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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
Lobos marinos descansando en el puerto, frente a los barcos pesqueros
Monumento al Lobo Marino, junto a la playa
Monumento al Lobo Marino, junto a la playa
La Rambla al atardecer, con el lobo marino de piedra
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).

Long-distance buses from Mar del Plata

DestinationKm from Mar del PlataHoursFrequencyCompanies
Buenos Aires (Retiro)404≈ 5 h to 5 h 30dozens of departures a dayPlusmar, Rutatlántica, Flechabus, Costera Criolla, Chevallier, El Pulqui
La Plata363≈ 4 h 30 to 5 hask at the bus stationFlechabus, Urquiza, Empresa Argentina, Andesmar, Plusmar
Miramar451 h 10 to 1 h 30ask at the bus stationCosta Azul
Necochea≈ 130≈ 2 hask at the bus stationFlechabus, Plusmar, Tony Tour, Cóndor Estrella
Villa Gesell113≈ 1 h 40every ≈ 4 hCosta Azul
Rosario790≈ 10 hask at the bus stationseveral; ask at the bus station
Córdoba1,120≈ 17 hask at the bus stationseveral; ask at the bus station
Mendoza≈ 1,34617 to 22 h depending on the sourceask at the bus stationFlechabus, 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

PlaceDistanceTimeHow
Rambla Bristol and Casino Central≈ 0.7 km from Plaza San Martín≈ 10 min on footon foot
Torreón del Monje2.8 km5 min by carcity bus 221 or 581
Playa Grande4.5 km8 min by carcity bus or car
Sea lion reserve (port)9.9 km17 min by carcity bus 511 (not the G), 562, 581 or 221
Punta Mogotes9.8 km14 min by carcity bus 221, 581 or 511 A/B/CH
Playa Acantilados18.0 km24 min by carcar or tour
Sierra de los Padres26.0 km26 min by carcity bus 717
Miramar45 km1 h 10 to 1 h 30 by busbus from the bus station

Getting around Mar del Plata

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 at Hotel Artico in Mar del Plata
Private room
Common room at Hotel Artico in Mar del Plata
Common room
Exterior at Hotel Artico in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hotel del Paseo in Mar del Plata
Private room
Common room at Hotel del Paseo in Mar del Plata
Common room
Entrance at Hotel del Paseo in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hotel Hawaii in Mar del Plata
Private room
Common room at Hotel Hawaii in Mar del Plata
Common room
Exterior at Hotel Hawaii in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hotel Dallas Center in Mar del Plata
Private room
Dining room at Hotel Dallas Center in Mar del Plata
Dining room
Exterior at Hotel Dallas Center in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hotel Arcos in Mar del Plata
Private room
Common room at Hotel Arcos in Mar del Plata
Common room
Exterior at Hotel Arcos in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hotel King's in Mar del Plata
Private room
Dining room at Hotel King's in Mar del Plata
Dining room
Exterior at Hotel King's in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hotel Los Ángeles in Mar del Plata
Private room
Garden at Hotel Los Ángeles in Mar del Plata
Garden
Exterior at Hotel Los Ángeles in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at BALOO Hotel in Mar del Plata
Private room
Common room at BALOO Hotel in Mar del Plata
Common room
Exterior at BALOO Hotel in Mar del Plata
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
91 mm104 mm95 mm97 mm60 mm66 mm58 mm64 mm63 mm83 mm80 mm85 mm
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.

🚕

Airport transfer to where you're staying

Book online: fixed price, door to door
✈️ Flight trackingThe driver tracks your flight and waits if it's delayed.
💵 One clear priceTaxes, tolls and tip included, no cash needed.
🤝 Met on arrivalFree cancellation up to 24 h before.
🚐 MDQ airport → bus station (by car)≈ 12🚐 MDQ airport → Plaza San Martín (by car)≈ 14🚐 Bus station → Plaza San Martín (by car)≈ 3
🚕 Book a transfer

Frequently asked questions

Are there hostels in Mar del Plata?
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.