Train Riding Tour

The train, which connects the iron mines of Zouérat in the north of Mauritania with the coastal metropolis of Nouadhibou, has passenger cars - usually only two - but also three to four American diesel-electric locomotives and up to 210 freight cars. It is the longest regularly running train in the world. The train mainly transports iron ore, but now also supplies other villeges on the side of the railway with water. It usually transports over 16 million tons of iron ore per year.

There are three trains a day in each direction. We strongly recommend a trip from Choum towards Nouadhibou (400km) or from Zouerat to Choum (200KM), not the other way around. This is because there is a greater risk of getting hurt in an empty wagon. Moreover, it is better to drive at night if you do not want to be grilled. After all, it goes through the Sahara.

By the way, the train is by no means used only by tourists. Mauritanians also use this travel option very often to transport goods. Donkeys, goats and sometimes camels are occasionally transported. A train ride from Choum to Nouadhibou takes about 12 hours sometimes more crossing the territory of Western Sahara for a few kilometers. It is common that not every train from Zouerat stops in Choum, but always only the last one of the day, which arrives as scheduled around 6 am. Delays of 6 hours are not uncommon. For this purpose we offer accommodation in Choum, so that the waiting time can be spent in a relaxed way.

The ride on the iron ore train, the longest and the slowest train in the world is certainly a unique event in Mauritania and an incomparable experience for you.