The Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train, also known as the Southern Fueguian Railway) is the southernmost operating railway on Earth, running 7 kilometers of 500-millimeter narrow-gauge track through the entry zone of Tierra del Fuego National Park, 8 km west of Ushuaia. The original line was built between 1909 and 1947 by Ushuaia prison inmates as the "Tren de los Presos" (Prisoner Train), used to transport wood, fuel and prisoners daily from the Ushuaia penitentiary to logging sites in what is now the National Park. When the prison closed in 1947 (the building is now the Ushuaia Maritime and Prison Museum), the train was decommissioned. It was reopened in 1994 as a tourist attraction with new track, restored steam locomotives ("Camila" and "Renacer", reproductions of the original engines) and faithful reproductions of the original carriages. Today it operates year-round with 4-6 daily departures, taking visitors on a 1h45 round-trip journey through the eastern Park entry zone, with a 25-minute stop at Macarena Station, where you can disembark for views of the Macarena Falls and the original Lapataia River meander. The historical narrative — life in the world's southernmost penal colony, prison labor in extreme weather, the 1909 founding of Tierra del Fuego — is told through on-board bilingual (EN/ES) audio guides. The train is a particularly memorable experience for families with children, history enthusiasts and winter visitors (snowy landscape combined with steam smoke creates the most photogenic scenes). Three classes are available: Tourist (USD 65 foreign), First Class (USD 95, premium carriage), Premium (USD 145, panoramic windows + on-board champagne, only 8 seats per departure). Reserve online or through your hotel — high-season trains sell out 2-3 days ahead. The departure station, Estación del Fin del Mundo, is 8 km from Ushuaia center and is reached by car, taxi or public bus combined with the National Park entry. The train terminates at the Park Station inside Tierra del Fuego National Park, where many visitors continue with a Park tour (Lapataia Bay, the End of the Pan-American Highway sign, Lake Roca) — combo tickets available at USD 150-220 for the full-day experience including train, park entry, transfers and lunch. The train stations have small museums, gift shops and Patagonian cafes. Whether for the heritage value or simply the novelty of riding "the southernmost train on Earth", the experience is a highlight of any Ushuaia itinerary.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Ushuaia center to End of World Station | 8 km | 15 min |
| Ushuaia airport (USH) to End of World Station | 12 km | 20 min |
| Glaciar Martial | 15 km | 25 min |
| End of World Station to Park Station (train) | 7 km | 50 min train |
| End of World Station to Lapataia Bay | 12 km | 20 min beyond Park Station |
Typical prices by category
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tourist Class (foreigner) | USD 65 |
| Tourist Class (Argentine) | USD 35 |
| First Class (foreigner) | USD 95 |
| Premium Class (foreigner) | USD 145 |
| Children 4-15 | Half price |
| Under 4 | Free (no seat) |
| Park entry (foreigner) | USD 35 (separate) |
| Train + Park Day Tour combo | USD 150-220 |
| Hotel pickup transfer | USD 8-15 |
| On-board lunch (premium class) | Included |
2026 prices. Reserve online or via hotel. Park entry separate USD 35 (foreigner).
Train Route — Step by Step
- Estación del Fin del Mundo (departure): 8 km from Ushuaia center. Small museum on the prison-train history. Cafe, gift shop. Steam locomotive on display.
- Departure (50 min): the train passes the Pipo River, beech forests (lenga and ñire), beaver dams (introduced species, controversial today), the Cañadón del Toro narrow valley.
- Macarena Station (25 min stop): disembark for views of the Macarena Falls and the original Lapataia River meander. Photo opportunities. Small ranger interpretive center.
- Continue to Park Station (final 5 min): arrival inside Tierra del Fuego National Park.
- Return: same track, 50 min back to Estación del Fin del Mundo.
Steam Locomotive Heritage
Two restored steam locomotives operate the line:
- "Camila": the original 1995 reconstruction. Honors a real steam engine that operated 1916-1947 in the prison line.
- "Renacer": a 2015 addition. Larger and more powerful. Used on premium-class departures.
Diesel locomotives are sometimes used as backup — to ensure your trip uses steam, ask when reserving (premium class always uses steam).
Tickets and Combos
End of the World Train Ticket
Direct ticket reservation, all classes available. Includes seat, on-board audio guide, Macarena station stop. Departure between 9:30-16:00.
Train + Tierra del Fuego Park Combo
Full-day excursion: train one-way + Park visit (Lapataia Bay, Lake Roca, End of Pan-American Highway sign), lunch, transfers from hotel.
Premium Class Train
Limited 8-seat panoramic carriage with on-board champagne, gourmet snacks, dedicated steward, premium audio guide.
Combine with Other Ushuaia Sights
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: the natural extension after the train. Lapataia Bay, Lake Roca, End of Pan-American Highway sign.
- Beagle Channel cruise: half day, sea lions, penguins (in season), Les Eclaireurs lighthouse.
- Glaciar Martial: mountain trail and lookout, half day.
- Ushuaia Maritime and Prison Museum: in the original 1902 prison building. Highly recommended after the train ride for full context.
- Estancia Harberton: historic ranch, penguin colony.
See also: Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel, Estancia Harberton.
