What are the trains like in Argentina?

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Sandra G

Unfortunately the train system is very poor in Argentina. Most of the destinations are not covered by the train network, and those that can be reached by train take long hours at very poor conditions (Buenos Aires to Bariloche for example takes 24 hours in very uncomfortable trains).
It is much, much better to take buses for long trips (if you need a cheaper alternative to planes, which are of course the best option). Buses are very comfortable, have fully reclining seats ("coche cama"), coffee and juice dispensers, steward's service, etc.

homer_calgary

like everyone else said, "forget about the trains for transportation. The bus system is exellent".

However. Having said that. You can take the Tren de la Costa, from Buenos Aires to El Tigre. It's a modern train, runs along the costline, the entire length of the ride is about an hour. You have a choice to get off at about 10 stops along the way to visit local culture. The price is about 10 pesos if I recall correctly.

Other than that train, stick to the busses

Cris D

Being an Argentinean I know that the trains of Argentina are a joke.
Comfort= I hope that comfort is the last thing you need because the seats are not very plush and they are very dirty. A friend of ours said she had to take off the little papaer that is where you rest your head on the seat because it was absolutley filthy.
Price= Prices are generally very cheap and offordable so unfortunatley it is the poor argentines who are forced to ride trains since they cannot afford something of higher standards.
Reliability= The trains are old, unmaintained, and this usually causes delays that can last for hours and there may also be a conductor strike so you will be lucky if you leave on time.
Safety/Security= Consider sleeping with one eye open since there may be a looter onboard who may not just be a bad person but merely someone who is desperate. There may be a police officer or 2 at the train station but dont expect much of a sense of security onboard.

So in a sens if you avoid travelling by train altogether that would really be a good option. Travellingby long distance bus in Argentina is always a better and slightly higher price experience which is faster however the double decker buses are very high and are only stable when you have a good well rested driver onboard and unfortunatley most drivers are overworked and underpaid so there may be a high risk of crash if you have a tired person behind the wheel.
Above all I recomend flying since it is the fastest and safest alternative and really isnt all that expensive. If you fly LAN you will get onto a new A320 which is very clean and well maintened. So beleive me that getting onto a a flight will be worth every penny.

ALEXANDROS

Man.. just forget it.
If you wanna travel on an argentinian train I strongly recommend you to go with an argentinian friend of you.

Comfort = none
Price = expensive
Reliability = low
Security = I hope you believe in God.

luis587

i live in Argentina. Trains are really wonderful....if you want to live a great adventure........
Better go to Africa to give food to the lions....it will be a little easier than a travel by train in my country!!!!!
Forget trains in Argentina!!!!!!!

ronnie m

Sadly, your question should be "What were the trains like..."

Those that remain are incredibly cheap as is the BsAs metro.

Cool H

http://www.seat61.com/SouthAmerica.htm

George N

Not the best option....
In 99% of the cases better to travel by Bus.

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