque regions and offer specialized services for travelers.
• Cargo Trains: While not for passenger travel, cargo trains play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country.
• Metro: Major cities like Santiago have efficient metro systems that provide convenient urban transportation.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
The new trains are part of a total US$70 million investment that EFE has allocated to the new railway engines. The trains are made in China by CRRC Sifang. The new trains will undergo calibration and testing for an estimated six-month period. This will allow them to come into operation during the second half of 2023.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway stations in Chile are Santiago, Valparaiso, Chilan, Temuco, Concepción, La Serena, Antofagasta.
Websites to buy train tickets for Chile?
https://www.efe.cl/
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Chile?
Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado has its own app "EFE Trenes de Chile".
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Chile?
Tickets can be purchased through the website or at ticket offices at times determined by the company.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
There is no possibility to purchase a ticket by phone call.
Return the ticket.
The return of tickets may be made by the holder of the purchasehere. A surcharge of 30% of the value of the ticket will be made up to 2 hours before the departure of the train. The return will have an estimated term of 20 business days.
Train ticket prices
Prices vary depending on where you board the train and at which station you get off. If you are going from Estación Central to Chillán, i.e. between the two terminals, the price will be €21.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
Chile has no railroads linking the country to other countries.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.efe.cl/nuestros-servicios/tren-chillan/servicio-y-trazado/
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
In Chile, it is recommended to buy train tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons or on popular routes. Buying tickets in advance ensures that you have a reserved seat and reduces the risk of trains being completely full. In addition, some routes and classes may have a limited number of seats, so buying tickets in advance gives you more choice.
Types of tickets.
There are three types of fares for trains to Santiago in Chile:
• «LOW» fare (06:00 - 06:59, 20:45 - 23:00).
• «VALLEY» fare (09:00 - 17:59, 20:00 - 20:44).
• «TIP» tariff (07:00 - 08:59, 18:00 - 19:59).
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Chile
Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available.
Saver price.
Saver price fare is not available on chili trains.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
A "bip!" card is used to pay for trips around Santiago, which can be recharged at various stations and other locations. Fares are integrated within 120 minutes, allowing up to two transfers at no extra cost.
Rules of boarding.
The ticket is non-transferable to another person, the train staff is empowered to request the passenger's identity card before boarding the train.
Discounts for group travel.
There are no discounts for group travel on Chilean trains.
Age groups and discounts.
Elderly (65+) The fare reduction is 10% on the general value of the type of class in which you wish to travel.
Children under 1 meter and 10 cm tall do not pay for the ticket if they ride in the arms or on the lap of an adult, if they occupy a seat, they pay the child fare (10% discount from the regular fare).
There is a special rate for middle and high school students.
Age limitations for minors.
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their safety. Persons over 14 years of age may travel independently with an ID card and are responsible for their actions.
Handicapped passengers.
People with disabilities
The fare reduction is 50% of the total fare, at any time and for 365 days a year. A personalized, non-transferable card is issued so that people with disabilities can travel safely. It is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. After that it must be renewed free of charge.
Seat reservations in Chile trains.
When you buy a ticket on the website, you go to the map of seats in the train and can choose any seat you like, seat reservation is included in the price of tickets.
Comfort classes on the trains.
There are two main classes of service available on trains in Chile:
Preferential (Preferred Class):
• Seats with reclining backrests.
• Arranged in rows of 2 and 1 seats facing each other.
• Seat separation is 50% forward facing and 50% rearward facing.
• The distance between seats is greater than in airplane and bus.
• Individual tables, power outlets, air conditioning.
• Personalized service, catering and bar.
Lounge (Lounge Class):
• Chairs with movable backs, rows of 2 seats.
• Seating arrangement 50% facing forward and 50% facing backwards.
• Individual tables, air conditioning.
• Personalized service, catering and bar.
Also available on some trains are the following comforts:
• "Super Salon": 2+2 seating, reclining angle (130°), all seats facing in the direction of the train, footrests.
• "Tourist": 2+2 seating, tilt angle (110°), 50% facing in the direction of travel and 50% against it, footrests and individual table.
Food and drink in Chile trains / train restaurant.
Some trains in Chile provide catering and a snack bar during the trip.
Night trains in Chile?
Night trains between Santiago and Concepción are available every weekend in January and February. Three classes of service: "Preferential", "super salon" and "Tourist". Intermediate stops at San Rosendo. Departure and arrival times may vary. Fares: "Preferential" - 33.70 €, "super salon" - 27.35€ , "Tourist" - 23.10€
Important train routes in Chile.
Central Station – Nos Station / 0:27 hours / from 0.68 EUR / every 6 to 15 minutes
port station – Limache Station / 1:03 hours / from 1.07 EUR / First Train 06:15,Last Train 22:30
Hualqui Station – Coronel Intermodal Station / from 1:12 hours / from 0.79 EUR /1 train per 1-2 hours
Central Station – Rancagua Station / 1:10 hours / from 2.32 EUR / every 30 minutes
Talca Station – Constitution Station / 2:45 hours / from 1.58 EUR / 1 train a day
Laja Station – Thno Market Station / 2:18 hours / from 1.85 EUR / 4 trains a day
Victoria Station – Temuco Station / 1:25 hours / from 1.11 EUR / 4 trains a day
Temuco Station – Pitrufquén Station / 0:41 hours / from 1.53 EUR / 3 trains a day
San Carlos Station – Chillan Station / 0:20 hours / 8 trains a day
Central Station – San Fernando Station / 1:46 hours / from 3.27 EUR / 3 trains a day
International train routes.
There are no international train routes in Chile.
Tourist / scenic routes in Chile.
A list of fascinating tourist railroad routes in different regions of Chile:
1. Arica and Parinacota Region: Arica to Poconcile
Embark on an exciting tourist rail journey from Arica to Poconcile while enjoying the stunning scenery of the region.
2. Valparaiso Region: Gandola Carril
Take a nostalgic gandola ride through beautiful Andean landscapes from Los Andes to Rio Blanco.
3. Valparaiso and Metropolitan Regions: Santiago-San Antonio Memory Train
Replay the spirit of an old-time railroad journey linking Santiago and San Antonio.
4. Valparaiso Region: Santiago-Limache Memory Train
Take an exciting wine train journey from Santiago to Limache while enjoying the scenery of the Aconcagua Valley.
5. Chillán-Central Station Train
Travel from Chillán to Santiago, enjoying comfortable trains and scenic views.
6. Flavors of Maule, San Javier Wine Route
Explore wine culture as you travel from Santiago to San Javier and visit wineries.
7. Talca-Constitución Bus Train
Take a rural journey by bus-train from Talca to Constitución, experiencing the authenticity of the area.
8. Santiago-Constitución Night Train
Spend an unforgettable night en route between Santiago and Concepción, traveling in comfort by train.
9. Biobio Region: Laja Short Tourist Train
Take a variety of tourist trips in the Biobio region and explore its beauty.
10. La Araucania Temuco-Victoria Train
Travel by steam train along the beautiful sites of La Araucania while enjoying the historic atmosphere.
Luggage information.
If you travel in Business Class, you can take one hand luggage and one suitcase at no additional cost that do not exceed the following dimensions: 60 x 40 x 40 cm.
If you are traveling in Salon Class, you can bring hand luggage that does not exceed the following dimensions: 60 x 40 x 40 cm.
If you show up with luggage that does not comply with the permitted measurements, an additional charge of 3.20 euro will be made.
You can transport at no additional cost: wheelchairs, crutches, canes, prostheses.
Bicycle on the train.
You can transport your folding bicycle, as long as it meets the luggage dimensions (75 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm).
Ski or snowboard on the train.
There is no information about the possibility of bringing skis or snowboards on the train to Chile.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Chile.
Luggage lockers are available at several train stations in Chile, offering a convenient solution for passengers to store their belongings securely while traveling.
Lost and Found Items.
If you have forgotten an item or document on board, please contact our staff at the stations. They will know how to help you.
If you are not at the station, fill in the contact form with a description of the lost item. You can do this by going to the website (https://www.efe.cl/contacto/) or by contacting the customer service office directly.
Pets on the trains.
You can transport an animal in the train hold, meeting the following requirements:
• They should be shipped only in kennel.
• The measurements of the kennel should be a maximum of 60 x 45 x 47 cm.
• The transfer of pets is considered special baggage, so you must cancel the value assigned for it 3.20 euros.
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