Hershey Electric Railway
Mayabeque
The Hershey Electric Railway is a standard-gauge electric interurban railway running approximately 92 kilometres from Casablanca near Havana to Matanzas. Built around 1916 by The Hershey Company to transport sugar from its refinery, it remains the only operational electric railway in Cuba. The line features several intermediate stops including the town of Camilo Cienfuegos, formerly known as Hershey. The railway uses vintage cars originally from the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, replacing the original JG Brill Company vehicles. Typically, three daily trains operate in each direction, connecting communities that otherwise lack public transport options and linking key stops such as Guanabo, San Mateo, and Matanzas. The route is known for its scenic alignment, following the natural contours of the land with many curves and modest station buildings. The railway also supports local passenger services on branches to destinations like Playas del Este and Jaruco. After suspension due to Hurricane Irma in 2017, parts of the railway have been reactivated since 2018, with plans for further reopening driven by increased tourism. The Hershey Electric Railway offers a unique glimpse into Cuba's industrial heritage and rural connectivity, making it a notable attraction for rail enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike.
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Consejo: Visitors should consider traveling during early morning or late afternoon to experience the commuter trains, which offer a more authentic local experience. Tickets may be purchased on board or at stations, but buying in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons. Summer months feature diesel-hauled excursion trains to Playas del Este, a popular beach destination. Since service can be irregular, checking current schedules before travel is recommended. Traveling light and being prepared for basic station facilities will improve comfort.
Datos interesantes
- •The Hershey Electric Railway is the only surviving electric railway line in Cuba.
- •The railway was originally built by The Hershey Company to transport sugar to Havana's port.
- •It uses vintage electric cars imported from Catalonia, Spain, dating back over 60 years.
- •The line follows a scenic route with many curves to minimize steep gradients and construction costs.
- •After Hurricane Irma in 2017, the railway suspended services but has been partially reactivated since 2018.
- •There are four branches from the main line serving local destinations such as Playas del Este and Jaruco.
Historia
Constructed circa 1916 by The Hershey Company, the railway was originally designed to transport sugar from the Hershey sugar refinery to Havana's port.
The main Havana rail operator at the time denied access to its tracks, prompting the construction of a dedicated terminus at Casablanca.
Over the decades, the railway evolved from using original JG Brill electric cars to adopting 60-year-old vehicles from Catalonia in the 1990s.
The line has served as a vital transport link for communities between Havana and Matanzas, especially where road infrastructure is limited.
After Hurricane Irma in 2017, services were suspended but have been partially restored since 2018, with plans for further reactivation to accommodate growing tourism.
Guía del lugar
Hershey Station (Camilo Cienfuegos)1916
The central station and maintenance facility located in the town formerly known as Hershey. It houses historic rolling stock including Brill cars and a GE steeple cab locomotive, as well as the remains of the original Hershey sugar refinery.
Route from Casablanca to Matanzascirca 1916
The main line stretches 92 kilometres connecting Casablanca near Havana to Matanzas, passing through towns like Guanabo, San Mateo, and Canasi. The route is known for its scenic alignment following the land's contours with numerous curves.
Branches to Playas del Este, Jaruco, Bainoa, and Santa Cruz del Norte
Four operational branches extend from the main line, serving local passenger traffic and seasonal excursion trains, notably to the popular beach area Playas del Este.