The End of the World Train in Summer, December to February

What months count as summer in Ushuaia?

The main summer months are:

• December
• January
• February

Late November and early March can feel similar in some years.

How much daylight is there?

Around late December you get more than 17 hours of daylight, and the sun sets after 22:00. That is the biggest practical advantage of summer.

After the train you have time for:

• Lake Acigami
• Lapataia Bay
• Ensenada Zaratiegui
• short park trails
• viewpoints

It also gives you slack if the day runs late.

Can you do the train and national park in one summer day?

Yes, and summer is when this is easiest. A typical route:

Ushuaia → End of the World Train → Tierra del Fuego National Park → Lake Acigami → Lapataia Bay → Ushuaia

A combined train and park tour usually takes 4.5 to 6 hours. The Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour, Train Optional cost $124 with the train for 8 October 2026 and is rated 4.8 from 505 reviews. The National Park & End of the World Train Tour is the most reviewed alternative (from $50, 4.5 from 1,212 reviews; pick the train option when you book). Our guide to which End of the World Train tour to book compares them.

Can you do the train and Beagle Channel cruise in the same day?

Yes, and summer gives you the best chance. A workable plan:

morning train + national park → back to Ushuaia → afternoon Beagle Channel cruise

If you book them separately, leave a buffer between the two. Allow time for:

• the transfer back to town
• delays
• check-in at the pier
• food
• weather changes

The Beagle Channel catamaran cruise lasts about 3 hours from the tourist pier ($66, 4.6 from 602 reviews). The Beagle Channel & Sea Lion Island Catamaran Cruise is rated much the same (4.6 from 454 reviews). If you would rather not time the connection yourself, the National Park, End of the World Train & Beagle Channel Day above books all three into one 8.5-hour day. Our comparison of the train and a Beagle Channel cruise helps if you only have time for one.

What does the route look like in summer?

The line is green in summer. You can expect:

• lenga and ñire forest
• open peatland
• the Pipo River valley
• mountain scenery
• streams
• longer clear views

Instead of snow on the tracks and white forest, you see the green side of Tierra del Fuego. Our route guide describes the line stop by stop.

Is there snow in summer?

Usually not along the railway, which runs at low elevation. You may still see snow on the higher mountains. Do not book a summer ride expecting the classic snowy railway pictures. If snow is your main reason for going, winter is the better season.

Is summer the busiest season?

Yes. Summer is Ushuaia’s peak season because of:

• milder weather
• Antarctic cruise traffic
• Patagonia trips
• long daylight
• easier hiking
• wildlife trips on the Beagle Channel

December to February account for about 62 % of the 2026/27 cruise ship movements in Ushuaia, so the train can be noticeably busier on days with ships in port.

Should you book the train early in summer?

Yes, especially for:

• Christmas
• New Year
• January
• busy cruise days
• weekends
• Argentine school holidays

If the train is a must-do, do not count on same-day availability. The train-only End of the World Train Tickets, Turista Class listing has 20 reviews so far (4.8), so it has a short track record; the park tours above have hundreds.

Is the railway too crowded in summer?

It can be busy, but boarding is organized, so the ride itself stays manageable. If crowds bother you:

• take the first departure
• avoid holiday dates
• consider a shoulder month such as March or November

Is summer good for cruise passengers?

Yes. Most cruise ships call in the warmer months, and long daylight and easier roads make the train simpler to fit into a port day. You still need to plan around:

• your ship’s arrival
• the all-aboard time
• the transfer to a station 8 km from town
• the train’s 1 hour 45 minutes
• a buffer for the return

Our guide for cruise passengers covers port-day timing.

Is summer good for families?

Yes. It is the easiest season for families because:

• children need less bulky clothing
• paths are usually drier
• daylight is long
• the national park is easier to explore

The carriages are heated and the ride is short in any season. Our guide to riding the train with kids has the child fares.

What should you wear in summer?

Do not dress for a warm beach. Even in summer, bring:

• a waterproof jacket
• a warm mid-layer
• long pants
• comfortable shoes
• a hat
• sunglasses

Ushuaia’s weather changes quickly, and you can get sun, wind and rain in one day.

Do you need a heavy winter coat?

Usually not, but you still need a proper outer layer. Layers work better than one heavy coat, for example:

• a base layer
• a fleece or sweater
• a waterproof shell

Is summer good for photography?

Yes, for different reasons from winter.

Summer gives you:

• long shooting hours
• greener landscapes
• easier walking
• better access to park viewpoints

Winter gives you:

• snow
• atmospheric railway pictures
• stronger contrast

Summer is better for the whole day. Winter is often better for the train itself.

Summer vs winter

Choose summer if you want:

• long daylight
• easy logistics
• the national park
• hiking
• cruise connections
• family-friendly conditions

Choose winter if you want:

• snow
• railway atmosphere
• winter photographs
• the most dramatic End of the World feel

Our winter guide covers June to August, and our autumn guide covers March to May.

Is the train worth it in summer?

Yes, if your expectations match what it is. Good weather does not turn it into a long wilderness journey: it is still a short heritage railway. Summer adds value because you can combine it so easily with the rest of the national park. Our page on whether the End of the World Train is worth it goes into this in more detail.

Best summer itinerary

For a first visit:

Morning

• transfer from Ushuaia
• the 9:30 train

Late morning to early afternoon

• Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Lake Acigami
• Lapataia Bay

Afternoon

• back to Ushuaia
• lunch or coffee
• a walk around town

Optional later

• Beagle Channel cruise

Our one-day Ushuaia itinerary has the timings.

What about hiking after the train?

Summer is the best season to add walking. You can choose:

• short national park trails
• viewpoints
• a longer independent hike on another day

Do not try to combine the train with a major hike like Laguna Esmeralda unless you have an unusually long day and excellent logistics. Our comparison of the train and the Laguna Esmeralda hike helps you choose between them.

Is summer better for independent travelers?

Yes. The roads are easier than in winter, so a rental car is straightforward. You can:

• drive to the station
• ride the train
• carry on through the park yourself

It is one of the most flexible ways to see the area. Our guide on how to get to the End of the World Train covers driving and parking.

Frequently asked questions

Is the End of the World Train open in summer?

Yes. It runs all year, with departures at 9:30, 12:00 and 15:00 from 1 September to 30 April.

Is December a good month?

Yes. Long daylight and the park open until 21:00 make December an easy month for a full day.

Is January crowded?

Often, yes. January is the middle of peak season.

Is February quieter?

It can be slightly calmer than January, but it is still peak season.

Is there snow?

Usually not along the railway, though the higher mountains can stay snow-capped.

Can you do the train and the park on the same day?

Yes. Summer is one of the best times for it.

Can you do the train and a Beagle Channel cruise?

Yes, if the schedules leave a comfortable gap, or as one booked day that includes both.

The bottom line

Summer is the easiest and most flexible season for the End of the World Train. Choose December to February if you want:

• long daylight
• easier travel
• green scenery
• the national park
• family-friendly conditions
• several Ushuaia trips in one day

If your main goal is the famous snowy train, go in winter instead. If you want the train as part of a full Ushuaia day, summer is hard to beat. Book your departure as soon as your dates are fixed, because December to February trains fill first.