Any experts on Argentinian passenger railways?

[SandsofEss]

I’m planning a cross-country trip for later this year from Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile. I’m very keen to take the train if possible.

1. Plan A was to take the once-a-week train from Buenos Aires to Palmira (just outside Mendoza), then bus across the Andes. But I understand that route is currently truncated to Justo Daract following an accident, with no date set for reopening.
2. Plan B is to take the twice-weekly train to Cordoba and pick up buses from there, but this would be a hefty detour at less convenient times.
3. Plan C is to head south and pick up the Tren Patagonico, which I understand has just resumed running, albeit not for its full length. Then take a bus from Bariloche to the nearest Chilean railhead at Chillán, though that’s even more of a detour.

The Trenes Argentinos website is very insightful, but only confirms timings at short notice. This is understandable given how changeable the situation is in Argentina at present, not least with a looming privatisation.

I’ve resigned myself to not getting clarity on what’s running and where until fairly close to departure time, but thought I’d ask just in case..:

Is anybody on the forums an expert on Argentinian railways (or knows one), who may be able to give me a little more insight into the likelihood of things running when we’re due to travel? I’d love to be able to pick the brains of someone knowledgeable.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[P Binnersley]

I used the website https://www.sateliteferroviario.com.ar/horarios when I went a few years ago. It isn't official; but seems to be kept up to date.

 

[dutchflyer]

On the site that seat61 advises (probably the one cited above) it stated last week that all longer distance trains=all you mention would CEASE to run after 31/5. You probably know about the new president who follows a stark savings regime and wishes to do away with all such things that only cost money without-in his view- delivering much value.
IF none knowing the actual situation turns up (and even if it was reprieved for this week, there will be a giant chance that it will cease in a few weeks-or at least before your trip far away is planned) I advise you to use the general touristy forum on tripadvisor-per country-as that usually has a few very knowledgeable local persons answering.
I´ve done myself such a trip-but last century, also visiting Paraguay as then the tram was still running and the daily steamtrain. I can highly praise the ARG coaches/long-dist buses, even also for overnight, but I guess a lot on them will also have changed. Chilean train-the then only overnight long-dist was also an experience.

 

[SandsofEss]

Thank you. Some good tips here. I've also since found enelsubte.com, which appears to be a local railway transport news site with regular updates.

@dutchflyer - I can't find any reference to all services ceasing. I know that's a risk given Javier Milei's agenda, and the financial realities of long-distance railway services.

Worst case scenario we'll enjoy an adventure by sleeper bus instead...

 

[Gloster]

Have a look at .europeanrailtimetable.eu . Although it is primarily Europe, it does include elements of the old Thomas Cook World Timetable and would mention dramatic changes in its Beyond Europe section.

 

[SandsofEss]

Have a look at .europeanrailtimetable.eu . Although it is primarily Europe, it does include elements of the old Thomas Cook World Timetable and would mention dramatic changes in its Beyond Europe section.

Thank you. That's a good point. I do have a copy at home.

My suspicion is that railway services in Argentina are so changeable that a six-monthly timetable will struggle to keep up, but I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[dutchflyer]

Follow-up:
Tr Adv has no items at all on railways recently-only very old ones on the Patagonian Paul Theroux famous line
Follow links on sinfin.net-> railways/world-> AR etc. (Also useful for any other country)
This leads to a very official page from the AR govt:argentina.gob.ar/transportes/trenes-argentinas, of course only in Espanol, and this apparently has monthly updates-per line/type (BsAs has an extensive suburban system-this will remain). It also links to a booking page and promises 10% discount for that-and even more for jubilados=seniors-though this asks for a AR social securiy nr, so probably excludes estranjeros. NOTE!! It also clearly states one has to REconfirm any such booking -2-3 days before dep.-I suspect that trains are/may also be cancelled if demand is too low to make it worthwhile.
It lists the lines per name-do your own research what is what. And some-I suspect those main lines from BsAs are apparently shortened due to works or whatever-if that is from a suburban station or further away I cannot find out.
My own trip-had to delve in old notes-was in oct ´95 and besides the suburbans had a long ride from the then still in use old BsAs main station Retiro to Tucuman and was organised by the Prov. of Tucuman-arr was ´only´ 4-5 hrs late. My prime interest is more trams/trolley and AR has a few left of those too. Did not go to Patagonia then.
Also: be aware that its essential to have a smattering of Espanol once out of the capitals-in Chile even more. Spoken spanish there can also sometimes differ markedly from that in EUR.
Remember an item-I think on the german DSO-that a sleeper ride in a line south-away from BsAs- the on board staff was so taken aback by an extranjero in the cars that they nearly did not dare to service.
And its antipode, so august will be deepest of winter there-not the best touristy season
On the TrAdv forum also disturbing notes that now a ticket OUT in the allotted time for tourists-no visa- has to be shown if one holds an open jaw (as I also did-on IB via Madrid)-and for many airls this means by air (they cannot think of other ways to travel). I cannot recall that need-double check this if still going
And this morning here on the news/radio: civil unrest in BsAs for the planned savings by that new govmt. Also a truely AR tradition. It may also mean that train staff go on strike as protest.

 

[RT4038]

I rode the train from Tucuman to Buenos Aires in 2017. At that time the stock and locomotive used was quite new. The trip was a couple of hours late into Buenos Aires. Rode in a Sleeping Car - had to book within hours of bookings opening otherwise full. Checked website every day! The 'dining' car had only snacks/sandwiches for sale. Very interesting trip though. Had come by bus from La Quiaca to Jujuy and then to Tucuman. Booked on internet early, booked the front seats upstairs - very comfortable and punctual. Most Long Distance buses are double deckers. I speak no Spanish whatsoever, and had no problem getting around. People very friendly and helpful. Had best steak ever in a hotel in Tucuman!!