Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata (en tren)

[mkub3905]

buen dia,

Has anyone made the trip from CABA to Mar del Plata by train.
There seems to now be a direct train between the two locations. And at a impressively low fare: (between 3.900 and 13.700; roughly $5 and $15 USD - ¿Puede esto ser correcto?) Yes, i do realize it is not a short voyage (...5hrs 50!) UGH!

- Am I reading the details correctly?
- Am I setting myself up for a 'not what i expected' scenario?
- What is the difference between the PRIMERA y PULLMAN; is it significant?
- Which would have a better guarantee: 'buy online', or 'go to the station' (it's an easy walk from my home)?
- Any other thoughts, suggestions, and/or personal commentary will, as always, be greatly appreciated in advance !

THIS IS THE LINK TO WHERE I FOUND THIS INFO: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/argentina.gob.ar

THIS IS THE LINK TO THE SCHEDULE AND FARES (pdf) - downloaded this morning: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/horario_y_tarifario_ld_mar_del_plata_18_12_2023_tar_01_2024_vs_00_-_1080_x_1920.pdf

 

[sergio]

buen dia,

Has anyone made the trip from CABA to Mar del Plata by train.
There seems to now be a direct train between the two locations. And at a impressively low fare: (between 3.900 and 13.700; roughly $5 and $15 USD - ¿Puede esto ser correcto?) Yes, i do realize it is not a short voyage (...5hrs 50!) UGH!

- Am I reading the details correctly?
- Am I setting myself up for a 'not what i expected' scenario?
- What is the difference between the PRIMERA y PULLMAN; is it significant?
- Which would have a better guarantee: 'buy online', or 'go to the station' (it's an easy walk from my home)?
- Any other thoughts, suggestions, and/or personal commentary will, as always, be greatly appreciated in advance !

THIS IS THE LINK TO WHERE I FOUND THIS INFO: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/argentina.gob.arman

THIS IS THE LINK TO THE SCHEDULE AND FARES (pdf) - downloaded this morning: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/horario_y_tarifario_ld_mar_del_plata_18_12_2023_tar_01_2024_vs_00_-_1080_x_1920.pdf

I have taken this train MANY times over the decades, though more often the train to Pinamar (actually to get to Pinamar you take the train to Mar del Plata and change at General Guido). It's OK. The equipment comes from China, I believe bought during the Macri years. It's very basic but it functions adequately. I much prefer it to the micro. You can get up and walk around, toilets are larger and less claustrophobic. There is not a major difference between Pullman and standard class, maybe a little more space. Years ago there was an excellent dining car but no more. Now all you can get are some thin sandwiches and a few snacks. As for buying tickets, they sell out VERY fast so you'd better check online every day. They open up a certain number of days before travel dates. The process can be a little complicated, so you should familiarise yourself with it. Hopefully the new government won't sell off the line which would almost certainly mean ending passenger service which is heavily subsidised.

 

[nikad]

Tickets are sold out for the summers season. You can keep checking and try to grab one if somebody cancels a trip.

 

[mkub3905]

Thanks
And….. you are right, everything is sold out !!!!
(So much so that you want to ask: “add more trains”. NOPE, not asking; I know better =
lol

 

[sergio]

Thanks
And….. you are right, everything is sold out !!!!
(So much so that you want to ask: “add more trains”. NOPE, not asking; I know better =
lol

The fare is heavily subsidised so they sell out.