By Train in Buenos Aires

By Train

Commuter rail lines provide extensive service throughout the city proper and the suburbs for a great price. A network of lines operated by six companies -- Ferrobaires, Ferrovías, Metropolitano, Metrovías, Trenes de Buenos Aires, Tren de la Costa -- spreads out from five central stations in Buenos Aires.

Most trains leave at regular 7- to 20-minute intervals, though there may be less frequent service for trains traveling long distances. Fares range from 35¢ to 1.50 pesos. Purchase tickets before boarding the train at ticket windows or through coin-operated machines at the stations. Hold on to your ticket until you reach the end of the line. If an official asks for your ticket and you don't have it, you'll have to pay a 3.50-6.50 pesos on-the-spot fine.

Estación Buenos Aires, in the city of Temperley, connects lines in the southern part of greater Buenos Aires; Metropolitano operates out of here. Two rail companies operate out of Estación Constitución. The Metropolitano rail line serves the southern part of greater Buenos Aires and extends to the city of La Plata. Ferrobaires serves the Atlantic coastal resorts, such as Mar del Plata, Pinamar, and Miramar.

Estación Federico Lacroze, in Belgrano, provides train service to the northeastern part of the city and greater Buenos Aires through the Metrovías rail company. Estación Once, in the city center, serves the western part of the city and greater Buenos Aires through Trenes de Buenos Aires. Ferrobaires provides train service to some cities in the provinces of Buenos Aires and La Pampa.

Trains running out of Estación Retiro, across from Plaza San Martín, serve the northern part of the city and greater Buenos Aires. Several rail companies operate from here: Ferrovías, Metropolitano, Trenes de Buenos Aires, and Tren de la Costa.

Commuter Lines

Ferrobaires (11/4553-1295). Ferrovías (11/4511-8833). Metropolitano (0800/666-358-736. www.tms.com.ar). Metrovías (11/4959-6800 or 0800/555-1616. www.metrovias.com.ar). Tren de la Costa (11/4002-6000. www.trendelacosta.com.ar). Trenes de Buenos Aires (TBA. 11/4317-4400 or 0800/3333-822. www.tbanet.com.ar).

Commuter Stations

Estación Buenos Aires (Padre Mugica 426, Temperley. 11/4244-2668). Estación Constitución (Av. General Hornos 11, near San Telmo, Constitución. 11/4304-0028). Estación Federico Lacroze (Federico Lacroze 4181, Belgrano. 11/4553-1916). Estación Once (Av. Pueyrredón and Bartolomé Mitre, Balvanera. 11/4861-0043). Estación Retiro (Av. Ramos Mejía 1430, Retiro. 11/4317-4400).