There are two trains, a couple of buses and a commuter boat that go to Tigre from Buenos Aires.
• Mitre Train
The most economical way to get to Tigre from Buenos Aires is via the Linea Mitre train. This train begins at Retiro station. Those staying in the northern areas of the city can board at a later stop such as Belgrano C.
Tickets cost roughly AR$4 with a Sube card and three times as much without. Trains leave every 10 minutes on weekdays, every 20 minutes on weekends and the journey takes about an hour.
• Tren de la Costa
For those who want to travel in style, the Tren de La Costa (Coastal Train) takes tourists to various stops along the river.
Revamped as a tourist attraction in 1995, this train offers picturesque Delta views and stops at 11 train stations, many refurbished, along the way.
One type of ticket takes you straight to your destination while another allows you to get on and off the train as you please.
To ride the Tren de la Costa, take the Mitre train described above from Retiro via the Mitre line, cross the tracks and head to the Tren de La Costa station.
The standard gauge electric train cabins are climate controlled. The train costs almost exactly eight times more than the very affordable Mitre train outlined above, but it is intended as an half day or day-long excursion in itself.
Some worthwhile stops include Borges Station, named after the writer, and dubbed the ‘Station of the Arts;’ the English-style Barrancas Station; and San Isidro where a small urban center offers leisurely shopping and outdoor pubs and restaurants.
Due to political problems with the train system, the Tren de la Costa is not as exclusive as it once was, with aging upholstery on the seats and graffiti marring some cars. As tourist use has declined, some locals simply use the Tren de la Costa to get around locally for free – they get away with not paying the fare because the ticket offices along the route are often closed.
• Buses to Tigre
It is also possible to take the number 60 bus from various points throughout the city but the journey takes at least an hour and a half, usually more.
Another option for those staying in a northern part of the city such as Palermo or Belgrano is to take the 152 bus to Mitre station where you can catch the Tren de la Costa. This option avoids backtracking to Retiro to take the train.
• Commuter Boat to Tigre
Monday through Friday it is also possible to take a commuter boat from Dock Four in Puerto Madero to Tigre, but there is only one boat per day, at 6:30 p.m.
This is a good Friday evening option if planning to spend the weekend in Tigre. Tickets need to be reserved at least 20 minutes before launch time. Check the Proa Urbana page of SturlaViajes, the company that runs the commuter boat, to make reservations.
• Driving to Tigre from Buenos Aires
To get to Tigre from downtown take General Paz to the Panamericana Highway. Head north until passing over Avelino Rolón and veer onto the ‘Ramal Tigre’ heading northeast. Once you are in Tigre, veer east to reach the city center.
