Flights within Argentina

Hola,
What/how is the best way to book a flight (or train) from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata? I am traveling to Mar del Plata in October. I am not finding this information readily available. It this not something that needs to be done in advance?

Thank you.

Hi,

There's a few options for traveling to Mar del Plata from Buenos Aires:

Car or coach:
Motorway 2: 404 km / 251 miles
Route 11: 602 km / 374 miles
Route 226: 441 / 274 miles
Rail: 5 hours 30 minutes
Plane: 45 minutes

One options for airlines is:
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/

[d360]

ImHungry Made a good call. Thats very accurate information and its always best to book a flight in advance if you need to be somewhere on time. Otherwise keep your plans flexible and book at the last minute.

Are you touring around Argentina?

Thank you both for this information. At this point I am only traveling to Mar del Plata through a time-share deal. I am really looking forward to it. I have read nothing but wonderful things about the country and the people. I am certianly open to recommendations in and around that area.

[Richard Leon]

Hello,

Price for domestic flights in Argentina has increased dramatically. I just got a quote for Buenos Aires-Mendoza-Bariloche-Buenos Aires at $1600 per person!

The problem is that Aerolineas Argentinas has a monopoly and has decided to raise its prices for foreign travelers.

The only other airline is LAN Argentina which has few routes and few flights.

I hope this changes quickly ...

Richard,
Thank you! That is so interesting, raising prices for foreign traverlers. I noticed on Aerolineas website, it specifially made note of non-Argentina residents. Can you tell me if the train is recommended and safe? I have also had trouble finding a way to book that online. And I am nervous to rent a car.

[d360]

There's not much of a Train system left in Argentina you'd be better off traveling by bus. Since they have many routes, the coaches are good and its a great deal.
Look for the excecutive buses flat folding beds.

[Richard Leon]

I agree, bus is your best option. cheap, reliable and with plenty of schedules.

Renting a car is by all means not a bad idea. Argentina's road infrastructure is very developed and safe.

Enjoy Argentina

[Marcos Wolff]

Hi there, I'm from Argentina and Mar del Plata is like a second home for me, lots of friends and cool people... Portenos (people from Buenos Aires) usually spend the summer there, it's just 410km from BA. Some tips:
- If you wanna travel by train, make sure you travel with a local if you don't wanna feel paranoid. There are different train categories but the railway station is the same, Constitucion, and the area is not nice... Another problem in summer is that you need to purchase your ticket with some time in advance...
- Buses are cheap and great, several departures everyday... They leave from Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires. The trip takes just 4 or 5hs.
- Flight is cool, but if you are in a low budget... mmm
- Route 2 to Mar del Plata is a highway and easy to drive... But may be it's better to take a bus to Mar del Plata and then hire a car there...
- The best beaches are "Playas del Sur", cleaner and better in every sense... You will need a car to get there, hiring a car will be cheaper for you than taking a taxi every time...
- Restaurants near the port are great with fressh sea food...
If you are interested in other places in the Atlantic Coast of Argentine for the summer Pinamar, Karilo, Mar Azul, Mar de las Pampas and Villa Gesell are great too.