train ride · Morretes, PR
Trem da Serra do Mar (Curitiba–Morretes)
A century-old railway that descends the Serra do Mar through tunnels, viaducts and bridges hanging over the abyss, often listed among the most beautiful in the world. It is about four hours of Atlantic Forest outside the window.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Trem da Serra do Mar (Curitiba–Morretes)
The Trem da Serra do Mar (Serra do Mar Train) is the tourist ride along the old Paranaguá–Curitiba railway, between Paraná's capital and Morretes. The railway opened in 1885 and is still remembered as a great engineering feat for its time, cut into the steep slopes of the Serra do Mar.
The trip begins on the plateau and gradually descends toward the coast. Out the window you see tunnels, iron bridges, viaducts, waterfalls and cliffs covered in Atlantic Forest, in one of the best-preserved areas of this biome in Brazil. Among the most anticipated sights are the Viaduto do Carvalho, which makes the train seem to float over the abyss, and the Ponte São João, a metal bridge brought from Belgium. On clear days, Pico do Marumbi also comes into view.
The ride is operated by Serra Verde Express, which offers different classes of cars, from basic seating to cars with more service and an onboard guide. There are also packages that include the return by van or bus, lunch and a visit to Morretes.
It is a relaxed outing, done seated, good for all ages. The trip is long and the train shares the tracks with freight trains, so it can run late. Arriving in Morretes pairs well with a barreado (slow-cooked beef stew) lunch and a stroll through the historic center.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow the whole day: the train ride down alone takes a few hours, and ideally you will have lunch and stroll around Morretes before heading back.
Best time
On dry, clear days, more common in fall and winter, when the mountain fog tends to hide less of the scenery.
How to get there
You board at the Rodoferroviária (bus and train station) in Curitiba, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. You get off at the Morretes station, downtown. The return can be by train, when available, or by the van or bus included in packages.
Tip
Buy in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, and get to the station early. Dress in layers: the train leaves the cool plateau and arrives in the humid heat of the coast.
Official website
A look at the place
Trem da Serra do Mar (Curitiba–Morretes) in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Trem da Serra do Mar (Curitiba–Morretes)
Where does the train to Morretes leave from?
From the Rodoferroviária in Curitiba, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. The train descends the Serra do Mar and arrives at the Morretes station, downtown.
How long is the train ride from Curitiba to Morretes?
A few hours. The time varies because the tourist train shares the tracks with freight trains and may stop to let them pass. Allow the whole day for the outing.
Who operates the train ride?
Serra Verde Express, which sells the tickets and packages. Prices, classes and schedules are on the official website.
How do I get back from Morretes to Curitiba?
There are packages with a return by van or bus, as well as intercity buses. The return by train depends on the day; check the official website.
What can you see along the way?
Atlantic Forest, waterfalls, tunnels, iron bridges and viaducts, such as the Viaduto do Carvalho and the Ponte São João. On a clear day, Pico do Marumbi comes into view.