A different perspective on Madagascar
Through the highlands and green valleys on the Jungle Express
Rice fields, wooded slopes and small stations: the FCE railway is one of Madagascar’s distinctive travel experiences. Known as the Jungle Express, its historic route runs from Fianarantsoa in the highlands to Manakara on the east coast.
If you enjoy railways and would like to add a different perspective to your tour, this route is worth considering. We will check whether a train journey is possible during your travel dates and which section is operating.
Planning note · checked on 26 October 2026
Confirm the section actually in operation first
A report by L’Express de Madagascar dated 17 October 2026 describes service restrictions and the absence of a through service to Manakara. Only include a train journey in your itinerary once the service, route and departure have been confirmed for your trip.
Read the FCE report (in French)Fianarantsoa–Côte Est, or FCE
From the highlands towards the east coast
The full historic route between Fianarantsoa and Manakara is around 163 kilometres long. Built during the 1920s and 1930s, it crosses the transition from the highlands to the lower-lying landscapes of the east.
Fianarantsoa
Highland city and starting point of the historic route.
Sahambavy
Tea-growing landscapes and a lake near Fianarantsoa.
Manakara
Historic terminus on the east coast.
This overview shows the geographical context. The sections operating and the places where you can board or leave the train must be confirmed for your trip.
The railway also serves the daily needs of people along the line. Passenger and freight transport are closely connected, and this is part of its distinctive character.
Explore Fianarantsoa with the National Tourism Board (in French)
Take time to look around
What makes the train journey special
Changing landscapes
The historic route links the highlands with the wetter regions of the east. Rice fields, slopes and vegetation shape the view from the train. What you see along the way depends on the section actually travelled.
Stations at the heart of daily life
At the stations, routes, goods and people come together. A train journey can offer a different view of everyday life from travelling by car. Take time to observe and ask permission before photographing people.
Allow room in your travel day
A flexible schedule is helpful for this travel experience. Stops and railway operations shape the day, so we coordinate your overnight stay and onward travel with the confirmed arrangements.
Turn an idea into a workable itinerary
How we plan a Jungle Express journey
The train journey needs to fit your whole tour. We therefore consider not only a possible departure but also how to reach the station, where the journey ends and the stages that follow.
| Topic | What matters for your itinerary |
|---|---|
| Service and section of the line | Which service is confirmed for your travel dates? Where can you actually board and leave the train? |
| Departure and arrangements | Which day and departure time apply? How are seats, tickets and the journey to the station arranged? |
| Journey time and overnight stay | How long does the confirmed section take? Which accommodation and time allowance suit the day’s journey? |
| Luggage and supplies | What luggage suits the arrangements? Keep water, food and personal essentials easily accessible during the journey. |
| Onward travel and an alternative | How will you continue from the confirmed destination? What suitable alternative is available if the service changes? |
Plan an alternative from the start
If a suitable train service cannot be confirmed, we will discuss a different way to organise your route. Allow extra time before tightly scheduled connections. This keeps the itinerary clear even if arrangements change.
There is more to explore in the region
What to combine with a stay around Fianarantsoa
The days before and after a possible train journey deserve attention too. The right combination depends on your interests, the time you have and local transport connections.
Fianarantsoa and Sahambavy
The city, surrounding hills and tea-growing landscapes of Sahambavy offer a taste of the highlands. They can remain part of your travel plans even if the railway section has to be changed.
Get to know MadagascarRanomafana as a separate stage
Depending on your route, the national park can be combined with the highlands. A visit is planned with a separate road transfer; the park is not a direct stop on the train journey.
Find out more about RanomafanaA tour through the highlands and the east
Would you like to combine several landscapes? Sample tours can help you choose your priorities. We will then tailor the actual itinerary and any possible train journey to your plans.
View a suitable sample tourQuestions about Madagascar’s Jungle Express
Does the Jungle Express run all the way to Manakara?
You should not assume that a through journey will be available for your trip. The section actually operating must be confirmed at the time. The dated research note at the top of this page provides context; it does not confirm a service for your travel day.
On which days does the train run?
We check the day, time and connection against the confirmed service for your travel dates. An older timetable alone is not a sufficient basis for planning.
How long does the journey take?
This depends on the confirmed section, stops and railway operations. We plan the travel day and the following overnight stay accordingly. Allow sufficient extra time before a flight or another fixed connection.
Can I combine the train with Ranomafana?
Depending on the route, this can be a good combination. The park visit is a separate stage with a road transfer. We do not plan a simple train stop within the national park.
What happens if the planned train journey is cancelled?
During planning, we discuss an alternative that could suit your route. How the stages would be rearranged depends on your starting point, accommodation and the connections available.
Explore a distinctive travel idea together
Would you like to include the Jungle Express?
Tell me your possible travel dates, planned trip length and what you would like to explore beyond the railway. We can then look at which train journey and onward itinerary could work well together.