Getting Around Buenos Aires
Your complete guide to navigating Argentina's capital like a local. From the essential SUBE card to airport transfers—everything you need to know.
SUBE Fares
- Subway (trips 1-20)$1,157 ARS
- Subway (trips 21-30)$926 ARS
- Bus (registered SUBE)$569 ARS
- Bus (unregistered)$1,323 ARS
Taxi Estimates
- Base fare$2,304 ARS
- Per km$1,152 ARS
- Short trip (2-3km)~$5,500 ARS
- Cross-city (8-10km)~$11,000 ARS
Airport to City
- Taxi/Remis$40-50 USD
- Manuel Tienda León~$15-20 USD
- Public Bus 8~$600 ARS
- Uber/Cabify$25-35 USD
The SUBE Card
Your golden ticket to BA transport
The SUBE card is essential. You cannot pay cash on buses or subway.
- Subway stations: Any ticket counter. Cost: ~$880 ARS
- Kioscos: Look for the SUBE sticker in convenience stores
- Airports: Available at EZE and AEP tourist desks
- Centros de SUBE: Dedicated offices (Google "Centro SUBE near me")
- Kioscos: Most convenience stores with SUBE sticker. Tell them "carga SUBE" and amount. Cash only.
- Subway stations: Self-service machines (accept cards)
- Online: Through BA Mi Movil app (Argentine card needed)
- Supermarkets: Carrefour, Coto, Día often have SUBE loading
The official Buenos Aires transit app. Essential for managing your SUBE card.
- • Check your balance in real-time
- • View transaction history
- • Load credit (Argentine cards only)
- • Register your SUBE for discounts
- • Find nearby charging points
Important: Register Your SUBE
Unregistered SUBE cards pay 2x the fare. Registration is free and instant through the BA Mi Movil app. You'll need a local phone number for SMS verification, or ask your Airbnb host to help.
Subway (Subte)
Fast but crowded
Plaza de Mayo ↔ San Pedrito
Historic line, oldest in Latin America
Leandro N. Alem ↔ Juan Manuel de Rosas
Connects Retiro to Villa Urquiza
Retiro ↔ Constitución
Main north-south connector
Catedral ↔ Congreso de Tucumán
Palermo to downtown, very busy
Retiro ↔ Plaza de los Virreyes
West side, connects to Flores
Facultad de Derecho ↔ Hospitales
Newest line, east-west connector
During rush hour, expect to wait for 2-3 trains before you can board. People pack in tightly—keep bags in front of you and hold on tight.
- Generally safe during the day with normal precautions
- Watch your pockets on crowded platforms (especially Line A)
- Late night service: Limited after 10 PM, ends around 11 PM
- Some stations become sketchy after dark—use taxis instead
Last trains vary by line. Check the Metrovías app or station signs for exact times.
Buses (Colectivos)
The real way locals get around
Buenos Aires has 150+ bus lines. Each stop has a sign showing all lines that stop there.
The sign shows:
- • Line number (e.g., 152, 59, 12)
- • Final destination ("Hasta")
- • Intermediate streets the bus passes
- Board at the front, exit at the back (when possible)
- Tap your SUBE on the machine near the driver
- Give up your seat for elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities
- Hold on tight— drivers accelerate and brake hard
Taxis
Black and yellow, everywhere
Buenos Aires taxis are black with yellow roofs. They're everywhere and generally safe.
- Hailing: Stand on the curb and raise your arm. If the "Libre" sign is lit, they're available.
- Payment: Cash (pesos) preferred. Some accept cards but always confirm first.
- Tipping: Round up to the nearest 100 pesos. Not mandatory but appreciated.
- Microcentro to Palermo$4,500 - $6,500
- Recoleta to San Telmo$3,500 - $5,000
- Retiro to Puerto Madero$2,500 - $3,500
- Palermo to Belgrano$3,000 - $4,500
- Night surcharge (10 PM - 6 AM): +20%
For scheduled pickups or when you want a guaranteed ride. Slightly more expensive but reliable.
Radio Taxi Premium
+54 11 5238-0000
Radio Taxi Ciudad
+54 11 4923-0000
Radio Taxi Argentina
+54 11 4856-0000
Walking
The best way to discover BA
- Recoleta: Wide sidewalks, tree-lined streets, very walkable. Perfect for strolling.
- Palermo Soho/Hollywood: Compact, full of shops and cafes. Ideal for walking.
- San Telmo: Cobblestone streets, historic charm. Watch your step on the stones.
- Puerto Madero: Modern, wide promenades. Great for evening walks.
- Microcentro: Very walkable but crowded during business hours.
- Jaywalking: Very common. Locals cross whenever they can. But be careful—drivers don't always stop.
- Walking at night: Stick to main streets. Avoid poorly lit areas. Puerto Madero and Recoleta are safest at night.
- Phone safety: Don't walk and text. Phone snatching is the most common crime.
Biking
Ecobici and bike lanes
Buenos Aires has a free bike share system with stations throughout the city. Great for short trips.
How to Register:
- Download the BA Ecobici app
- Create an account (passport number works)
- Add a credit card (only charged for damages/loss)
- Find a station and unlock a bike
- First hour is free, then small fees apply
BA has been expanding bike lanes (ciclovías). Main routes include:
- • Puerto Madero (excellent, wide lanes)
- • Avenida Dorrego (Palermo to Belgrano)
- • Avenida Córdoba (Microcentro to Palermo)
- • Parque Tres de Febrero loop
- • Costanera Norte (riverside path)
- Wear a helmet: Ecobici bikes have adjustable helmets, but bringing your own is more hygienic.
- Lock up properly: If using your own bike, use a U-lock. Bike theft is common.
- Rental shops: Many in Palermo (around Plaza Serrano) rent bikes by the hour or day (~$5,000-8,000 ARS/day).
Trains
Trenes Argentinos & day trips
The suburban train network connects Buenos Aires to the provinces. Useful for day trips and reaching outer neighborhoods.
Main Lines from Retiro:
- Mitre — To Tigre (delta trips)
The tourist favorite. Trains every 10-20 min. Journey: ~50 min.
- San Martín — To San Martín/Villa Ballester
Western suburbs
- Bélgrano Norte — To Villa Rosa
Northwest suburbs
From Constitución:
- Roca — South suburbs, La Plata
Connects to La Plata city
From Once:
- Sarmiento — West to Moreno
Western suburbs
Long Distance Travel
Buses, flights, and getting out of BA
Argentina has an excellent long-distance bus network. Often more comfortable than flying for medium distances.
Top Bus Companies:
- Chevallier — Premium service, reliable
- El Rápido Argentino — Good value
- Andesmar — Routes throughout Argentina
- Vía Bariloche — Patagonia specialist
- Flecha Bus — Comfortable cama seats
Aeroparque (AEP)
Downtown airport in Palermo. For flights to major cities (Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, Iguazú). 15 min to city center.
Ezeiza (EZE)
International airport. Some domestic flights. 45-60 min to city center.
Main Airlines:
- Aerolíneas Argentinas — Most routes, reliable
- Flybondi — Budget airline, good prices
- JetSmart — Low-cost, growing network
Airport Transportation
EZE and AEP to the city
Taxi / Remis
RecommendedFixed price to your destination. No surprises.
$40-50 USD (fixed)
Time: 45-60 min
Manuel Tienda León
Good ValueShuttle bus to downtown terminal, then taxi to final destination.
~$15-20 USD
Time: 60-90 min
Uber / Cabify
VariableMeet at departures level. Drivers may cancel if traffic is bad.
$25-35 USD
Time: 45-75 min
Public Bus 8
BudgetCheapest option but slow. Goes to Plaza de Mayo.
~$600 ARS
Time: 90-120 min
Taxi
Quick and easy
$5,000-8,000 ARS
Time: 15-30 min
Bus 33 or 45
Cheap option
$569 ARS (with SUBE)
Time: 30-45 min
Uber/Cabify
Reliable
$3,500-5,500 ARS
Time: 15-25 min
First time in BA / Arriving late: Book a remis (private car) through your accommodation or use Manuel Tienda León. The fixed price and reliability are worth it after a long flight.
Daytime arrival, budget conscious: Cabify works well from both airports. From AEP, the bus is totally viable if you don't have much luggage.
Avoid: Regular taxis that approach you inside the airport (they often overcharge). Stick to official taxi stands or pre-booked services.
Final Tips
- • Keep your SUBE card separate from your wallet
- • Don't flash expensive phones on public transport
- • Sit near the driver on buses at night
- • Use radio taxis or apps late at night
- • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, get out
- • Always register your SUBE for 50% discount
- • Walk when possible—BA is great for exploring on foot
- • Use Ecobici for short trips (first hour free)
- • Avoid taxis during rush hour—subway is faster
- • Book long-distance buses in advance for better prices
Last updated: February 2025
Prices and information are subject to change. Always verify current rates with official sources.