One of my absolute favorite things about Buenos Aires is its intricate web of transit routes. No matter where you want to go, there will be a bus, subway, or train that will take you there.
Learning how to use public transportation in another country, especially when you don’t speak the language, can be daunting. But thanks to our smartphones and easy WiFi access, it is much much easier than it used to be.
Public transportation is easily the best way to get around Buenos Aires, so I promise it’s worth taking the leap of faith. This post breaks down all the modes of transportation available and how to use them. After you read it you’ll see it is not as hard as it seems!
Before you get started
There are just two things you’ll need to do before you can start using public transportation in Buenos Aires: getting a transit card (SUBE) and identifying the mode and route you need to take to get to your destination.
1. Get a SUBE Card
To ride the bus, subway, or train you will need to buy a SUBE card. These used to be hard to come by, but now they can be found at many kioscos, which are small convenience stores, and at subway or train stations.
Look out for a blue sign that reads “SUBE” outside a shop that indicates they sell and load cards. The official website also lists places where you can buy SUBE cards here.
The card itself costs $880 pesos (less than $ 1USD). Once you purchase it, ask the store clerk to load it with your desired amount.
The loading limit is $6,600 pesos, and you’re allowed to reach a negative balance of $1080 pesos before it stops working. I suggest you don’t put anything less than $2000 pesos on it. For reference, as of 2024 bus and subway rides cost anywhere between $370 and $650 pesos.
For reference, you can check out the latest pricing here.
2. Find the best route
I rely heavily on Google Maps to navigate public transportation in Buenos Aires. While it’s not flawless, it has given me accurate route and stop information most of the time.
Alternately you can use the Cuando Subo app to see the most up-to-date bus routes.
You can also ask around. Most people in Buenos Aires have committed the most common transit routes in their area to memory, and would be happy to point you in the right direction.
I also recommend downloading the map of Buenos Aires so that you can have offline access. I use this to double-check that I’m headed in the right direction and to know exactly where my stop is.
Transportation Options
There are three main public transportation options in Buenos Aires: colectivo (bus), subte (subway), and train. These will get you nearly everywhere you want to go.
For late night rides or if you just don’t want to bother figuring how to get where you’re going, taxis and rideshares are always an option.
Using the Subte
The subte (subway) is by far the most efficient mode of public transportation in Buenos Aires. If you are headed downtown or to major landmarks, odds are that this will be your best bet. The only downside is that there are just a few lines.
There are 6 subway lines with 85 stops. The subway runs from 5 am until 9 or 11 pm depending on the route.
To get on the subway you’ll walk down to your station, and choose the direction you want to head in. Then you’ll scan your SUBE card on top of the turnstile and walk through once the light turns green. You won’t need to scan it to exit.
The city has made several updates to the subway over the years, so it is clean, modern, and importantly, equipped with air conditioning. It’s also safe, but always be mindful of your belongings!
The line you use will depend on where you’re staying. But if you happen to be staying in Belgrano, Palermo, or Recoleta there’s a good chance you’ll be using line D, which goes all the way to Plaza de Mayo.
Riding the Colectivo
Buses in Buenos Aires are called colectivos or bondis. Bus routes in the city are very extensive and cover even the most residential neighborhoods.
A bus is usually most likely to get you exactly from point A to point B without transfers. So while riding the bus can be a little intimidating, it is so worth it!
Since the city added a dedicated metro bus lane along main avenues, it has also become a fairly quick option, especially during rush hour.
Buses do get crowded during peak hours, so if it’s your first time, you may want to strategically pick a non-busy time to ride. The bus won’t be crowded and the driver will be more likely to help you if you need it.
Getting on the bus
Once you arrive at your stop, you’ll need to stand on the curb to be able to flag your bus down when you see it coming (you do this by sticking out your arm at shoulder height).
You’ll also need to make sure there isn’t a line. If there is, get in it!
When the bus arrives, you’ll get in using the door closest to the driver. Then you need to tell your driver where you’re going, since the distance will determine your fare.
If you’re headed to a well known landmark or museum, you can tell the driver and they’ll know exactly where you’re going.
For lesser known destinations you can either:
- a) tell the driver the name of the street and block number you’ll be getting off at (for example: Santa Fe al 1800), or
- b) tell them the names of the streets at the nearest intersection (for example: Santa Fe y Callao).
I usually choose option b since you can easily see the street names in your map app.
Once the driver inserts your fare amount, you’ll scan your SUBE card.
Now that you’re on the bus, choose a seat (if there is one available) or find a place to stand. If you’re standing, try to leave room for people to walk down the aisle. If the bus is full and an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or a child gets on, it is customary to offer them your seat.
Getting off the bus
All that’s left to do is to get off the bus at the right stop. For this I usually rely on the map app on my phone. Not only will it track your location along the bus route, but it will also tell you how many stops there are before you need to get off.
TIP: so long as the line to get on the bus isn’t long, you can always ask the driver to let you know when you’ve arrived at your stop. They’ll probably give you a hand.
When you’re a block or two away from your stop, stand up and press the red bell button near the back door. The bell will let the driver know to stop at the next stop.
That’s it!
Taking the Train
If you are visiting Buenos Aires for just a few days, you probably won’t be making much use of the train. It does come in handy, though, if you are taking a day trip just outside the city, to somewhere like Tigre. Having the option of a train means you don’t need a tour to visit.
If you’re staying in Buenos Aires for an extended period of time, you might use the train to travel regionally, or even within the city limits.
Just like you would to ride the subway, you’ll pick the direction you’re going, and use your SUBE card to enter the station. You can find a map of the routes in the metro area here.
Taxis and Ubers
I love public transportation and use it any chance I get, but taxis are also a convenient option. If you’re lost, tired of walking, or it’s late at night, hailing a cab is pretty easy.
Look out for the black and yellow Radio Taxis. You’ll see them all over the city, but especially on main avenues. They should have their license number displayed inside the cab and make sure they start the meter!
Rideshare apps like Uber and Cabify also work great. I rarely have a hard time getting a ride, and have used them to go as far as the airport.
You used to need to select the cash option to ensure you got a favorable exchange rate, but if you have Visa and Mastercard you can use your card. Ubers are much cheaper than in the US and Europe, so don’t hesitate to lean on them if you need to!
Going to and from the airport
There are always taxis waiting outside both Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport. All you have to do is walk up to the stand on the curb and request a ride to your destination.
Taxis, especially from Ezeiza, tend to be fairly expensive, though. For this reason, I find remises (unaffiliated cabs/private drivers) and Uber to be the best options.
If you’re staying at a hotel, they may offer transportation to and from the airport or at least recommend a remis, so make sure you check with them.
Should you rent a car in Buenos Aires?
I’ll cut to the chase: no. Parking in Buenos Aires is extremely limited and the driving there is pretty hectic. And with all these other transportation options, you really don’t need to!
Final Thoughts on Transportation in Buenos Aires
Using public transit in Buenos Aires is a no-brainer, and I hope this guide helps you take the plunge!
But if all else fails, don’t forget about taxis. You’ve got this.
Related Reading
Buenos Aires Travel 2024: a Local’s Guide
The Ideal 3 Days in Buenos Aires [Itinerary + Map]
Navigating Money in Argentina: A Traveler’s Guide to Exchange Rates, Cash, and Credit Cards
Guide to Buenos Aires’ Best Specialty Coffee Shops