Colombia – Rail Travel

What is the overall standard of rail travel in Colombia?

Colombia’s railway infrastructure stretches approximately 3,304 kilometres in total, the majority of which is narrow gauge (914 mm). A substantial portion of these tracks, however, sits dormant. According to the Vice Minister of Infrastructure, only 37% of the rail network was in active use in 2023, and even that fraction carried just 11% of national freight output.

The roots of this decline stretch back more than three decades, when Colombia’s national railway company went bankrupt and trains effectively vanished as a means of moving people and goods across the country — marking the end of what had been a vital transport lifeline in a nation defined by rugged terrain. The state-owned carrier, Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Colombia, was formally wound up during the 1990s.

This places Colombia in stark contrast to countries such as Germany, Switzerland, or Japan, where dense and frequent intercity rail services form the foundation of everyday travel. In Colombia, roughly 95% of current railway activity involves the transport of minerals, coal, cement, coke, and containerised goods. For passengers, rail travel today means heritage experiences and tourist outings — not daily commuting or city-to-city journeys.

In 2023, the Colombian government unveiled an ambitious US$23.3 billion National Railway Reactivation Plan, framing rail as the central pillar of national logistics. Led by the Ministry of Transportation working alongside the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), this long-term strategy aims to restore Colombia’s rail system as a driver of connectivity, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability, with an initial emphasis on developing key freight corridors to support domestic and regional trade.

The year 2024 brought encouraging momentum. On the Bogotá–Belencito corridor, freight volumes surpassed 57,000 tons — a 148.2% increase on the previous year — while passenger numbers climbed to half a million, a 21.3% rise compared to 2023. These figures point to genuine early-stage progress, but the network remains unsuited to the demands of regular commuters or travellers seeking to journey between Colombia’s cities by rail.

One notable development is the reopening of a 30 km section of track in the northeast of the country. Trains are once again running on the Paipa–Sogamoso section of the Bogotá–Belencito line in the Boyacá region, representing a meaningful symbolic step forward. Nevertheless, this operates as a regional service rather than part of any national passenger network. For the foreseeable future, expats wishing to travel between Colombia’s major cities will need to look to buses or domestic flights rather than trains.

What classes of rail travel are available in Colombia, and what are the differences between them?

The absence of a standard national intercity passenger network means that the conventional notion of travel classes — such as the first, second, and standard distinctions familiar to users of European or East Asian railways — simply does not apply in the Colombian context. Passenger rail currently takes two distinct forms in Colombia: tourist and heritage trains, and urban metro systems.

On the recently revived Paipa–Sogamoso line, the government has branded the service the “Train of Life and Hope” and promotes it as a tourist journey blending heritage character with a degree of modern comfort. The rolling stock comprises a restored 60-seat vintage coach alongside three refurbished passenger coaches offering first-class seating for a total of 156 passengers. This creates a practical distinction between the heritage coach experience and the more comfortable refurbished option, though both are positioned squarely as leisure rather than commuter products.

Since the collapse of the national railway, passenger rail in Colombia has been delivered primarily through the tourist steam trains on the Bogotá savanna railway — now operating under the Turistren brand — and the route between Bogotá and Zipaquirá, alongside a regular daily passenger service in and around Barrancabermeja provided by Coopsercol.

The Turistren service from Bogotá to Zipaquirá, home to the celebrated underground salt cathedral, is Colombia’s most widely recognised passenger rail experience. It is marketed chiefly as a weekend excursion and cultural outing. For current fare details and any class distinctions that may apply, visit the Turistren official website directly, as pricing can shift with the season and booking type.

On Medellín’s urban metro system, no class distinction exists. Every passenger travels in identical carriages with the same level of service. Fare differences are determined by card type and passenger category — such as student, senior, or standard — rather than by any tiered class of travel.

Where can you find rail timetables and ticket prices in Colombia?

Because passenger rail in Colombia is operated by separate entities rather than through a unified national system, there is no single booking portal or timetable hub comparable to Deutsche Bahn in Germany or Rail Europe. Each service must be researched through its own operator or the relevant local transport authority.

For the Bogotá–Zipaquirá tourist train, the Turistren website is the primary source of both timetable and fare information. Services typically run on weekends and public holidays, and both timings and prices can shift between seasons, so checking directly ahead of any planned journey is essential.

For the Paipa–Sogamoso passenger service run by Acerías Paz del Río — which received formal certification as a freight and passenger rail operator in June 2024, allowing it to operate across the national network beyond its own industrial lines — timetable details are best obtained directly from the operator or through local transport offices in the Boyacá region. Given how recently this service was reactivated, schedules are unlikely to feature on major third-party travel platforms.

For urban rail in Medellín, the Metro de Medellín official website is the definitive resource for route maps, operating hours, and fare information, available in both Spanish and English. Fares are revised annually, so it is always advisable to consult the official site rather than third-party sources for up-to-date figures. Broader policy-level information on Colombia’s rail development can be found through the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) and the Ministry of Transportation.

How do you buy rail tickets in Colombia, and can you book in advance?

Purchasing tickets differs considerably from one service to the next. The following outlines the main approaches for each type of passenger rail currently available in Colombia.

1. Turistren (Bogotá–Zipaquirá): Tickets can be purchased online through the Turistren website. Booking well ahead of weekend and holiday departures is strongly advisable, as trains fill up quickly and capacity is restricted. Tickets may also be available at La Sabana station in Bogotá on the day, but online purchase is the most dependable approach.
2. Paipa–Sogamoso (Train of Life and Hope): This is a recently launched service and ticketing arrangements are still taking shape. For the most current booking options, contact the operator Acerías Paz del Río directly or approach local tourism offices in the Boyacá region. Given the two-hour journey time and limited seating, reserving in advance is recommended.
3. Medellín Metro (urban travel): Paper tickets for single journeys have been phased out as of 2025. Every passenger must use a Cívica card, which comes in two forms: the Personalized Cívica Card, issued free of charge at selected metro stations on presentation of valid identification; and the Eventual Cívica Card, aimed at tourists and infrequent travellers, which costs COP 10,000 at any metro station and grants access to the full system, though without fare discounts. Individual journeys cannot be booked in advance — you simply load credit onto your card and tap in.
4. Coopsercol (Barrancabermeja area): This local passenger service runs on a limited basis in the Magdalena Medio region. Tickets are purchased locally, and it is important to confirm schedules with the operator before making any plans to travel on this route.

There is no single national rail app covering all services. The Medellín Metro system can be managed and topped up through its official app; visit the Metro de Medellín website for the latest digital tools. As Colombia’s rail network develops, ticketing methods will continue to evolve — always confirm current booking procedures through official channels before travelling.

What types of rail tickets are available in Colombia, and are there discount schemes?

Because Colombia’s intercity passenger rail system is still in the earliest stages of its revival, there are no national rail passes, multi-journey intercity tickets, or railcard discount schemes of the kind widely available in countries with mature networks — such as senior railcards or family passes common across much of Europe. The ticket types and discounts that do exist vary significantly between services.

For tourist and heritage offerings such as Turistren, tickets are generally sold as single return excursion packages. Pricing and any group or promotional discounts should be confirmed on the Turistren website, as these are not centrally administered at a national government level and are subject to change.

The Medellín Metro currently offers the most developed fare discount structure of any rail service in Colombia. Reduced fares are available for passengers aged over 60 (Adulto Mayor), students (Estudiantil), people with reduced mobility (PcD), and package carriers (Al Portador). These are accessed through the Cívica card — eligible passengers can register their category when applying for a personalised card, after which the discounted rate is applied automatically.

As of 2025, the standard Medellín Metro fare with a personalised Cívica card is COP 3,430 (approximately USD 0.82), while travelling without a personalised card costs COP 3,900 (approximately USD 0.93). Always refer to the Metro de Medellín fares page for the most current figures, as these are updated each year.

The Cívica card is accepted across the metro, cable cars (Metrocable), the tram (Tranvía), the BRT bus network (Metroplús), and white metro buses. Passengers can combine metro and cable car travel within a single fare, though transferring to a bus attracts an additional — but discounted — charge as part of an integrated journey.

The Metrocable line to Parque Arvi (Line L) carries a separate fare of COP 13,700 as of 2025, unless the traveller is enrolled in the Sisbén social programme, which entitles them to a lower rate. Verify current figures through the official Metro de Medellín website.

How accessible is the rail network in Colombia for disabled passengers?

Accessibility across Colombia’s rail services varies considerably. The gap between the modern urban metro in Medellín and the limited tourist and intercity services elsewhere in the country is notable, and in general terms the accessibility infrastructure falls short of what is found in countries with long-established rail networks and dedicated disability access legislation — such as the UK’s Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations or Germany’s Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz.

Medellín’s metro system is the most accessible rail option currently available in Colombia. Reduced fares for passengers with reduced mobility (PMR) are built into the Cívica card discount framework, and the Metro de Medellín has invested in physical accessibility improvements at stations, including lifts and accessible boarding points along the main metro lines. For detailed, station-by-station accessibility information, the most reliable resource is the Metro de Medellín users page.

Accessibility information for tourist train services — including Turistren on the Bogotá–Zipaquirá route and the Paipa–Sogamoso Train of Life and Hope — is sparse. The Paipa–Sogamoso rolling stock includes a restored 60-seat vintage coach alongside three refurbished passenger coaches, but heritage vehicles by their nature may not conform to modern accessibility requirements, and neither step-free boarding nor wheelchair access can be taken for granted. Anyone with mobility needs should contact the relevant operator directly before travel to establish what assistance can realistically be provided.

At a regulatory level, Colombia has not yet enacted a General Law for the railway sector of the kind found in countries with more advanced rail development, and the concession-based system that currently governs railways does not enforce accessibility standards uniformly across all services. Expats with disabilities are strongly advised to research specific services before travelling and, where practicable, to make arrangements with station staff in advance.

Looking ahead, Colombia’s planned new rail systems — including Bogotá Metro Line 1 and the Regiotram de Occidente — are being designed to contemporary standards and are expected to incorporate modern accessibility features from the outset. Their arrival should mark a meaningful improvement in the overall accessibility of the country’s rail network.

Are there metro or urban rail systems in Colombia’s cities?

As of 2023, Medellín is the only Colombian city to have built and operated a full metro rapid transit system — and it is widely regarded as one of the finest urban transport networks in all of Latin America. For those considering relocating to Colombia’s second-largest city, the metro makes it genuinely feasible to live without a car.

The Medellín Metro spans 31.3 km across 2 lines and 27 stations. In addition to its rail-based services, the wider network integrates Metrocable (cable cars), a tramway, and BRT (bus rapid transit) services. Metro de Medellín has commissioned CAF to supply 13 three-car trainsets to meet rising demand on the two-line system, which already handles more than one million passenger journeys every day.

The Metro operates Monday to Saturday from 4:30 am to 11 pm across all lines with the exception of Line L (Parque Arvi). On Sundays and most public holidays, services run from 5 am to 10 pm — hours that accommodate both regular commuters and leisure travellers moving around the city.

One of the most distinctive features of the Medellín system is its Metrocable network, which carries metro service up into the hillside comunas that would be impractical to connect by conventional rail or road. The Cívica card functions seamlessly across the metro, cable car, tram, and bus services, enabling passengers to travel from metro to cable car within a single fare. The Metro de Medellín official website provides comprehensive route maps and live service information.

Medellín also operates a light rail tram, the Tranvía de Ayacucho, serving the eastern part of the city and connecting with both the metro and the Metrocable network. Further expansion is on the horizon: Siemens Mobility has selected the Spanish firm GMV to provide service planning and vehicle location technology for the Metro de la 80 light rail project in Medellín, signalling continued investment in the city’s urban rail infrastructure in the years ahead.

Bogotá has no operational metro as yet, but that is set to change. Construction on Bogotá Metro Line 1 began in October 2020 and the project is targeting an opening date around 2028. The first of 30 six-car fully automated trainsets for the line is already undergoing testing at the CRRC Changchun facility in China. Until the metro opens, Bogotá’s public transport relies predominantly on the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system. TransMilenio is the authoritative source for current urban transport information in the capital.

The Regiotram de Occidente — a fully electric commuter tram-train — will additionally serve the wider Bogotá metropolitan area upon completion, becoming Colombia’s first all-electric commuter rail service. Expected to benefit more than 130,000 daily passengers, it will cut travel times between Facatativá and Bogotá from roughly three hours to under 55 minutes, and will connect directly with both TransMilenio and the forthcoming Bogotá Metro.

Cali and other major Colombian cities do not currently have metro systems, relying instead on bus rapid transit networks for urban mobility. The national railway reactivation programme may eventually give rise to commuter rail services in additional cities, but no firm timelines for new metro systems beyond those in Medellín and Bogotá have been established.

What should expats know about using the rail network day-to-day in Colombia?

For the majority of new residents in Colombia, day-to-day rail use will mean riding the Medellín Metro, with occasional tourist train trips as a leisure activity. The following is what you need to know before you travel.

Language and signage: All stations and services across Colombia operate in Spanish. The Metro de Medellín’s official website carries English-language content, but station signage is in Spanish. Visual route maps are straightforward to follow, and familiarising yourself with basic Spanish transport vocabulary before arriving will help. Major station names are prominently displayed, and the Medellín system is broadly regarded as easy to navigate.

Cívica card (Medellín Metro): As of 2025, paper single-use tickets have been discontinued on the Medellín Metro. A Cívica card is now required for all passengers. The Personalised Cívica Card is available free of charge at selected metro stations upon presentation of valid ID and unlocks discounted fares and additional benefits. If you are settling in Medellín, obtaining a personalised card early on will pay dividends over time.

Metro culture (metrocultura): Medellín has cultivated a widely respected “metrocultura” — an informal yet firmly observed norm against making phone calls or eating and drinking on board. The result is a remarkably clean and civilised environment to travel in. This culture is upheld by regular commuters and is well worth observing as a newcomer to the city.

Rush hours: Wherever possible, it is worth avoiding the Medellín Metro during the evening peak between 5 pm and 7 pm, when carriages become heavily crowded. Morning rush hours, typically between 7 am and 9 am, are similarly congested.

Tourist trains: Services such as Turistren and the Paipa–Sogamoso Train of Life and Hope are designed around a relaxed, experiential journey rather than functional point-to-point travel. The Paipa–Sogamoso route takes around two hours and is conceived as much as a cultural outing as a transport service. These trains run primarily on weekends or designated schedule days and are not intended for commuting.

Luggage: There are no nationally standardised luggage rules for Colombia’s passenger rail services equivalent to those on major intercity networks. On the metro, standard policies apply — large suitcases can be unwieldy at busy times, though there are no formal restrictions. For tourist train services, consult the relevant operator for luggage guidance before travelling.

Safety and station behaviour: Major Medellín Metro stations are generally safe and well-monitored environments. As with any urban transport system, remain attentive to your belongings, especially at busy interchange stations such as San Antonio. Keeping bags in front of you during peak periods is a sensible habit.

Staying up to date: The Colombian rail landscape is shifting quickly. New services, routes, and fare structures will continue to emerge as the Railway Reactivation Plan advances. Monitoring the ANI website and the Ministry of Transportation website is the best way to keep pace with developments that could affect your travel options as a resident.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel by train between Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali?

No regular intercity train service exists for this purpose. Colombia currently operates no national passenger rail network linking its principal cities. Journeys between Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and elsewhere are made by bus or domestic flight. While the Railway Reactivation Plan envisions the eventual restoration of passenger corridors, no operational intercity services of this kind exist as of 2025.

Does Bogotá have a metro?

Not yet. Bogotá Metro Line 1 is under construction and is targeting an opening date of around 2028. Until then, the city depends on the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system for urban transport. You can follow progress on the project and find current transport information through the TransMilenio website.

How reliable is the Medellín Metro for daily commuting?

The Medellín Metro has a strong reputation for reliability and is the commuter backbone for a large portion of the city’s residents. It handles over one million passenger journeys per day across its two lines and integrated cable car and tram services. While service disruptions do happen from time to time, they are not a persistent problem. The Metro de Medellín app and website offer live service updates.

Is there a tourist train from Bogotá I can take at weekends?

Yes. The Turistren service runs between La Sabana station in Bogotá and the town of Zipaquirá, celebrated for its remarkable underground salt cathedral. Departures are typically on weekends and public holidays, making it a popular day-trip destination. Visit the Turistren website for current timetables and fares, as these vary by season.

Do I need to book train tickets in advance in Colombia?

For tourist and heritage services such as Turistren and the Paipa–Sogamoso Train of Life and Hope, advance booking is strongly recommended given limited capacity and high demand. For the Medellín Metro and other urban services, no booking is needed — simply load credit onto your Cívica card and board when ready.

Are there concession fares for students or seniors on Colombian rail?

On the Medellín Metro, reduced fares are available for students, passengers aged over 60 (Adulto Mayor), and people with reduced mobility, through the personalised Cívica card scheme as of 2025. No equivalent national concession schemes apply to the limited intercity tourist services, as these fall outside any integrated national fare structure. Check the Metro de Medellín fares page for the latest figures.

What is the Regiotram de Occidente and when will it open?

The Regiotram de Occidente is a planned fully electric commuter tram-train connecting Facatativá and nearby western municipalities with central Bogotá. Once operational, it is projected to cut travel time between Facatativá and Bogotá from around three hours to under 55 minutes, and will integrate with both TransMilenio and the future Bogotá Metro. Construction is under way, though the precise opening date has been subject to delays — consult the Cundinamarca regional government and ANI websites for the most current status.

Is it realistic to live in Colombia without a car, relying on public transport?

In Medellín, living without a car is a practical and popular choice, supported by the integrated Metro, Metrocable, tram, and bus network. A sizeable number of residents — including many expats — manage perfectly well without a vehicle. In Bogotá, the TransMilenio BRT system offers wide coverage across the city. In smaller cities and rural areas, however, public transport options become considerably thinner, and a car or intercity bus tends to be necessary for everyday mobility.