Uruguay

Brief History

Rail transportation in Uruguay began in 1867 with the opening of the first horse-drawn railroad. In 1882, the first steam railroad was built. By the end of the nineteenth century, the railroad network reached its maximum development, connecting Montevideo with other cities. In the twentieth century, rail transportation faced competition and crises. The 1950s saw nationalization and reforms. Since the 1980s, transportation has gradually lost importance. The network has shrunk and only half of it remains in service. Now the Ferrocarril Central project is being planned to modernize and reconstruct the railroad between Montevideo and Paso de los Toros, linked to the development of the Aratirí mining complex. This project aims to improve infrastructure, create jobs and income.

General Information and Statistics

The main railroad operator of passenger trains in Uruguay is Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado (AFE). AFE carried 1.5 million passengers in 2020.

Uruguay's railroad network has about 2,900 kilometers of lines.

All railroad lines in Uruguay are diesel-powered, no electrified tracks (0%).

What connections to other countries there are.

There are no international passenger trains in Uruguay. However, there are freight trains between Uruguay and Brazil and Argentina.

Are trains fast in Uruguay in general? How much time to cross the country?

No information on train speeds in Uruguay was found.
The only passenger railroad in the country runs between Tacuarembo and Rivera, a Uruguayan border town on the border with Brazil. Traveling from Tacuarembo to Riveroi takes approximately 2:10 hours.

What railway companies are available?

The National Railroad Administration (AFE) is the single company responsible for operating the railroad network in Uruguay.

What train types are available in Uruguay

There are currently a limited number of train types available in Uruguay due to the diminishing role of rail transportation in the country. Below are the main types of trains that may be available in Uruguay:

    • Passenger Trains: Passenger trains are limited in Uruguay and there is only one passenger rail line between the cities of Tacuarembo and Rivera. 

    • Freight Trains: Freight trains play a significant role in Uruguay's rail system, transporting a variety of goods and resources. They may include freight cars designed to transport agricultural products, minerals, industrial goods, etc.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

There are no high-speed trains in Uruguay.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railroad stations in Uruguay are B. de Rocha, P. del Cerro, Laureles, B. Civiles, Tranqueras, P. Atakes, Rivera.

Websites to buy train tickets for Uruguay?

There is no option to buy tickets online for Uruguayan trains.

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Uruguay?

There is no mobile app for buying Uruguayan train tickets.

Possible to buy a ticket at Uruguay railway station?

The only way to buy train tickets in Uruguay is to purchase them at the train station.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

It is not possible to purchase tickets by phone call for Uruguayan trains.

Return the ticket.

There is no information about the possibility of canceling tickets for Uruguayan trains.

Train ticket prices

According to the information provided on the official website, the fares for the AFE rail line between Tacuarembo and Rivera are valid from March 2022. The minimum fare is $55 for a distance of 35 kilometers. The fare varies depending on the departure and arrival station, with the highest fare being $200 for a one-way trip between Tacuarembo and Rivera or between B. de Rocha and Rivera.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

There are currently no international trains in Uruguay.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on afe.com.uy/wp-content/uploads/HORARIOS-TACUAREMBO-RIVERA2-1.pdf

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

It was not possible to find any specific information on whether it is necessary or advisable to buy train tickets in advance or just before the train in Uruguay. In general, however, it is always a good idea to check ticket availability and purchase tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak travel times.

Types of tickets.

I have not been able to find any specific information on the types of tickets for Uruguayan trains.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Uruguay

Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available in Uruguay.

Saver price.

There are no "Saver price" tickets on Uruguayan 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.

Flexible tickets are not available in Uruguay.

Rules of boarding.

To board a train in Uruguay, you need to have a valid identity document . If you are a foreigner, you must carry your passport with you at all times.

Discounts for group travel.

There are no discounts for group travel on Uruguayan trains.

Age groups and discounts.

No information about discounts on Uruguay trains for different age groups was found.

Age limitations for minors.

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Handicapped passengers.

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Seat reservations in Country trains.

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Comfort classes on the trains.

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Food and drink in Uruguay trains / train restaurant.

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Night trains in Uruguay?

As the Uruguay train schedule suggests - there are no night trains. Trains run from 7 a.m. to 6:25 p.m.

Important train routes in Uruguay.

August 2023

Tacuarembó - B. de Rocha / 0:20 hours / $55 / 1.34 €/ The route is served five times a week
Tacuarembó - P. del Cerro / 0:45 hours / $55 / 1.34 €/ The route is served five times a week
Tacuarembó - Laureles / 0:56 hours / $90 / 2.19 €/ The route is served five times a week
Tacuarembó - B. Civilians / 1:16 hours / $120 / 2.92 €/ The route is served five times a week
Tacuarembó - Tranqueras / 1:24 hours / $120 / 2.92 €/ The route is served five times a week
Tacuarembó - P.Ataques / 1:40 hours / $200 / 4.86 €/ The route is served five times a week
Tacuarembó - Rivera / 2:10 hours / $200 / 4.86 €/ The route is served five times a week
It is not clear what currency is listed on the website.

International train routes.

There are no international passenger trains in Uruguay.

Tourist / scenic routes in Uruguay.

    • "The Magic of Nature: From Tacuarembó to Tranqueras."
Travel through green valleys and vast plains, from Tacuarembó to Tranqueras. Discover the beauty of Uruguayan nature in all its splendor. The road, winding past soft hills and tranquil rivers, will plunge you into the peace and harmony of this land.

    • "Historic Retrospective: Tacuarembó to Rivera".
Take a ride along a route that connects two iconic points in Uruguay. Tacuarembó, the birthplace of Eduardo Galeano, will reveal to you pages of history and literature. Cross the border and arrive in Rivera, symbolizing the union of cultures and times.

    • "Treasures of Culture: From Tacuarembó to B. de Rocha".
This journey is a true discovery of cultural treasures. From the pulsating atmosphere of Tacuarembó, you will travel to the narrow streets and picturesque alleys of B. de Rocha. From artisan stores to sidewalk cafes, every detail on this journey reveals the beauty and authenticity of Uruguay.

    • "Beyond the Horizon: Tacuarembó to P. del Cerro."
This itinerary is a journey through time through architectural styles. Go from the historic neighborhoods of Tacuarembó to P. del Cerro with its modern buildings and bold designs. Breathe in the spirit of innovation and evolution.

    • "Wine Lands: From Tacuarembó to Laureles."
Spend a day traveling an itinerary that introduces you to the process of creating one of the most delicate of arts - wine. From Tacuarembó, bursting with the aromas of ripe vineyards, to Laureles, where you can sample unique wines with partnering dishes.

Luggage information.

No specific information could be found about luggage on trains in Uruguay.

Bicycle on the train.

To transport a bicycle on a train in Uruguay, you must contact the train company's customer service. They may be able to provide you with information about the rules and conditions for transporting bicycles on trains.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

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Luggage lockers on the stations in Uruguay.

I couldn't find any specific information about luggage lockers in Uruguayan train stations.

Lost and Found Items.

No specific information on lost and found items on Uruguayan trains could be found. However, there is a Lost and Found Uruguay website (https://lost-found.org/uruguay/) where you can report a lost item in Uruguay. You can fill out a lost item report form online in English, Spanish or French.

Pets on the trains.

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