The Best Train Trips Around Argentina

A loud horn signals the beginning of a journey towards unfamiliar routes: mountainous landscapes, green plains, and water mirrors. A journey to the heart of the country with the End of the World is about to begin. The chosen means of transport? The train, one of the most famous vehicles worldwide and in Argentina. With 4,200 kilometres operating in the country, this means of transport has a unique appeal including plane-like amenities: comfortable seats, air conditioning and heating, aisles, a dining car to taste local foods, and spaces for people with reduced mobility. Moreover, the wagons cross the most fascinating panoramic views, offering passengers a rich photographic experience and a variety of landscapes.

Many routes set off from the country’s capital to different provinces, while others work locally, that is, internal routes to travel within the same province. And guess what? Connecting Argentinian must-visit spots from north to south is really cheap; tickets start from ARS 270 for long-distance services, that’s eight times cheaper than a bus ticket. 

The combination of all these factors point to the same conclusion: travelling by train in Argentina is an experience for all audiences and ages. Juan Pablo Mc Loughlin, journalist and graduate in transport and logistics from the Argentinian Trains press team, says, “At the beginning of November 2021, tickets for summer were released, and the trips to Córdoba and Tucumán departing from Buenos Aires were sold out in 48 hours.” In the future, the long-distance services are expected to be extended to continue covering more routes across the territory.

Now, what Argentinian destination can you visit following the train tracks? 

1. Mar del Plata

The most famous coastal city; the one breathing out sea salt, sand, warm beaches, cliffs, and even lush forests. Mar del Plata is one of the most sought-after places in the Argentinian summer (especially in December, January, and February), nicknamed La Feliz or “The Happy City”.

Visiting the port city located 400 kilometres from the capital is an easy task on the Mar del Plata train. From Constitución station, you can get to the city in less than 6 hours, crossing endless green fields and water mirrors. In one of the stops, General Guido, you can transfer and take the train that goes to Divisadero de Pinamar, another famous destination in the hot season. If the weather allows it, travelling in the late afternoon is ideal to witness extraordinary orange sunsets. 

• Duration: 6 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 595

2. Rosario

One of the most popular routes to take by train. There’s a daily service, departing from Retiro station and crossing various cities in the north of the province of Buenos Aires. These cities are perfect for weekend getaways in the open air —Zárate, Baradero, and San Pedro, unmissable stops, lead the podium. The final destination? The city with the Monument to the Argentinian Flag that saw football genius Lionel Messi be born.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 270

3. Córdoba

Would you like to dive into mountains and native foliage? The experience is possible in the province of Córdoba. The long-distance train leaves from Buenos Aires (Retiro station) and, following an unforgettable itinerary, it takes you to the capital of Córdoba. Looking out the window is the rule, and you’ll see why with every covered kilometre.

Once you arrive in Córdoba, the bet is doubled with one of the best-known local services: the Tren de las Sierras or Sierra train, in English. As its name implies, throughout the way, the mountainous landscape gives the trip a unique charm. The route connects Alta Córdoba and Valle Hermoso stations and can be combined with the Metropolitano train to travel from Córdoba Mitre station, in the city centre.

• Duration: 22 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 450

4. Tucumán

Fifteen intermediate stations and a trip to the province where the Argentinian Independence was born. The train to Cevil Pozo departs from Retiro station twice a week, and it crosses extensive green fields along a calm route with the perfect duration for combining leisure, gastronomy, and breathtaking panoramic views.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 770

5. Bahía Blanca

Film-like sunrises and sunsets among green fields and hills to the end of the trip. Visiting Bahía Blanca by train is getting immersed in the south of the Buenos Aires province from Plaza Constitución and getting surprised by a section that fuses cement and nature. The next to the last station, Tornquist, is the perfect stop for visiting Sierra de la Ventana, a great destination for backpackers. As you see, the tour suits restless travellers very well.

• Duration: 13 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 745

6. Salta

La Linda (“The Beautiful Province”) for its colour, energy, and spots that dazzle every traveller. La Linda for displaying high-altitude unmissable places and amazing postcard-like views of the surrounding landscape. La Linda is the best nickname that could have been chosen to describe this province. The train operates within the province and covers the 87-kilometre journey from Güemes to Campo Quijano. Leaving from the centre of Salta, it enters the magical world of Salta’s mountains in 2 hours and 50 minutes, reaching unique places that can’t even be accessed by car.

In addition to the local train, another must is the famous Tren a las Nubes, considered the second-highest train in the world. This masterpiece of engineering from the last century stands at 4,220 metres above sea level, running through 216 kilometres crossing tunnels, viaducts, bridges, and reddish elevations that surprise all passengers.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 30

7. Valley’s Train, Neuquén

Another province with local service. In this case, it connects Neuquén and Río Negro, crossing bridges, canals, and an urban scenery combined with green fields and trees. In March 2021, the route of the so-called Valley’s train (Tren del Valle) was extended to reach Plottier station, in the town of Neuquén. It departs from Monday to Friday during the day.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Tickets: from ARS 31 with SUBE card and ARS 55 without the card. 

8. Patagonian Train, Río Negro

The name implies it all and sets the tone for the trip that tourists are about to embark on. Río Negro, the fourth-largest province in Argentina, also has available roads that connect important villages: in this case, Viedma (the capital) and San Carlos de Bariloche (one of the most outstanding tourist spots in the province). The route goes from the coast to the mountains, crossing the province horizontally, and it includes 12 stations awarded the most spectacular views. The train leaves on Fridays from Viedma and on Sundays from Bariloche.

• Duration: 18 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 2,500

9. La Trochita, Chubut

An iconic National Historical Monument in Argentinian Patagonia. Along 402 kilometres, it joins the provinces of Río Negro and Chubut. Its name (“The Little Narrow Gauge” in English) refers to the width of its tracks (75 cm), and here’s a curious fact: the locomotives are steam-powered. The train takes you to a fairy tale and, little by little, the landscape takes on the leading role with mountains, animals, and green as the main stars. In addition, the service includes a guide who tells the story behind this unmissable experience.

La Trochita offers three departure points: from Esquel station, from El Maitén station, and a third alternative including a charter service. In case you’re wondering why: the route goes through old tracks (you have to book six months in advance!) and goes through dreamlike panoramic views. Its fame gave rise to the National Steam Train Festival, which takes place the second weekend of February and brings together thousands of locals and tourists for a celebration with music, a float parade, sport competitions, and a craftwork fair. 

Did you know? It has become famous mainly thanks to the novel The Old Patagonian Express by the American Writer Paul Theroux. 

• Duration: 2:30 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 7,500

10. End of the World Train, Tierra del Fuego

There’s nothing like getting on the southernmost train in the world: its history, itinerary, and surroundings are a one-way ticket to the past. This old means of transportation for convicts became a Fuegian and national symbol. The journey begins at End of the World station, 8 kilometres from Ushuaia, and finishes at National Park station. The landscape heritage goes beyond any expectation, covering snowy peaks, lenga forests, and waterfalls.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Tickets: from ARS 4,900

11. Coast Train, Tigre

Islands crossed by bridges, rivers branching off, trees painting the surroundings green, and lots of water. The Tigre delta, 40 kilometres from Buenos Aires, is a highly-coveted landscape that meets the unwinding and nature requirements. Puerto de Frutos, five minutes from the final stop, offers spectacular decoration and craftwork stands. You can also skirt the Paraná delta walking along Paseo Victoria and visiting the historic city centre. Yet, the favourite activity, without a doubt, is getting deep into a greenish paradise on boats that sail down the river and make stops on different islands.

The Coast train starts at Maipú station, which can be accessed with the Bartolomé Mitre branch from Retiro station. It has nine intermediate stations offering lots of plans: Perú Beach and the antiques fair (Las Barrancas), a nice cup of coffee with local pastries in Borges, Marina Nueva or San Fernando R, and the gastronomic area of the river in San Isidro station.

• Duration: 35 minutes
• Tickets: from ARS 42