Travel back in time, explore breathtaking landscapes and experience the rich history of the state of São Paulo on board different compositions. After all, it may seem like a distant past, but there are still options for train rides in São Paulo.
From historical tours, aboard a steam engine, to adventures in the middle of the nature you can embark on unforgettable journeys on the state’s railroads. So get ready to be enchanted by paths that wind through the Atlantic Forest, historic towns and the beauty of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
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Train rides in São Paulo that stand the test of time
CPTM Tourist Express
The CPTM Tourist Express currently has three route options: Luz-Jundiaí, Luz-Mogi das Cruzes and Luz-Paranapiacaba. The matches take place on Saturdays and Sundays (according to the calendar), at 8:30 a.m., and the return is scheduled for 4:30. In other words, it’s the opportunity to take a train trip to cities on the outskirts of São Paulo and spend a whole day getting to know the charm of each one.
🎫 From R$ 50 at official website
📍Station of Light: Luz Square, 1 – Luz
Immigrant Train
Yes, it’s possible to ride aboard a maria fumaça in the city of São Paulo! On a journey of around 2 km between the old Hospedaria dos Imigrantes platform and the nearby Mooca CPTM station, passengers take a real trip back in time. After all, this was the route taken by immigrants arriving in the capital in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Train rides take place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at different times.
🎫 From R$20, purchased at the box office
📍Immigration Museum: Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1316 – Mooca
Maria Fumaça from Campinas – Jaguariúna
O maria Fumaça ride between Campinas and Jaguariúna is one of the most popular and charming in the state of São Paulo. This is because the steam locomotive travels along a 25 km route, passing through rural landscapes, century-old bridges and historic stations. You can also enjoy a complete experience with breakfast or lunch on board. The tour lasts 3. 5 hours round trip, departing at 9.40 am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
🎫 From R$ 50 at official website
📍Anhumas station: Avenida Doutor Antônio Duarte Conceição, 1501 – Campinas
Republican Train Itu – Salto
Reopened in 2020 by the Serra Verde Express Group, the rail route between Itu and Salto takes passengers on a real journey through time. This is because the experience is more than just a train ride in São Paulo, but a lesson in what the Ituana Railroad represented during the Proclamation of the Republic. The tours take place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, according to the schedule calendar at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition, the company’s packages include special menus and guided tours in Itu and Salto.
🎫From R$ 105 at official website
itu Railway Station: Praça Doutor Gaspar Ricardo, 70 – Itu
Workers’ train
This historical and cultural tour aboard a themed train is an initiative of the ‘Associação Sorocabana – Movimento de Preservação Ferroviária’ (Sorocabana Association – Railway Preservation Movement). Currently, it takes place on commemorative dates, such as Railwaymen’s Day on April 27, and public holidays. The journey begins at the Paula Souza Station and continues to the Santa Maria Factory, where the public also takes part in a guided tour of the Municipal Weaving Historical Park.
🎫 From R$ 17,50 at official website
📍 D outor Paula Souza Station: Rua Doutor Paula Souza, 420 – Sorocaba
Campos do Jordão Railway
The century-old road linking Campos do Jordão and Pindamonhangaba has been deactivated since 2022. We contacted the Secretariat of Metropolitan Transportation of São Paulo and there is no forecast for the reactivation of the 47km stretch of track between the cities. However, it is still possible to enjoy the traditional smoke boat ride between Vila Capivari and Vila Abernesia in Campos do Jordão. Tours take place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at various times.
🎫 R$ 23, purchased at the box office
📍Emílio Ribas station : Avenida Emílio Ribas, s/n – Campos do Jordão
Guararema train
Travel back in time on board this enchanting 7 km ride through greenery. With a total duration of 2 hours, the journey begins at Guararema Central Station and continues to Vila Luís Carlos, where travelers stop to get to know the small village. Departures take place on weekends and holidays, in different times.
🎫 from R$ 90 at official website or box office
guararema Central Station : Rua Doutor Falcão, 4 – Guararema
THG Railway and Tourism theme trains
Several options for train rides in São Paulo are offered by the travel agency specializing in tourist itineraries on board trains. The company offers various options for example, the ‘Wine Express’ and the ‘Beer Train’. All with live music, food and lots of entertainment. To find out when the next editions will take place, simply follow the official social media profile.
🎫 From R$ 95 on the official website
📍The train station varies according to the tour you choose
