The History of the Train Station of the Sabana

The Train Station of the Sabana was inaugurated on July 20, 1917, and designed by Mariano Santamaría. This magnificent neoclassical building was constructed to replace the train station that had been in operation since 1887. It stands majestically at 13th Street and 18th Avenue in the Los Mártires neighborhood in the center of the Colombian capital. It was the central station of the Sabana Railway of Bogotá (the company that operated it, which disappeared in 1991) and the National Railways of Colombia.

From there, trains departed covering routes between Bogotá and Facatativá, reaching Girardot, where passengers could embark on the Magdalena River to other destinations in the country. Passengers and goods were transported by this means, making the station a key axis for economic development connecting to the western part of the country. This network had nearly 200 kilometers of railway.

The station was remodeled in 1954, with practically the entire building modified, from the interior to the façade as we know it today. This building was declared a National Monument in 1984 due to its historical importance.

Bogotá, city where the Train Station of the Sabana is located
Bogotá Photo: ProColombia


Thus, the Train Station of the Sabana is a witness to the history of a country that believed in the progress of railways, a development that has dwindled over the years due to the proliferation of other means of transport. However, in an attempt to preserve this building, which shares its value among its historical, cultural significance and its undeniable beauty of elaborate style, Bogotá has made a significant effort to recover this "cultural heritage."

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The Station Today

Currently, you can take a picturesquely remodeled classic train with steam or diesel locomotives, built in the first half of the 20th century, that will take you on a journey through the Sabana of Bogotá. This ride promises to offer beautiful landscapes and transport you without traffic jams to the towns of Zipaquirá, Cajicá, and Nemocón. If you want to enjoy the Salt Cathedral and experience the life and cuisine of our typical Sabana towns in a relaxed and festive atmosphere, this plan is definitely for you.