Bogota’s holiday festivities will once again travel by rail with the return of the Tren de la Sabana Navideño, a seasonal nighttime journey that has become one of the capital’s most traditional December attractions. Running from mid-December through early January, the Christmas train offers residents and visitors a unique way to enjoy illuminated streets, Christmas characters and family-friendly entertainment while traveling across the city and into the northern municipalities. Colombia’s Bogota Christmas Train route runs from Dec. 15 to Jan. 9.
According to the Bogota Mayor’s Office, the Christmas train is designed as an immersive night tour that highlights urban holiday decorations and ends with a festive event in the neighboring town of Chia. The service has become increasingly popular among families, tourists and train enthusiasts looking for a different way to celebrate during the holiday season.
How to buy tickets
Based on information from the Bogota Mayor’s Office official website, tickets for the Christmas train can be purchased in advance at two official locations in Bogota. The first is Estacion de La Sabana, located in the city center on Calle 13 with Carrera 18, where only advance sales are available. The second point of sale is Estacion de Usaquen, in the north of the city on Avenida Carrera 9 with Calle 110, which also handles only advance purchases.
Additionally, passengers can buy tickets through Tuboleta, both at its physical sales points nationwide and by phone at +57 601 5936300. Purchases made through Tuboleta include an additional service charge of 7,900 pesos per ticket (approximately US$2.08, along with an 8,000-peso per transaction for ticket localization.
The Mayor’s Office has confirmed that the price for the Christmas journey is 66,000 Colombian pesos per person (approximately U$17.70). Children under 3 years of age may travel free of charge as long as they sit on an adult’s lap and do not occupy a seat. Because demand is high during the holiday season, authorities recommend purchasing tickets with sufficient anticipation to secure a space on the preferred date.
Route of the Christmas train
This year’s Christmas route begins at the western side of the Gran Estacion shopping center, directly in front of the Plazoleta de Los Alfiles at Carrera 66 and Calle 26. From this departure point, the train travels across Bogota toward the well-known Usaquen Station, where passengers can step off to enjoy live music, visit Santa Claus, interact with Christmas elves and take photos beside the illuminated locomotive. The stop is designed to give families and visitors enough time to walk around the station, take pictures and participate in the holiday activities prepared for the season.
After the stop in Usaquen, the train continues north toward Estacion La Caro in Chia. Upon arrival, passengers are welcomed with a fireworks show organized specifically for the Christmas tour, creating a festive highlight before the return journey. Once the show concludes, the train heads back to Bogota, concluding the trip at the same initial boarding points. Authorities emphasize that passengers may begin the journey only at the Gran Estacion departure area or at Estacion de Usaquen, as no other boarding points will be available for this special holiday service.
Official itinerary and travel times
The itinerary for the Christmas train follows a fixed schedule to ensure passengers can enjoy the lights, stopovers and fireworks show without rush. The train departs from the western side of the Gran Estacion mall at 6:45 p.m. and arrives at Estacion de Usaquen at 7:15 p.m., where it remains until 8:00 p.m. so travelers can enjoy the holiday activities prepared at the station. From Usaquen, the train continues toward Chia and arrives at Estacion La Caro at 8:50 p.m. After the fireworks show, the train departs Chia at 9:20 p.m. for the return to Bogota.
On the way back, the train stops again at Estacion de Usaquen, arriving at 10:10 p.m. and departing at 10:15 p.m. to complete the final portion of the route. The journey concludes at the Gran Estacion departure point at approximately 10:45 p.m., closing a full evening of holiday sightseeing and family entertainment.
Family activities and safety recommendations
Throughout the journey, passengers can expect a festive environment that includes music, holiday characters and photo opportunities without overcrowding.
Authorities recommend arriving early to avoid last-minute congestion, particularly at Gran Estacion, which tends to receive the largest number of passengers. Families traveling with young children are encouraged to stay together during boarding and station stops, as these areas can become busy during peak December dates.
Wearing warm clothing is also suggested, given that nighttime temperatures along the route can drop significantly.
The Mayor’s Office reinforces that passengers should always follow staff guidance, remain seated while the train is in motion and avoid leaning out of windows or obstructing connecting corridors inside the wagons. These measures help ensure that the experience remains safe and enjoyable for all travelers throughout the holiday season.
A Bogota tradition on rails
For those interested and curious, here is a brief explanation about the origins of the Tren de la Sabana.
The Tren de la Sabana has been an enduring symbol of Bogota since it first began operations in 1889, originally created to connect the capital with northern municipalities such as Chia, Zipaquira, and Cajica. Its primary purpose was to transport passengers and agricultural goods between the city and the surrounding towns, supporting commerce, communication, and regional development.
Over time, as modern transportation methods emerged, the train shifted from a purely functional railway into a cultural and touristic landmark, preserving an important piece of Bogota’s industrial and social heritage.
Today, the Tren de la Sabana is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also as a platform for family-oriented activities and seasonal events. During the Christmas season, it transforms into a festive journey, carrying passengers through illuminated streets, historic stations, and scenic landscapes, while offering music, storytelling, and holiday-themed entertainment. For both locals and visitors, riding the Tren de la Sabana is more than a simple trip, it is an opportunity to experience Bogota’s history, community spirit, and holiday magic on rails.