Mar del Plata is the largest seaside city in Buenos Aires province and one of the few coastal destinations you can reach four ways: by car, bus, train or plane. Which one suits you depends on the size of your party, your luggage and the date, because in January, February and on long weekends everything fills up.
By car on Autovía 2
The usual road is Autovía 2, a tolled dual carriageway. It is an easy drive, but traffic varies a lot by day. In summer there are delays leaving Buenos Aires and at the toll plazas on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, and the same happens on Sundays coming back. A hire car lets you stop where you like and explore the beaches south of the city afterwards. The price is that someone drives the whole way, and in season parking near the beach takes time.
By bus
Long-distance buses run all year from Retiro terminal and from other terminals around Greater Buenos Aires. This is the option with the most departures, including overnight ones. You pay per person and choose a seat class. You arrive at the Mar del Plata terminal and carry on by taxi or city bus. For peak dates, buy ahead.
By train
The train leaves from Plaza Constitución station and arrives at the terminal that trains and buses share in Mar del Plata. It is usually the lowest-cost choice, which is why summer tickets sell out early. There are few departures a day, so check that the times work before you plan the rest of the trip.
By plane
There are flights between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata airport, though not many. The flight itself is short, but add the ride to the airport, check-in time and the trip into town. Door to door, the advantage shrinks. Flying mostly makes sense when you are connecting from another flight.
When a private transfer makes sense
A private transfer is a vehicle with a driver for your group only, from your door to your hotel or flat, with stops on request. It makes sense when:
- three or more people travel and the per-vehicle price is shared;
- you have children, older relatives, pets or a lot of luggage;
- you land at Ezeiza and want to go straight to the coast without entering the city;
- nobody in the group wants to drive.
If you travel alone, with little luggage and no hurry, the bus or the train costs less and is the sensible choice. Timetables and fares for buses, trains and flights change with the season, so check them with each operator before you decide. If you have not picked a destination yet, read our guide on which Atlantic coast resort to choose.