Overall6/10Easier to reach than about 55% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- No subway/metro connection exists from Ezeiza Airport to the city. Ground transport or shuttle bus mandatory.
- Exchange money at ATMs in the airport (official rate) rather than money exchange booths, which offer poor rates and charge service fees.
- SUBE cards (public transport) may be hard to find at the airport; buy one at kiosks or train stations once in the city.
- Peak commute hours on the subway (8-9:30am and 5-7pm) are extremely crowded; pickpockets active during peak hours.
- Tienda León shuttle buses are popular and reliable but can require waiting 1+ hours during busy periods.
- For ferry trips to Uruguay, arrive 90+ minutes early for immigration processing; arriving late risks missing your sailing.
- Two ferry companies operate from different ends of Puerto Madero terminal area (~2 km apart); specify which one when arranging transport.
- Bus rapid transit (Metrobus) on major avenues (9 de Julio, Juan B. Justo) reduces travel times significantly compared to regular buses.
- Public buses run 24 hours daily and are the most extensive transport; however, they require a SUBE card (cash no longer accepted).
- Private car rental is available at both major airports but requires minimum age (21+), valid driver's license (2+ years), and credit card.
- Night rideshare (Uber/Cabify) is safer than hailing street taxis after dark and similarly priced.
- Walking is genuinely viable in central neighborhoods (Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, Microcentro); blocks are regular grid and pedestrian-friendly.
- Airport taxis charged night surcharge (20% extra) for rides 10pm-6am from Ezeiza.
Airports
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
- Type
- International
- Overview
- Argentina's primary international gateway for long-haul and intercontinental flights. Most major international airlines operate here.
- Travel Time To Center
- 45-90 minutes by car depending on traffic
- Distance From City Center
- 35 km (22 miles)
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)
- Type
- Domestic & Regional
- Overview
- Handles most domestic flights and some regional international routes. Much closer to the city than Ezeiza.
- Travel Time To Center
- 15-30 minutes
- Distance From City Center
- 6 km within Palermo neighborhood
El Palomar Airport (EPA)
- Type
- Domestic Low-Cost
- Overview
- Limited domestic destinations, primarily low-cost carriers. Has train station access.
- Travel Time To Center
- Variable
- Distance From City Center
- 18 km (11 miles)
Day Trip Access
- Note
- Tigre requires train/bus; not a ferry destination. Colonia recommended for full-day trips due to proximity. Uruguay day trips are straightforward and popular, especially for visa-run requirements.
Nearby Destinations
Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay
- Transport
- Ferry from Buenos Aires (1 hr 15 min)
- Highlights
- Historic Portuguese colony, cobbled streets, antique markets, traditional cafés, waterfront walks, beach, wine tastings
Montevideo, Uruguay
- Transport
- Direct ferry (2.5 hrs) or ferry + bus via Colonia (4 hrs total)
- Highlights
- Capital city, colonial architecture, Ciudad Vieja, Teatro Solis, museums, Parque Rodó, beachside rambla
Tigre & Rio De La Plata Delta
- Transport
- Train from central Buenos Aires (via Retiro or Constitución stations)
- Highlights
- River delta, boat tours, small islands, restaurants, nature walks
Ezeiza To City
45-60 Minutes Normal Traffic; Up to 90 Minutes in Peak Hours
- Cost
- ARS 45,000
- Notes
- Use official desks (Taxi Ezeiza, Taxi CABA) in arrivals hall. Fixed fare to destination zone. Night surcharge (10pm-6am): add 20% to fare.
- Safety Note
- Never accept offers from solicitors in terminal. Only use licensed taxis with company logo.
45-90 Minutes Depending on Traffic
- Cost
- ARS 45,000
- Legal Status
- Legal and reliable at both EZE and AEP
- Notes
- Pre-book via airport WiFi (AA2000). Dedicated pickup points near Meeting Point I. Confirm driver identity and license plate.
45-60 Minutes
- Cost
- ARS 60,000
- Notes
- Pre-bookable, bilingual drivers, clean vehicles. More expensive but comfortable. Driver meets you at arrivals.
50-75 Minutes to Terminal Madero (Retiro Area)
- Cost
- ARS 14,000
- Notes
- Comfortable, dedicated luggage storage. Runs roughly every 30-60 minutes, 7 days/week. Popular option with good reliability.
90-120 Minutes to Plaza De Mayo/Plaza Congreso
- Cost
- ARS 700
- Notes
- Cheapest option but very crowded and slow. Requires SUBE card (not available in terminal; buy at kiosks in city or major train stations). Limited luggage space. Not recommended for first-time arrivals with heavy baggage.
Between Airports
60-90 Minutes; Can Exceed 2 Hours in Heavy Traffic
- Cost
- ARS 90,000
- Notes
- Airports are 40-50 km apart. Pre-pay at official desks.
60-90 Minutes
- Cost
- ARS 14,000
- Notes
- Operates between both airports. More affordable than taxi.
Aeroparque To City
15-30 Minutes
- Cost
- ARS 15,000
- Notes
- Quick and convenient from nearby domestic airport. Much cheaper and faster than Ezeiza transfers.
Routes
1 Hour 15 Minutes (High-speed Ferry)
- Route
- Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
- Companies
- Buquebus, Colonia Express
- Frequency
- Approximately 42 departures weekly
Operators
Buquebus
- Estimated Price Range
- From approximately 50-70 USD
- Notes
- Premium service, multiple vessel sizes up to 950 passengers. Business/premium seating available. Full restaurant and café facilities.
Colonia Express
- Estimated Price Range
- From approximately 50 USD
- Notes
- More affordable no-frills option. Smaller boats (up to 250 passengers). Faster journey time (1 hr 10 min).
Buenos Aires to Montevideo (Uruguay)
- Companies
- Buquebus
- Frequency
- Approximately 54 sailings weekly via direct and combined routes
- Price Range
- USD 59-260 depending on advance booking
- Duration Direct
- 2.5 hours direct ferry
- Duration Via Colonia
- Approximately 4 hours total (ferry to Colonia + bus connection to Montevideo)
- Notes
- Direct ferry only offered once daily with limited times. Via Colonia route is cheaper, more frequent, and easier.
7 Hours 45 Minutes Total (Ferry + Bus Combination)
- Route
- Buenos Aires to Punta del Este (Uruguay)
- Companies
- Buquebus, Colonia Express
- Notes
- Longest route option; includes bus transfer portion
Terminals
Buquebus Terminal
- Address
- Av. Antártida Argentina 821, Puerto Madero (north end)
- Location
- Walking distance of Puerto Madero and downtown; well-connected by taxi, bus, public transport
Colonia Express Terminal
- Address
- Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane 155, Puerto Madero (south end)
- Location
- Southern end of Puerto Madero; approximately 2 km from Buquebus terminal
Warning Connection Flights
Do NOT book connecting flights between EZE and AEP with less than 4-5 hours between them. Risk is extremely high due to traffic, immigration, and baggage collection delays.
Pets
Allowed with restrictions. Small pets often travel free in carriers. Larger pets require approved kennels. Guide dogs always allowed with documentation.
Booking
Book in advance (several days recommended) for best prices and to secure spot, especially weekends/holidays.
Luggage
Carry-on allowed. Security screening similar to airports (X-ray). Colonia Express has stricter weight limits than Buquebus.
Warning
Do NOT tell taxi driver just 'the ferry terminal' — Buquebus and Colonia Express are on opposite ends of Puerto Madero. Specify which company.
Buenos Aires is the main ferry hub on the Río de la Plata with frequent connections to Uruguay
Immigration
Unified immigration (Argentine exit + Uruguayan entry) completed at departure terminal in Buenos Aires. All passengers must be stamped out and in before boat departs. Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure; arriving less than 90 minutes before often means missing the boat.
Onboard Amenities
Air-conditioned lounges, cafeteria/snack bars, duty-free shops, Wi-Fi (usually paid), outdoor deck areas, TV entertainment, accessibility features (ramps, elevators, priority seating)
Long Distance Rail
- Retiro Station
- Terminal de Omnibus de Retiro (Retiro coach/bus station). Major hub for hundreds of long-distance bus routes throughout Argentina and Latin America.
- Constitution Station
- Constitución railway station. Also major transport hub.
- Note
- Buenos Aires has extensive long-distance bus network but limited passenger rail for intercity travel; most intercity trips use buses rather than trains.
Ground Transport City
- Sube Card Note
- Rechargeable transportation card required for all public transit (bus, subway, train). Purchase at kiosks, train stations, or some pharmacies. May be hard to find; ask hotel staff. Daily public transport budget: approximately USD 2.50.
Bikes
- Ecobici Bike Share
- Free public bike share scheme. Up to 1 hour Mon-Fri, up to 2 hours weekends (5-min wait before second trip).
- Description
- Over 287 km of cycle lanes throughout city
Train
- Use
- Reaching neighborhoods further from center or Buenos Aires Province destinations (Tigre, river delta)
- Payment
- SUBE card required
- Description
- Suburban train system for longer distances and day trips
Metrobus
- Coverage
- 50.5 km network across multiple corridors (Juan B. Justo, 9 de Julio, Cabildo, Sur)
- Advantage
- Reduces travel time by 30-50% on major routes compared to regular buses
- Frequency
- 2-4 minutes during day; 10-15 minutes at night. 24 hours daily.
- Description
- Bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes on major avenues
Metro Subte
- Hours
- Weekdays: 5:30am-11:30pm; Saturdays: 6:00am-midnight; Sundays: 8:00am-10:30pm
- Lines
- 6 lines (A, B, C, D, E, H) covering 56.7 km
- Payment
- SUBE card required (rechargeable). May be difficult to find at airport; purchase at kiosks or train stations in city.
- Frequency
- Every 3-10 minutes depending on line and time of day
- Cost Per Trip
- ARS 125
- Peak Hours Crowded
- 8am-9:30am and 5pm-7pm (avoid if possible)
- Description
- Buenos Aires underground system (oldest in South America, opened 1913)
Taxis Rideshare
- Taxi
- Black and yellow licensed taxis. Relatively inexpensive, especially at night. Meter-based or radio-taxi companies recommended.
- Rideshare
- Uber, Cabify, Easy Taxi all operate legally and reliably. Follow designated pickup areas to avoid confusion.
Buses Colectivos
- Payment
- SUBE card only (cash not accepted for new passengers)
- Coverage
- 336 different routes covering entire city including residential areas
- Frequency
- 24 hours daily; 2-40 minute intervals depending on line
- Peak Crowding
- Very crowded during commute hours; buses can get cramped
- Fares Distance Based
- Minimum 3km costs 25.20 ARS; varies by distance
- Description
- Extensive network of city buses (also called bondis), most popular public transport
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.secretsofbuenosaires.com
- 2.secretflying.com
- 3.landingpadba.com
- 4.wander-argentina.com
- 5.turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
- 6.turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
- 7.introducingbuenosaires.com
- 8.introducingbuenosaires.com
- 9.secretsofbuenosaires.com
- 10.directferries.com
- 11.ferryhopper.com
- 12.worldlyadventurer.com
- 13.tradingeconomics.com
- 14.exchange-rates.org
More About Buenos Aires
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.