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Railway Museum: A Journey Through Guatemala's железные дороги History

Step back in time at Guatemala City's Railway Museum. Explore historic locomotives and learn about the nation's железные дороги heritage.

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Explore Guatemala's railway heritage at the Railway Museum in Guatemala City, housed in the former main railway station. Discover vintage locomotives, carriages, and artifacts that narrate the story of the railway's impact on the region's development.

A brief summary to Railway Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for potentially fewer crowds compared to weekends.
  • Engage with tour guides if available for deeper insights into Guatemala's railroad history.
  • Carry cash, as cards may not be accepted at the museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Railway Museum is located in Zone 1 of Guatemala City, within the historical center. If you are already in the center, such as near the Plaza Mayor, walking is a viable option. Head east on 9A Avenida, and you'll find the museum located at 18-03. Walking from the Plaza Mayor will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Guatemala City has a public transportation system, including the Transmetro bus rapid transit. Check local routes and schedules to see if a Transmetro line serves the vicinity of the Railway Museum. The Transmetro is a more modern and organized option. A single fare on the Transmetro costs Q1. Look for stops along 9A Avenida.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Guatemala City. A short taxi ride from a central location in Zone 1 to the Railway Museum should cost approximately Q25-Q53. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Be prepared to negotiate your fare.

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Discover more about Railway Museum

The Railway Museum, officially known as Museo del Ferrocarril FEGUA, is located in the former main railway station in Guatemala City's Zone 1. Opened in January 2004, the museum preserves Guatemala's rich rail heritage, showcasing steam locomotives from the late 19th century to mid-20th-century diesels. Visitors can climb aboard restored steam engines such as No. 34 and the iconic 1948 locomotive 205, along with vintage passenger and freight cars displayed along old tracks. The exhibits include historic photographs, telegraph equipment, models, and interactive displays that vividly recount the railway's rise and eventual decline due to competing road transport in the late 20th century. Guatemala once had a relatively extensive railway system, which spanned from the border of Mexico to Guatemala City and onto Puerto Barrios, on the Atlantic Coast. Built in the late 1800s, the railway system provided a vital link between Guatemala's crop-producing regions and its commercial ports. The first railway link connected Escuintla, a major commercial hub, and Puerto San Jose, on the Pacific Coast. The whole 3ft gauge network was eventually acquired by United Fruit, and then in 1912 it was renamed the International Railways of Central America (IRCA). It prospered until the coming of the highways in the 1950s. In 1968, the network became state owned and was rebranded as Ferrocarriles de Guatemala (FEGUA). This did not stave off decline however and the system closed to all traffic in 1996. The museum is designed to be both educational and engaging, making it an ideal stop for tourists of all ages. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and share insights about the exhibits.

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