The Tren de la Costa stops in some of my favorite Buenos Aires suburban spots — perfect leafy neighborhoods I revisit every chance I get. It’s not just a ride to Tigre; it’s an opportunity to see Victorian stations, catch glimpses of the River Plate, and follow some of my favorite bike paths just outside the city.
If you start early, you can hop off at Borges for coffee, wander Anchorena for river views, have a bbq parrilada at Barrancas, and take your time around San Isidro’s cathedral and the Pueyrredón Museum before you even reach Tigre. This scenic suburban train runs every 30 minutes, rarely crowded, and costs next to nothing if you’ve got a SUBE card.
Here’s how to plan the best Tren de la Costa day trip — and why I keep coming back.
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Why I Still Ride the Tren de la Costa
Often on my trips back to Buenos Aires, I stay just a few blocks from Borges station in Olivos — a quiet yet convenient suburb north of the city. From there, the Tren de la Costa is my go-to for a scenic, uncrowded, and comfortable ride up the river.
It’s the easiest way to skip traffic, see some of the prettiest old stations around Buenos Aires, and hop off whenever I feel like stretching my legs. No rush hour crowds, no city noise — just quiet neighborhoods, glimpses of the river, and a mix of students, day-trippers, and locals hauling bikes to ride along the riverside path.
For visitors, it’s an easy half-day escape. For me, it’s still the nicest train ride in the city, every single time.
How to Ride the Tren de la Costa
To reach Tigre via the scenic Tren de la Costa, start at Retiro Station. You’ll need a SUBE card to pay for each ride — each trip on the train costs about one dollar. Always check the official Trenes Argentinos website for up-to-date schedules and fares.
In Retiro, take the Mitre line — not the Tigre line! — and ride it to the final stop: Bartolomé Mitre Station. Cross the skybridge to Maipú Station, where you board the Tren de la Costa. From here, you can hop on and off as you like (each hop is a separate transaction on your SUBE card), or ride straight through to Tigre or any of the stops in the guide that you might want to explore.
Olivos: Presidential Suburb on the Tren de la Costa
The first station after Maipú is Borges in Olivos. Olivos is a destination in itself, not just a train stop. It’s best known as home to Argentina’s presidential residence — but beyond that, it’s full of leafy, photogenic squares, elegant old houses, and quiet streets where people shop in local stores and walk their dogs. Wander down to the Puerto de Olivos for a stroll by the docks and maybe a drink by the water. I recommend Mostrador Santa Teresita for a drink or light lunch with spectacular views of the Río de la Plata — it’s about a 20-minute walk from Borges station.
Bike and Coffee — Perfect Spot for a Coffee Break
Bike and Coffee is a small local chain that pops up at several Tren de la Costa stations — always right where the old Victorian waiting rooms used to be. The café at Borges station is my go-to for breakfast before riding further up the line. It’s popular with cyclists doing the riverside bicisenda (see info box) and locals grabbing a decent coffee and a quick snack. Grab a table outside, weather permitting, right by the track and watch the people get ready to start their days
Plaza González del Solar — A Movie Location
Right next to Borges station you’ll find Plaza González del Solar, a leafy square anchored by the classy old building that houses the York Theater. This spot even got a cameo in Operation Finale, the film about the capture of Eichmann.
Walk another block and you’ll hit Vicente López y Planes Square, a slightly larger park with a pretty neighborhood church. If you decide to wander the area, keep an eye out — hidden among the typical modern suburban homes are some true architectural gems from the early 20th century.
Juan Anchorena Station — Perfect Spot for River Views with City Skyline
Juan Anchorena is the perfect stop to walk along the Paseo Público Costero (the riverside public promenade), a lovely park by the water where you’ll spot local fishermen, people exercising, and plenty just out for a stroll. From here, you get a clear view of the Buenos Aires skyline across the River Plate, and you can’t miss the quirky Cincel Statue by the well-known sculptor Jorge Gamarra.
If you’re hungry, check out the FARA Parador for simple burgers and sandwiches, or splurge a little at Tribu San Isidro, right inside the old Victorian station. I highly recommend their excellent Bondiola Braseada (slow-braised pork shoulder) cooked in a traditional horno de barro (wood-fired clay oven).
Las Barrancas Station
Another beautiful Victorian station — and another Bike and Coffee spot for a pit stop. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming surroundings; there’s more here than meets the eye.
Another Chance to See the River Plate
Unlike Anchorena, the station isn’t right on the river, but you’ve got plenty of options nearby. The Parque Natural Ribera Norte has quiet trails for birdwatching and river views. For food and people-watching, head to Perú Beach or Puerto Tablas — both good for a snack while watching kite surfers add color to the brown waters of the Río de la Plata.
My top pick here is the laid-back parrilla El Ombú — fair prices, killer views, and it’s hard to beat a sunny afternoon alongside a choripan and a glass of Malbec.
Museo Pueyrredón and Surroundings
Walk uphill — the barranca that gives this area its name — and you’ll see why this wealthy corner of Buenos Aires feels like a secret.
I rarely use “hidden gem,” but this museum truly is one: a house from 1790 that was later home to Argentina’s first head of state and his son, Prilidiano Pueyrredón, one of the country’s best-known 19th-century painters. Some of his stunning work is on display inside, and the gardens outside frame beautiful views of the Río de la Plata.
The Bicisenda
One of my favorite running and riding spots in the Buenos Aires outskirts is the Tren de la Costa bicisenda — a wide, shared path that hugs the rails for about 3 miles (5 km). It starts in Olivos, right at the corner of Ramseyer and Acassuso, and runs all the way to San Isidro, ending just steps from the Tren de la Costa station. On weekends, it's full of cyclists and runners from early in the day.
Further north, the path reappears around Lasalle and Presidente Uriburu, and if you keep going, it’ll lead you straight to my favorite Bike and Coffee at Punta Chica Station — the perfect mid-ride stop.
San Isidro — Classic Buildings, Cobblestones, and a Neo-Gothic Cathedral
San Isidro is one of the most elegant suburbs along the Tren de la Costa. The station itself was once turned into a small shopping mall with restaurants, but the idea didn’t stick — today it sits abandoned. But step outside, and you’ll see why this area is definitely worth a stop (San Isidro is well worth a day trip and a future blog on its own right)
Plaza Mitre – A turn of the 20th century plaza
Walk one block uphill from the station and you’ll reach the magnificent Plaza Mitre — a sloping park laid out along the barranca and recently restored to its early 20th-century, geometric design. It’s a peaceful spot to sit under the trees and a photographer dream come true.
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San Isidro Labrador Cathedral
On the south edge of Plaza Mitre stands the Neo-Gothic Cathedral of San Isidro, built in 1898. Its tall single spire, red brick accents, pointed arches, and a huge rose window (rosetón) right above the main doors make it the postcard shot of San Isidro. The neo-Gothic cathedral is stunning by day, but come back at night if you can — it’s beautifully lit and shows off its brick and stone details in a whole new light.
Cobblestone Streets and Colonial Houses
Wander the cobblestone streets around the plaza and you’ll find plenty of historic houses. Stop by the Museo Casa Alfaro, which doubles as the local tourism office. This unmistakable colonial house dates back to the early 1800s and was once home to Fernando Alfaro, San Isidro’s first mayor — sadly executed by firing squad by his political rivals. Today you can admire its whitewashed walls, classic courtyard, and small exhibits for free.
Delta Station (Tigre) — Final Stop
The Tren de la Costa finishes at Delta Station, right in the heart of Tigre and the starting point for a Paraná Delta tour. From here, you can easily spend a whole day exploring: visit Tigre’s beautiful Art Deco Museum of Art, stroll the riverside market, or hop on a boat to explore the islands and canals. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Buenos Aires — and you can check our Ultimate Tigre Itinerary blog here.
For the times you’d rather join a guided tour with like-minded travelers instead of going solo, Viator has great options — like the highly rated tours below. If you decide to book through our affiliate link, we earn a small commission that helps keep this site running, and we really appreciate your support.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this blog and that it helps you plan one or more stops in these unique suburbs of Buenos Aires. We also have a video on the Tren de la Costa and Tigre on our YouTube channel — give it a watch for a more visual look at this route (and don’t miss it if you, like me, love dogs!).
Jump into the comments with any questions — I’ve walked these streets countless times and I promise to answer each of you. As always, happy travels!
2 comments
Getting a sube card as a tourist is extremely difficult. Can’t buy online because you need to pick up the physical card. Can’t buy one at a station by card: you NEED cash. Who doesn’t accept payment cards these days? The sube app can’t be installed “in my country” despite standing outside Belgrano C station! It’s like Argentina doesn’t want tourists to easily3 use the trains. Very frustrating. We gave up.
Agree. SUBE cards are not tourist friendly and frustrating. I bought mine at Retiro station.