Getting Around Buenos Aires
Complete Transportation Guide 2026
From the century-old Subte to ride-hailing apps, Buenos Aires has a transportation system that's affordable, extensive, and surprisingly easy to navigate once you know the basics.
The SUBE Card - Your Transit Lifeline
The SUBE (Sistema Único de Boleto Electrónico) is a rechargeable contactless card that you tap to pay on every form of public transport in Buenos Aires — the Subte, all colectivos (buses), and commuter trains. You cannot board public transit without one. Think of it as the Argentine Oyster card or MetroCard, except it works across the entire country, not just the capital.
- • Any kiosco (corner store) — just ask for a "SUBE"
- • Subway station ticket booths
- • Post offices (Correo Argentino)
- • Lottery agencies (agencias de lotería)
Cost: Around $1-2 USD for the card itself. Buy it on your first day — you will need it immediately.
- • MercadoPago app (NFC tap on phone)
- • Subway station kiosks
- • Any kiosco with a SUBE terminal
- • Automated machines at major stations
Pro tip: Load via MercadoPago to avoid lines. You hold the SUBE to the back of your phone's NFC antenna and it tops up instantly.
Discount system (Red SUBE): The SUBE card gives automatic discounts when you transfer between modes of transport within two hours. Your first ride is full price, the second ride is 50% off, and the third is 75% off. This makes multi-leg commutes very cheap — a Subte ride followed by a bus might total only $0.50 USD.
Subte (Subway)
Buenos Aires' subway system is the oldest in South America and all of Latin America, with Line A opening in 1913. It's fast, cheap, and covers most areas you'll need as an expat. Six lines crisscross the city, and while it won't win any beauty contests, it gets you where you need to go.
Oldest subway line in South America (opened 1913). Runs through Av. de Mayo and connects key political/historical sites.
Runs along Av. Corrientes. Great for theater district, Abasto shopping, and connecting to the suburbs.
Connects the two major train terminals. Short north-south line, often the most crowded.
Runs through Palermo and Belgrano. Essential for expats living in Palermo.
Serves southern neighborhoods. Connects to Retiro via Premetro extension.
The newest line. Runs north-south connecting multiple east-west lines. Still expanding.
Monday-Saturday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sundays & holidays: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Trains run every 3-8 minutes depending on time.
~$0.30-0.35 USD per ride (flat fare regardless of distance). Pay with SUBE card only — no cash accepted on the system.
Avoid 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM. Line C and Line D get extremely packed. Let the first train pass if it's sardine-level full.
Insider tip: Line A still has some of the original 1913 Belgian wooden cars running on certain schedules. If you spot one, ride it — it's like stepping into a museum. The old cars have beautiful wooden interiors and brass fittings. They're slowly being retired, so catch them while you can.
Colectivos (Buses)
The colectivo network is the backbone of Buenos Aires transportation. With over 300 routes crisscrossing the city 24/7, buses go absolutely everywhere — including places the Subte doesn't reach. They're cheap, frequent, and once you learn the system, incredibly convenient. The learning curve is real though: there are no route maps at stops, and the buses don't always announce stops clearly.
- 1Flag the bus down. Stand at the stop and raise your hand as the bus approaches. They won't stop if you don't signal — this confuses every newcomer.
- 2Board through the front door. Tell the driver your destination or the number of sections (secciones). This determines the fare.
- 3Tap your SUBE card on the reader next to the driver. Wait for the beep confirming payment.
- 4Press the timbre (bell) button before your stop to signal you want to get off. Exit through the back door.
- Download BA Cómo Llego — it tells you exactly which bus to take, where to stand, and tracks the bus in real time
- Buses run 24/7 but frequency drops dramatically after midnight. Night buses (nocturnos) run every 20-40 minutes
- Cost is ~$0.30-0.50 USD depending on distance. Cheaper than the Subte for short rides
- Keep bags in front of you and be alert for pickpockets, especially on crowded routes during rush hour
- Bus stops (paradas) often have no signage. Locals just know. Use the app until you learn your routes
The colectivo experience: Don't be surprised if the driver takes off before you've sat down, brakes aggressively, or drives like they're in a Formula 1 race. This is completely normal. Grab a rail, brace yourself, and embrace the chaos. After a few rides, you'll barely notice. Most locals stand in the aisle holding on with one hand while scrolling their phone with the other — you'll get there too.
Uber & Cabify
Ride-hailing has transformed getting around Buenos Aires. Both Uber and Cabify operate throughout the city and are the safest, most convenient option for door-to-door travel — especially at night.
- • Legal status: Technically operates in a legal gray area. The city government has tried to ban it multiple times, but it continues to function. Millions use it daily with no issues.
- • Payment: Credit card through the app only. Some drivers may ask you to pay cash — this is to avoid Uber's commission, and it's your call.
- • Typical costs: $3-8 USD within the city for most trips. Surge pricing applies during rain, rush hour, and weekend nights.
- • Pickup note: Some drivers ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid looking like an Uber ride. Don't be alarmed — this is common.
- • Legal status: Fully licensed and regulated. Operates with city approval, so there's no gray area. Some expats prefer this for peace of mind.
- • Payment: Credit card or cash through the app. More flexible than Uber.
- • Typical costs: 10-20% more expensive than Uber on average, but prices are fixed upfront — no surge pricing.
- • Best for: Airport transfers, business meetings, or when you want the assurance of a fully regulated service.
Our recommendation: Use Uber for everyday trips around the city and Cabify for airport transfers or when you need a receipt for work. Both are significantly safer and cheaper than street taxis. The tracked routes, cashless payments, and driver ratings eliminate most of the risks associated with traditional taxis.
Taxis
Buenos Aires taxis are the iconic black-and-yellow cars you see everywhere. While ride-hailing apps have eaten into their market share, taxis remain useful when your phone dies, you're in a rush, or you're somewhere without signal. Just know the ground rules to avoid getting scammed.
- • Called by phone or app (BA Taxi)
- • Have a company name/number on the roof and doors
- • Tracked by their dispatch company
- • Generally more reliable meters
- • Driver ID visible on dashboard
- • Hailed on the street (arm up)
- • Higher risk of scams, especially at night
- • Some are unmarked or have fake licenses
- • More likely to have rigged meters
- • Avoid near tourist areas and airports
Common Taxi Scams
Some taxis have modified meters that tick faster than they should. The fare jumps unusually fast.
Use radio taxis or apps. Compare the fare display rate to your phone's GPS distance.
Driver takes a circuitous route, especially from airports. Common when they sense you're new to the city.
Have Google Maps running so the driver knows you're tracking the route.
You hand a 1,000 peso note, driver swaps it for a 100 and claims you underpaid.
State the denomination out loud when paying. Use exact change when possible.
Driver gives you counterfeit bills as change, especially at night when visibility is low.
Pay with small bills. Check bills have a watermark and security thread.
BA Taxi app: The city's official taxi app lets you request metered taxis with GPS tracking, similar to Uber. The driver's name, photo, and license plate appear before pickup. It's the safest way to use a traditional taxi if you prefer them over ride-hailing apps.
Cycling & EcoBici
Buenos Aires has been investing heavily in cycling infrastructure, and the bike lane network now covers over 280 km across the city. For expats living in Palermo, Recoleta, or Puerto Madero, cycling is often the fastest and most enjoyable way to get around — especially on nice days.
The city's public bike-sharing program is completely free for rides under 30 minutes. There are over 400 stations and 4,000 bikes across the city. It's an incredible deal and a fantastic way to explore Buenos Aires.
- 1. Download the EcoBici BA app
- 2. Register with your email and ID
- 3. Foreign passports are accepted
- 4. Activation takes about 24 hours
- 5. Unlock bikes by scanning the QR code
- • Free for rides up to 30 minutes
- • Return to any station, take another
- • Available 24/7 at most stations
- • Helmets not provided (bring your own)
- • Check brakes before riding — quality varies
Best cycling area. Wide bike lanes, flat terrain, and beautiful tree-lined streets. Connected lanes to Bosques de Palermo park.
Scenic waterfront path along the docks. Flat, wide, and separated from traffic. Perfect for weekend rides.
Long riverside path ideal for exercise. Connects to the Ecological Reserve. Stunning sunset views.
Safety warning: While bike lanes exist, Buenos Aires drivers can be aggressive and don't always respect them. Always ride defensively, use lights at night, and be especially careful at intersections. Avoid cycling during rush hour until you're comfortable with the traffic patterns.
Airport Transfers
Buenos Aires has two airports, and getting to and from them is one of the first challenges you'll face. Here's the breakdown so you don't overpay or get lost.
Ministro Pistarini International Airport is where most international flights arrive. It's about 35 km southwest of the city center, and getting there takes 40-90 minutes depending on traffic. The highway (Autopista Riccheri) can be a nightmare during peak hours.
Official taxi stand outside arrivals. Buy a voucher at the counter inside — this guarantees a fixed price and a registered driver. Never accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal. Remis (private car services) can be pre-booked and are slightly more expensive but more comfortable.
Both work from EZE. Cabify has a designated pickup point. Uber pickup can be trickier — drivers may ask you to meet them at departures level to avoid taxi-driver confrontations. Usually cheaper than official taxis.
The best budget option. Comfortable coach buses run every 30 minutes to their terminal near Retiro/Obelisco. The ride takes about 50-70 minutes. From there you can taxi or Subte to your final destination. Book at the counter in arrivals or online in advance.
While technically there's a train connection, it involves multiple transfers, a bus to the station, and takes 2+ hours. Not worth the savings unless you're extremely budget-conscious and have zero luggage.
Jorge Newbery Airport sits right on the Río de la Plata waterfront in Palermo. It handles domestic flights and some regional flights to Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. Getting here is dramatically easier than Ezeiza.
Quick and cheap from most neighborhoods. 10-20 minutes to Palermo, Recoleta, or Belgrano.
Multiple bus lines pass the airport entrance. Extremely cheap but not ideal with heavy luggage.
Inter-city & Regional Travel
Buenos Aires is the transportation hub of Argentina. Whether you want a weekend in Uruguay, a trip to wine country, or a beach escape, the city has connections to everywhere you'd want to go.
South America's largest bus terminal connects Buenos Aires to every corner of Argentina and neighboring countries. Long-distance buses (micros) are comfortable — semi-cama (reclining) and cama (fully flat) classes available.
- • Mar del Plata: 5-6 hours ($20-40)
- • Mendoza: 14-16 hours ($40-80)
- • Iguazú Falls: 18 hours ($50-100)
- • Bariloche: 20-22 hours ($60-120)
Book on plataforma10.com.ar or busbud.com
Fast ferries cross the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento (1 hour) and Montevideo (2.5 hours). This is the classic expat weekend trip — Colonia is a charming colonial town, and many expats use Uruguay for visa runs.
- • Colonia: 1 hour fast ferry ($40-80 round trip)
- • Montevideo: 2.5 hours ($60-120 round trip)
- • Departs from Puerto Madero terminal
- • Book early for weekend deals
Book at buquebus.com or coloniaexpress.com
Aeroparque (AEP) handles most domestic routes. Airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi (budget), and JetSmart (budget).
- • Bariloche: 2 hours ($50-150)
- • Mendoza: 2 hours ($40-120)
- • Iguazú: 2 hours ($50-130)
- • Ushuaia: 3.5 hours ($80-200)
Flybondi often has fares under $30 if booked early
The Mitre commuter line runs from Retiro station to Tigre — the delta town famous for its river islands, markets, and weekend escapes. It's a popular day trip that feels like leaving the city entirely.
- • Retiro to Tigre: ~55 minutes
- • Cost: ~$0.50 USD with SUBE
- • Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes
- • Tip: Take the Tren de la Costa for a scenic alternative route
Essential Transportation Apps
Download these before you land. Your phone is your most important navigation tool in Buenos Aires, and these five apps will cover every transportation need you'll have.
The official Buenos Aires public transit app. Real-time bus tracking, Subte schedules, and multi-modal route planning. Works offline for Subte maps. This is the single most useful transit app in the city.
Reliable for transit directions and walking routes. The transit data is well-maintained for BA. Download the offline map for your area in case of spotty signal underground.
Works throughout Buenos Aires. Technically still in a legal gray area but widely used by locals and visitors alike. Cashless, tracked rides with upfront pricing.
The fully licensed alternative to Uber. Slightly more expensive but operates with full legal backing. Excellent for airport transfers.
Argentina's dominant payment app. You can load your SUBE card directly from the app at NFC-enabled phones, pay at kiosks, and split ride costs with friends.
Quick Cost Reference
All prices in USD, approximate as of February 2026. Peso-denominated fares fluctuate with the exchange rate. Public transit is exceptionally affordable for dollar earners — you can easily get around the entire city for under $2/day using only public transport.
Practical Tips From Experience
- • Get your SUBE card on day one
- • Download BA Cómo Llego immediately
- • Keep your SUBE loaded (check balance in the app)
- • Learn your colectivo routes — they're faster than you think
- • Walk when possible — BA is a beautiful walking city
- • Use ride-hailing at night for safety
- • Take advantage of the SUBE transfer discount
- • Don't hail random taxis on the street at night
- • Don't flash your phone on the bus or subway
- • Don't forget to signal the bus to stop
- • Don't accept unofficial rides at EZE airport
- • Don't ride colectivos during rush hour if you can avoid it
- • Don't expect drivers to speak English
- • Don't leave your SUBE at zero — some buses won't let you board
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