When to Go

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When to go

By Brandon Bragato

Mar del Plata is easily accessible from all over Argentina. It is connected to most parts of the country by public transportation and major highways. For those driving from the capital, highway 2 connects Mar del Plata, 400 km to the South, with Buenos Aires. Highway 11 runs along the coast and connects all of the coastal towns.

Buses run to most destinations in the country from the dilapidated, old bus terminal. There several companies that service Mar del Plata from the Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires. The service is more frequent during the summer months, with numerous departures daily, but tickets should be bought with plenty of advance notice during December, January and Semana Santa. Less frequent than the capital, there are also companies that run direct buses from Mendoza, Cordoba, Bariloche and other less touristy destinations.

Trains run twice daily between the Retiro train station in Buenos Aires Estación Constitución Mar del Plata. This is the least expensive to come and go, but certainly not the fastest or most comfortable.

Though not the most economic option, flying from Buenos Aires and Patagonia is another option. Colina International Airport (MDQ/SAZM) is just outside the city. There are daily to and from Buenos Aires by Aerolienas Argentinas and Sol Líneas Aéreas. LADE has weekly flights to major destinations in Patagonia.