AFE Passenger Rail Tacuarembó–Rivera Passenger Train

The Tacuarembó to Rivera passenger train connects Tacuarembó with Rivera in 2 hours 10 minutes. It is Uruguay's only regular passenger rail service, with named stops at Bañado de Rocha, Paso del Cerro, Laureles, Brigadas Civiles, Tranqueras, and Paso Ataques.

The Paso de los Toros to Rivera railway opened in 1892. It once fed international service toward Brazil, but today's train does not cross the border or continue south to Montevideo.

The present service opened in December 2018 after 310 km of track between Paso de los Toros and Rivera had been reconstructed. The passenger train uses the northern part of that rehabilitated corridor.

It remains a rural public service rather than a tourist excursion or a link from Montevideo. The fourteen kilometer-post stops marked with a C in AFE's timetable require a signal or advance notice to the guard.

AFE's base timetable has one round trip on Monday and Friday, except non-working holidays. The train leaves Tacuarembó at 07:00 and Rivera at 16:15. AFE's service page has the full list of stops and current published fares.

Buy a ticket at the station or aboard the train. There is no online reservation system.

AFE runs DMU-Y1 diesel railcars on the route. These are self-propelled cars rather than a locomotive and a rake of intercity coaches. Passenger space is limited, and AFE does not describe air conditioning or luggage space on its service page. Rolling-stock maintenance has canceled departures before, and AFE began an integral Y1 repair program in 2026. Check the operator's notices near travel.

The two city terminals have more substantial facilities than the rural stops. AFE does not publish a detailed accessibility guide, so passengers needing level boarding or staff assistance should call before traveling.