SandsofEss
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- Joined
- 11 May 2014
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I took a trip in South America last October. My cross-continental train journey plans were scuppered by the savage service cuts made in Argentina this year. But an infrequent Chilean train came to the rescue, and scratched my long-distance journey itch.
Unlike neighbouring Argentina, Chile is undergoing something of a railway revival. Sections of its once-grand main route are being gradually re-opened, with major investment planned to add more services to the network over the coming decade.
One recent reintroduction is the tourist service from the capital Santiago, to the southern city Temuco - a hub for exploring Chile’s picturesque lake district.
Thought I’d share some notes below in case anyone ever searches for details.
Timetable
The train currently runs less than once a month in both directions, generally timed to coincide with holidays, but I’m told this may improve.
From Santiago to Temuco is an overnight service (21:30 to 10:00). Temuco to Santiago runs during the day (08:50 to 20:45), usually 3/4 days after the southbound service.
Classes of travel
There are three classes of travel:
Turista
Typical 2x2 seating.
Super Salon
Reclining 2x2 seats that can be adjusted to face the direction of travel.
Preferente
The most comfortable. Seats in a 2-1 formation with tables, footrests, power outlets and a 140’ recline. Travellers are given a pillow and a blanket. (Some pics attached).
All carriages have spacious toilets regularly cleaned by an on-board janitor.
Food and drink
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink.
There is a cafe car on board that sells hot and cold snacks, teas, coffees, soft drinks and alcohol to enjoy at dining tables or back at your seat (pics attached). The prices are very reasonable (e.g. £3 for 3 mini pizzas and a beer).
We travelled the day before Halloween, so the café car (and staff!) were decked out in appropriate gear.
Security
Each carriage has an attendant, who remains on board for the duration of the journey. Luggage can be stored in large racks at the end of the carriages, or in spacious overhead shelves.
We felt very safe as visitors from the UK travelling with children, but there are a couple of things to be aware of:
The Estación Central area of Santiago is known for petty crime. It’s heavily policed, but be alert in the station and especially if you venture outside.
The train is visibly escorted by army personnel in the forest between Laja and Victoria. I believe this is because there is tension between the Chilean state authorities and the indigenous Mapuche people. A freight train was deliberately derailed in 2020.
Some journey highlights
Prices and how to book
Tickets are priced in Chilean Pesos (approx. 1,200 to the British Pound):
There is no discount for children, unless they are under 110cm and sharing a seat with a paying adult.
Tickets can be booked in-person at Santiago train station, or online at tren.cl.
The online booking system is very intuitive, however, it’s not currently set up properly to process foreign debit cards. I have reported this, and hope it will be fixed (it’s just a setting the merchant needs to toggle with its payment processor). In the meantime, you may need to find a friend with a bank account or credit card registered in South America in order to complete an online booking, or buy at the station.
Unlike neighbouring Argentina, Chile is undergoing something of a railway revival. Sections of its once-grand main route are being gradually re-opened, with major investment planned to add more services to the network over the coming decade.
One recent reintroduction is the tourist service from the capital Santiago, to the southern city Temuco - a hub for exploring Chile’s picturesque lake district.
Thought I’d share some notes below in case anyone ever searches for details.
Timetable
The train currently runs less than once a month in both directions, generally timed to coincide with holidays, but I’m told this may improve.
From Santiago to Temuco is an overnight service (21:30 to 10:00). Temuco to Santiago runs during the day (08:50 to 20:45), usually 3/4 days after the southbound service.
Classes of travel
There are three classes of travel:
Turista
Typical 2x2 seating.
Super Salon
Reclining 2x2 seats that can be adjusted to face the direction of travel.
Preferente
The most comfortable. Seats in a 2-1 formation with tables, footrests, power outlets and a 140’ recline. Travellers are given a pillow and a blanket. (Some pics attached).
All carriages have spacious toilets regularly cleaned by an on-board janitor.
Food and drink
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink.
There is a cafe car on board that sells hot and cold snacks, teas, coffees, soft drinks and alcohol to enjoy at dining tables or back at your seat (pics attached). The prices are very reasonable (e.g. £3 for 3 mini pizzas and a beer).
We travelled the day before Halloween, so the café car (and staff!) were decked out in appropriate gear.
Security
Each carriage has an attendant, who remains on board for the duration of the journey. Luggage can be stored in large racks at the end of the carriages, or in spacious overhead shelves.
We felt very safe as visitors from the UK travelling with children, but there are a couple of things to be aware of:
The Estación Central area of Santiago is known for petty crime. It’s heavily policed, but be alert in the station and especially if you venture outside.
The train is visibly escorted by army personnel in the forest between Laja and Victoria. I believe this is because there is tension between the Chilean state authorities and the indigenous Mapuche people. A freight train was deliberately derailed in 2020.
Some journey highlights
- Alameda Estación Central in Santiago is a grand building adorned with palm trees and surrounded by the hustle and bustle of street vendors.
- Southbound, the train begins its journey by heading to Chillán on the highest-speed passenger railway in South America.
- North of Victoria, the train crosses the iconic Malleco viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The train is hauled by historic locomotives throughout its journey - usually a General Electric ‘Shovelnose’ diesel.
- While Temuco is not much of a destination in its own right, there are regular buses that make the 2 hour journey up into the mountains to Pucón - the beautiful resort town in the shadow of the Villarica Volcano.
Prices and how to book
Tickets are priced in Chilean Pesos (approx. 1,200 to the British Pound):
Turista - $CLP 22,000
Super Salon - $CLP 33,000
Preferente - $CLP 44,000
There is no discount for children, unless they are under 110cm and sharing a seat with a paying adult.
Tickets can be booked in-person at Santiago train station, or online at tren.cl.
The online booking system is very intuitive, however, it’s not currently set up properly to process foreign debit cards. I have reported this, and hope it will be fixed (it’s just a setting the merchant needs to toggle with its payment processor). In the meantime, you may need to find a friend with a bank account or credit card registered in South America in order to complete an online booking, or buy at the station.