Train Escapes from Buenos Aires: Three Food Towns for Under ARS 2,500 Each Way
Budget Travel · Argentina
Vicente Casares, Chascomús, and Mercedes can be reached by train from Buenos Aires for less than ARS 2,500 per leg — a cheap, car-free escape built around picadas, lagoon fish, and salame quintero.
Train travel is once again one of the most economical ways to explore Buenos Aires province. Three destinations with a strong gastronomic identity can be reached from the metropolitan area for under ARS 2,500 per leg using a registered SUBE card — less than the price of a coffee and medialunas.
Key Facts
- Concept. Weekend train escapes from Buenos Aires to three gastronomic towns in the province.
- Fare. Each leg costs under ARS 2,500 — roughly US$2 — with a registered SUBE card.
- Vicente Casares. ARS 730 from Plaza Constitución on the Roca line toward Ezeiza–Cañuelas. Country restaurants and the historic La Martona dairy.
- Chascomús. ARS 2,410 per leg, changing trains at Alejandro Korn. Lagoon-side freshwater fish and classic bonaerense cooking.
- Mercedes. ARS 1,756.66 per leg from Once, changing at Moreno. Known as the capital of salame quintero.
Why the Train Beats Driving for These Getaways
Rail fares are far below the cost of fuel or long-distance buses for the same routes. Trains also remove the stress of traffic and parking.
The services work for both day trips and full weekends. All three towns below can be explored on foot once you arrive.
Vicente Casares: Picadas and Rural Tradition
Located near Cañuelas, Vicente Casares has become a favorite for its country restaurants, parrillas, and dairy heritage. The historic La Martona factory is considered a pioneer of Argentina’s dairy industry.
Local stores and eateries focus on grilled meats, homemade pastas, and regional products. The picadas — shared cold-cut and cheese boards — are the signature order.
From the Buenos Aires metro area, take a Roca line train from Plaza Constitución toward Ezeiza–Cañuelas. The ticket to Vicente Casares costs ARS 730 with a registered SUBE card.
Chascomús: Lagoon Views and Bonaerense Cooking
Chascomús remains one of the province’s classic tourist destinations, combining nature, historic heritage, and a varied food scene. Restaurants, parrillas, and bars cluster along the lagoon waterfront.
Freshwater fish, artisanal pastas, and traditional bonaerense dishes stand out on local menus.
The rail trip runs from Plaza Constitución to Alejandro Korn (ARS 730), where you transfer to the service continuing to Chascomús (ARS 1,680). The full journey totals ARS 2,410 per leg with a registered SUBE.
Mercedes: Capital of Salame Quintero
Mercedes is one of the most important food towns in the Buenos Aires interior. It is known for its salames, artisanal cold cuts, cheeses, tortas fritas, and traditional bodegones.
The historic center and its regional producers’ fairs make it easy to spend a full day walking and tasting.
The trip starts at Once station, bound for Moreno (ARS 730), where a transfer continues to Mercedes (ARS 1,026.66). The total comes to ARS 1,756.66 per leg with a registered SUBE.
What This Means for Expats and Investors
Subsidized regional rail keeps the cost of exploring Argentina’s interior remarkably low. For expats based in Buenos Aires, weekend escapes like these cost a fraction of equivalent trips in most countries.
For investors watching domestic tourism, low-cost rail access funnels weekend spending into smaller provincial economies — a pattern that supports local hospitality businesses beyond the capital.
How to Do It
Register your SUBE card online before traveling to access the discounted fares quoted here. Unregistered cards pay more.
Check current timetables on the Trenes Argentinas website, as weekend frequencies vary by line. Bring cash or cards for restaurants, and book ahead on holiday weekends.
More: Argentina news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the train to these towns cost?
Vicente Casares costs ARS 730 per leg from Plaza Constitución. Mercedes totals ARS 1,756.66 from Once with a change at Moreno, and Chascomús totals ARS 2,410 with a change at Alejandro Korn. All fares assume a registered SUBE card.
What food is each town known for?
Vicente Casares is known for picadas, grilled meats, and its dairy tradition anchored by the historic La Martona factory. Chascomús specializes in freshwater fish from its lagoon and bonaerense classics. Mercedes is famous for salame quintero, cold cuts, cheeses, and tortas fritas.
Do I need to register my SUBE card?
Yes. The fares under ARS 2,500 per leg apply only with a registered (registrada) SUBE card, which can be done online before your trip.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief