Where it is and what it costs
The train cemetery, called Cementerio de Trenes in Spanish, lies about 3 km southwest of the town center. A vehicle needs about 5 minutes, and walking takes about 35 minutes. Both are estimates, so allow more time in the sun and the wind.
Access is free in 2026. There is no ticket and no advance reservation. Day tours make it the first stop. If you have not booked yet, compare Uyuni salt flat tours and check whether the train cemetery is part of the program.
Ways to get there
Time and cost for each option.
| Option | Time | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| On foot | About 35 minutes | – | Exposed and windy. Bring water, sun protection and a hat |
| Taxi | About 5 minutes | About BOB 15 to 20 | No fixed tariff. Agree the price and whether the driver waits for the way back |
| Day tour | First stop of a program that leaves at 10:30 a.m. | Part of the tour price | Followed by Colchani and the salt flat, see Incahuasi Island |
| Route from San Pedro de Atacama | Last day, near the end of the trip | Part of the tour price | The trip ends in Uyuni at about 3 p.m. in the example program. See the San Pedro route |
For most visitors, the day tour stop is enough, because the tour also covers the salt flat and the island. If you have a free morning or afternoon in Uyuni, a short taxi ride works well, as long as you agree on the return before you set off.
Our pick: a three-day trip from Uyuni
This three-day trip starts and ends in Uyuni, so the town and its trains fit easily on either side of the route.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Uyuni tours that start at the train cemetery
Day trips and multi-day jeep tours from Uyuni, with current prices and availability.
What you see
Rows of old locomotives and wagons stand in the open desert beside the town. Rust has taken over the metal, and the machines look different from every side. Close-up shots of a single locomotive work as well as wide shots of the rows.
Entry is free and no ticket is needed, so you can stop here on your own or as part of a tour. A guide can explain what you see, and on a day tour it is the first stop of the program.
Visit it safely
Sharp metal and unstable parts.
Sharp edges
The metal is rusty and has sharp edges. Wear closed shoes and watch where you put your hands and feet.
Climbing
Some structures are unstable. Climbing onto locomotives is at your own risk, and a fall onto rusty metal can cause a serious injury. Keep children close to you.
Sun and wind
There is little shade. Sunglasses, sun protection, a hat and a windbreaker are on the usual packing lists. See what to pack.
Cash
Entry is free, but a taxi is paid in bolivianos. Cash machines are in Uyuni, so get money before you head out of town.
Combine it with the rest of the day
What usually comes next.
Colchani and the salt mounds
One day-tour program continues to Colchani, then to the salt mounds and the Ojos de Sal, the Dakar monument and a salt hotel museum. The salt hotels near Uyuni have their own guide.
Incahuasi and sunset
The island follows, then time for photos at sunset before the return to Uyuni. Read about sunset and stars.
Uyuni train cemetery: frequently asked questions
Is the Uyuni train cemetery free?
Yes, in 2026. There is no ticket and no advance reservation. A taxi costs about BOB 15 to 20, with no fixed tariff.
How far is the train cemetery from Uyuni?
About 3 km southwest of the town center. A vehicle needs around 5 minutes, and walking takes around 35 minutes.
Can I climb on the locomotives?
Some visitors do, but it is at your own risk. The metal has sharp rusty edges, and some structures are unstable.
Is the train cemetery part of the day tour?
In the example program it is the first stop, with departure at 10:30 a.m. Check that your tour includes it.
Can I visit without a tour?
Yes. Take a taxi or walk, and agree on the return before you start. Bring water and sun protection.
Is this the official site for visiting Uyuni?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by a tourism authority, the reserve service, a hotel or a tour operator.