
Estrada de Ferro Paranaguá-Curitiba
A historic railway journey through Brazil's stunning Serra do Mar, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Estrada de Ferro Paranaguá-Curitiba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic railway journey through Brazil's stunning Serra do Mar, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest.
"A surprising journey, highly recommended and I'll go again as soon as I can. The railway shows beautiful landscapes."

📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. Consider a window seat for unobstructed photos.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular routes sell out fast. Book your tickets online well in advance to secure your spot.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serra do Mar Views
Throughout the journey
Breathtaking vistas of lush Atlantic Forest, dramatic cliffs, and deep valleys unfold during the scenic train ride.

Ponte São João
Morretes
An iconic iron bridge offering a unique perspective of the forest canopy from 70 meters above.

Historic Tunnels
Various points along the route
Experience the thrill of passing through 14 historic tunnels carved into the mountainside, a testament to engineering prowess.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Best Seats
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. Consider a window seat for unobstructed photos.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular routes sell out fast. Book your tickets online well in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Explore Morretes
Many tours stop in Morretes. Enjoy the charming town and local cuisine before or after your train ride.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The journey can be long. Bring water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. Consider a window seat for unobstructed photos.
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular routes sell out fast. Book your tickets online well in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Explore Morretes
Many tours stop in Morretes. Enjoy the charming town and local cuisine before or after your train ride.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The journey can be long. Bring water, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Estrada de Ferro Paranaguá-Curitiba for its breathtaking scenery and impressive engineering. The journey through the Atlantic Forest is described as a truly unforgettable experience, with many recommending it as a must-do in Paraná. Some note that the price can be a bit high, and booking in advance is crucial.
"Passeio surpreendente, super recomendo e assim que puder vou novamente. A estrada de ferro mostra lindas paisagens."
Karoline Meira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to experience the Estrada de Ferro Paranaguá-Curitiba is by taking the train from either Curitiba to Paranaguá or vice-versa. You can reach Curitiba by plane or bus. From Curitiba, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Curitiba train station. If starting from Paranaguá, the train station is also accessible by local transport. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation to the station.
The train journey itself is the main attraction. You can choose to travel the full 110 km route, which takes several hours. Some travelers prefer to take the train one way and arrange alternative transport back, or vice versa, to maximize their time exploring the region.
Yes, there are different classes of service, including tourist and executive classes, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities. The tourist class is popular for its panoramic windows, ideal for enjoying the scenery.
The full journey from Paranaguá to Curitiba (or vice-versa) typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the specific service and any stops.
While you can drive between Curitiba and Paranaguá, the road route does not offer the same immersive experience or access to the dramatic landscapes as the train. The train route is specifically designed to traverse the most scenic and challenging parts of the Serra do Mar.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Serra Verde Express website, which is the operating company. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, as tickets can sell out quickly.
Ticket prices vary depending on the class of service (e.g., tourist, executive) and the season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing. Expect to pay more for premium seating and services.
A standard ticket usually includes the train journey and access to the onboard commentary. Some higher-tier tickets might include snacks or drinks.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or students, but these are often limited and vary by season. Check the booking website for any applicable promotions.
While it might be possible to buy tickets on the day of travel if there's availability, it's strongly advised against. Tickets, especially for popular times and classes, sell out weeks or even months in advance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The entire journey is a highlight, but key sights include the dramatic views of the Atlantic Forest, the iconic Ponte São João in Morretes, and the numerous tunnels carved through the mountains. The Rochedinho peak also offers stunning panoramic views.
For the best views, opt for seats on the side of the train that faces the most dramatic scenery. This often means seats on the right side when traveling from Curitiba to Paranaguá, and the left side when traveling from Paranaguá to Curitiba. Panoramic windows in executive or tourist classes are highly recommended.
Yes, the train typically makes stops at charming towns like Morretes and Piraquara, allowing passengers to disembark briefly, stretch their legs, and sometimes enjoy local snacks or souvenirs.
Onboard commentary usually provides historical context about the railway's construction, information about the flora and fauna of the Serra do Mar, and details about the landmarks you pass.
Accessibility can vary. While some stations and train cars may have provisions, it's best to contact Serra Verde Express directly in advance to inquire about specific accessibility features and to make arrangements if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire route offers incredible photo opportunities. Key spots include the Ponte São João, the dramatic mountain passes, and any viewpoints where the train slows down. The lush greenery of the Atlantic Forest is a constant backdrop.
Given the varying light conditions inside tunnels and through dense forest, using a camera with good low-light performance or a wider aperture is beneficial. Consider using a tripod or image stabilization to combat motion blur.
Yes, you can take photos from the train windows. For the clearest shots, try to position yourself at a window seat and clean the glass beforehand. Be mindful of reflections.
Morning light can be softer and less harsh, while late afternoon offers a beautiful golden hour glow. However, the dramatic landscapes are impressive at any time.
Travelers often share photos of the sweeping mountain vistas, the intricate iron bridges, the dense rainforest, and the historic train itself. Drone footage, where permitted, also captures unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tourist class for its panoramic windows, which offer unobstructed views for little eyes. Pack snacks and drinks, as the journey can be long, and ensure children have opportunities to move around during stops in towns like Morretes. The historical aspect of the railway, with its impressive engineering, can also be a great learning opportunity for older children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for varying light conditions, especially when passing through tunnels or dense forest. Consider bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod for sharper images. The morning and late afternoon offer particularly beautiful light for capturing the scenery. Don't forget to capture the unique perspective from the Ponte São João.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay attention to the onboard commentary, which often details the challenges of construction and the railway's role in connecting the interior to the coast. Exploring the historic stations along the route, such as in Morretes, also offers a glimpse into the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History and Engineering
The construction itself was an monumental undertaking, involving the arduous task of carving a path through the dense and challenging terrain of the Serra do Mar. The 110-kilometer route features 14 tunnels, the longest measuring 457 meters, and numerous viaducts and bridges, including the impressive Ponte São João in Morretes. This engineering marvel was designed in Brazil and constructed in Belgium, then transported in pieces to be assembled on-site, showcasing international collaboration and advanced construction techniques of the time.
Today, the Estrada de Ferro Paranaguá-Curitiba continues to operate, offering a unique blend of historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty. It serves as a vital link between the port city of Paranaguá and the state capital, Curitiba, while also being a major tourist attraction. The journey provides a tangible connection to Brazil's industrial past and the visionaries who shaped its infrastructure.
Experiencing the Atlantic Forest
The Serra do Mar itself is a significant geological formation, characterized by its steep escarpments and rich biodiversity. The railway's path was meticulously planned to navigate this challenging terrain, showcasing remarkable feats of civil engineering. The presence of numerous tunnels and bridges is a direct result of the need to overcome the natural obstacles presented by the mountains.
Travelers often remark on the feeling of being immersed in nature, with the sounds of the forest and the ever-changing scenery providing a constant source of wonder. The Ponte São João in Morretes, standing 70 meters high, offers a particularly thrilling perspective, giving passengers the sensation of flying over the forest. This journey is not just a visual feast but also an educational experience about the importance of preserving these vital natural habitats.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit