Where to stay cheap in Mar del Plata: how to get there and what to do
Mar del Plata is Argentina's biggest seaside city: about 644,000 people and 47 km of coastline, 404 km from Buenos Aires along Route 2. You can get here by bus, train or plane, and the sea lion reserve at the port is free to enter. There are almost no hostels, so this guide gathers eight simple 2-star hotels with breakfast included, a few blocks from the sea. The flip side is seasonality: it fills up in summer and demand drops in winter.
🛏️Room for 2from ≈ US$ 26 a night
✈️AirportMDQ (Astor Piazzolla), ≈ 9.8 km from the centre by road
🚌Bus stationSan Juan 1521 · buses and trains in the same complex
🚆From Buenos Aires404 km · ≈ 5 h by bus, ≈ 6 h by train, 45 min by plane
🎫City busSUBE card · city fare ≈ US$ 1.2
🏖️Beachesthe sand is public; the beach tent costs extra
🌦️Climatemild; the sea is cold even in summer
Lobos marinos descansando en el puerto, frente a los barcos pesqueros
Monumento al Lobo Marino, junto a la playa
La Rambla al atardecer, con el lobo marino de piedra
How to get to Mar del Plata
✈️ Astor Piazzolla International Airport MDQ
≈ 7.7 km from the centre in a straight line (9.8 km by road) · 8.4 km by road from the bus station
Getting to the centre and your accommodation
City bus line 542 (pay with SUBE): it leaves from the airport car park, goes through Camet, La Florida, La Perla and Av. Luro, and takes ≈ 45 min to the Casino area. The fare depends on the distance, from ≈ US$ 1.2 to ≈ US$ 1.6. Ask about frequency when you arrive.
By car, the bus station is ≈ 12 min away and the central hotel area ≈ 15 min, without traffic.
Direct flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas is currently the only airline operating at MDQ: the flight from Buenos Aires takes ≈ 45 min. For summer 2027 it announced Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Tucumán (Tucumán from 1 November 2026), and Mendoza came back on 4 October 2026. There are no international flights.
🚌 María Eva Duarte de Perón Bus and Train Station
📍 San Juan 1521 (corner of Av. Luro)
🛏️ ≈ 1.3 to 4.4 km from the hotels (in a straight line)
Buses and trains share the complex: 42 bays, 5 platforms and 51 ticket offices, with left-luggage, a taxi rank and tourist information. Bus fares go up as the date gets closer, so it pays to buy early. Plaza San Martín is 1.5 km away in a straight line (≈ 3 min by car).
Plusmar, Rutatlántica, Flechabus, Costera Criolla, Chevallier, El Pulqui
La Plata
363
≈ 4 h 30 to 5 h
ask at the bus station
Flechabus, Urquiza, Empresa Argentina, Andesmar, Plusmar
Miramar
45
1 h 10 to 1 h 30
ask at the bus station
Costa Azul
Necochea
≈ 130
≈ 2 h
ask at the bus station
Flechabus, Plusmar, Tony Tour, Cóndor Estrella
Villa Gesell
113
≈ 1 h 40
every ≈ 4 h
Costa Azul
Rosario
790
≈ 10 h
ask at the bus station
several; ask at the bus station
Córdoba
1,120
≈ 17 h
ask at the bus station
several; ask at the bus station
Mendoza
≈ 1,346
17 to 22 h depending on the source
ask at the bus station
Flechabus, Costera Criolla, Empresa Argentina, Plusmar, Tony Tour
There is no confirmed direct service to Bariloche, Salta, Puerto Iguazú, Ushuaia or El Calafate: you get there by connecting in Buenos Aires.
Map of Mar del Plata: bus station, places to stay and sights
The places to stay in this guide, the bus station, the airport and the things to see, all on one map. Tap a point to see its name.
Loading the map…
Places to stayBus stationAirportSights
Distances from the centre
Place
Distance
Time
How
Rambla Bristol and Casino Central
≈ 0.7 km from Plaza San Martín
≈ 10 min on foot
on foot
Torreón del Monje
2.8 km
5 min by car
city bus 221 or 581
Playa Grande
4.5 km
8 min by car
city bus or car
Sea lion reserve (port)
9.9 km
17 min by car
city bus 511 (not the G), 562, 581 or 221
Punta Mogotes
9.8 km
14 min by car
city bus 221, 581 or 511 A/B/CH
Playa Acantilados
18.0 km
24 min by car
car or tour
Sierra de los Padres
26.0 km
26 min by car
city bus 717
Miramar
45 km
1 h 10 to 1 h 30 by bus
bus from the bus station
Getting around Mar del Plata
The SUBE card has been used on Mar del Plata's city buses since 2016, and since 2026 there is «Carga a Bordo»: a top-up made through an app or online banking is credited when you board the bus.
The city fare is flat: ≈ US$ 1.2 since June 2026. Suburban lines charge by distance: the 717 to Sierra de los Padres costs from ≈ US$ 1.6 to ≈ US$ 2.
Useful lines: 542 to the airport; 717 (Casino, bus station and Sierra de los Padres); 221 and 581 to Torreón del Monje, the sea lions and Punta Mogotes; 511 and 562 for the sea lions.
It is about 0.7 km from the centre to Playa Bristol and 1.5 km in a straight line from the bus station to Plaza San Martín, so you can walk around the centre. The lighthouse, Punta Mogotes and the sea lions are ≈ 10 km away, so you need a city bus or a car.
The tourist office lists bike rentals in the city.
In August 2026 there were neighbourhood marches over security in several areas. There is no data by neighbourhood, so the usual big-city caution applies: don't leave belongings in sight.
The 3 best areas to stay in Mar del Plata
1Centre: Bristol, San Martín pedestrian street and the Casino For the beach and the pedestrian street on foot
🚌 ≈ 1.8 to 2.2 km from the bus station
This is where you'll find Ártico, Del Paseo, Dallas Center, Arcos and King's: all 0.3-0.8 km from Playa Bristol and 0.3-0.9 km from Plaza San Martín, in a straight line. It's the tourist heart, with more people and shops than the other areas. Cons: the bus station is 1.8-2.2 km away, about 25-30 minutes on foot with a backpack; by city bus or taxi it's a short ride.
2La Perla and the bus station area For arriving or leaving at night
🚌 ≈ 1.3 km from the bus station
Hotel Hawaii is the only one on this list in the area: it's ≈ 1.3 km from the bus station (≈ 18 minutes on foot) and 2-3 minutes from the La Perla beaches, traditional beach clubs and bars. Advantage: you can walk in with your backpack without taking a city bus, which helps if your bus or train arrives at night. Cons: the Casino and the pedestrian street are about 25 minutes on foot.
3Varese, Stella Maris and Güemes For bars and a calmer beach
🚌 ≈ 2.8 to 4.4 km from the bus station
Baloo is 300 m from the sea and 400 m from Güemes, the street of brewpubs, bars and restaurants; Los Ángeles is in a quiet neighbourhood near Playa Chica and Varese. Playa Grande, the young nightlife hub, is 1-2 km away in a straight line. Cons: these are the furthest from the bus station (38 to 58 minutes on foot), so you need a city bus or a taxi.
The 8 recommended places to stay in Mar del Plata
There are almost no hostels in Mar del Plata today, so this guide gathers eight 2-star hotels with good reviews and breakfast included. The reference price is for a double room; distances to the bus station are in a straight line and the walk is a bit longer.
Hotel Artico
8.4 · 1,280 reviews
Av. Colón 2343 · 400 m from Playa Bristol
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 2.2 km from the bus stationBreakfast includedPrivate bathroom24 h receptionLiftWiFi in common areas
Private room
Common room
Exterior
The one with the most reviews on the list, over 1,200, and a 9.2 for location: Playa Bristol is 400 m away and the San Martín pedestrian street ≈ 300 m. It has double, triple, quadruple and family rooms with a private bathroom, and a continental breakfast is included. It's simple and family-run, made for sleeping and heading out for a walk.
Central location (9.2)
Friendly, attentive staff
Bathroom a bit small
Heating hours cut back
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
263034·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room, from US$ 26 to US$ 34. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
The hotel is in a central, convenient spot. Very good service, friendly people, and comfortable rooms. Highly recommended!
Nancy · Argentina · Sep 2026
8The staff's service
The staff's service, which is excellent, and the location. The bathroom, a little small.
Adrian · Argentina · Sep 2026
8Affordable price and cleanliness
I liked the location, the affordable price and the cleanliness. They cut back the heating time in the room.
Fabian · Argentina · Sep 2026
9Pleasant place
The friendliness and willingness of the staff and a really complete breakfast. Comfortable, we weren't cold, well heated, and they had a hairdryer too.
Nahuel · Argentina · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,280.
Hotel del Paseo
8.3 · 173 reviews
Rivadavia 2567 · on a shopping street in the centre
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 1.8 km from the bus stationBreakfast includedPrivate bathroom24 h receptionLiftRoom service
Private room
Common room
Entrance
The most central on the list: ≈ 0.3 km from Plaza San Martín and ≈ 0.7 km from Playa Bristol, and one of the closest to the bus station. It offers double and triple rooms with a private bathroom and breakfast included, which several guests call generous. Cons: the WiFi scores 5.5 and the furniture shows its age.
Central location (9.4)
Generous breakfast
Weak WiFi according to guests
Well-worn furniture
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
2830··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room, from US$ 28 to US$ 30. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
The room was spacious and comfortable. The staff are very kind and attentive.
Ramimarche · Argentina · Sep 2026
8Comfortable family hotel
Very attentive service, all the amenities on offer are the ones you need. The breakfast, spectacular.
Marianela · Argentina · Aug 2026
9Warmth and friendliness
The location is excellent, right in the centre of Mar del Plata, close to everything. We got around by public transport and it's very close to Av. Luro, where all the city buses pass. The breakfast is very generous.
Luciana · Argentina · Aug 2026
8The way the staff treat you
The way the staff treat you: the people are very kind and always attentive. The breakfast is good. The furniture would need replacing, but it's fine.
Isaac · Argentina · Feb 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 173.
Hotel Hawaii
8.5 · 83 reviews
Chacabuco 3146, La Perla · 2-3 min on foot from the beach
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 1.3 km from the bus stationBreakfast includedSingle roomsAir conditioning24 h receptionBar
Private room
Common room
Exterior
The closest to the bus station on the list: ≈ 18 minutes on foot. It's in La Perla, 2-3 minutes from the beach, with single and double rooms with a private bathroom, air conditioning and a continental breakfast included. It scores 9.4 for staff and 9.2 for cleanliness. To the Casino and the pedestrian street it's about 25 minutes walking.
Very attentive staff (9.4)
Spotless cleanliness (9.2)
Shower with low pressure
Small maintenance issues
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
28···········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room costs around US$ 28. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
In terms of value for money it's excellent. As constructive criticism, I'd say the toast should be made with sliced sandwich bread, not the packaged kind. But otherwise, just a detail.
Romina · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Perfect
The breakfast was excellent, everything very tasty. The area is very well located: half a block away there's a square, a block away the beach and 15 blocks from the centre. Lots of shops to buy things and places to go out to eat.
Laura · Argentina · Feb 2026
9Warm and safe stay
The comfort of the room and the location, which is close to everything: the square, the bus stops, the beach, places to eat and shop. The door lock and the shower drain need a bit of maintenance.
Santillan · Argentina · Feb 2026
8Express holiday
What I liked most was the staff's service, the cleanliness and the location. The value for money is perfect. The breakfast is fine, but they could improve it a little. In my room, the shower had low hot water pressure.
Chiara · Argentina · Jun 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 83.
Hotel Dallas Center
8.7 · 307 reviews
Belgrano 2368 · 200 m from Playa Bristol and the pedestrian street
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 2.0 km from the bus stationBreakfast included24 h receptionLiftFree WiFiFamily rooms
Private room
Dining room
Exterior
Location 9.6 and WiFi 9.9: ≈ 200 m from Playa Bristol and the pedestrian street, with 24 h reception and a lift. It has single, double, triple, quadruple and family rooms, and an apartment for 2 adults and 2 children. The continental breakfast includes croissants and fresh juices. Some rooms are small, according to reviews.
Central location (9.6)
Excellent WiFi (9.9)
Some small rooms
No private garage
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
3939··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room costs around US$ 39. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
Super clean. Very friendly and attentive staff. Excellent location.
Gt · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Excellent
Excellent service, the room super beautiful and spacious... breakfast a 10 and the location was the best, close to everything and to car parks too.
Guillermina · Argentina · Jan 2026
10Central but quiet area
It's very comfortable, in a central but quiet area, everything spotless, the staff very friendly and attentive.
Vilma · Argentina · Mar 2026
8I liked everything
I liked everything, only the room I got was very small and I couldn't move around in the bathroom.
Naty · Argentina · Mar 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 307.
Hotel Arcos
8.9 · 265 reviews
Entre Ríos 1975 · 300 m from the beach and the pedestrian street
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 2.2 km from the bus stationBreakfast includedBar24 h receptionFree WiFiSingle rooms
Private room
Common room
Exterior
The best score on the list (8.9): 300 m from the beach and the pedestrian street, with a bar and 24 h reception, where you can book excursions. It has single, double and triple rooms with a private bathroom, and a continental breakfast is included. It's simple: reviews mention poorly soundproofed noise and little variety at breakfast.
Very friendly staff (9.5)
Very good value for money (9.1)
Noise not well soundproofed
Breakfast with little variety
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
4044··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room, from US$ 40 to US$ 44. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
Very good vibe, modest but tasty breakfast, they kept my bags after check-out so I could make the most of the day.
Guido · Argentina · Sep 2026
9Anniversary in Mardel
The staff very attentive and friendly. It was well heated and the breakfast was quite complete.
Gioiosa · Argentina · Sep 2026
10One to remember
I liked it a lot, it's in a very good location. The only thing I didn't like was the height of the beds, they were low.
Ortega · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Excellent
The breakfast is a treat. It's not cold at all in the hotel, but you don't suffocate from the heat either. The staff's service is impeccable. The rooms are comfortable. The noise isn't well soundproofed in the room.
Gaston · Argentina · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 265.
Hotel King's
8.4 · 1,027 reviews
Av. Luro 2220 · on the seafront, 100 m from the pedestrian street
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 2.1 km from the bus stationBuffet breakfastSeafrontLuggage storageSafeFree WiFi
Private room
Dining room
Exterior
Opposite the beach and 100 m from the pedestrian street, with 9.6 for location. It has 69 double, triple and quadruple rooms (no singles), some with sea views, and a buffet breakfast included. Over a thousand reviews. There's no private garage: across the street there's a car park that is paid separately.
On the seafront (location 9.6)
Very good breakfast
No private garage
Carpet in the rooms
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
4062629292·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room, from US$ 40 to US$ 92. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
The location, a 10: one block from the pedestrian street and across from the sea. It would need its own car park.
Lago · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Excellent location
Excellent location. Very comfortable. Very good service. Excellent breakfast. It has no private garage, but across the street there's a car park that is paid separately for the stay.
Gladis · Argentina · Aug 2026
9Comfort
The place, beautiful; the breakfast, a delight. Personally I don't like the carpet in the room.
Mónica · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Very comfortable and pleasant
The staff are very kind, the location is very good and there's parking across the street if you're travelling by car. It's surrounded by places to eat and there's a kiosk next door open 24 hours. Very good cleanliness, hot water 24 hours, comfortable beds and a full breakfast.
Rosa · Argentina · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,027.
Hotel Los Ángeles
8.4 · 280 reviews
Leandro N. Alem 2642 · ≈ 4 min on foot from Playa Chica
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 4.4 km from the bus stationBreakfast includedShared kitchenBarbecue grillGardenFree WiFi
Private room
Garden
Exterior
It offers a shared kitchen and a barbecue grill for guests, something uncommon in a hotel, in a quiet neighbourhood near Playa Chica and Varese, with a garden. There are double, triple, quadruple and family rooms with a private bathroom, and breakfast included. It's far from the bus station (4.4 km) and the WiFi scores 6.9.
Kitchen and grill for guests
Very attentive staff (9.4)
Weak WiFi according to guests
Dated facilities
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
39···········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room costs around US$ 39. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
Honestly, everything was perfect. Price, quality, comfort, the hostess, the location, all excellent.
Elisabet · Argentina · Sep 2026
8Very good place for a weekend in Mar del Plata
I especially want to highlight Laura's warmth and kindness, which made our stay very pleasant from the very first moment. The hotel was spotlessly clean and its location is ideal, a few steps from the beach.
Candelaria · Argentina · Jul 2026
8Very good value for money
The staff treated us very well and helped us with everything we needed. The hotel is small, it felt very homely. The kitchen was useful: we cooked our lunches there. It's simple and the facilities show their age.
Nazarena · Argentina · Apr 2026
9Very nice place for a weekend
I liked the location, the neighbourhood is very nice and quiet. We were able to use the grill and the kitchen, which isn't usual in a hotel. The breakfast wasn't as spectacular as in the comments.
Laura · Argentina · Mar 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 280.
BALOO Hotel
8.4 · 263 reviews
Las Heras 2459 · 300 m from the sea and 400 m from Güemes
🏷️ 2★ hotel🚌 ≈ 2.8 km from the bus stationBreakfast included24 h receptionSafeLaundrySingle rooms
Private room
Common room
Exterior
300 m from the sea (3 blocks from Bristol) and 400 m from the Güemes area. It has single, double, triple and quadruple rooms with a private bathroom, 24 h reception and breakfast included. Guests highlight the comfortable mattresses, the heating and the cleanliness. It's ≈ 2.8 km from the bus station and some rooms turn out small.
Very attentive staff (9.4)
Comfortable beds and cleanliness
Rooms a bit small
Poor bathroom ventilation
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
3941··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The private room, from US$ 39 to US$ 41. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
The staff's service, excellent, ready to help: they moved us to another room because of the mattress on the single beds with no problem at all. Everything was clean and in excellent condition. Excellent location, a few blocks from Güemes.
Zulema · Argentina · Sep 2026
9Two days of relaxing and switching off
The service was very good; the place is super clean and pleasant. The room was a little tiny, it looked bigger in the photo, but the bed was very comfortable.
Gomez · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Perfect room for the price
Excellent service from the staff. Basic but very tasty breakfast. The bed super comfortable, shower with pressure and hot water. Everything very clean. The bathroom ventilation wasn't working well, other than that everything excellent.
Isa · Argentina · Jul 2026
10Clean, comfortable hotel
Clean, comfortable hotel, excellent heating. Very friendly staff.
Marcela · Argentina · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 263.
Backpacker tips for Mar del Plata
1Buy the train ticket with the timetable at hand
There are trains to Constitución every day, but trains 302 and 303 don't run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays because of works, and on those days only the morning train to Mar del Plata and the afternoon one back remain. Buy the ticket ahead: it isn't sold on board, and online there is a 10% discount.
2Sleep near the bus station if you're leaving at dawn
The train to Buenos Aires leaves at 01:11, and on Sundays there's another at 22:53. Hotel Hawaii is 1.3 km from the bus station, about 18 minutes on foot.
3The beach is free; the beach tent isn't
The sand and the sea are public, but the daily beach tent at Punta Mogotes runs ≈ US$ 52 in high season and at Playa Grande starts at ≈ US$ 104 for six people. Punta Mogotes has five public access points between the beach clubs (4-5, 8-9, 12-13, 16-17 and 20-21) and Playa Acantilados is free and has no beach clubs.
4Breakfast included in all eight
With breakfast sorted, the big expense becomes lunch. At Hotel Los Ángeles you can cook: it has a shared kitchen and a grill.
5Cheap pizza
A slice costs ≈ US$ 1.5-2.3 and a large mozzarella pizza ≈ US$ 12-16; dinner for two with a drink runs ≈ US$ 16-23. The classic pizzerias include Mambrú and Pedrito, in La Perla, and Don Joe, around Lamadrid.
6Free sea lions, no reservation needed
The port reserve is free to enter and open in the daytime. Most of the males migrate in November and return from mid-February, so if you want to see them, avoid December and January.
7Sierra de los Padres by city bus
Line 717 connects the Casino, the bus station and Sierra de los Padres for ≈ US$ 1.6-2. Laguna de los Padres is at km 12 of Route 226. Pick a day with good weather.
8Reserve ahead in high season
On the Carnival 2026 long weekend occupancy exceeded 80%, reaching 90% in several hotels. For the cheapest, best-rated places it's wise to reserve early.
Things to do in Mar del Plata (and how to get there on your own)
Rambla Bristol and Casino Central
The city's classic stroll: the Rambla and the Bustillo Casino, opened on 22 December 1939, steps from Playa Bristol.
Distance
≈ 0.7 km from the centre
How to get there
On foot
Entry
Walking the Rambla is free
Sea lions at the port
A reserve with about 800 males, some 1,000 m from the entrance to the south breakwater. Open in the daytime, every day.
Distance
≈ 10 km from the centre
How to get there
City bus 511, 562, 581 or 221
Entry
Free entry
Torreón del Monje
A building from 1904 facing Playa Chica, with a café. Check the opening hours when you get there.
Distance
2.8 km from the centre
How to get there
City bus 221 or 581
Entry
Free
Beaches of the centre and La Perla
Bristol, Popular, Punta Iglesia, Varese and La Perla: beach clubs with tents and bars along the coast. The sea and sand are public; the tent and the umbrella are paid.
Distance
0.4-2 km from the centre
How to get there
On foot
Playa Grande: surf and nightlife
A surf hub, with lessons all year round, and the city's youngest nightlife area. It's a beach with beach clubs.
Distance
4.5 km from the centre
How to get there
City bus or car
Entry
Tent for 6 from ≈ US$ 104
Punta Mogotes and the southern beaches
24 beach clubs along 2.5 km of coast with five public access points. Further south, Playa Serena, Alfar and Acantilados; the last one is public, free and has no beach clubs.
Distance
9.8 km (Punta Mogotes) · 18 km (Acantilados)
How to get there
City bus 221, 581 or 511 A/B/CH
Entry
Acantilados: free
Sierra de los Padres and Laguna de los Padres
Walks around the hills and the lagoon some 26 km from the city, with a Gruta de los Pañuelos.
Distance
16-26 km
How to get there
City bus 717
Entry
Fare ≈ US$ 1.6-2
Miramar as a day trip
A day trip to Miramar, with the Florentino Ameghino Dune Nursery, of over 500 hectares.
Distance
45 km
How to get there
Costa Azul bus from the bus station
Weather and seasons in Mar del Plata
December, January and February are high season: everything open, with beach clubs and nightlife at Playa Grande and Güemes, and high hotel occupancy. March-April and October-November bring mild weather and fewer people, though the sea is still cold. From May to September demand drops, but the Casino, the museums, the sea lion reserve and the surf schools stay open.
max. / min. °CHigh seasonShoulder seasonLow season💧 rain (mm)
Average temperatures and rainfall according to climatestotravel.com.
Plan the rest of your trip
From Buenos Aires there are three options. By bus it's 404 km and ≈ 5 h to 5 h 30 from Retiro, with dozens of daily services from Plusmar, Rutatlántica, Flechabus and others; there are also direct buses from Aeroparque. By train from Constitución it takes ≈ 6 h and the ticket costs from ≈ US$ 16 (Tuesday to Thursday) or ≈ US$ 21 (the rest of the week) in First class, and from ≈ US$ 19 or ≈ US$ 25 in Pullman. By plane it's ≈ 45 min with Aerolíneas Argentinas. By car, along Route 2, it's ≈ 5 h.
Almost none today: the reservation platform doesn't return any hostels in the city. That's why this guide recommends 2-star hotels with good ratings, all with breakfast included and a few blocks from the sea. None of the eight has shared dorms: the reference price is for a double room.
How do I get here from Buenos Aires and how much is the train?
By bus it's about 5 h from Retiro. By train from Constitución it's ≈ 6 h and a First class ticket costs ≈ US$ 21 (Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) or ≈ US$ 16 (Tuesday to Thursday); in Pullman, ≈ US$ 25 and ≈ US$ 19. By plane it's 45 minutes with Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Can I use the SUBE card in Mar del Plata?
Yes: SUBE has worked since 2016 and since 2026 there is «Carga a Bordo». The city fare costs ≈ US$ 1.2. The lines to Sierra de los Padres (717) and the airport (542) charge by distance, up to ≈ US$ 1.6-2. With the same card you pay on all the city buses.
Are the beaches free?
The sand and the sea are public; what you pay for is the beach tent, the umbrella and the beach club services. At Punta Mogotes there are five public access points between beach clubs, and Playa Acantilados is free with no concessions. In high season there is little free sand left between the tents.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
The airport is ≈ 10 km away by road. City bus line 542 reaches the Casino area in ≈ 45 min with SUBE and charges by section (≈ US$ 1.2 to ≈ US$ 1.6). Ask about frequency when you arrive. By car it's ≈ 14 minutes to Plaza San Martín, without traffic.
When is the best time to go?
December to February is high season: everything open, but very busy. In March-April and October-November the weather is mild and there are fewer people. From May to September demand drops and the Casino and the museums stay open.
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official website of any hostel. If you book through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.