---
title: How does the SUBTE (subway) work?
description: "[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Getting Around](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/getting-around/) The **SUBTE** (Buenos Aires subway) is the **fastest way to move around the city**, and tourists use it all the time. Here’s the breakdown: ## 🚇 Overview - Buenos Aires has **6 SUBTE lines**…"
url: "https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/how-does-the-subte-subway-work/"
updated: "2025-08-20"
category: Getting Around
---

# How does the SUBTE (subway) work?

[Home](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com) | [Docs](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs/) | [Getting Around](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/docs-category/getting-around/)

The **SUBTE** (Buenos Aires subway) is the **fastest way to move around the city**, and tourists use it all the time. Here’s the breakdown:

## 🚇 Overview

- Buenos Aires has **6 SUBTE lines** (A, B, C, D, E, H) plus the [**Premetro**](https://subte.ar/premetro/) (light rail).
- Lines are color-coded and connect at key transfer stations.
- Trains run mostly **underground**, with some above-ground sections (Line A, Line E extensions).
- Covers most central & tourist areas:

  - Line A → Historic center ([Plaza de Mayo](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/item/plaza-de-mayo/), Avenida de Mayo).
  - Line D → Palermo, Recoleta, Plaza Italia.
  - Line C → Connects Retiro (train/bus hub) with Constitución.
  - Line H → North-south connector (Hospitales to Facultad de Derecho).

## ⏰ Hours of Operation

- **Monday–Saturday**: ~5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- **Sundays & holidays**: ~8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Trains every 3–6 minutes during peak, 6–10 minutes off-peak.

## 💳 Tickets & Payment (SUBE Card)

- You need a **SUBE card** (same one works for SUBTE, buses, trains).
- Cards cost around **ARS 880** (one-time purchase).
- Load credit at kiosks, SUBTE stations, or via online banking apps.
- Fare: ~**ARS 80–100 per ride** (as of 2025, still extremely cheap for foreigners).
- Discounts: The more rides you take in a month, the lower the fare per ride.

## 🚉 How to Use

1. **Buy/load a SUBE card** (at kiosks, subway stations, or online).
2. At station, tap the card at the turnstile → balance is deducted.
3. Trains are one-directional; follow signs for your line & direction.
4. Transfers between lines are **free** inside the system.

## ✅ Tourist Tips

- Stations are old but safe; Line A still has some historic wooden cars on weekends.
- **Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM)** – trains are *very* crowded.
- Keep an eye on belongings (pickpockets in crowded cars).
- Google Maps & Moovit app work well for directions.
- Air conditioning is hit-or-miss, especially in summer.

## 🌟 Why It’s Great for Tourists

- Cheapest way to get around the city.
- Connects major attractions: Plaza de Mayo, Obelisco, [San Telmo](https://allaboutbuenosaires.com/item/san-telmo/), Palermo, Recoleta.
- Faster than buses or taxis during peak traffic.