Train from Fianarantsdoa to Manakara

Service Options

Duration: 1 full day (approx. 8–12 hours)

Services that can be included:

– Train ticket from Fianarantsoa to Manakara
– Transfer from your hotel to the train station
– Pick-up or return transport by car from Manakara or Fianarantsoa
– Local guide during the train journey
– Optional extras: packed lunch, accommodation, or next-day city tour

Prices & Conditions

Price: €35 – €160 / person (depending on class, options, and transfer services)

– Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
– Free WhatsApp consultation before booking
– Fully customizable options and route
– Price depends on availability and chosen service level

Overview

Experience Madagascar’s Legendary Train Ride from Fianarantsoa to Manakara

Embark on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through the lush highlands and rainforest valleys of southeastern Madagascar. This full-day trip connects Fianarantsoa with the coastal town of Manakara, passing 67 bridges, 48 tunnels, and dozens of small villages where locals sell fresh fruit and snacks along the tracks.

Choose between basic train tickets or a complete travel package including transfers, guide, and return transport. Ideal for adventurous travelers, photographers, and culture lovers wanting to experience real Malagasy life along the railway. Contact our local booking managers on WhatsApp to plan your journey and ensure ticket availability.

Request on WhatsApp

About

Ride Through Madagascar’s Rainforest and Villages on the Historic FCE Railway

The Fianarantsoa–Côte Est (FCE) railway, built during the French colonial era in the 1930s, is one of Madagascar’s last active train lines. It stretches 163 km between Fianarantsoa and Manakara, descending from the highlands to the Indian Ocean and offering breathtaking views of rice terraces, tropical forests, and coastal plains.

Along the way, the train stops at rural villages where passengers can buy fresh coffee, bananas, and homemade snacks. You’ll pass dramatic waterfalls, mountain tunnels, and colonial-era stations, making it one of the most authentic travel experiences in Madagascar. The journey typically lasts 8–12 hours depending on weather and schedule, offering plenty of time to relax, meet locals, and enjoy the slow rhythm of Malagasy life.

Whether you’re traveling one way or round trip, this unforgettable journey combines stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and a sense of adventure that defines Madagascar’s timeless charm.

Read MadaAssist Reviews

MadaAssist

Based on 197 reviews

Alex Jackson

Excellent service, top-notch driver 👍

lienscott

MadaAssist is awesome! We reached out to them via WhatsApp at 19:00 the night before we wanted to travel from Fort Dauphin to Nosy Lokaro. They came through! Florient arrived next morning at 8am. Drove 4x4 to Lokaro Beach and then walked to Nosy Lokaro on sand bridge. Florient stayed with us entire time. Waves and winds were high but good snorkeling and beautiful views. Grateful to MadaAssist to make this experience possible! And good price! Back at hotel by 13:00. Thank you!

Oliver Cieslik

A reputable and professional taxi company; everything went smoothly and flawlessly, highly recommended.

MAI M

I used them to make a reservation for Cotisse.
I communicated via Whasup, and they were responsive and quick to respond, and they also handled my subsequent cancellation in a sincere manner. They charge a fair fee, but in Madagascar, where reservations are hard to come by and solo travel is difficult, I think this is a great way to ask for help even for small matters.

Alex Schouten

We rented a car and driver for 9 days through MadaAssist. Communication was smooth, and all our questions were answered quickly. Perhaps most importantly, the payment method was easy. Not by bank transfer (high fees for the banks...), which is very common in Madagascar, but through the Stripe payment service. The car arrived at the agreed-upon time, and the entire trip went smoothly. One more tip for MadaAssist: indicate which costs are and are not included in the rental price, and also provide an estimate of the tip amount for the driver.

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