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La Sabana Railway Station
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Historical site
The La Sabana Railway Station (Estación de la Sabana) in Bogotá was the heart of the Colombian railway network in the early 20th century. Constructed between 1913 and 1917, the building is an outstanding example of Neoclassical architecture with French influences. Designed by English architect William Lidstone and later completed by Mariano Santamaría, the station served as the main hub for passenger and freight traffic from the Bogotá savanna to the Magdalena River. The facade impresses with its symmetry and elegant columns. Following the decline of the national railways in the 1990s, the station lost its original significance but was preserved as an architectural monument. Today, it houses offices, cultural spaces, and is the starting point for the tourist steam train (Tren de la Sabana), which keeps the historical importance of the railway in Colombia alive.
- Location: Colombia
- Top sights: Basílica menor del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús · Parque Estadio Olaya Herrera · Comisaria De Familia Localidad Santafe
- Nearby: Chía (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 63 | 147 | 264 | 293 | 242 | 214 | 171 | 145 | 229 | 203 | 113 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
La Sabana Railway Station in Bogotá is a historic national monument that can be viewed from the outside. The interior is not continuously open, but occasional guided tours or exhibitions take place.
Typical hours
The exterior is accessible anytime. For interior visits, inquire at the local tourist information office about current guided tour times.
Photography
The exterior facade can be freely photographed. Inside, photography is usually allowed during guided tours, but often without flash.
Time needed
Viewing the exterior takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If you join a guided tour, allow an additional 45 to 60 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through the historic La Candelaria district. The Gold Museum and Botero Square are also nearby.
Getting there
The station is located in central Bogotá, on Carrera 9 near Avenida Jiménez. It is easily accessible by bus, TransMilenio or taxi.
Insider tip
Visit the building in the late morning when the light shows off the architecture nicely. Ask at the tourist office for a combined ticket for nearby museums.
Geography
Facts
- The building was inaugurated on July 20, 1917.
- The station was the headquarters of the Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Colombia.
- The total area of the station grounds originally exceeded 100,000 square meters.
- The building was declared a National Monument of Colombia in 1984.
- The station's workshops used to service locomotives from all over Colombia.
- The facade features reliefs with motifs of progress and industry.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town La Sabana Railway Station (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the station still used for trains?
Mainly for the "Tren de la Sabana" tourist train and occasional freight transport.
Can you visit the station building?
Yes, the historic building is worth seeing, though access to the tracks is often restricted.
Where is the station located in Bogotá?
It is located in the Los Mártires district, slightly west of the historic center.
Are there old locomotives to see?
Yes, historic steam or diesel locomotives are often parked there, forming part of Colombia's rail history.
Is the area around the station safe?
Visitors should be cautious, especially after dark; taking a taxi is recommended.
La Sabana Railway Station: where is it located?
La Sabana Railway Station is located in Colombia.
La Sabana Railway Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Basílica menor del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Parque Estadio Olaya Herrera, Comisaria De Familia Localidad Santafe.
La Sabana Railway Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
La Sabana Railway Station: why is it worth visiting?
The La Sabana Railway Station (Estación de la Sabana) in Bogotá was the heart of the Colombian railway network in the early 20th century.
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