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Serra Verde Express Train to Morretes

4.5
·6k reviews·, Brazil

A breathtaking train journey through Brazil's Serra do Mar mountains, culminating in the charming colonial town of Morretes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning departures

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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O trem sumindo na mata

Serra Verde Express Train to Morretes

Best Time

Morning departures

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking train journey through Brazil's Serra do Mar mountains, culminating in the charming colonial town of Morretes.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"One of the best train rides in the world! Staggering views, Brazilians and their endless joy, and some drinks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Left Side for Views!

Secure a seat on the left for the most dramatic mountain scenery. Book ahead!

🥂 Luxury Class Perks

Open bar, better service, and English-speaking guides make the luxury upgrade worthwhile for many.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serra do Mar Views

Serra do Mar Views

Left-hand side of the train

Witness staggering mountain vistas and lush Atlantic Forest scenery unfold before your eyes. Unforgettable!

Morretes Town Exploration

Morretes Town Exploration

Morretes

Wander through charming colonial streets and enjoy a delicious local lunch after your scenic train journey.

Luxury Carriage Experience

Luxury Carriage Experience

Luxury Class Wagons

Enjoy an open bar, excellent service, and a more comfortable ride with English-speaking staff.

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Planning Your Visit

Seat Selection is Key

For the most breathtaking views of the Serra do Mar mountains, aim for a seat on the left side of the train. This is where the most dramatic scenery unfolds. Book in advance, especially for luxury classes, as popular seats fill up quickly.

Luxury vs. Tourist Class

While Tourist Class offers a scenic ride, Luxury Class provides a more comfortable experience with an open bar and better service. Some reviews suggest Tourist Class wagons can be less comfortable and guides only speak Portuguese, limiting understanding for non-speakers.

Best Times

When
Morning departures
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hiking down one of the most beautiful train rides on the planet, Serra Verde Express, Paraná, Brazil

🎯 Left Side for Views!

Secure a seat on the left for the most dramatic mountain scenery. Book ahead! Reddit

🥂 Luxury Class Perks

Open bar, better service, and English-speaking guides make the luxury upgrade worthwhile for many. Reddit

reddit.com

Curitiba-Morretes train recs?

reddit.com

Morretes worth a visit?

🥪 Pack Extra Snacks

Breakfast can be light; bring your own snacks if you're a big eater. Reddit

🗣️ Language Barrier

Tourist Class guides may only speak Portuguese. Consider Luxury Class for English commentary. Reddit

reddit.com

Morretes train vs Gonçalves wine valley?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Left Side for Views!

Secure a seat on the left for the most dramatic mountain scenery. Book ahead! Reddit

🥂 Luxury Class Perks

Open bar, better service, and English-speaking guides make the luxury upgrade worthwhile for many. Reddit

🥪 Pack Extra Snacks

Breakfast can be light; bring your own snacks if you're a big eater. Reddit

🗣️ Language Barrier

Tourist Class guides may only speak Portuguese. Consider Luxury Class for English commentary. Reddit

💰 Tour Package Value

The bus back to Curitiba is affordable. A tour package might simplify booking but isn't always essential. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Serra Verde Express train to Morretes is widely praised for its incredibly scenic journey through the Serra do Mar mountains, with many calling it a 'must-do' experience. Passengers highlight the breathtaking views, especially from the left-hand side of the train, and the charm of Morretes. However, some criticisms point to inconsistencies in comfort between classes, potential language barriers in Tourist Class, and the website's usability.

"We flew in just to do this experience and it was certainly worth it. Having a 28 car train take you through the incredible mountains is something I will never forget. The views were incredible and the journey was so much fun. We upgraded and had a lovely snack box, free drinks and we got lucky with an English speaking guide for the journey. We had the balcony which I’d highly recommend! The tour after was very well organised, we had a lovely lunch and a great walk around the town. We loved stopping off at all the different sites and the van journey back (although was a bit bumpy due to cobbled roads) was good."

Luke

"The train ride is very scenic and enjoyable but, obviously perhaps, scenes flash by and what’s worth seeing goes past very quickly. Unless you want to leap across the aisle, you definitely need to be on the left hand side
Once on board we were given a lovely welcome drink and 30 minutes later a horrible sandwich
I have rated this trip low for several reasons
1. The website is difficult to use and understand, especially if you’re over 59
2. The copacabana and foz wagons are lovely, but the Curitiba one, which is classed as luxury and the same price as the other 2, is not. The left hand seats are seriously uncomfortable and the decor … well there isn’t any
3. The guide, whilst helpful and pleasant talked non stop for about 70% of the journey
4. When buying tickets you are allocated seats but this does not mean anything since seat numbers are determined by the number which corresponds to the number on a leaflet (map) so they’re moveable !!!! This means you actually can’t tell if you’ll be sitting on the left or right side !!!! Altogether, it’s unprofessional, unpredictable and unreliable
5. Finally, the bus back to Curitiba costs about £4 so it’s really not worth buying a tour package other than it makes buying a ticket easier I assume"

Michelle Katz

"One of the best train rides in the world ! Staggering views, Brazilians and their endless joy , and some drinks"

Mike Halsall

What People Like

Staggering mountain views
Scenic Atlantic Forest
Charming Morretes town

What People Dislike

Website usability issues
Tourist class comfort
Language barrier in Tourist Class

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The train departs from Curitiba. You can reach the station via taxi, ride-sharing apps, or local buses. It's advisable to check the specific departure point for your chosen class of service. Reddit

Yes, many visitors opt for a one-way train journey to Morretes and return to Curitiba by bus. This is often more economical than a round-trip train ticket. Reddit

The Serra Verde Express train is the most scenic and popular way. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus, but you'll miss the incredible mountain views. Reddit

The train journey from Curitiba to Morretes typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the specific service and any stops. Reddit

While it might be possible, booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended, especially for luxury classes and during peak seasons, to secure your preferred seats and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary significantly between Tourist and Luxury classes. Luxury class tickets are more expensive but include an open bar and enhanced service. It's best to check the official website for current pricing. Reddit

Tickets can be purchased through the official Serra Verde Express website. Some tour operators also offer packages that include train tickets. Reddit

Luxury class tickets typically include an open bar with soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea, and beer, along with better seating and service. Reddit

Yes, there are generally Tourist Class and Luxury Class carriages. Some reviews suggest differences in comfort and amenities between them. Reddit

A tour package can simplify logistics, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. However, some travelers find it more cost-effective to book the train ticket separately and arrange their own return transport. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onboard Experience

The left-hand side of the train offers the most spectacular views of the mountains and the Atlantic Forest. It's highly recommended to try and secure a seat on this side. Reddit

Luxury class includes an open bar. Tourist class may offer light snacks or a basic breakfast, but some travelers recommend bringing your own snacks as it can be light. Reddit

Yes, there are guides. However, some reviews mention that guides in Tourist Class may only speak Portuguese, while Luxury Class often has English-speaking guides. Reddit

The train ride itself is generally smooth, but the van journey back to Curitiba can be bumpy due to cobbled roads in Morretes. Reddit

The atmosphere is generally joyful and scenic, with many passengers enjoying the breathtaking views and the experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Morretes is famous for its 'Barreado,' a traditional slow-cooked beef stew. You'll find many restaurants serving this local specialty. Reddit

Yes, most tours include or recommend a lunch stop in Morretes, where you can try the local cuisine. Reddit

While Barreado is the signature dish, many restaurants in Morretes will offer other options. It's advisable to ask about vegetarian choices when dining. Reddit

Luxury tickets typically include an open bar with soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea, and beer. Reddit

Some reviews suggest the breakfast provided, especially in Tourist Class, can be light. Bringing extra snacks is a good idea if you're hungry. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views of the Serra do Mar mountains and the lush Atlantic Forest are the primary photo opportunities. Try to capture the dramatic drops and verdant landscapes. Reddit

Yes, but it can be challenging to get clear shots as the scenery flashes by. Having your camera ready and knowing which side to sit on (the left) is crucial. Reddit

The entire journey on the left side is a viewpoint! Look out for dramatic ravines, waterfalls, and dense forest. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details, but often the sheer scale is what you want to capture. Reddit

Yes, the open-air balcony in luxury class offers excellent opportunities for unobstructed photos, though be mindful of safety. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Serra Verde Express train offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The novelty of a long train ride through stunning scenery can captivate children's attention. Consider booking Luxury Class for added comfort and the open bar, which can be a nice perk for parents. Ensure you book seats on the left side for the most visually stimulating views that might keep younger ones entertained. Reddit

Morretes itself is a safe and walkable town, perfect for a family stroll. While Barreado is a local specialty, most restaurants will have other options that might appeal to children. Bringing along some familiar snacks is always a good idea, as the onboard food options can be limited, especially in Tourist Class. The overall experience is a fantastic way to introduce children to Brazil's natural beauty in a fun and accessible way. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, opting for Tourist Class on the Serra Verde Express is the way to go. While it might lack the amenities of Luxury Class, the scenic views remain the same. Crucially, book your ticket for the left-hand side to maximize the visual experience without the premium price tag. Reddit

Instead of a tour package, consider purchasing a one-way train ticket and arranging your return journey via bus. Buses are significantly cheaper than the train and offer a more economical way to get back to Curitiba. In Morretes, you can find more affordable local eateries that serve delicious food, including Barreado, without the higher prices often associated with tour-inclusive lunches. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Serra Verde Express is a dream for photographers, offering dramatic landscapes and unique perspectives. Prioritize a seat on the left side of the train to capture the most iconic shots of the Serra do Mar's steep cliffs and dense rainforest. Be prepared for the scenery to move quickly; having your camera ready and perhaps a wide-angle lens will be beneficial for capturing the vastness. Reddit

If you opt for Luxury Class, the open-air balcony provides unobstructed views and excellent photo opportunities, though safety precautions are necessary. Consider the time of day for lighting; morning departures often offer beautiful, soft light. While the train journey is the main event, the charming streets of Morretes also offer great opportunities for architectural and street photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Scenic Journey: Serra Verde Express

The Serra Verde Express is more than just a train ride; it's an immersion into the breathtaking Serra do Mar mountain range. This historic railway winds through dense Atlantic Forest, offering unparalleled views of dramatic ravines, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls. The journey is a highlight for many visitors, providing a unique perspective on Brazil's natural beauty that's difficult to access otherwise. Travelers often rave about the sheer scale of the landscape and the feeling of adventure as the train navigates the steep inclines and curves. Reddit

When planning your trip, seat selection is paramount. The left-hand side of the train is consistently recommended for the most spectacular vistas. This is where the most dramatic drops and panoramic views are located. While the train itself is a marvel of engineering, the experience is significantly enhanced by being on the correct side to witness the full grandeur of the mountains. Booking tickets well in advance is crucial, especially if you're aiming for specific seats or traveling during peak times. Reddit

Luxury Class offers an elevated experience with amenities like an open bar and more comfortable seating, often with English-speaking guides. However, some travelers find the Tourist Class to be a perfectly enjoyable and scenic option, provided they are aware of potential language barriers with guides and the seating arrangements. Regardless of class, the journey is a memorable adventure that showcases the natural splendor of Paraná. Reddit

Morretes: A Charming Colonial Gem

Upon arrival in Morretes, you'll step into a charming colonial town that feels like a journey back in time. The town is known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect place to unwind after the scenic train ride and explore at a leisurely pace. Many visitors enjoy simply strolling through the historic center, admiring the colorful buildings and soaking in the local ambiance. Reddit

The culinary highlight of Morretes is undoubtedly Barreado, a traditional dish consisting of slow-cooked beef stew, typically served with rice, farofa, and banana. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that's a must-try for any visitor. Numerous restaurants in town specialize in this local delicacy, offering an authentic taste of Paraná's cuisine. Beyond Barreado, you'll find other local eateries serving fresh seafood and regional specialties. Reddit

While the train journey is the main draw, the town of Morretes itself offers a delightful experience. The organized tours often include a guided walk through the town and a delicious lunch, making it a comprehensive day trip. Even if you opt for a one-way train ticket, spending a few hours exploring Morretes before catching a bus back to Curitiba is highly recommended. Reddit

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