Alameda (unofficially Estación Central) is a major railway station in Santiago, Chile, serving the south of the country, and is the city's primary and railway station, and is the only major railway station in Santiago after the closure of Mapocho, which used to cater trains to northern Chile. It is on the Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, facing Matucana avenue.

Estación Alameda
Terminal
The station photographed in 2012.
General information
LocationAvenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3170, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
Coordinates33°27′07″S 70°40′44″W / 33.45194°S 70.67889°W / -33.45194; -70.67889
Owned byEmpresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado
Line(s)Red Sur EFE,
Ramal Cartagena
Tracks8
History
Opened1885
Rebuilt1897

Overview

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It 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. It was declared a National Monument in 1983 by the government,[1] protected by law against being demolished or remodeled. It has long been a reference point for travellers and locals; it is so well known that it gave the name to the municipality and commune where it is located, Estación Central.

It has experienced a revival as the government railway Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado has been modernized to restore the bygone appeal for train travel. These efforts have met with moderate success.

It is an important hub for public transportation, with the underground Santiago Metro Line 1 Estación Central metro station and three intercity bus terminals within walking distance. Many local bus lines stop at the station and a medium-sized shopping center is adjacent.

The nearby San Borja Bus Terminal is within walking distance and connected by a medium-sized complex of shopping centers.

The central gates of the station are a transfer point to the metro station.

Lines and trains

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The following lines and trains terminate here:

  • EFE Central
    • TerraSur inter-city service (Alameda - Chillán)
    • Tren Alameda - Nos commuter service (Alameda - Nos)
    • Tren Estación Central - Rancagua commuter/regional service (Alameda - Rancagua)
    • Tren Estación Central - San Fernando (Pilot of extension of Tren Estación Central - Rancagua)
  • Touristic Trains
    • Tren del Recuerdo (Estación Central-San Antonio, Chile)
    • Tren Del Recuerdo (Estación Central - Limache)
    • Tren Sabores Del Valle
  • Occasional Services
    • Tren nocturno Santiago-Concepción inter-city service (Alameda - Concepción)
    • TerraSur Temuco inter-city service (Alameda - Temuco)

Surroundings

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Adjacent stations

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Service
Estación Pedro Aguirre Cerda   Red Sur EFE   Terminus
Estación Maipú   Ramal Cartagena (Cargo)   Terminus
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References

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Station History

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33°27′07″S 70°40′44″W / 33.45194°S 70.67889°W / -33.45194; -70.67889