Expreso del Sur (Ferrobus)

Ferroviaria Andina (FCA)
Bolivia
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The Journey

Navigate from Oruro Central Station to Villazón Border Station across a span of 500km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Sweeping 360° views of the barren, infinite Altiplano — among Earth's most desolate and dramatic landscapes
  • Salar de Uyuni approach (from the east): vast white salt crust visible at dawn
  • Andean canyon winding approaching Tupiza — deep red rock formations and winding track
  • Wild vicuñas and llamas grazing on the high plateau
  • Night sky over the Altiplano — extremely clear at 4,000m with minimal light pollution
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    17.5 hours

  • Distance

    500 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget-friendly (Bs 90–126 end-to-end, ~US$13–18)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: Light snack included

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

SALi (South American Light) diesel-electric locomotive — Stadler built, Co'Co' configuration, acquired 2017 for high-altitude operation (5,000m+ capable)

Locomotive Weight

~80 tonnes (SALi)

Track Gauge

1,000 mm (metre gauge)

Braking Technology

Compressed air disc brakes on modern SALi locomotives; vacuum brakes on heritage rolling stock

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Operating at up to 4,000m altitude — reduced air density affects diesel combustion and engine power output

  • Extreme temperature variation: −20°C winter nights to +25°C summer days on the Altiplano

  • Isolated high-altitude route with minimal servicing infrastructure between major stations

  • Single-track operation with passing loops only at major stations (Uyuni, Rio Grande)

  • Gauge connection with Argentine network at Villazón (双方1,000mm gauge compatible)

Line operator

Ferroviaria Andina (FCA)

Route distance

500 km (Oruro–Villazón)

Maximum altitude

~4,000m (Altiplano crossing)

Maximum speed

100 km/h (locomotive limit)

Rolling stock

Ferrobus railcars (modern narrow-gauge railcars) + SALi locomotive

Carriage type

Ferrobus narrow-gauge railcar

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    17.5 hours

  • Distance

    500 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget-friendly (Bs 90–126 end-to-end, ~US$13–18)

Official Booking Provider