Essential End of the World Train tips for 2026

Taking a ride on this historic railway is a highlight for many travelers in Patagonia. To help you prepare, here are our top End of the World Train tips. These suggestions cover everything from seat choice to historical highlights. Having a plan will help you avoid crowds and save money. Be sure to check how to book End of the World Train tickets before you arrive. This ensures you get your preferred departure time and carriage class.

• Best overall: Macarena Waterfall stop
• Best for families: Tourist Class ride
• Best rainy-day: Premium Class carriage
• Best free activity: Viewing the station museum

1. Name: Estación del Fin del Mundo
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is the main starting station with a beautiful wooden facade. It houses a cafe and local gift shop.
   Best for: History buffs
   Where: 8km west of downtown Ushuaia
   Time: 45 minutes before departure
   Cost: Included in ticket
   Tip: Browse the small museum section to see old railway photos.
2. Name: Premium Class Carriage
   Type: experience
   Why go: This class includes a full meal and souvenir gifts for passengers. It offers a more private and comfortable setting.
   Best for: Couples or luxury travelers
   Where: Front of the train
   Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (total journey)
   Cost: Extra fee applies
   Tip: Book these seats well in advance during the peak summer months.
3. Name: Estación Cascada La Macarena
   Type: sight
   Why go: The train stops here to let passengers see a reconstructed Yamana camp. You can also view a stunning waterfall nearby.
   Best for: Photographers
   Where: Along the Pipo River
   Time: 15-20 minute stop
   Cost: Free with ticket
   Tip: Walk up the stairs quickly to beat the crowds to the waterfall.
4. Name: Puente Quemado
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the "Burnt Bridge" which crosses the Pipo River valley. It offers dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
   Best for: Scenic views
   Where: Shortly after leaving the main station
   Time: View from the train
   Cost: Free with ticket
   Tip: Keep your camera ready on the right side of the carriage.
5. Name: Cementerio de Árboles
   Type: sight
   Why go: This "Tree Cemetery" shows where prisoners once cut down thousands of trees. It creates a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
   Best for: History lovers
   Where: Central part of the route
   Time: View from the train
   Cost: Free with ticket
   Tip: Listen to the audio guide for the story behind these stumps.
6. Name: Estación Parque Nacional
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is the final stop where the train enters the park. It is the southernmost functioning railway station on the planet.
   Best for: Nature lovers
   Where: Inside Tierra del Fuego National Park
   Time: 15 minutes at arrival
   Cost: Park entry fee required separately
   Tip: Meet your tour bus or guide here for further park exploration.
7. Name: Southern Fuegian Railway Boutique
   Type: experience
   Why go: This shop sells high-quality souvenirs that you cannot find in downtown Ushuaia. It features items related to the convict railway history.
   Best for: Gift shopping
   Where: Inside the main station
   Time: 20 minutes
   Cost: Varies by item
   Tip: Look for the local handmade wood carvings of the train engines.
8. Name: Audio Guide Commentary
   Type: activity
   Why go: Every seat has access to an audio system in multiple languages. It explains the history of the convict train in Ushuaia clearly.
   Best for: International visitors
   Where: On board the train
   Time: Continuous during the ride
   Cost: Free with ticket
   Tip: Bring your own headphones for better audio quality and comfort.
9. Name: Tierra del Fuego National Park
   Type: day trip
   Why go: The train is a perfect way to enter this massive protected area. It features sub-antarctic forests and coastal scenery.
   Best for: Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
   Where: Ends at the park boundary
   Time: 3-6 hours total
   Cost: National park entrance fee
   Tip: Check the Tierra del Fuego National Park guide for trail maps.
10. Name: Ensenada Bay Post Office
    Type: sight
    Why go: Located near the train's end point, this is the southernmost post office. You can get a special stamp in your passport.
    Best for: Unique souvenirs
    Where: Ensenada Bay (short taxi or bus ride)
    Time: 30 minutes
    Cost: Small fee for stamps
    Tip: Bring cash for the postmaster as they often don't take cards.
11. Name: Maritime and Prison Museum
    Type: experience
    Why go: Learn about the prisoners who actually built the original railway line. The museum is housed in the actual old prison.
    Best for: History buffs
    Where: Downtown Ushuaia
    Time: 2-3 hours
    Cost: Check official rates on Museo Marítimo
    Tip: Visit this museum before the train ride to understand the context.
12. Name: Beagle Channel Boat Tours
    Type: activity
    Why go: After your morning train ride, see the city from the water. Many tours leave from the harbor in the afternoon.
    Best for: Seeing wildlife
    Where: Tourist pier, downtown
    Time: 3-4 hours
    Cost: Varies by boat style
    Tip: Look into Beagle Channel boat tours for sea lion sightings.

Planning your journey at the End of the World

Organizing your trip requires some basic logistics. The station is located about eight kilometers from the Ushuaia city center. You can reach it via taxi, shuttle, or a guided tour. Most people combine the train with a full park visit. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your departure time. This allows you to visit the cafe and take photos.

Seating on the train is usually assigned by carriage class. For the best views of the river, try sitting on the right side. However, the train turns around, so you will see both sides. The carriages are heated, but the platforms are very cold. Wear layers to remain comfortable when you step out at the stops. Heavy winds are common in Tierra del Fuego even in summer.

You can buy tickets on the Tren del Fin del Mundo official website. Booking online is much safer than waiting until the day of travel. In 2026, demand is expected to be high for the morning slots. If you want a quieter experience, consider the afternoon departures. These often have fewer large tour groups and feel more intimate.

Historic highlights of the Southern Fuegian Railway

The history of this railway is quite fascinating and somber. It began as a small track meant to transport firewood and stone. The workers were inmates from the local high-security prison. They built the line across harsh and frozen terrain. This infrastructure was essential for the growth of the young city. Today, the steam engines are meticulously maintained to honor this past.

The locomotives used are exact replicas or restored originals. You will hear the distinct whistle blow as you leave the station. The scent of wood smoke adds to the nostalgic atmosphere on board. Each section of the track represents decades of difficult labor. It is a living piece of Argentinian history preserved for modern visitors. The railway is widely considered one of the most beautiful in South America.

Understanding this history deepens the emotional impact of the journey. The "Tree Cemetery" is a particularly moving sight along the route. It shows the sheer scale of the logging operations the prisoners performed. The train now serves as a reminder of human endurance. It also showcases the stunning natural beauty that those prisoners once worked in. For more context, use this museums in Ushuaia guide during your stay.

Top attractions near the End of the World Train

Ushuaia offers many other activities within a short distance of the railway. After finishing your train ride, explore the top attractions near Ushuaia. Most visitors choose to spend the afternoon hiking in the national park. You can walk along the shores of Lapataia Bay for excellent views. This is where the Pan-American Highway finally ends.

For those who love heights, the Martial Glacier is another great option. It offers a panoramic view of the Beagle Channel and the city. You can find more details in the Martial Glacier hiking guide. If you prefer wildlife, consider a trip to see the penguins. These tours typically depart from the main tourist pier in town. Check the Tierra del Fuego Turismo site for local updates.

The town itself has many charming restaurants and craft shops. You should try the local king crab if you visit downtown. It is a famous delicacy in the Tierra del Fuego region. Many shops offer high-quality wool clothing for the cold weather. Exploring these sites will give you a complete Fuegian experience. Be sure to check Ushuaia's official site for seasonal festival dates.