Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, European-inspired architecture, and extensive public transportation network. Whether you’re an expat, tourist, or local resident, getting around Buenos Aires is made relatively easy by its well-connected public transport system, which includes the Subte (subway), buses, trains, taxis, and ride-hailing services. The city also promotes sustainable transportation through bike-friendly infrastructure and walkable streets, making biking and walking viable options for getting around.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Buenos Aires’ public transportation system, including the Subte, buses, and trains, explain how to get a SUBE card for fare payments, provide an overview of taxi services and ride-hailing apps, and offer tips for navigating the city by bike or on foot.
Using the Subway (Subte), Buses, and Trains
Public transportation in Buenos Aires is extensive, reliable, and affordable. The subway, buses, and trains form the backbone of the city’s transport network, providing an efficient way to travel across its sprawling neighborhoods.
1. The Subway (Subte)
The Subte is Buenos Aires’ subway system and is one of the most popular and efficient ways to travel within the city. It was the first subway system built in Latin America, and despite being over 100 years old, it remains an integral part of daily commuting for locals and visitors alike. The Subte network consists of six lines: A, B, C, D, E, and H, which cover the central areas of Buenos Aires and connect to key neighborhoods.
Key Features:
- Operating Hours: The Subte runs from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays and public holidays, it operates from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Frequency: During rush hours, trains arrive every 2-5 minutes. Outside peak hours, the waiting time can be longer, around 5-10 minutes.
- Accessibility: The Subte is generally accessible, though not all stations have elevators or escalators, so check station maps if accessibility is a concern.
Subte Lines Overview:
- Line A: Connects the neighborhoods of Plaza de Mayo and San Pedrito. Known for its historic wooden carriages, it’s popular with tourists and residents.
- Line B: Runs from Leandro N. Alem in the city center to Juan Manuel de Rosas in Villa Urquiza. Line B is one of the busiest lines, especially during peak hours.
- Line C: Connects two major train stations, Retiro and Constitución, making it an important line for commuters.
- Line D: Runs from Catedral to Congreso de Tucumán, passing through major neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta.
- Line E: Connects the southern part of the city, running from Plaza de los Virreyes to Retiro.
- Line H: Links the north and south parts of Buenos Aires, running from Facultad de Derecho to Hospitales.
2. Buses (Colectivos)
Buses, known as colectivos, are the most widely used form of public transportation in Buenos Aires. The city boasts over 150 bus lines, operating 24/7, and covering virtually every corner of the city and its surrounding suburbs.
Key Features:
- Operating Hours: Most bus lines operate 24 hours a day, though frequency diminishes significantly late at night.
- Routes: Each bus line is numbered, and the routes cover almost every neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Popular bus lines include the Line 29, which passes through tourist spots like San Telmo, Palermo, and Recoleta.
- Payment: All bus fares are paid using the SUBE card (see next section for details).
How to Use the Bus System:
- Route Planning: Use apps like Google Maps, BA Cómo Llego, or Moovit to plan your bus routes. These apps provide real-time schedules and route information.
- Boarding: Enter the bus at the front and tell the driver your destination. They will set the fare based on the distance. Once the fare is set, tap your SUBE card on the reader to pay.
- Getting Off: Press the red button near the door when your stop is approaching. Buses do not stop at every stop unless requested.
3. Trains
The train network in Buenos Aires is primarily used for traveling to and from the outer suburbs and neighboring provinces. It’s less convenient for travel within the city center, but ideal for commuting to areas like Tigre, Pilar, and La Plata.
Key Features:
- Main Stations: The three central train stations in Buenos Aires are Retiro, Constitución, and Once, which connect to different regional lines.
- Lines: Buenos Aires has several train lines operated by different companies, including the Mitre, Roca, San Martín, and Sarmiento lines.
- Ticketing: Trains are also paid using the SUBE card. Train travel can be a cheap and fast option for commuting from the city center to the outskirts.
Benefits of Public Transportation in Buenos Aires:
- Affordability: Public transport fares are among the most affordable in the region, making it an economical way to travel.
- Coverage: The extensive bus and Subte networks cover all major neighborhoods, tourist attractions, and business districts, ensuring easy access to most parts of the city.
- Efficiency: During peak hours, the Subte is the fastest way to avoid traffic, especially in congested areas like Microcentro and Palermo.
How to Get a SUBE Card for Public Transport
The SUBE card is essential for anyone planning to use public transportation in Buenos Aires. It is a rechargeable contactless card used to pay for Subte, buses, and trains. Without a SUBE card, you cannot use public transport in Buenos Aires, as cash is not accepted.
1. Where to Buy a SUBE Card
SUBE cards are widely available throughout Buenos Aires and can be purchased at:
- Subte stations: Most Subte stations have kiosks where SUBE cards are sold.
- Kioskos: Convenience stores, known as kioskos, are ubiquitous in Buenos Aires, and many of them sell SUBE cards.
- Correo Argentino post offices: The Argentine national post office also sells SUBE cards.
- Tourist Information Centers: If you’re new to Buenos Aires, tourist information centers located in popular areas like Plaza de Mayo and Recoleta can help you get a SUBE card.
The cost of a SUBE card is around ARS 490 ($1.50 USD). After purchasing the card, you will need to load credit onto it to pay for public transportation.
2. How to Add Credit to Your SUBE Card
You can recharge your SUBE card at numerous locations throughout the city:
- Automated machines in Subte stations.
- Kioskos and lottery shops displaying the SUBE logo.
- Pago Fácil and Rapipago payment centers.
- Online: You can also recharge your card using the Mercado Pago app or the official SUBE app, but you will still need to activate the recharge at a SUBE terminal or bus reader.
3. SUBE Card Fares
The fare for buses, Subte, and trains varies depending on the distance traveled, but generally falls between ARS 70 – 100 ($0.20 – $0.30 USD) per trip. SUBE card users also benefit from fare discounts, and if you make a transfer between different modes of transport within two hours, the fare for the second trip will be discounted by up to 50%.
Discounted Fares: Students, retirees, and social welfare recipients may be eligible for reduced fares by registering their SUBE card through the SUBE website or at designated SUBE offices.
Taxi Services and Ride-Hailing Apps
In addition to public transport, Buenos Aires offers a variety of options for private transport, including taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify. These are ideal for traveling late at night or when you prefer a more direct route to your destination.
1. Taxis in Buenos Aires
Taxis are widely available in Buenos Aires, especially in central areas like Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo. The city’s iconic yellow and black taxis are convenient and relatively affordable compared to taxis in other major cities.
Key Features:
- Availability: You can hail a taxi on the street, call a radio taxi company, or find taxis at designated taxi ranks near major tourist sites and transportation hubs.
- Fare: Taxis in Buenos Aires charge by distance, with the fare displayed on a meter. The base fare starts at around ARS 320 ($1 USD), with additional charges for each kilometer and waiting time.
- Safety: It’s recommended to use radio taxis, which are licensed and registered, or hail taxis from designated ranks to ensure safety.
2. Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing apps have become increasingly popular in Buenos Aires, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
- Uber: Uber operates in Buenos Aires, though its legal status has been the subject of debate. Nevertheless, Uber is widely used by both locals and expats. Uber fares are often cheaper than traditional taxis, and payment is made directly through the app in either pesos or a linked foreign currency account.
- Cabify: Cabify is another popular ride-hailing app that operates legally in Buenos Aires. Known for its high service standards, Cabify offers a more upscale experience with professional drivers. Payment is made via the app, and it’s a preferred option for business travelers.
- DiDi: DiDi has also entered the Buenos Aires market and provides a similar service to Uber, often offering discounts and promotions to attract new users.
3. Safety Tips for Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
- Use Apps When Possible: Using Uber or Cabify is often safer than hailing a taxi on the street, as these services provide tracking, payment options, and driver reviews.
- Track Your Route: When using a taxi, make sure to track your route on Google Maps or another navigation app to ensure you are taking the fastest and most direct route.
- Cashless Payments: Whenever possible, use cashless payments through ride-hailing apps or request a radio taxi with card payment capabilities.
Tips for Navigating the City by Bike or on Foot
Buenos Aires is a relatively bike-friendly city with a growing network of bicycle lanes and shared bike services. Walking is also a popular way to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, especially since many tourist attractions and parks are within walking distance of each other.
1. Biking in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has invested in developing infrastructure for cycling as part of its goal to become a greener city. Dedicated bike lanes, known as ciclovías, can be found in most central neighborhoods, making biking a safe and efficient way to navigate the city.
How to Get a Bike:
- Ecobici: The city’s free public bike-sharing system, Ecobici, is available to both residents and tourists. Users can rent bikes for up to 1 hour on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends and holidays.
- How to Register: To use Ecobici, you’ll need to download the BA Ecobici app, register with your passport or local ID, and locate a nearby bike station. You can then unlock a bike using the app and return it to any station.
- Private Bike Rentals: Private bike rental companies are also available for tourists who prefer more flexibility or longer rental periods.
2. Walking Around Buenos Aires
Walking is a fantastic way to experience Buenos Aires’ unique blend of European architecture and Latin American flair. The city’s layout is generally flat, making it easy to navigate on foot.
Popular Walkable Areas:
- Recoleta: Known for its historic mansions, beautiful parks, and cultural landmarks like the Recoleta Cemetery, this neighborhood is a pleasure to explore on foot.
- San Telmo: Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood, famous for its colonial architecture, tango performances, and the weekly San Telmo market, is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Palermo: Palermo is home to lush parks, trendy cafés, and boutiques, making it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.
Walking Safety Tips:
- Pedestrian Crossings: While Buenos Aires has well-marked pedestrian crossings, not all drivers give pedestrians the right of way. Always be cautious when crossing the street.
- Nighttime Walking: Some areas in Buenos Aires can feel less safe at night, so stick to well-lit streets in neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo after dark.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires boasts a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system that makes navigating the city accessible for locals, expats, and tourists alike. Whether you’re using the Subte, buses, or trains, or opting for taxis or ride-hailing apps, getting around the city is affordable and convenient. Additionally, biking and walking are enjoyable alternatives that allow you to experience Buenos Aires up close and at your own pace. By understanding how to use the public transport system, obtaining a SUBE card, and exploring the city by bike or foot, you’ll be able to make the most of everything Buenos Aires has to offer.