Railroads were once the pride of the transportation system, but most Argentines now get around by bus. There are still long-distance trains to the southern beach resorts in and around Mar del Plata, northwest to the cities of Rosario, Córdoba, and Tucumán, and to the Mesopotamian city of Posadas.

From Constitución, Ferrobaires (tel. 011/4304-0028, www.ferrobaires.gba.gov.ar) goes to Mar del Plata and, in summer, to Pinamar. One-way fares range from US$14 (in stiff-backed clase única) to US$19 (reclining Pullman seats). The less frequent Expreso del Atlántico (US$23) and El Marplatense (US$25) are more comfortable.

From Retiro, Trenes de Buenos Aires (TBA, tel. 011/4317-4400 or 0800/333-3822, www.tbanet.com.ar) goes to Rosario Norte (5.5 hours, US$10) and points along the way weekdays only at 6:43 p.m.

Also from Retiro, Ferrocentral (tel. 011/4312-2989, www.ferrocentralsa.com.ar) goes to Rosario Norte (6 hours, US$6–15) and Córdoba (14.5 hours) at 8:50 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Rates to Córdoba are US$6 turista, US$8 primera, and US$25 Pullman. Ferrocentral also goes to Rosario and Tucumán (25 hours) Monday and Friday at 10:40 a.m. Rates to Tucumán are US$13 turista, US$18 primera, US$34 Pullman, and US$78 d with breakfast in camarote sleepers. Tickets go fast because it’s cheap; the office is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday.