Rail tour to Morretes: EVERYTHING you need to know [2020]
Did you know that the most famous tour in Curitiba is a rail tour? So, if you plan a trip here, this is a tour that should be in your list - and if possible - previously booked! It is one of the most spectacular rail tours in the world according to the Britisch journal The Guardian. We have detailed some information and tips for you to choose the option that fits you better.
You will find here useful and current information about the rail tour to Morretes:
Which days does the tour take place
Departure times
Where does the train leave from
How much does the rail tour costs
How long does the rail tour last
Where does the rail tour finish
Does the train tour ends in Paranaguá?
Return tickets?
Book ahead or try on spot?
How are the different rail classes
Prices for the rail tickets from Curitiba to Morretes (or back)
Prices of the full day tours
How to book ahead
Answers to the most frequent questions!
Curiosities about the rail tour from Curitiba to Morretes
Let´s go to the main infos about the train tour to Morretes.
In which days does the rail tour from Curitiba to Morretes happen?
The tour dates change during the year. If you are not sure, it happens all year long from Friday to Sunday and in middle and high season, also during other days of the week. It is important that you check the tour dates ahead and organize your trip to Curitiba accordingly.
The train has a departe time from Curitiba to Morretes and a and one departure time back: at 8:30 AM (some days the luxury train departs one hour later - you will see the difference here as well). The train leaves from Rodoferroviária (bus and train station) from Curitiba to Morretes. The bus train station is centrally located - two blocks for buses and one for the rail tour.
If you prefer the rail tour from Morretes to Curitiba, the departure time is 3 PM. The train station in Morretes is also very central, few meters from Nhundiaquara river, restaurants and shops.
In case you choose a full day tour (complete), the van will pick you up in your hotel or central address. You will see options below. You do not need to go to the given addresses to book your ticket or tour. Book safely online.
How much does the rail tour costs
The ticket price will depend on the chosen class. The price for an adult goes from R$ 130 (tourist class) to R$ 360 (luxury in high season). There are special fares for crianças de 6 a 12 anos, idosos e estudantes people over 60 years old. You can also return by bus with Viação Graciosa or book a complete tour. You can see all details and understand the differences among the classes. . nos cartões de crédito. See all options, choose safely and book online.
How long does the train tour last?
The trip is approximately 4:15h long (each track), but eventually some delays may happen, as cargo trains use the same tracks. It is not possible to know about them ahead, but do not let this detail ruin your tour.
Return tickets?
An important tip: it is tiring to go to Morretes AND return by train, as the landscape is the same and you would be more than 8 hours in the train! We suggest that you choose one way. An excellent tip is to choose a tour that includes one way by train and the other by van or mini-bus. So you will see different landscapes and maybe see the wonderful Estrada da Graciosa if the weather allows. See all price options next. We will show you all ticket and tour options to compare, so that you can choose the one you prefer.
Where does the train tour end?
The destination of the train tour is Morretes, a lovely historical town. You will see several shops selling local produces and restaurants offering barreado, a juicy beef stew, which is the typical dish of the region. Walking there you will see beautiful mansions and historic buildings. Also highlight to the famous banana candy and the cachaças , locally produced. Enjoy the regional food.
Watch the video that show the differences (subtitles in English):
Pictures of the train
How is the train class
TOURIST CLASS
22 cars with 44 or 48 seats each one Double cushioned seats Guide in Portuguese only Simple board service with crackers 1 water or 1 soda per person Window opens and toilet in the car Tip: bring more water and something more to eat
CABIN CLASS
Max. 26 persons (only one car) Guide in Portuguese / English Board service with special snacks (croissant with cheese and ham, bun and something sweet) Free drinks (water, soda and beer) Windows open 6 cabins for 4 people each 1 cabin for 2 people (only a double bench in the opposite site of the landscape) Toilet available
IMPERIAL CLASS
Maximum 20 persons (only one car) Guide in Portuguese / English Board service with special snacks (croissant with cheese and ham, bun and something sweet) Free drinks (water, soda and beer) Windows open 1 car in restaurant style Tables for 2 or 4 people (chairs can not be moved) Shared toilet with the next car
BARÃO DO SERRO AZUL CLASS
Max. 32 persons (only one car) Guide in Portuguese / English Board service with special snacks (croissant with cheese and ham, bun and something sweet) Free drinks (water, soda and beer) Toilet available Panoramic windows open Tables for 2 and 4 people (chairs do not move) Balcony with 6 sqm
LUXURY CLASS
3 Cars with 23 or 40 seats each one Elegant decoration Guide in Portuguese / English Board service with special snacks (croissant with cheese and ham, bun and something sweet) Free drinks: welcome sparkling wine, coffee, tea, juice, water, soda and beer Toilet in the cars and air-condition Windows do no open
IMPORTANT: there are 3 different cars that run according to the number of people and maintainance schedule. If you have preference, inform in your booking. But remember: you book the class, not a specific car.
As the luxury class (litorina) has air-conditon and the windows do not open, it has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
GOOD TO KNOW: If you book a class that has onlye one car, it might happen that you are reallocated to another one in the same price class. The logistics of the train company can change the cars and seats according to the demand and maintainance and it is usually not informed before.
P.S.: there is a category called economic, that we do not sell. That´s why: there is only one car, with plastic benches - very unconfortable for 4 hours ride. They do not change directions and there is no guide to explain and point the interesting places. All in all: you would travel without any comfort, will not know where to look to and maybe travelling backwards.
train ticket in the cabin or imperial class (according to availability) - in 1930´s style, guide in Portuguese / English, special snack (croissant with ham and cheese and something sweet) and free drinks (water, soda and beer).
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 235
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 190
TRAIN TICKET BARÃO DO SERRO AZUL CURITIBA - MORRETES
Included:
train ticket in the Barão do Serro Azul class - panoramic windows and balcony, guide in Portuguese / English, special snack (croissant with ham and cheese and something sweet) and free drinks (water, soda and beer).
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 235
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 190
train ticket in one of the luxury cars (Copacabana, Foz or Curitiba, all with elegant decoration), sofas and chairs, air-condition, Portuguese/English guide, special snack (croissant with ham and cheese and something sweet), welcome sparkling wine and free drinks (coffee, tea, juice, water, soda and beer).
Prices per person:
Prices depend on the season
Adult: R$ 265 por 360
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 215 or 262,50
Tip: to return from Morretes to Curitiba you can book ahead a bus ticket with Viação Graciosa. It is the most economic way to return to Curitiba! Stay a few hours in Morretes to have time for a regional lunch and stroll. We recommend you to book your bus ticket from 3 PM.
Complete tour packages if you prefer comfort and safety - the most booked ones!
In the options below you will be picked up at your hotel or central address in Curitiba, will have the train ticket, regional lunch, will vist Morretes and Antonina and will return by van. A complete tour - you will not have to organize anything!
How does it work?
How much and how can you book?
TOURIST TRAIN TOUR TO MORRETES - SHARED TOUR
Included:
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 7:00 to 7:45AM), tour guide (Portuguese), train ticket in the tourist class (simple snack and 1 water or soda per person), regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), visit to Morretes and Antonina (includes Hisgeopar) and return by van at Graciosa Road or BR-277.
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 302
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 262
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 7:00 to 7:45AM), tour guidec (English / Portuguese), train ticket in the cabin or imperial class (special snack and free drinks - water, soda and beer), regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), visit to Morretes and Antonina (includes Hisgeopar) and return by van at Graciosa Road or BR-277.
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 369
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 324
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 7:00 to 7:45AM), tour guidec (English / Portuguese), train ticket in the Barão do Serro Azul class (special snack and free drinks - water, soda and beer), regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), visit to Morretes and Antonina (includes Hisgeopar) and return by van at Graciosa Road or BR-277.
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 369
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 324
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 7:00 to 7:45AM*), tour guide (English / Portuguese), train ticket in the luxury class (special snack, welcome sparkling wine and free drinks - coffee, tea, juice, water, soda and beer), regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), visit to Morretes and Antonina (includes Hisgeopar) and return by van at Graciosa Road or BR-277.
* In some dates, pick up time between 8:00 and 8:45 AM.
Prices per person:
Prices depend on the season
Adult: R$ 399 or 455
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 345 or 358
Tour packages leaving Curitiba by van and returning by train - for people who want to start the tour later
How does it work?
How much and how can you book?
SUNSET TRAIN RIDE - TOURIST
Included:
only transportation is included, the van leaves the rail station in Curitiba at 9:30 AM, visit to Hisgeopar and return by train in the tourist class (guide in Portuguese in the train, simple snack and 1 water or soda)
The train leaves Morretes at 3:00 PM.
Estimated arrival time in Curitiba at 7:15 PM.
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 175
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 135
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 9:00 and 9:35 AM), tour guide (Portuguese), van to Morretes along the Graciosa Road or BR-277, visit to Morretes and Antonina, regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), train ticket in the tourist class (simple snack and 1 water or soda per person).
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 290
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 250
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 9:00 and 9:35 AM), tour guide (Portuguese), van to Morretes along the Graciosa Road or BR-277, visit to Morretes and Antonina, regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), train ticket in the cabin class (special snack and free drinks: water, soda and beer).
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 355
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 310
transfer from hotel or central address in Curitiba to the rail station (between 9:00 and 9:35 AM), tour guide (Portuguese), van to Morretes along the Graciosa Road or BR-277, visit to Morretes and Antonina, regional lunch (beverages and dessert not included), train ticket in the luxury class (special snack, welcome sparkling wine and free drinks: coffee, tea, juice, water, soda and beer).
Prices per person:
Adult: R$ 385
+60 years old or Student (only with Brazilian national student card): R$ 335
IMPORTANT DETAIL: the sunset time depends on the time of the year. During summer months, it happens later. Despite the name of the tour, we can not guarantee you will see the sunset. The estimated arrival time in Curitiba is 7:15 PM.
If you compare,
... the options that include pick up service, regional lunch and return by van are a great deal. It is worth and you will not worry about anything, as losing time buying bus tickets. Besides that, in these options the trip to Antonina is also included, what is great - it is a lovely town worth the visit. It is close to Morretes, but if you have the transportation already included, you will not have to worry about departure times and avoid to hurry up. See how your tour planing is like and choose the best option for you. We are here to help you if necessary!
In all tour options, if the trip along the Graciosa Road is not reccommended, be for the weather conditions or due to an event, the trip will be made along BR-277. It is also a very beautiful road!
Stop at Cadeado Sanctuary in the luxury train during high season dates.
How to book the train tour to Morretes?
The easiest way is to bookonline, safely from wherever you are
If you are downtown Curitiba, you can come to your office! We are at Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 262 | office 5 | first floor.
See also other tours we have in Curitiba region and get to know the advantages to be our client.! Please remember, the informed prices are per person and subject to change without prior notice.
When should I book the rail tour?
The sooner, the better. Some classes, like Luxury, are fully booked quite fast, especially during vacation and holidays. The price is exactly the same one as in the ticket office, so it does not cost more if you plan ahead and you can have everything organized before your arrival.
You can book safely in our website until 2 days before the tour. After that, you can contact us by phone 41 3076-0743 ou Whatsapp 41 99935-7215.
You will have more options, as some classes have limited seats, as you will see. Choosing ahead, you will have more chance to book panoramic windows, balcony or welcome drinks and not just take what is still available;
You can book your seats together , will seat together with our family or friends;
You will book safely from home or wherever you are (online);
You you did notloose time during the trip, stand on lines, spend on parking lots or transportation;
You if you choose tours that include the transportation back. As by Brazilian lay, for the insurance, it is necessary to book before to include all names in the passengers list for authorization;
You will not be victim to fake companies that contact tourists on the streets with offers without legal aspects.
WHAT DO "SHARED TOURS" MEAN?
In the shared tours the vans pass by different hotels and addresses to pick up the tourists to the stion and you will be with in the tour with a group. Advantages: the price is per person, usually cheaper and you will be with other people. Disadvantages: it is not possible to say when the van will be in your place and you will have lunch with other people, in tables reserved for the group.
If you prefer private serviceswe have this option as well! In the private tours, the guide will pick you up in an exactly time and the itinerary can be adapted to your preferences. The prices of the private tours depend on the number of participants. Here is the link of the website where you will find all train tours, including the private ones.See there and contact us for a special tour for you!
All travelers, including children, must carry original documents to board the train. Children travelling without their parents must take a travel authorization,the same used for flights. Check if you have everything before heading to the station to avoid problems and even missing the tour.
ATTENTION TO THE DEPARTURE TIMES!
If the tour you chose includes pick up service, please be at the lobby in the indicated time to avoid delays for the group. If you go by your own to the rail station, be there some minutes before the informed time .
The vast forest during the rail tour to Morretes.
MOTORBIKE AND BICYCLE: MAY I TAKE THEM IN THE TRAIN?
There is a luggage car that have space for until 4 motorbikes. As the seats are limited, you will need to book in advance. Contact us by phone +55 41 3076-0743, by WhatsApp +55 41 99935-7215 to check the availability. It is important to book ahead to guarantee. You will need to be at the train station at 6:30 AM to embark your motorbike and bring 4 cables to fix it. We will send a form that must be printed and brought signed in the tour day.
Regarding bicycle, you will also have to book ahead and also be there at 6:30 for loading it.
The rail tour has now a special class for pets. It is a place thought especially for people who wish to take their dog with during the tour. Place for 28 passsengers and up to 10 dogs (8 begs and 2 spalces for bigger dogs). This class offers special snack for humans and water and a cookie for the dog. Some papers will be necessary: vaccination charts and current authorization letter from your veterinary. You will also need your pipi matt and food containers besides belts. Same rules are applied if you travel by bus in Brazil. You will not be allowed to embark if you do not follow them.
Many people still ask for the train tour to Paranaguá.Since some years the tour ends in Morretes. The rail station in Paranaguá does not welcome trains anymore, as the cargo trains are more often due to the port. Anyway, the most beautiful tour part ends in Morretes.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RAIL TOUR TO MORRETES:
You will see in the tour calender dates in orange and other in blue.
In the orange dates the prices for tickets and tours that include the ticket from Curitiba to Morretes in the Luxury class about cheaper. In these dates, the luxury cars leave together withg the regular train and there is not a stop at the Padlock Santuary. The boarding time in Curitiba can be very chaotic.
In the blue days the prices for tickets and tours that include the ticket from Curitiba to Morretes in the Luxury class about the prices are higher, but there are advantages. The luxury train depars one hour later, what makes the boarding time quieter and there is a stop for pictures at Padlock Sanctuary. It is a nice moment to enjoy the vistas from the mountains. Besides that, as there are only 3 cars, the train conductor makes some stops on the way in front of the most beautiful landscapes.
"In case of rain, may I cancel the tour?"
NO! The train tour happens also in rainy days. The landscape is more appeling in sunny days, but no need to cancel because of rain. You will have cancelation fees (check the booking conditions). So, do not let some rain blow your travel plans.
Cloudy or sunny, the landscapes will surprise you! Photo: Special Paraná
The seats are numbered and sold sequentially. When you book the system will "choose" your seats automatically. Because of that we can not inform in which side of the train you will be. Besides that, the train manovers, changes directions and your sets can be in a different position than expected. Even if you find out in which side you will be only in the tour date, both sides of the rail road have great vistas!
How is the regional lunch included in some tours?
It is served in a restaurant in Morretes or Antonina. The local food is one of the main attractions of the region and thousands of people travel there only for lunch. When included, the regional food is typical of the coast: barreado (juicy beef stew), rice, cassava flour, fish, praws and salad. Sometimes people ask us how "barreado" is like: it is beef cooked for many hours and is quite typical.
Fish and praws are side dishes, so if do not eat meat, you can have them too. In case of food restriciton, please inform in your booking request - we will try to provide your needs as good as we can. Normally the restaurant has a pasta or omelette option to replace the barreado.
If not included, you can have lunch wherever you wish. In the most traditional restaurants, the meal costs about R$ 60 to R$ 70 per person. If you like alcoholic drinks, try the local cachaça! In the shared tours, the table is reserved for the group.You will have the chance to chat to other people and may even make new friends!
Barreado, the typical food of the regional. Juicy beef stew served with rice, cassava flour, fish, prawns and salad.
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
"If I live in Curitiba, do you pick me up at home?" If you choose a tour that includes pick up service, YES! Just inform your address in the booking request. If it is downtown or in a close neighborhood, no extra fee applies. If it is further away, the cost will depend on the distance. Confirm with our team before.
"Special prices for +60 years old?" Yes. To see details, see the price tables before.
"Does student have a discount?" Only for people who have an official Brazilian Identity Card (issued by UNE or similar). A picture of the card will be requested to confirm the booking. Know more here..
"Do people with special needs have discounts?" Yes, the same price for +60 years old. But it is only valid for people with disabled cards issued by Brazilian government. A copy of that will be requested to confirm the booking request.
Curiosities about the rail tour from Curitiba to Morretes
the rail cars are from the 1960´s, but they get constant mantainance
the railroad was opned on February 2nd 1885 and took only 5 years to be built
the cars of the luxury class Great Brazil Express are the most comfortable ones
you will see the biggest remaining Atlantic Forest area of Brazil
it is possible to see the mountains called Marumbi
the first tunnel is called Roça Nova and is the biggest one and and the only one without curves. Besides it there is a deactived tunnel turned into wine cave to mature sparkling wine, the winery Colina Caves de Pedra
in a quick moment you will see a former chimney in the middle of a lake
in the late 1940´s it was common to make a stop at Banhado station to have a coffeee and something to eat . (not anymore)
three bridges cross the Ipiranga river and in the first one you will see a water wheel that used to bring electricity to Ipiranga house, where parties used to take place during the construction. Only ruins are left.
tunnel 9, known as "ghost tunnel", is the only one with a pedestrian area
the São João Bridge is the largest one, with 113m length and almost 60m height. A Brazilian project, but built in Belgium and brought by ship to Paranaguá!
the moment that the train crosses Carvalho bridge is one of the most exciting ones - with 86m lenght, it was built over 6 pillars over the rocks. Wonderful views and the sensation to float, as you do not see the tracks for a few seconds.!
My name is Bibiana Antoniacomi, I graduated in tourism, mother of a daughter, born in Curitiba and founder of Special Paraná Travel Agency.
We welcome people from all over the world since 2007 - we are specialized in tours in our region.
You will find information to plan your trip better in our website. We want that you love Curitiba the way we do!
Book your tours with us and be also a "special" client. Nothing better than count on specialists to help you to have the best trip and enjoy your time here.
You can contact us by WhatsApp at +55 41 99935-7215, by phone from Monday to Friday +55 41 3076-0743 or come by in our office downtown Curitiba.
We are located at Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 262 - sala 5 (first floor).
