The Paranapiacaba Tourist Express is more than just a train ride: it’s a nostalgic journey through São Paulo’s railway history, which will delight travelers of all ages. The route connects Luz Station to the charming English village of Santo André in an authentic 1950s locomotive, which gives us the feeling of going back to the golden age of railroads on São Paulo soil.
If you’d like to get out of your routine, it’s worth embarking on this trip. After all, as well as taking the train ride, you’ll be able to explore all the charm and history of Paranapiacaba one of the most emblematic corners of the metropolitan region.
Have you ever been on the Paranapiacaba Tourist Express?
Traveling on the Paranapiacaba Tourist Express is like embarking on a journey back in time. Passengers depart from Estação da Luz in refurbished historic wagons and travel 48 kilometers to the English village. Along the way, monitors share stories and curiosities from São Paulo’s railroad past, taking visitors even deeper into the experience.
The journey itself is already an attraction, taking in historic stations and Atlantic Forest landscapes, with on-board service available. But when you arrive in Paranapiacaba, the tour becomes even more special! After all, the authentic English village has remnants of the 19th and 20th centuries, when it was home to workers from the São Paulo Railway (SPR), the company that innovated rail transportation in the state.
Train rides to Paranapiacaba usually take place on weekends and public holidays, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening. There are also special editions for Halloween and even a Star Wars themed train which make the ride even more fun.
What to do in Paranapiacaba?
When you disembark the Tourist Express, get ready to explore Paranapiacaba’s historical and nature attractions! The Clock Tower, for example, is inspired by London’s Big Ben and harks back to the town’s English origins. The Castelinho Museum and the Pátio Ferroviário keep alive the railroad aura that once characterized the town.
For those who enjoy hiking, Parque Nascentes is worth a visit. As well as preserving 426 hectares of Atlantic Forest, it has guided trails at different levels of difficulty suitable for all visitor profiles.
The most incredible thing of all, of course, is being able to take a ride on an authentic 20th century train. If you’re curious, just check out more information about the tour on the CPTM website and secure your ticket from R$50. Fun is guaranteed!
