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Asmara Railway Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Asmara Railway Station is the terminal of the historic Eritrean Railway, connecting the capital with the port city of Massawa. Built at the beginning of the 20th century during the Italian colonial era, it is a significant monument to engineering and logistics. The station building itself is functional and designed in a colonial style, with many original features meticulously preserved. The railway line is considered one of the most spectacular in the world, as it overcomes an altitude difference of over 2,300 meters in just 117 kilometers. Today, the line mainly operates nostalgic steam trains for tourists, maintained by veteran Eritrean railway workers. The station serves as a living museum, displaying old locomotives and carriages dating back to the 1930s. It symbolizes Eritrea's industrial history and the pride of its people in their technical heritage.

Location: Eritrea
Top sights: Kidane Meheret Church · St Mariam · Saint Joseph's Cathedral
Nearby: Filfil (25 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	20	21	23	25	26	27	24	23	24	22	21	20
Rain mm	4	8	7	26	18	33	125	145	31	8	6	4

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Asmara Railway Station is the historic terminus of the Eritrean Railway and is accessible to visitors. The platforms and grounds can usually be freely explored, with old steam locomotives on display.

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Typical hours

The station is usually open during daytime hours, but exact opening times can vary. It is best to come on weekdays when staff may be present and the museum area accessible.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed on the station grounds, with the old locomotives being popular subjects. Be careful not to enter any security-restricted areas for unobstructed shots.

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Time needed

A visit to the station grounds and the displayed locomotives takes about 30 minutes to an hour. If you also visit the small railway museum, allow an additional 30 minutes.

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Combine with

The station is located on the southern edge of Asmara's city center, near the Kombinat and the petrol station. It can be combined with a walk to other colonial buildings along the railway line.

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Getting there

The station is easily reachable by car or taxi as it lies on a main road. From the city center it is about a 15-minute walk, but the area is not very pedestrian-friendly.

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Insider tip

Come in the late morning when the light is good and the locomotives look their best. Ask the staff if a short guided tour of the small museum is possible.

Geography

Coordinates

15.34500, 38.94000

Facts

The station was officially opened in 1911.
The railway uses a 950 mm gauge (Italian narrow gauge).
The entire line includes 65 bridges and 39 tunnels.
The workshops maintain Ansaldo steam locomotives dating back to 1938.
The station is situated at an elevation of 2,342 meters above sea level.
After severe war damage, the railway line was rebuilt between 1994 and 2003.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Asmara youth and children center<1 km · WExplore →

Asmara Power Plant2 km · SExplore →

Asmara Brewery2 km · SWExplore →

Tank Graveyard Asmara4 km · SExplore →

Asmara nature park4 km · WExplore →

Eritrean Airlines Maintenance Center6 km · SWExplore →

Sembel Archaeological Site7 km · SWExplore →

Debre Bizen Monastery14 km · NExplore →

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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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Asmara Railway Station (10)

Kidane Meheret Church

Catholic church in Asmara, Eritrea, dedicated to Our Lady of the Covenant of Mercy.

St Mariam

Church in Asmara, Eritrea, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Church in Asmara, Eritrea, seat of the bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese.

Haben home

Private residence in Asmara, named after its owner Haben.

Casa degli Italiani (Gallery)

Former Italian cultural center in Asmara, now a gallery for contemporary art and exhibitions.

Abel's home

Private residence in Asmara, named after its owner Abel.

H Max

A shop or facility in Asmara, possibly a department store.

Pushkin Monument

Monument to Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in Asmara.

Baptisms

Monument in Asmara commemorating baptisms or a religious event.

Shida Monument

Monument in Asmara commemorating a historical event or person.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was Asmara Railway Station built?

The main building was built around 1932 during the Italian colonial period.

Do trains still run from here?

Regular trains don't run, but there are tourist trips with steam locomotives.

Can you see the old steam locomotives?

Yes, historical machines are often found in the station area and the depot.

Do you need a ticket to enter the station?

Sometimes a small fee is charged for visits or photos.

Where does the railway line lead?

The spectacular route leads down to the port city of Massawa.

Asmara Railway Station: where is it located?

Asmara Railway Station is located in Eritrea.

Asmara Railway Station: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kidane Meheret Church, St Mariam, Saint Joseph's Cathedral.

Asmara Railway Station: when is the best time to visit?