The Most Beautiful Train Rides in Brazil: Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Taking

Although Brazil is known more for buses and domestic flights, the country also offers a select number of train rides that are as charming as they are scenic. Whether you’re weaving through the mountains of Minas Gerais, gliding along the coast of Paraná, or exploring the vineyards of the South, these train trips combine natural beauty, cultural history, and unforgettable views.

Here are the most beautiful train rides in Brazil and what makes each one a must-do experience.

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1. Serra Verde Express – Curitiba to Morretes (Paraná)

Duration: ~4 hours

Distance: ~70 km

This is Brazil’s most famous and scenic train ride, traveling through the lush Atlantic Forest and over century-old bridges.

Highlights:

• Steep descents and tight mountain curves
• Dense rainforest, waterfalls, and canyons
• Old tunnels and stone viaducts

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and history buffs

🚂 Tip: Choose the luxury car or boutique cabin for panoramic windows and onboard drinks.

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2. Maria Fumaça – Bento Gonçalves to Carlos Barbosa (Rio Grande do Sul)

Duration: ~1.5 hours

Distance: ~23 km

Ride through Brazil’s wine country in a nostalgic steam train with music, wine, and local culture onboard.

What to expect:

• Live shows with Italian folk songs and dancing
• Tasting of local wines, cheeses, and grape juice
• Tour includes stops at cultural attractions

Best for: Families, wine lovers, and cultural travelers

🍷 Combine this with a tour of the Vale dos Vinhedos region.

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3. Trem da Serra da Mantiqueira – Passa Quatro to Manacá (Minas Gerais)

Duration: ~1 hour

Distance: ~10 km (round trip)

A short but stunning ride through the Mantiqueira Mountains, operating with a historic steam engine.

Features:

• Views of mountains, forests, and rivers
• Visits to small stations and rural towns
• Educational insights into Brazilian rail history

Ideal for: Families and weekend getaways

🚂 This train only runs on weekends and holidays—book early.

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4. Trem do Corcovado – Rio de Janeiro

Duration: ~20 minutes each way

Distance: ~3.8 km

This red electric train takes you to the summit of Corcovado Mountain, home of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

What makes it special:

• Rides through Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world
• Ends with a view over all of Rio’s beaches, lagoons, and favelas

🎟️ Book ahead—this is a popular experience year-round.

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5. Trem das Águas – São Lourenço to Soledade de Minas (Minas Gerais)

Duration: ~1 hour

Distance: ~10 km

A heritage steam train operating in southern Minas Gerais.

Highlights:

• Rolling hills and countryside views
• Traditional food and souvenirs at the station
• Relaxing and nostalgic atmosphere

Perfect for a slow, scenic ride and learning about Brazil’s rural heartland.

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6. Trem de Passageiros – Vitória to Belo Horizonte

Duration: ~13 hours

Distance: ~664 km

One of Brazil’s only long-distance passenger trains, operated by Vale.

What you’ll see:

• The changing landscape from Atlantic coast to inland mountains
• Everyday life in small towns along the route
• A more affordable and scenic alternative to flying

🛏️ Offers reclining seats, air conditioning, and a dining car—but no sleeper berths.

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7. Trem do Pantanal – Campo Grande to Miranda/Corumbá (Mato Grosso do Sul)

This route is not currently in regular operation, but seasonal tourist rides are offered from time to time.

If available:

• Cross Pantanal wetlands
• Spot capybaras, birds, and caimans
• Stop in small towns with cowboy and Indigenous culture

🐊 Ideal for eco-tourists and those visiting the Pantanal region.

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8. Vapor do São Francisco – Minas Gerais/Bahia Border

This river train experience includes a historic paddle boat ride on the São Francisco River, once paired with rail travel.

While not a traditional train, it’s a nostalgic experience tied to Brazil’s railway past.

🌅 Best for travelers interested in history and regional culture.

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Tips for Enjoying Train Travel in Brazil

• Book in advance, especially for weekend or holiday rides
• Bring cash for local snacks and souvenirs
• For long trips, pack water, snacks, a charger, and a jacket
• Take the morning trains for the best light and views
• Don’t expect high-speed trains—Brazilian trains are about the journey, not the speed

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Why Brazil’s Train Journeys Are Worth It

While not as widespread as in Europe or Asia, Brazil’s railways offer something truly unique: nostalgia, scenery, and cultural immersion. Each route reveals a different facet of the country, from lush rainforests to wine valleys and historic towns.

If you want to see Brazil in a slower, deeper, more meaningful way—get on a train.