Brazil Joins Peru, Chile, and Argentina Set to Surge New Train Routes Transform Travel Forever in 2026: What You Need to Know

The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for railway development across South America. Governments and state-run companies are unveiling new passenger and freight services that promise to reshape mobility, strengthen tourism, improve logistics and enhance regional connectivity. The following article synthesises official announcements from national agencies, ministries and state-owned railway companies to present a comprehensive overview of the new train routes scheduled to debut in 2026.

Brazil – SãoPaulo’s rail revolution

Line6‑Laranja (SãoPaulo Metro)

SãoPaulo’s metropolitan rail network is undergoing its most significant expansion in decades. Construction of Line6‑Laranja, a 15.3km underground route linking the northern district of Brasilândia to the historic centre at SãoJoaquim, reached 75% completion by the end of2025. The state government has announced that the first section of the line, covering the stretch from Brasilândia to Perdizes with 15stations, will open to passengers in 2026. The remaining section to SãoJoaquim is slated for 2027. Line6‑Laranja will connect working‑class neighbourhoods directly to major universities, downtown employment hubs and the rest of the metro network. Trains will have modern rolling stock, platform screen doors and fully accessible stations. Once fully operational, the line is expected to move 633,000 passengers per day and relieve congestion on parallel bus corridors.

Line17‑Ouro monorail

A second major project in SãoPaulo is the Line17‑Ouro monorail, designed to connect Congonhas Airport to the existing Line9‑Esmeralda and Line1‑Azul. The state government reports that construction is more than90% complete. Assisted operation of the first section, linking the airport to Morumbi station, is scheduled for March2026. Full commercial operation across the 7.7km route is planned for the second half of 2026. The monorail will feature automated trains, elevated guideways and station platforms equipped with platform screen doors. By linking the airport to the broader rail network, Line17‑Ouro will reduce travel times for south‑zone residents, improve access for air passengers and contribute to emission reduction by offering a reliable alternative to taxis and private vehicles.

The Holiday Train on the Vitória–Minas Railway

Beyond SãoPaulo, the mining company Vale—operator of Brazil’s only inter‑state passenger railway—announced an innovative seasonal service called the Holiday Train. Starting in January2026, this night‑time train will run along the 664km Vitória–Minas Railway during school holiday periods in January, July and December. The new service, created in partnership with the National Land Transport Agency, is part of Vale’s commitments under its renewed concession. Passengers will benefit from a modern fleet with economy and executive classes, wheelchair lifts, smoke detectors, on‑board snack bars and enhanced station lighting. The night‑time schedule allows travellers to cross the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais while sleeping, making rail travel more appealing and reinforcing the railway’s role in regional integration. Vale’s director for the line remarked that the initiative responds to public demand for safe, comfortable night‑time transport and underscores the company’s effort to enhance passenger services.

Chile – Expanded tourist services from EFE

Chile’s state‑owned rail company Empresa deFerrocarriles delEstado (EFE) launched its summer2026 program on 3January2026. EFE’s strategy blends regular inter‑city services with tourism‑focused trains that cater to domestic and international visitors.

• Reinforced Santiago–Chillán corridor: EFE increased frequencies on the key 400 km corridor between the capital and Chillán, offering up to ten daily round‑trips during the summer peak. This upgrade allows more flexible travel options and encourages residents to choose rail over long‑distance buses or private cars.
• Return of the Santiago–Temuco service: The long‑distance train linking Santiago and Temuco, suspended in previous years, returns as a weekend service. Departures from Santiago occur on Fridays, while return trips from Temuco run on Sundays. The service crosses central Chile, offering comfortable reclining seats, dining cars and scenic views through the Araucanía region.
• Tren Sabores (wine tourism): Recognising the growing demand for oenological experiences, EFE introduced the Tren Sabores (“Flavours Train”). This excursion train offers enotourism routes in the Maule and O’Higgins regions. Passengers can sample local wines and culinary specialties on board and disembark for guided visits to vineyards and cultural sites. The program strengthens rural tourism economies and positions railways as an integral part of Chile’s gastronomic tours.
• Tren del Recuerdo: EFE continues its heritage program with the Tren del Recuerdo (“Memory Train”), a steam‑era excursion that now runs to San Antonio and Limache on select dates. Restored locomotives and heritage coaches transport passengers back to the heyday of rail travel and support cultural preservation.
• Llanquihue–Puerto Montt service expansion: In southern Chile, EFE expanded its regional rail link between Llanquihue and Puerto Montt to operate on Saturdays in addition to regular weekday services. This extension improves access for weekend commuters and tourists exploring the Patagonian Lake District.

EFE’s president emphasised that these initiatives broaden the tourism offer, provide sustainable travel options, and showcase Chile’s landscapes and products. The summer schedule demonstrates how state operators can combine mobility and tourism strategies to drive regional development.

Peru – Promises and projects

Lima–Chosica commuter train

The metropolitan area of Lima suffers from severe congestion along the Carretera Central highway. To alleviate this, the Municipality of Lima and the national Ministry of Transport and Communications signed a cooperation agreement in late 2025 to develop a Lima–Chosica commuter train. MayorRenzoReggiardo publicly stated that the first phase of the train should begin carrying passengers in the first half of2026. According to the plan, the initial stage would run from central Lima to Chosica with one station at each terminus; subsequent phases would extend the line with 14 intermediate stations. Reggiardo noted that multiple institutions—including the Ministry of Housing and the national railway operator—must align for the project to succeed. The project aims to provide an affordable, fast alternative to road travel for commuters from eastern Lima, reduce accident risks on the Carretera Central, and catalyse economic development in the Rímac and Lurigancho‑Chosica districts. However, Peru’s transport regulator OSITRAN has indicated that technical and financial feasibility studies are still underway and no final decision on implementation had been made as of late 2025. This suggests that while the Lima–Chosica train is slated for 2026, its actual start date will depend on the outcome of ongoing evaluations.

Construction of the Lima–Ica railway

A more ambitious project is the Lima–Ica railway, also known as the Tren de Cercanías. The Ministry of Transport and Communications announced that construction will begin in the first half of2026 under a government‑to‑government agreement. The 309km line would link Lima with the coastal region of Ica, passing through towns like Chincha and Pisco, and integrate with the future Jorge Chávez International Airport station on Lima Metro Line4. The minister explained that the design file and tender documents would be completed by mid‑2025, with works starting in 2026 and completion expected by 2031–2032. While passenger services are years away, the start of construction represents a significant commitment to expanding inter‑city rail in Peru. When finished, the line is expected to cut travel time between Lima and Ica from more than five hours by road to around two hours, stimulate economic growth along the coast, and provide a lower‑carbon transport option for millions of people.

Uruguay – New locomotives and freight services

In Uruguay, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works reported that the Port of Montevideo received the first three of seven locomotives ordered by GrupoRAS, a private logistics operator. These locomotives will begin service in Marchor April2026, connecting the port with the company’s industrial park 30km away and with Rivera on the Brazilian border. The minister of transport described the arrival as a decisive step towards modernising freight transport and consolidating the railway within the national logistics system. The locomotives are “zero‑kilometre” units imported from Brazil, each capable of hauling between 20 and 25 wagons carrying up to 40 containers. They will strengthen Uruguay’s multimodal strategy by shifting cargo from road to rail, enhance the competitiveness of agro‑industrial exports, and improve the role of Montevideo as a regional hub. Although passenger rail remains limited in Uruguay, the minister noted that studies are underway to revitalise metropolitan passenger services, including improvements on the Rivera–Tacuarembó corridor.

Conclusion

South America’s railway landscape is poised for transformation in 2026. Brazil leads the momentum with SãoPaulo’s new metro and monorail lines and Vale’s holiday passenger services. Chile integrates tourism and mobility through EFE’s expanded summer program. Peru looks to tackle urban congestion and inter‑city connectivity with planned commuter and regional lines, though the timeline depends on feasibility studies and construction progress. Uruguay enhances its freight capabilities with new locomotives and hints at future passenger revival. These initiatives collectively signal a renewed commitment to rail transport—offering greener, more efficient mobility and stimulating economic and tourism development across the continent.

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