Information
Landmark: End of the World TrainCity: Ushuaia
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
End of the World Train, Ushuaia, Argentina, South America
Overview
The End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo) is a historic, scenic railway that winds through Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, in Argentina’s wild Tierra del Fuego-where the air smells of salt and pine.The train winds through Patagonian forests, past jagged peaks and wide, wind‑swept valleys, offering a one‑of‑a‑kind way to experience the region’s breathtaking beauty.It’s one of Ushuaia’s top draws, giving visitors a vivid glimpse into the region’s past-from its gritty early penal colony to the windswept tracks of the world’s southernmost railway.In the early 20th century, the End of the World Train carried prisoners to the remote Ushuaia Penal Colony, its iron wheels grinding over the icy rails.The railway mainly carried prisoners and supplies between Ushuaia Prison and several work camps, from the coal-black furnaces to the wood-processing sheds tucked into the Martial Mountains.Back then, when the Argentine government was setting up Ushuaia as a penal colony, the railway hauled supplies and timber that helped shape the region’s growth.The line shut down in the 1950s, but in 1994 a restored train began rolling again, carrying tourists past wildflower meadows and into the heart of the area's history.These days, it’s a favorite spot for visitors, carrying them on a winding ride past wind-bent trees and rugged hills in Tierra del Fuego National Park.The train winds along a narrow-gauge track through Tierra del Fuego National Park, where rugged peaks rise above forests and the wild Patagonian landscape stretches out before you.It’s about 8 kilometers-roughly 5 miles-each way, and the trip takes close to an hour; long enough to notice the scent of pine along the path.The train winds through dense sub-Antarctic forests, past rushing rivers, towering mountains, and gleaming glaciers, offering a rare glimpse of the region’s wild beauty.One highlight of the ride is the Pipo River, where the train glides past crystal-clear water and dense green forest crowding the banks.Passengers can take in the shimmer of the water and the deep green stretch of forest all around.The Andes rise in the distance, their Martial Mountain peaks jutting sharply against the sky, a rugged backdrop that follows you mile after mile.Scenic viewpoints: The train makes several stops along the route, giving passengers a chance to hop off, snap a quick photo, and take in the wide sweep of mountains and sky.Riding the End of the World Train feels like stepping into a faded postcard-warm sunlight on worn wooden seats, memories tucked into every corner.Passengers ride in restored historic carriages, their polished brass fittings gleaming, yet inside they’ll find all the modern comforts.The hiss of the steam-powered engine gives the journey an old-world charm, though some trains now run on modern diesel to cut emissions.The train cars mirror the original ones that once carried people to the prison colony, with worn leather seats and wide windows that frame the passing coastline.All along the route, savvy guides share vivid stories-how the railway was built, what life was like in the old penal colony, and the rugged beauty of Tierra del Fuego, where the wind carries the scent of salt and pine.The guides weave in tales of the Yámana people-the first to call this land home-along with the hardships endured by early settlers and the prisoners who once chipped at the frozen earth.Atmosphere: The train glides along with an easy, peaceful feel, the soft clatter of wheels making it a pleasant ride for visitors of any age.It’s a wonderful way to take in Tierra del Fuego’s sweeping landscapes-jagged peaks, icy blue waters-while traveling in comfort and style.Stations and Stops - Ushuaia Station: The trip starts at Ushuaia Station, tucked at the city’s far southern edge where the wind carries a hint of sea salt.All the trains start from this station, where you can buy tickets, pick up a small brass keychain from the gift shop, and wander through exhibits that tell the story of the railway and the region.The train rolls into the National Park Station, its windows framing snow-dusted peaks, and pauses so passengers can wander through Tierra del Fuego’s wild beauty.Here, visitors might wander down a short path or pause to take in sweeping views of the hills.The train’s last stop is the End of the World Station, tucked near the heart of Tierra del Fuego National Park where the wind smells faintly of salt and pine.From here, visitors can wander the park’s winding trails and spot the region’s unique wildlife-bright-feathered birds darting between ancient oaks, and rustling in the brush from unseen creatures.The train ride may be the star of the trip, but visitors can also join in on plenty of activities-snapping photos of passing waterfalls along the way or exploring more once they step into the park.Some of these activities include hiking-Tierra del Fuego National Park offers winding trails that range from easy strolls through mossy forests to steep climbs with sweeping views.After stepping off at the park, passengers can set out on a hike through forests where pine needles crunch underfoot, past quiet lakes and winding rivers.Wildlife Watching: The park teems with life-from chattering birds and scurrying guinea pigs to the elusive Andean fox slipping like a shadow through the grass.In the park’s winding trails and quiet marshes, wildlife lovers can watch nature unfold exactly as it has for centuries.Photography: Rolling past snow-dusted peaks and windswept plains, the train through Tierra del Fuego feels like a dream for anyone with a camera in hand.Wide-open vistas and untouched wilderness make it easy to capture stunning shots, like the shimmer of morning light on a still lake.At both the station and the park, visitors can find plenty of amenities-restaurants serving hot meals, cozy cafés with the smell of fresh coffee, and gift shops offering local handicrafts, regional treats, and train-themed souvenirs tied to the area’s history.The End of the World Train runs all year, but summer-December through March-draws the biggest crowds to Ushuaia, when the air is crisp and the views from the carriage windows feel endless.These months bring softer weather and longer days, with golden light lingering into the evening, giving you more time to roam the hills and enjoy the outdoors.From June to August, winter sweeps in with snow that blankets the park and nearby hills, turning them into a quiet, sparkling wonderland.It might be cold, but the snow-draped mountains and quiet pine forests create a peaceful, almost magical scene.The End of the World Train carries you deep into Tierra del Fuego, where wind sweeps across jagged peaks and valleys, offering a front-row view of Patagonia’s raw beauty while sharing the region’s rich and often surprising history.Whether you’re drawn to the old stories of the penal colony, the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park, or just love the idea of a train winding past wind-bent trees in one of the world’s remotest corners, the Tren del Fin del Mundo offers an unforgettable way to experience this striking slice of Argentina.
