Are you planning to navigate the bustling cityscape of Buenos Aires efficiently? Whether you’re a digital nomad, a seasoned traveler, or a new expat, understanding the Buenos Aires railway system is crucial for seamless urban exploration.
This guide, brought to you by ExpatPathways, dives deep into the veins of the city’s public transport, offering insights into its extensive railway network, convenient travel tips, and essential fare information.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of commuting like a local in the heart of Argentina!
Everything You Need to Know About the Buenos Aires Railways
Importance of Railways for Transportation in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires’ extensive passenger railway network, known as the Metropolitan Area Railway Network (AMBA), is critical for daily commutes and exploring the expansive city. The network consists of:
- Eight surface lines that branch out radially from seven central stations in the city to the suburbs, reaching distances of over 100 kilometers.
- A total rail line length of 973 kilometers, with 27% electrified and the remainder serviced by diesel traction.
- A substantial infrastructure comprising 287 stations, including seven major central stations.
- An annual ridership exceeding 300 million passengers in 2022.
- The lowest ridership periods occurring during December, January, February, and March.
- On average, nearly 650,000 train formations complete their routes within the network each year.
- Railways serve as the second most popular mode of transportation in Buenos Aires, following buses and surpassing subways in usage.
Benefits of Traveling by Rail in Buenos Aires
The railway network in Buenos Aires offers several advantages for both residents and visitors:
- Extensive coverage across the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, facilitating access to both central and remote areas.
- The eight rail lines and their 24 branches provide direct connections from Buenos Aires City to far-flung areas of Buenos Aires Province, extending beyond the third belt of Greater Buenos Aires.
- Highly economical fares due to state-subsidized pricing, especially beneficial for foreigners when converted to dollar rates.
- Direct access to distant zones within and outside Buenos Aires City, often eliminating the need for transfers or additional transport modes.
- Seamless integration with other public transport services, particularly buses in Buenos Aires Province and subway lines within the city, enhancing commuter convenience.
Tips for Traveling by Train in Buenos Aires
Plan Ahead
Argentine trains range from urban to suburban services, including long-distance routes connecting major cities and tourist regions.
Utilize the Trenes Argentinos website to purchase tickets online, check schedules, and plan routes in advance—especially during peak tourist seasons.
Long Journeys
Prepare for lengthy rides by bringing snacks, water, and entertainment like books or downloaded movies. Dress comfortably and consider a light blanket as some trains have strong air conditioning.
Explore Regional Connections
Besides long-distance routes, take advantage of regional trains connecting smaller towns and cities. These trains offer a unique opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and experience local life.
Stay Safe
Maintain vigilance for personal safety and property security on trains, keeping belongings secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially against cellphone thefts on platforms and inside trains.
Avoid Phone Distractions
Pay attention to your environment and station stops to ensure you don’t miss your destination. This is crucial as getting back on track can be time-consuming if you overshoot your stop.
How to Pay for Train Tickets in Buenos Aires
Train fares in Buenos Aires are paid using the SUBE card, a rechargeable card that you tap on a magnetic reader at station turnstiles.
It’s important to note that you do not need to inform the train conductor of your destination, but you should be mindful of your stop due to the considerable distances between stations.
How to Obtain and Top-Up Your SUBE Card
- Obtaining a SUBE Card: A SUBE card is essential for travel on trains, subways, and buses. You can purchase a card online or at physical SUBE locations, such as lottery agencies and train/subway stations.
- Top-Up Options: While you can top up your SUBE card at subway and train stations or designated SUBE points, setting up an account on the official SUBE website allows for convenient online top-ups. Alternatively, mobile apps are available for managing and recharging your card remotely.
Check here schedules, rates and routes of the Buenos Aires railways
Connections Between Buenos Aires Railways and Subways
Navigating Buenos Aires becomes much easier when you understand the connections between the railway lines and the subway system.
Here’s how the city’s train lines connect with various subway lines, enhancing your travel efficiency across Buenos Aires.
Roca Railway
- Connects with Subway Line C at Constitución Station.
Mitre Railway
- Connects with Subway Lines C and E at Retiro Station.
- Connects with Subway Line B at Juan Manuel de Rosas Station.
- Connects with Subway Line D at Carranza Station.
San Martín Railway
- Connects with Subway Lines C and E at Retiro Station.
- Connects with Subway Line B at Dorrego Station.
- Connects with Subway Line D at Palermo Station.
Belgrano Railway
- Connects with Subway Lines C and E at Retiro Station.
Sarmiento Railway
- Connects with Subway Lines A and H at Plaza Miserere (Once) Station.
- Connects with Subway Line A at Primera Junta Station.
- Connects with Subway Line A at San José de Flores Station.
Urquiza Railway
- Connects with Subway Line B at Federico Lacroze Station.
These railway-to-subway connections provide a comprehensive network that allows travelers to efficiently transfer between trains and subways, covering vast areas of the city and beyond.
Whether you are a resident, a digital nomad, or a visitor in Buenos Aires, understanding these transit combinations can significantly streamline your commuting or sightseeing experiences in the city.
Buenos Aires Railway Lines
Mitre Line
The Mitre Line, part of the national Bartolomé Mitre Railway network, serves passengers traveling between the Retiro station in Buenos Aires and several destinations including Zárate, Capilla del Señor, Bartolomé Mitre, José León Suárez, and Tigre in the Buenos Aires province.
It features 55 stations, stretching across various districts such as San Isidro, Vicente López, San Fernando, Tigre, San Martín, Escobar, Pilar, Exaltación de la Cruz, Zárate, and Campana.
Branches
- Retiro-Tigre Branch
- Victoria-Capilla del Señor Branch
- Retiro-Bartolomé Mitre Branch
- Retiro-José León Suárez Branch
- Villa Ballester-Zárate Branch
San Martín Line
The San Martín Line (LSM) is one of the seven suburban lines of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Railways. Operating under the General San Martín Railway network, it connects Retiro station in downtown Buenos Aires with Dr. Cabred station in Open Door, Luján. T
his line includes 22 stations, passing through districts such as Tres de Febrero, Morón, Hurlingham, San Miguel, José C. Paz, Pilar, and Luján.
Branch
- Retiro – Doctor Domingo Cabred Branch
Belgrano Norte Line
The Belgrano Norte Line offers passenger services between Retiro and Villa Rosa in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, spanning 54 km and transporting 30.4 million passengers in 2012.
It includes 22 stations, covering areas such as Vicente López, San Isidro, San Martín (no stations), Tigre, Malvinas Argentinas, and Pilar. Services are operated by diesel-electric trains on a single branch.
Branch
- Retiro-Villa Rosa Branch
General Roca Line
Operating under the General Roca Railway network, this line serves passengers from Plaza Constitución in Buenos Aires to destinations like Alejandro Korn/Chascomús, Cañuelas/Lobos/Monte, La Plata/Bosques/Juan María Gutiérrez, and Haedo in the southern and southwestern Greater Buenos Aires. The line has 75 stations.
Branches
- Constitución-La Plata (via Quilmes) Branch
- Constitución-Bosques Circuit
- Temperley – Haedo Branch
- Constitución-Ezeiza Branch
- Ezeiza – Cañuelas Branch
- Cañuelas – Lobos Branch
- Cañuelas – Monte Branch
- Constitución-Alejandro Korn Branch
- Alejandro Korn – Chascomús Branch
- Constitución – Bosques Branch
- Bosques – Gutiérrez (via Temperley) Branch
- La Plata University Train
Sarmiento Line
The Sarmiento Line, part of the Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Railway network, facilitates passenger travel between Once station in the Balvanera neighborhood of Buenos Aires and destinations such as Moreno, Lobos, and Mercedes in western Greater Buenos Aires.
It comprises 40 stations, traversing districts like Tres de Febrero, Morón, Ituzaingó, La Matanza, Merlo, Moreno, General Rodríguez, Luján, Mercedes, Marcos Paz, General Las Heras, and Lobos.
Branches
- Once-Moreno Branch
- Moreno-Mercedes Branch
- Merlo-Lobos Branch
- Luján, Haedo, Temperley Branch
Urquiza Line
From Lacroze station in the Chacarita neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the Urquiza Line operates to General Lemos station in San Miguel.
It encompasses 23 stations over a distance of 26 km, covering parts of Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires province districts of San Martín, Tres de Febrero, Hurlingham, and San Miguel.
Branch
- Federico Lacroze – General Lemos Branch
Belgrano Sur Line
Operating from Sáenz station, the Belgrano Sur Line’s trains run along the G and M branches, covering a 65 km route including Sáenz-González Catán-Marcos Paz and Sáenz-Marinos del Crucero General Belgrano branches. This non-electrified line is serviced by diesel locomotives.
Branches
- Sáenz-González Catán Branch
- González Catán-Marcos Paz Branch
- Buenos Aires-Marinos del Crucero General Belgrano Branch
- Puente Alsina-Aldo Bonzi Branch
Last considerations
Ready to explore Buenos Aires like a true local? Armed with your newfound knowledge of the city’s railway system, courtesy of ExpatPathways, you’re all set to navigate Buenos Aires with the confidence of a seasoned commuter.
Whether you’re hopping between the vibrant neighborhoods or venturing into the serene outskirts, remember that each train ride brings you closer to the heart and soul of this dynamic city.
Don’t just pass through; connect deeply with the culture, people, and the rhythm of Buenos Aires by rail.
(Featured Image Source: Miguel Martinez/flickr.com)
