Central Station (Santiago)


Central Station, also known as Alameda station, is a major railway station in Santiago, Chile. It serves the south of the country and is the city's primary railway hub. After the closure of Mapocho, it became the only major railway station in Santiago. It is on the Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, facing Matucana avenue.

Overview

The station opened in 1885, with the building designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1897 and its metallic structure built by the French firm Schneider of Le Creusot. In 1983, it was declared a National Monument by the Chilean government, protecting it by law from demolition or remodeling. It has long been a reference point for travellers and locals; becoming so well known that it gave the name to the municipality and commune where it is located, Estación Central.
In recent years, the station has undergone a revival as the government-owned railway Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado has been modernized to restore the bygone appeal for train travel. These efforts have been met with moderate success.
On 24 May 2021, EFE officially renamed the station from "Alameda" to "Central Station".
The station is a key transportation hub, with the underground Santiago Metro Line 1 Estación Central metro station located at its central gates. Three intercity bus terminals are also within walking distance, and numerous local bus lines serve the station. A medium-sized shopping center is adjacent to the station, and the nearby San Borja Bus Terminal is also within walking distance, connected by an additional complex of shopping centers.

Lines and trains

The following lines and trains terminate here:
  • EFE Central
  • *TerraSur inter-city service
  • *Tren Alameda - Nos commuter service
  • *Tren Estación Central - Rancagua commuter/regional service
  • *Tren Estación Central - San Fernando
  • Touristic Trains
  • * Tren del Recuerdo
  • * Tren Del Recuerdo
  • * Tren Sabores Del Valle
  • Occasional Services
  • * Tren nocturno Santiago-Concepción inter-city service
  • *TerraSur Temuco inter-city service

Nearby Landmarks