Train of the End of the World

Route overview

The Train of the End of the World, known in Spanish as the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino, is a narrow-gauge heritage railway located near Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. The line runs approximately 10 kilometres from the Estación del Fin del Mundo on the outskirts of Ushuaia into the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. It operates as a tourist train, offering passengers a journey through subantarctic landscapes that include dense forests, peat bogs, and river valleys. The route follows part of the original trackbed of a former prison railway that served as a logging and transport line in the early 20th century. Today, the train provides a leisurely round-trip experience, typically lasting about one hour each way, with a stop at the Cascada de la Macarena station inside the national park. The railway is not part of the national rail network and does not connect to other cities; it is a self-contained heritage operation. Its southern location and scenic setting have made it a notable attraction for visitors to Tierra del Fuego, and it is often cited as the southernmost railway in the world.

History of the line

The origins of the Train of the End of the World date back to the late 19th century, when Argentina established a penal colony at Ushuaia. To exploit timber resources and transport materials, the prison administration built a narrow-gauge railway in the early 1900s. This line, often called the Tren de los Presos (Prisoners’ Train), used convict labour to lay track through the rugged terrain. It extended from the prison in Ushuaia into the surrounding forests, where inmates harvested wood for construction and fuel. The railway operated for several decades but fell into disuse after the prison closed in 1947. Much of the track was dismantled or abandoned, and the route was largely forgotten. In the 1990s, a private initiative restored a portion of the old alignment as a heritage tourist train. The first section reopened in 1994, and subsequent extensions reached the national park boundary. The current operation preserves the historical spirit of the original line while serving modern visitors. The train has since become a symbol of Ushuaia’s history and a key component of its tourism industry, offering a glimpse into the region’s penal and logging past.

Landscape and scenery

The journey on the Train of the End of the World traverses a pristine subantarctic environment characteristic of southern Tierra del Fuego. Departing from the Estación del Fin del Mundo, the train passes through areas of lenga and coihue forests, which are typical of the Magellanic subpolar forests ecoregion. The route crosses the Pipo River and follows the valley of the Río Pipo, offering views of watercourses, beaver dams, and peat bogs. The landscape is marked by glacial landforms, including moraines and U-shaped valleys, remnants of past ice ages. Inside the national park, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with glimpses of the Martial Mountains and the possibility of spotting wildlife such as foxes, condors, and various bird species. The train stops at Cascada de la Macarena, a small station near a waterfall, where passengers can briefly walk to a viewpoint. Weather conditions can change rapidly, from clear skies to rain or snow, reflecting the region’s cool, oceanic climate. The overall experience is one of remoteness and natural beauty, with the train providing a comfortable way to access areas that would otherwise require hiking. The route is particularly popular for its photographic opportunities and its sense of journeying to a distant, untouched corner of the planet.

Key stations and cities

The Train of the End of the World operates between two main stations and one intermediate stop. The primary terminus is the Estación del Fin del Mundo, located about 8 kilometres west of central Ushuaia. This station serves as the departure point and includes a small museum, a café, and a souvenir shop. Ushuaia itself is the capital of Tierra del Fuego Province and is recognised as the southernmost city in the world. It is a hub for tourism, offering access to national parks, Beagle Channel cruises, and winter sports. The train’s other terminus is the Estación Parque Nacional, situated inside the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. This station is the endpoint for the train and provides access to walking trails and viewpoints within the park. The intermediate stop is Cascada de la Macarena, a request stop near a waterfall and a short boardwalk. Passengers may disembark here to explore the immediate area before continuing. The stations are simple, functional structures designed to handle tourist traffic, with platforms and basic amenities. The route does not serve any other urban centres, as it is a dedicated heritage line. The city of Ushuaia is the primary gateway for visitors, with an airport and port connecting it to other parts of Argentina and Chile.

Rolling stock and service

The Train of the End of the World utilises a small fleet of narrow-gauge steam and diesel locomotives, along with a set of passenger carriages. The locomotives are primarily oil-fired steam engines, some of which are replicas or restored models from the early 20th century. Diesel locomotives are also employed, particularly during periods of high demand or when steam operations are not feasible. The carriages are heated and feature large windows for viewing the landscape. They are typically painted in colours reminiscent of the historical era, such as dark green or red. The service operates year-round, although schedules may vary seasonally. Departures are usually several times per day, with the journey lasting approximately one hour in each direction. The train is designed for tourist excursions, and commentary is often provided in multiple languages. There is no regular commuter service; all trips are round-trip excursions from the Estación del Fin del Mundo. Passengers are advised to remain seated while the train is in motion, but they may stand in designated areas. The train staff includes drivers, conductors, and guides who share information about the history and natural features of the route. The overall experience is leisurely and focused on sightseeing rather than speed or efficiency.

Technical facts and engineering

The railway operates on a narrow gauge of 500 millimetres, which is one of the narrowest track gauges in the world. This gauge was chosen historically to reduce construction costs and allow for tight curves and steep gradients in the challenging terrain. The total length of the line is approximately 10 kilometres, though it originally extended further during its prison-era operation. The route includes several bridges, including a notable crossing over the Río Pipo, and follows the contours of the valley to minimise earthworks. The maximum gradient is relatively modest, but the curves are sharp, requiring low speeds. The track is laid on wooden sleepers and ballast, with rails that are lighter than those used on standard-gauge main lines. The locomotives are adapted to the narrow gauge, with smaller loading gauges and reduced power compared to standard-gauge engines. The railway is not electrified; all traction is provided by steam or diesel locomotives. Maintenance is carried out on-site by the operator’s staff, using specialised equipment for narrow-gauge track. The line operates under a concession within the national park, and environmental considerations are taken into account to minimise impact on the fragile ecosystem. The engineering is thus a blend of historical preservation and modern tourist infrastructure, adapted to the unique conditions of Tierra del Fuego.

Frequently asked questions

What is the southernmost railway in the world? The Train of the End of the World is often cited as the southernmost railway in the world, as it operates near Ushuaia, Argentina, at approximately 54 degrees south latitude. However, some sources note that there are other, smaller tourist railways even further south, such as in Antarctica, but these are not permanent public railways. The Train of the End of the World is the southernmost railway that is part of a regular tourist service on the South American mainland. How long is the journey? The round trip from Estación del Fin del Mundo to Estación Parque Nacional and back takes about two hours, including a stop at Cascada de la Macarena. The one-way journey is roughly one hour. Is the train accessible for all visitors? The train has limited accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, as the carriages are historical in design. It is advisable to check with the operator in advance for specific needs. The stations have basic facilities, but the terrain around the stops may be uneven. Overall, the train offers a unique way to experience the landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, combining history, nature, and a sense of adventure at the end of the world.