Tren Chillán–Estación Central

The Tren Chillán to Estación Central is Chile's principal year-round long-distance passenger train. It runs 397.6 km from Santiago through the Central Valley to Chillán, with twelve stations on the full regular stopping pattern.

EFE has also run dated summer services between Santiago and Temuco. Those trains belong to a seasonal program, not the regular year-round corridor, so check the current announcement rather than planning around an old timetable.

Regular and express trains do not make the same stops. The full route includes San Bernardo, Rancagua, San Fernando, Curicó, Molina, Talca, San Javier, Linares, Parral, and San Carlos. Express BMU departures concentrate on the larger stations, so the train number matters as much as the destination.

The full modern service opened to Chillán in April 2024 after flood damage and infrastructure work delayed the start. Six four-car BMU trains can run under electric or diesel power. EFE also uses UTS electric trains on regular services.

This is a reserved train. Buy for a specific departure through EFE Central and keep your ticket available for inspection. EFE's current FAQ allows up to 30 kg of included luggage, but size rules and change conditions should be checked before a trip with large bags.

BMU trains have standard and Standard Plus seating, power, USB, air conditioning, a cafe counter, luggage racks, and an accessible toilet. UTS trains have different seating and facilities. The booking page identifies the departure and class being sold.

Talca connects with the rural train to Constitución. San Bernardo and Rancagua connect with suburban services. These are separate tickets and schedules, so leave enough time to exit one train, confirm the platform, and board the next.

Alameda's iron train shed is part of Santiago's historic Estación Central. Chillán's 1941 station belongs to the city's post-earthquake modernist reconstruction. The route is not high-speed rail, even though the BMU fleet can reach 160 km/h on suitable track.