Although rail transport is not a common mode of locomotion in Brazil, the Carajás Railway Passenger Train (EFC) offers a viable travel option through the Amazon, considered one of the most notable railway routes in the national territory in the North of the country.
The EFC functions as one of the country's main railways, connecting São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, to Parauapebas, located in the southeastern region of Pará. This route covers approximately 861 kilometers and takes about 16 hours to complete.
The Carajás Railway was inaugurated in February 1985 with the purpose of transporting raw materials extracted from the Serra dos Carajás, recognized as the world's largest open-pit iron mine, located in southeastern Pará, to the Port of Ponta da Madeira, in São Luís.
In addition to its economic function in cargo transport, the railway plays a relevant social role by serving passengers, many of whom reside in localities with few mobility alternatives.
The management of the railway is the responsibility of the company Vale. This company also manages the Vitória a Minas Railway, which connects the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo over a distance of 664 kilometers. Together, these two lines represent the only regular long-distance passenger routes operating in Brazil.
The Carajás Train stands out for covering the longest distance between origin and destination points in Brazil. Along the 861 km, the line passes through 27 municipalities (24 in Maranhão and three in Pará), making 15 stops during the 16-hour journey.
Annually, the line transports about 120 million tons of cargo and receives approximately 350 thousand passengers, traveling in both directions. The main boarding locations include São Luís, Santa Inês, and Açailândia, in Maranhão, and Marabá and Parauapebas, in Pará, offering travelers a privileged view of the rich biodiversity of the North of the country.
Due to the long duration of the journey, the train operates on alternate days in both directions. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the trip departs from São Luís at 8 am, scheduled to arrive in Parauapebas at 11:50 pm; boarding must be completed by 7:50 am.
On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the train leaves Parauapebas at 6 am, arriving in the Maranhão capital at 10 pm, with boarding closing scheduled for 5:55 am.
The train has two travel classes: Economy Class and Executive Class, both equipped with air conditioning. The green-painted carriages feature a snack bar, a dining car, an adapted compartment for wheelchair users, and onboard service available to all passengers.
Ticket costs vary according to the distance traveled and the selected class. For the full journey in Economy Class, prices start at R$ 100, while in Executive Class, prices start at R$ 190. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during holidays and commemorative dates, and they can be bought on the official Vale website or at station ticket offices.