Train Cemetery: Uyuni's Rusting Relics

The Train Cemetery sits just 3 km southwest of Uyuni town, where more than 100 steam locomotives and rail cars have been abandoned since the 1940s. Admission is free, and the site is open 24 hours a day — most salt-flat tours stop here first, around 7–9 AM.

A Graveyard of Bolivian Rail History

Why the Trains Were Abandoned

Bolivia's first railway, the Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia, began construction in 1872 and opened in 1892. British engineers built the line to haul silver, tin, copper, and nitrate from inland mines to Pacific ports. Uyuni became a busy junction, with a sizeable community of railway workers. By the 1940s, mineral deposits were depleted and the mining traffic collapsed. Locomotives that had no routes left to run were simply parked in the desert outside town and left to the salt winds. The dry air at 3,670 m has slowed decay, turning the engines a deep orange-brown over roughly 80 years.

What You'll See in the Yard

Around 100 locomotives and wagons — mostly British and American-built — sit in an unfenced open field. Some are hollowed shells; others still have boilers, wheels, and coupling rods. The site functions as an open-air museum with no visitor center, no security, and no barriers. You can walk right up to the engines and, in many cases, climb inside the cabs. The ground is uneven, with loose gravel and rusted metal fragments.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There from Uyuni

The cemetery lies about 3 km southwest of Uyuni's railway station, along Avenida Ferroviaria. A taxi takes roughly 10 minutes and costs around 10 BOB; walking takes 30–40 minutes. The altitude (3,670 m) makes the walk harder than the distance suggests — take it slowly on your first day. Most organized salt-flat tours include the cemetery as their first stop, so if you're booking a day trip, you'll likely be driven there directly.

Entry, Hours, and Rules

There is no entrance fee and no official opening hours — the site is accessible around the clock. Local rules are informal but enforced by guides and residents: no climbing on wagon roofs (the metal is thin and unstable), no drone flying inside the fence (the adjacent rail line is military-adjacent), and no using the mossy wooden sleepers as benches. The moss on the sleepers is a salt-fog residue; step on cut timber if you need firmer footing.

Best Time to Photograph the Trains

Light matters more here than at almost any other stop on the salt-flat circuit. Sunrise (around 6–7 AM depending on season) gives long shadows and warm golden light on the rust; late afternoon (4–6 PM) produces deep orange tones against a blue sky. Midday light is harsh and flat. The dry season (April to October) offers clear skies and dry ground; the rainy season (November to March) brings occasional mud and dramatic clouds. Wind is common in the afternoon — gusts of 25 km/h are typical — so secure hats and lens caps.

How Long to Stay and Who It Suits

Most visitors spend 20–45 minutes at the cemetery. It's a quick stop, not a half-day destination. Photographers who want empty frames should arrive before 8 AM, when tour groups haven't yet arrived. The site suits travelers interested in industrial history, ruin photography, and offbeat landscapes. It is not wheelchair-accessible, and the uneven ground makes it difficult for those with limited mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Train Cemetery free to enter?

Yes, there is no admission fee and no ticket office. The site is open 24 hours a day, though visiting after dark is not recommended due to uneven ground and lack of lighting.

How far is the Train Cemetery from Uyuni town?

It is about 3 km southwest of the town center, roughly a 10-minute taxi ride (around 10 BOB) or a 30–40 minute walk from the main square. Most salt-flat tours include it as the first stop.

Can you climb on the trains?

You can climb into some locomotive cabs and stand next to the engines, but climbing on wagon roofs is prohibited — the metal is thin and unstable. Local guides enforce this rule for safety.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (4–6 PM) offers the best light and fewer crowds. Sunrise is particularly good for photography, with long shadows and warm tones on the rusted metal.

Are there facilities at the Train Cemetery?

No. There are no toilets, shops, or visitor facilities at the site. Bring water, sun protection, and any snacks you need. The nearest services are in Uyuni town.