Buenos Aires Transportation Guide: Subte, Buses, Trains & Airport Transfers

Buenos Aires boasts one of Latin America’s most accessible urban transport systems, blending historic subways, extensive bus routes, reliable trains, and modern rideshare options. With affordable fares and broad coverage, visitors can explore neighborhoods from La Boca to Palermo without breaking the bank. This guide breaks down every mode, from acquiring a SUBE card to handling airport arrivals.

Essential Prep: The SUBE Card and Navigation Apps

Central to most public transport is the SUBE card, a rechargeable contactless card used across buses, subways, and trains in Buenos Aires and beyond. Purchase it at kiosks, subte stations, or lotteries for about ARS 500-1000, then load credit via app or machine. Cash payments are obsolete; always tap on and off.

For planning routes, rely on Moovit or Google Maps, which detail subte, bus, train, bike, and walking paths in real-time. These apps outperform outdated local tools, factoring in traffic and delays.

• Download before arrival: Moovit for live updates; Google Maps for multimodal itineraries.
• Language tip: Apps support English; displays show Spanish/English.
• Cost check: Fares start at ARS 100-200 per ride, varying by distance and time.

Subway System: Fast and Historic Core

The Subte, South America’s oldest metro (Line A since 1913), spans six lines (A-H) linking downtown to outskirts. It’s ideal for quick hops between Microcentro, Recoleta, and Palermo, running 5:30am-11:30pm weekdays (shorter weekends). Expect crowds 8-10am and 6-8pm; not all cars are air-conditioned.

Stations offer free WiFi; maps are at official site. Check direction before turnstiles, as platforms split.

Buses and Metrobús: Citywide Coverage

Colectivos, the 24/7 bus fleet with 300+ routes, reach every corner cheaply (ARS 100-300). Stops are frequent; pay by SUBE onboard. Metrobús uses dedicated lanes on avenues like 9 de Julio for faster trips, with central platforms.

Beginners: Try route 152 from La Boca through San Telmo, Microcentro, Recoleta to Palermo/Belgrano—perfect for tourists.

• Pros: Ubiquitous, overnight service.
• Cons: Route complexity; use apps for numbers.
• Tip: Signal stops by pressing buzzer; front seats best for views.

Trains: Suburban Escapes and City Links

Trains connect Retiro/Belgrano hubs to parks and suburbs in 15-30 minutes (ARS 20-100). Lines like San Martín reach Palermo woods or downtown efficiently. Less crowded than subte, great for day trips.

Hours: Similar to subte; SUBE required. Apps show schedules; avoid peak rushes.

Rideshares, Taxis, and Remises: Flexible Alternatives

Uber and Cabify dominate rideshares, safer than street hails (ARS 500-2000 per ride). Official taxis (black/yellow) wait at ranks; negotiate or use meter. Remises (private cars) book via app/hotels for fixed rates.

• Safety: Use licensed apps; share trips.
• Rush hour: Add 50% time/fare.
• Night: Rideshares preferred.

Cycling and Ecobici: Green Mobility

Buenos Aires’ 150km+ cycle lanes support Ecobici, a free 30-45min bike-share (app/SUBE signup). Stations dot tourist areas; helmets optional but advised. Ideal for Puerto Madero or parks.

Rules: One-way docks; extend via new station. Electric bikes available.

Airport Transfers: EZE, AEP, and El Palomar

Ezeiza International (EZE)

35km south; shuttles like ARBUS/Tienda Leon (ARS 200-300, 35min) beat traffic. Taxis: ARS 300-700 (15-60min). Tienda Leon kiosks at arrivals.

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)

Domestic, city-adjacent (ARS 500 taxi, 20min). Buses/subte nearby.

El Palomar (EPA)

Tienda Leon shuttle (1hr, ARS 220); San Martín train (30min, ARS 28).

Safety and Practical Tips

Daytime public transit is safe; pocket valuables on crowded subte/buses. Women-only subte cars mornings/evenings. Night: Rideshares or groups.

• Validate SUBE every ride.
• Peak avoidance: 8-10am, 6-8pm.
• Accessibility: Ramps on newer buses/subte.

Costs Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cash for buses?

No, SUBE card mandatory since updates.

Is the subte safe at night?

Until 11:30pm, but crowded; prefer rideshares post-10pm.

How to get from EZE to city center?

Tienda Leon shuttle: Fastest, ARS 220.

Best app for routes?

Moovit/Google Maps for accuracy.

Are bikes free?

Ecobici: Free short rides with registration.

Wheelchair accessible?

Improving; check station lists on official site.