1897 electric tram in Buenos Aires on Plaza de Mayo-Belgrano line

Trams In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Trams Guide: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Discover Buenos Aires’ Tram Legacy

Buenos Aires, once hailed as the “City of Trams,” offers a rich tapestry of transportation history that shaped its urban and cultural evolution. From horse-drawn beginnings in the 1860s to what became one of the world’s largest tram networks, trams not only connected neighborhoods but also became icons of porteño identity, immortalized in tango, literature, and collective memory (Wikipedia; Everything Explained Today; Buenos Aires Ciudad). Although the network was dismantled by the mid-20th century, dedicated enthusiasts revived the tradition with the Tramway Histórico de Caballito—today’s living museum where visitors can relive the golden era of Buenos Aires trams (Audiala; Expat Pathways).

This comprehensive guide details the fascinating heritage of Buenos Aires trams, providing up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions—ensuring an enriching experience for history buffs, families, and cultural explorers alike.

1912 Buenos Aires immigrants tram with passengers in vintage setting

Historic electric tram Plaza de Mayo to Belgrano Buenos Aires 1897

Buenos Aires Plaza de Mayo circa 1900 historical photograph

Historic Buenos Aires Plaza Italia in 1917 with vintage architecture and bustling streets

Workers riding in a tram coming back home in Buenos Aires around 1950

Historic street corner of Belgrano in 1910 with vintage cars and buildings

Historic city corner with early 20th century buildings and street scene

Last year of trams in Buenos Aires in 1962 showing a busy intersection at Corrientes and Talcahuano

Avenue Paseo Colon and interior facade of Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, 1900s

Current Aduana building under construction at Paseo Colon and Espora intersection

Aerial view of the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Callao Avenue in Buenos Aires in 1906

Historic intersection of Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Callao in Buenos Aires in 1906 showing vintage streetcars and early 20th-century architecture

View of Avenida Callao looking south with the intersection of Corrientes Street and a French-style building designed by architect Auguste Plou. In the background, the dome of the Argentine National Congress stands prominently in front of Plaza de los Dos Congresos.

Illuminated and newly expanded Avenida Corrientes in Buenos Aires in 1937 with visible demolished building walls on the odd-numbered sidewalk

Interior view of Vail station of La Capital Tram Company in Buenos Aires, 1897

Interior of Vail Station tram terminal in Buenos Aires in 1961 during TBA administration

Front view of the Vail station hangars at La Capital in 1900, Buenos Aires

President Perón inspecting the new motor tram El Libertador in Buenos Aires 1952

Historic tram line 179 operating in Buenos Aires in 1903

Electric tramway Plaza de Mayo - Belgrano line in Buenos Aires circa 1897

Exposed highway by C.T.C.B.A. in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1943

Tram number 1192 of C.T.C.B.A. running along Av. Santa Fe in Buenos Aires

Historic tram C.T.C.B.A. in Buenos Aires

Historic tram station on Av. Las Heras in Buenos Aires in 1905

Historic street view of Calle Rivadavia in Buenos Aires city

Damaged tram after collision with a train in Buenos Aires

Crowd gathered in front of Congress waiting for legislative election results in 1924

Vintage photograph of Escuela primaria 16 at Av. Pueyrredón and Sarmiento streets in 1908

Historic tramway station Estacion Centroamerica Buenos Aires 1875

Trams running on Brasil and Lima streets near Constitución station

Once de Septiembre station with electric trams on street

Plaza Constitución railway station entrance with people and multiple signs

Retiro train stations in Buenos Aires with tracks and platforms

Historic Buenos Aires to Rosario train station building with vintage architectural design

Under construction Tramway 11 de Septiembre Station on Belgrano Street, Buenos Aires

Facade of Plaza Constitución station in Buenos Aires circa 1920 showing original side before modifications

Estación Progreso train station of La Gran Nacional company

Historic Estación Rivadavía train station building of Anglo Argentina company

Tres Esquinas railway station in Barracas with classic train and platform

Tram line 15 running on San Martín Street, Buenos Aires, 1936

Traffic congestion caused by a protest in Buenos Aires, 1936

View of tram and bus passenger stops at Plaza Constitución with the main facade of Constitución station and Gran Sur sign

Plaza Hotel and Plaza San Martín in Buenos Aires 1936

Historic trams at Sarmiento and Diagonal Norte intersection in Buenos Aires 1936

Historic Hospital Español building in Buenos Aires on Av. Belgrano in 1915

Historic La Brugeoise train car number 5 from the first series photographed in the La Brugeoise factory in Bruges, Belgium

Vintage La Brugeoise serie 1 car parked at Polvorín workshop before Line A inauguration

Historical Overview: From Horse-Drawn to Electric Trams
The Golden Age: Electrification and Urban Impact
Decline and Revival: The Tramway Histórico de Caballito
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
How to Get There
Special Events and Guided Tours
Nearby Sights in Caballito
Visitor Tips: Safety, Etiquette, and Local Customs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Planning Resources
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Overview: From Horse-Drawn to Electric Trams

The story of Buenos Aires trams begins in 1863 with the city’s first horse-drawn lines, which provided crucial links between the city center and railway terminals (Wikipedia; Everything Explained Today). By the 1870s, Argentine pioneers like Federico and Julio Lacroze introduced urban tramways, which quickly gained popularity and spurred the involvement of major companies such as the Anglo-Argentine Tramways Company. The late 19th century also saw the arrival of steam-powered trams, increasing efficiency and expanding the network (Scripofilia).

The Golden Age: Electrification and Urban Impact

The transformation to electric trams in the 1890s marked a period of rapid expansion and modernization. By 1914, the entire network was electrified, and Buenos Aires boasted the highest tramway-to-population ratio in the world. The integrated system reached 875 kilometers at its peak, with over 3,000 vehicles and 99 routes (Wikipedia). The trams were vital to urban development, connecting distant neighborhoods, fueling economic growth, and integrating a diverse, multicultural population. The opening of the Subte (Line A) in 1913 further cemented the tram’s role in daily life (Buenos Aires Transportation Overview).

Culturally, the tram became a symbol of modernity and community, referenced in tangos, literature, and everyday conversation (Buenos Aires Ciudad). Stops became informal meeting points where languages and cultures mingled, shaping the city’s social fabric.

Decline and Revival: The Tramway Histórico de Caballito

By the 1950s, increased automobile use and expanding bus services led to the tram network’s decline. In 1963, the last regular tram line closed, ending a century-old tradition (Everything Explained Today; Expat Pathways). However, passionate preservationists formed the Asociación Amigos del Tranvía (AAT), restoring vintage trams and launching the Tramway Histórico de Caballito in 1980. Operating as a living museum, the historic line offers the public a unique opportunity to experience Buenos Aires’ tram heritage firsthand (Audiala; AAT Official Site; Buenos Aires Tourism Board).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Operating Hours

Weekends and Public Holidays Only
- December to February:
  - Saturdays & Public Holidays: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
  - Sundays: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- March to November:
  - Saturdays & Public Holidays: 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
  - Sundays: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Check the Buenos Aires Tourism Board and AAT Official Site for latest updates and special event hours.

Tickets and Entry

Cost: Free of charge; no tickets or reservations required.
Donations: Voluntary cash donations are appreciated to support tram maintenance.
Boarding: First-come, first-served; lines can form on busy days.

Accessibility

Mobility: Due to vintage designs, accessibility is limited (steps required to board; not wheelchair accessible).
Assistance: Volunteers are present to assist passengers as much as possible.

How to Get There

Address: Emilio Mitre 500, Caballito, Buenos Aires
Subway: Line A, Primera Junta station (short walk to the tram stop) (World of Metro)
Buses: Multiple lines serve the area; use apps like Cómo Llego or Google Maps (Argentine Asado)
Taxi/Ride-Share: Uber, Cabify, or local taxi—verify official status for safety.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Events: The AAT organizes themed rides, vintage costume days, and anniversary commemorations. Schedules are posted on AAT Official Site and social media.
Guided Tours: Volunteers (often descendants of tram workers) provide live commentary, share stories, and answer questions during the ride.

Nearby Sights in Caballito

Barrio Inglés: Picturesque English-style homes and tranquil streets.
Parque Centenario: Popular park for strolling and relaxation.
Mercado del Progreso: Historic local market with produce and food stalls.
Museo de Ciencias Naturales: Natural history museum, ideal for families.

Visitor Tips: Safety, Etiquette, and Local Customs

Timeliness: Arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, as rides are popular.
Onboard Etiquette: Eating and drinking not allowed; photography is encouraged, but be mindful of others.
Safety: Caballito is safe during the day; use standard urban caution.
Language: Commentary and signage are primarily in Spanish; translation apps can help.
Weather: Operates in most conditions; heavy rain may cause delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the historic tram visiting hours?
A: Weekends and public holidays, with seasonal variations (see Visiting Information).

Q: Are rides free?
A: Yes, rides are free; voluntary donations are welcomed.

Q: Is the tram wheelchair accessible?
A: No, due to vintage construction, but staff assist as much as possible.

Q: Where does the tram route go?
A: A 2-kilometer loop through Caballito, starting and ending at Emilio Mitre 500.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, volunteers provide historical insights during each ride.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Absolutely—inside the tram and along the scenic route.

Conclusion and Planning Resources

The Tramway Histórico de Caballito is more than a ride—it’s a journey through Buenos Aires’ storied past. Whether you’re fascinated by urban history, travel with family, or seek authentic local experiences, the heritage tram offers an educational and nostalgic adventure. Plan your visit around operating hours, explore Caballito’s heritage sites, and consider supporting preservation efforts through donations.

Download the Audiala app for real-time updates, guided tours, and comprehensive navigation of Buenos Aires’ public transport and attractions. Stay connected through social media for the latest news and special events related to the historic tram.