Argentina

Brief History

Argentina's railroads have their roots in the mid-nineteenth century, when the first railroad line connecting Buenos Aires to Flores was inaugurated. This event was important for the economic development of the country and facilitated the transportation of goods and passengers.

With the following decades, many railroads were built connecting different regions of Argentina. In the 1880s, a massive expansion of the railroad network began, which helped strengthen trade and economic ties within the country.

However, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, railroad construction slowed down due to political and economic difficulties. Despite this, Argentina's railroad system continued to develop and reached its heyday in the mid-twentieth century.

Argentina's modern railroads face challenges such as lack of investment and maintenance. However, the national government and international investors have shown interest in modernizing and developing rail infrastructure to maintain the efficiency of the transportation system and stimulate economic growth.

General Information and Statistics

The main passenger railroad operator in Argentina is Trenes Argentinos. 333,799,000 passengers used Trenes Argentinos services in 2022.
Trenes Argentinos has three lines Belgrano, San Martín and Urquiza with a total of 9,100 operating kilometers.

Electrification of railroads in Argentina is limited to isolated sections of some lines, and most of the rail network is still operated with diesel trains.

The main electrified railroad lines were the following:

    • Roca Line (Buenos Aires - La Plata)

    • San Martin Line (Buenos Aires to Pilar)

    • Belgrano Norte line (Buenos Aires - Villa Rosa): 

    • Belgrano Sur Line (Buenos Aires - González Catán):

What connections to other countries there are.

Argentina has limited international rail connections with neighboring countries. The main international rail service is between Argentina and Chile. There is a scenic rail route, the "Tren a las Nubes" ("Train to the Clouds"), connecting the Argentine city of Salta to the Chilean border. However, this route is primarily a tourist route, and there are no regular passenger trains traveling directly from Argentina to Chile.

Are trains fast in Argentina in general? How much time to cross the country?

Argentine trains cannot be called fast. Most passenger trains run at moderate speeds, providing mainly regional and suburban transportation rather than high-speed intercity service. 
The journey from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata takes 5:46 hours and from Buenos Aires to Córdoba 9:04 hours.

What railway companies are available?

The main railway company responsible for passenger train services in Argentina is "Trenes Argentinos," which is operated by the Argentine government

What train types are available in Argentina?

The train types available in Argentina include:

    • Commuter Trains: Commuter trains are the most common type of trains in Argentina, especially in and around major cities like Buenos Aires. These trains provide daily transportation for people commuting to work or school within the metropolitan areas.

    • Regional Trains: Regional trains connect cities and towns within a specific region or province. They offer services for passengers traveling between relatively short to medium distances.

    • Long-Distance Trains: Long-distance trains operate between major cities and regions, covering more extended distances. They provide travel options for passengers journeying between different provinces or regions within the country.

    • Scenic Trains: Argentina has some scenic train routes that offer tourists picturesque views of the countryside and landscapes. One such example is the "Tren a las Nubes" (Train to the Clouds), which provides a unique scenic experience.

    • Tourist Trains: Some tourist-oriented trains operate on specific routes, catering to travelers interested in exploring certain attractions or historical sites.

    • Cargo Trains: In addition to passenger services, Argentina's railway network also supports freight and cargo transportation, moving goods and commodities across the country.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

Argentina did not have any high-speed train services. The country's railway network mainly consists of conventional trains, which operate at moderate speeds, connecting various cities and regions within the country.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main railway hubs in Argentina are Frankfurt am Buenos Aires,Rosario,Córdoba,Mar del Plata

Websites to buy train tickets in Argentina?

https://webventas.sofse.gob.ar/

Possible to buy a ticket at a Argentina railway station?

There are about 71 ticket offices in Argentina where you can purchase tickets for intercity, regional and international flights

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

For long-distance travel, you must confirm your travel between 72 and 24 hours before the departure of the service, for a round trip, by providing your reservation number. This is very important as you will not be able to board the train without it. You can do this here, by calling 0800-222-8736, at ticket offices or by downloading the new Confirm Your Trip app, available for Android and IOS.

Return the ticket.

You can request a refund or change of date from our sales portal. You can also go to the ticket offices with your ticket and your ID and, for those under 18 years old, your birth certificate or birth certificate.

Conditions for reimbursement via web:
    • If you request a refund between 24 hs. and up to 3 hours before the departure of the service: 30% of the ticket value will be discounted. You will receive 70% of the amount paid.
    • If you request a refund between 48 hs. and 24 hs. prior to the departure of the service: 20% of the ticket value will be discounted. You will receive 80% of the amount paid.
    • If you request a refund more than 48 hours before the departure of the service: 10% of the ticket value will be deducted. You will receive 90% of the amount paid.
Important: If 90 days have passed since the date of purchase, you must call 0800-222-8736 to request a refund.

Train ticket prices.

The ticket is valid only for the day and time of travel stipulated therein. For long-distance trains, it is better to buy tickets in advance. 
A ticket from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata will cost 8.5 euros and Buenos Aires to Gral. Guido - Divisadero de Pinamar is only 7.36 €

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

There are no international trains

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on https://www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/trenes-argentinos/horarios-tarifas-y-recorridos

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train.

If you know when you want to travel on a long-distance journey within Argentina or to neighbouring countries, buy your ticket now. You will then be able to find cheaper fares.
If you are travelling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.
For long-distance trips you need to confirm your trip between 72 and 24 hours prior to the departure of your service , for the outward and return trip with your reservation number. It is very important since without this you will not be able to get on the train

Types of tickets.

Because tickets are state-funded, you won’t need to spend large sums of money.  On the government website, you can get your tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets are valid only for the date and time that’s on them.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Argentina

Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available

Saver price.

Ticket price depends on distance only, there are no discounted tickets.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not available.

Rules of boarding.

All passengers, without exception, must prove their identity with a valid ID and/or passport when required, as it appears on the ticket.

Discounts for group travel.

Group travel discounts are not available

Age groups and discounts.

Children under the age of 3 (three) years travel free of charge on trains
Children between the ages of 3 and 12 pay 50% of the value of the ticket.
The differential fare to be paid on a student ticket is equivalent to fifty per cent (50%) of the cost of a valid minimum ticket
Retirees or pensioners will be able to access a 40% discount , buying their tickets online, in all Long Distance services.

Age limitations for minors.

Minors from 14 to 17 years old can travel alone , as long as they have the authorization, provided by the company, endorsed by authorized personnel.

Handicapped passengers.

Passengers with disabilities have the right to travel free of charge by presenting a valid DNI and Disability Certificate, both in original. A companion has the same right if the certificate so indicates.

Seat reservations in Argentina trains.

In addition to the application, reservations can be made by calling 0800-222-TREN (8736) or by visiting Argentina.gob.ar/reservatutren.

Comfort classes on the trains.

    • All First class cars have hot/cold air conditioning and reclining seats in rows of two compartments. In the middle of the car there is a table with facing seats. All cars have a hot and cold water dispenser with the exception of the service to Pinamar. You will also find plugs at both ends of the car and in the sink area. The bathrooms are located at the ends of the car, one for ladies and one for men.

    • Pullman class seats are wider, are arranged in rows of two and single, and recline. They have the same general characteristics as First Class.
The Pullman car (D) allows access for people with reduced mobility. It has a place for a wheelchair, a bathroom adapted for people with reduced mobility; and the same general characteristics as the First Class. In both categories there are seats that travel in the direction of the train and others in the opposite direction.

    • The cabin service is available on the Buenos Aires - Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires - Córdoba, Buenos Aires - Tucumán, Buenos Aires - Justo Daract / Palmira and Buenos Aires - Rosario (express) trains. In this category, the price is paid per cabin and includes passage for two people (two adults / one adult / one adult and a baby under 3 years of age). It has two beds, one above and one below, which also serves as a seat. The waiter will provide passengers with linens with two pillows and two blankets (they will be delivered at night and removed in the morning). It has a table and door lock, hot/cold air conditioning temperature control and speaker volume.

Food and drink in Argentina trains / train restaurant.

Usually, the dining car service offers a variety of packaged food, with options suitable for celiacs, cafeteria and cold drinks.

Night trains in Argentina?

Overnight train services are provided in Argentina. Night trains usually offer comfortable sleeping cars or compartments, allowing passengers to spend a comfortable time during long journeys.

Important train routes in Argentina.

Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata / 5:46 hours / from 7.65 EUR / 2 trains a day
Buenos Aires - Gral. Guido / 3:51 hours / from 4.68 EUR / 2 trains a day
Buenos Aires  - Divisadero de Pinamar / 2:25 hours / from 1.90 EUR / 2 trains a day
Buenos Aires - Bragado / 5:11 hours / from 4.75 EUR / 1 train a day
Buenos Aires - Junín / 5:34 hours / from 4.80 EUR / 1 train a day
Buenos Aires - Rosario / 5:26 hours / from 5.61 EUR/ 3 trains a day

International train routes.

There's a tourist train from Argentina to Chile.

Tourist / scenic routes in Argentina.

Argentina's tourist trains offer unique and exciting journeys through the country's scenic areas. Here's an overview of several tourist trains and routes available in Argentina:

    • Southern Tierra del Fuego Railway ("Tren del fin del mundo"):
"Tren del fin del mundo" runs year-round and passes through beautiful areas in the southern Tierra del Fuego. You can choose between different classes and services. Especially interesting is the route through the Tierra del Fuego National Park with its unique flora and fauna. A moment not to be missed is the wagon ride to Estación Casa la Macarena, which offers stunning views of the mountains and hills.

    • La Trochita Train - Expreso Patagonico:
This tourist train is also known as the "Expreso Patagónico" or "Trochita". Its uniqueness lies in its narrow gauge and vintage trains from 1922. The route runs from the town of Esquel to El Maytena. You can choose different tours depending on your interests.

    • Tren a las nubes ("Train to the Clouds"):
This train is located in the province of Salta and offers an unforgettable ride through the Andean desert. The journey reaches an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, which may cause discomfort for some passengers. But you can enjoy stunning views of Pune and visit various local fairs.

    • INTERPROVINCIAL TRAINS IN ARGENTINA:
There are several other interesting tourist trains in Argentina such as Patagonia Train, trains in Mar del Plata and Pinamar, and Tren de las Sierras in Cordoba. All of these trains offer unique routes and opportunities to enjoy the beauty of different regions of the country.

Luggage information.

Each passenger may carry in the carriage free of charge a handbag or valise, as well as a bag or suitcase as luggage, the weight of which does not exceed 50 kg. and the dimensions of which do not exceed 75 cm in height, 45 cm in width, 30 cm in depth.

Bicycle on the train.

You can travel with your bicycle in all the railway formations of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area in the wagon designed for this purpose, with the exception of the Victoria - Capilla del Señor, Villa Ballester - Zárate branch of the Miter line and the Tren de la Costa .
In the Buenos Aires - Tucumán, Buenos Aires - Córdoba and Buenos Aires - Rosario services you can take your bicycle disassembled and packed. In the Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires - Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires - Justo Daract and Buenos Aires - Palmira services you can transport it in the unassembled and packed van, as long as your origin and destination stations are headers. In the Buenos Aires - Div. De Pinamar or Gral. Guido - Div. De Pinamar service you can also travel with your bicycle disassembled or folded and packed. In the case of the Buenos Aires - Junín and Buenos Aires - Bragado services, it is not possible to travel with your bicycle.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

No information found

Luggage lockers on the stations in Argentina.

Train Stations. Some train stations will hold your bags at the “parcel check” service for as little as $5 per day.

Lost and Found Items.

No official information was found

Pets on the trains.

Passengers who present their current Disability Certificate and require to travel with guide, assistance or emotional assistance dogs, may do so by presenting their National Identity Document, certification or credential "guide or assistance dogs" and proof of the dog's latest up-to-date vaccinations . Likewise, the animal must travel on a leash or harness with a handle.
You cannot travel with animals on the train