Argentina-Chile border

[KARL]

I am in the early stages of planning a trip which will take in both countries with travel by road (I currently assume) between the two. I wonder if anyone knows the position regarding border crossings - I will most likely be travelling across on Boxing Day: Is there any risk that the border will in some locations be closed for the holiday ? I would also be grateful if anyone with knowledge of any train services across the border would advise how to get detailed info on routes, timings, costs, etc.

[Buenchico]

Sorry, I can't answer the main part of your question but I can save you from wasting your time looking for train services. This map shows all rail lines in Argentina. You'll see that there are no passenger services to the border with Chile:
http://sateliteferrov...os/mapa_argentina.htm

Chris

[dzug]

Can't answer your main question, but there are definitely no trains of any sort.

If you are thinking of hiring a car, taking it across the border may be an insuperable problem (it certainly used to be) - you will probably have to stick to buses - or boats on the Lakes Crossing

[jno]

I've not crossed between Argentina and Chile, but I did once cross between Brazil and Argentina on Boxing Day (at Iguassu falls) and there was no trouble. However, that's a popular tourist site and things may be different in more remote regions.

[thugulike]

We used public transport to cross from Argentina to Chile, ferry then public bus on the other side. It took a while but was trouble free. Bus transport was better than Arealinea Argentina!

[Memore]

Hi Brazil to Argentina was easy but when I did Brazil to Paraguay there was paperwork that I was meant to have been given before I got on the bus which I didn't get and I had a military police stamp in my passport to tell the border in Brazil when I arrive back to fine me - which luckily they didn't see as I showed them another exit stamp but it took a while to sort out at the border going into Paraguay and think I had to pay something there as well to the border police (it was probably a bribe but not sure as I was asked to just hand over cash - I don't think very much or I would remember) It was a bit scary so check if that is the case that you need travel papers for those countries as it clearly varies. I flew back that is why I think I got away with the fine as the airport just let me through but its great to have a military police stamp in passport as a momento!

[Piano-Man]

I live in Santiago
No trains.
If you are in the central area of either country, use coach between Mendoza (Argentina) and Santiago (Chile)
If you are in the south, there is a very picturesque route using boats and coaches between Bariloche (Argentina) and Puerto Varas (Chile). There is a nice hotel on the way in Peulla where you can stay if you want to stop over. It's on the Chile side.
Boxing day is not a holiday in either country.

Hope this helps :-)