Metro and subway in Buenos Aires
The Buenos Aires metro, known locally as the Subte, is operated by Emova and overseen by Subterráneos de Buenos Aires (SBASE). It comprises six lines (A, B, C, D, E, H) and the Premetro feeder. The network is strongest for trips into and within central areas (Microcentro and downtown) and for corridor-style commuting along the main axes. Most residents still combine the Subte with buses or commuter rail for full door-to-door journeys.
The downtown area around Avenida 9 de Julio is served by multiple lines and transfer stations. Retiro and Constitución, the two major rail terminals, are linked directly by Line C, which runs as a north-south spine between them. Line E plus the Premetro extends service toward the far south of the city, with a transfer at Plaza de los Virreyes / Eva Perón. The key multi-line transfer cluster in the central business district is the 9 de Julio / Diagonal Norte / Carlos Pellegrini complex, which connects Lines D, C, and B. Another useful interchange is Independencia, which connects Line C and Line E.
Neither Ezeiza (EZE) nor Aeroparque (AEP) is directly served by the Subte. Airport access is available by road or by a bus-and-rail combination.
Operating hours and frequency
The Subte does not operate 24 hours. Emova publishes last-train times by line and day, with weekday service running roughly from 05:30 to 23:30, Saturdays from 06:00 to 00:00, and Sundays and holidays from 08:00 to 22:30. Headways are typically 3 to 10 minutes depending on the line and time of day, with Line A running at intervals of about 3 minutes on weekdays. Late-night options after the last trains are buses, taxis, or ride-hailing.
For real-time delays and service interruptions, the GCBA's official BA Subte app provides live status updates and alerts, along with links to the Cómo Llego trip planner.
Subte fares
Fares are paid using SUBE, the national contactless transport card. The 2026 tariff table distinguishes between the registered Tarifa SUBTE and a higher Tarifa sin nominalizar for unregistered cards. The per-trip fare also drops once monthly trip counts pass certain thresholds, provided the same payment method is used throughout the month.
- Trips 1 to 20: ARS 1,336.00 (registered) / ARS 2,124.24 (unregistered)
- Trips 21 to 30: ARS 1,068.80
- Trips 31 to 40: ARS 935.20
- Trips 41 and above: ARS 801.60
When chaining the Subte with buses or trains, Argentina's Red SUBE applies automatic discounts to transfers within AMBA, with no separate paperwork required.
Buses in Buenos Aires
The colectivo, also called bondi, is the most characteristic transport mode in Buenos Aires. The bus network covers the entire city, with stops usually only a few blocks apart, and runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For last-mile trips and neighborhood-to-neighborhood travel beyond the Subte map, buses are typically the better option.
Metrobus is the bus-rapid-transit overlay, combining articulated and standard buses with dedicated lanes on key arteries to reduce travel times. Frequencies on busy corridors can reach 2 minutes, as on Metrobus Juan B. Justo. Stations on Metrobus Juan B. Justo are designed to be accessible for people with reduced mobility, older people, and pregnant people. A 2026 extension is planned to connect the Costanera with Pompeya.
Between 22:00 and 06:00, in bad weather, or when traveling with reduced mobility, passengers may request to board or alight outside official stops, except on Metrobus and on the transverse routes of Avenida 9 de Julio between Lima/Bernardo de Irigoyen and Cerrito/Carlos Pellegrini.
Bus fares and payment
Fares on CABA-jurisdiction bus lines are distance-based. The official Red SUBE table lists:
- 0 to 3 km: ARS 753.74 (SUBE registered) / ARS 339.18 (Tarifa Social) / ARS 1,198.45 (SUBE unregistered)
- 3 to 6 km: ARS 837.52 / ARS 376.88 / ARS 1,331.66
- 6 to 12 km: ARS 902.04 / ARS 405.91 / ARS 1,434.24
- 12 to 27 km: ARS 966.61 / ARS 434.97 / ARS 1,536.91
Payment can be made by tapping a SUBE card or, on CABA-jurisdiction lines, by contactless Visa or Mastercard debit, credit, and prepaid cards, or NFC-enabled phones and watches with those cards. The fare is the same regardless of method, but national and local discounts and benefits remain tied to SUBE use. Long-stay residents should therefore plan to obtain and register a SUBE card, even if they can tap a bank card.
Light rail in Buenos Aires
Light rail in daily mobility is effectively limited to the Premetro (Line P), a surface feeder linked to the Subte network in the south of the city, and the Tranvía Histórico de Caballito, a free heritage loop that runs only on weekends and public holidays.
The Premetro is the only line in the Subte system that operates on the surface. It connects the southern neighborhoods (Comunas 7 and 8) with the city center via the transfer to Line E at Intendente Saguier / Plaza de los Virreyes, passing through Villa Soldati, Villa Lugano, and Villa Riachuelo, with terminals at Centro Cívico and General Savio. The Premetro is most relevant if home, work, or school is in this southwest corridor.
Payment uses the same contactless fare media as the Subte. The tariff lists separate lines for SUBTE, PREMETRO, and the SUBTE-PREMETRO combination. On Tramo B, the basic Premetro fare for 1 to 20 trips is ARS 494.90, and the unregistered fare is ARS 786.89.
The Tranvía Histórico de Caballito is run by the Amigos del Tranvía association as a free 2 km loop on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The stop is at Emilio Mitre 500. It is best treated as a weekend attraction rather than commuter transport.
Tickets and passes in Buenos Aires
As mentioned above, most residents pay for public transport with the rechargeable SUBE card (Sistema Único de Boleto Electrónico), which works on colectivos, the Subte, and metropolitan trains. You are, therefore, advised to obtain a SUBE card, create an account to protect or recover the balance if lost, and then use it across all modes.
The Subte network has validators that accept credit, debit, and prepaid cards, NFC devices, and QR codes at all stations, so short-stay visitors can often ride without first buying a SUBE card. On buses, contactless cards and wallets are accepted on all CABA-jurisdiction lines plus some national and provincial lines. Coverage differs by jurisdiction and line, so SUBE remains the most universally accepted option.
SUBE can be topped up via home banking, e-wallets, or ATMs, after which the top-up must be validated using a Terminal Automática, the SUBE apps, or Carga a Bordo where available. The official SUBE app allows paying for trips using SUBE Digital on Android 8 or higher phones with NFC. The app is not available on iPhone due to NFC incompatibilities, so iPhone users should plan on a physical SUBE card or use contactless bank cards or QR, where accepted.
Discounts and passes
Buenos Aires uses Red SUBE within AMBA to provide automatic discounts when combining modes. Within a 2-hour window after the first trip, riders can make up to five discounted combinations: the first is 50% off, and from the second through the fifth, the discount increases to 75%. There is no separate paperwork at the time of travel.
On the Subte, an escalonada fare applies discounts for frequent riders when monthly trips exceed 20, 30, and 40, provided the same card or payment method is used throughout. Switching payment methods mid-month resets the trip count.
Special Pases y Abonos para Subte are available through a formal application process for defined groups, including certain retirees, pensioners, and specific teacher categories in GCBA schools. The Boleto Educativo is a separate, non-fare travel credential for eligible students, valid on colectivos, the Subte, and the Premetro, applied for via the GCBA website and turno system.
Taxis in Buenos Aires
Taxis are a regulated, everyday mode of transportation in Buenos Aires, operating with a meter (taxímetro) and city-set fare components. Hailing on the street is standard, and the official GCBA tariff specifies that the fare must be set on the meter. Drivers must transport hand luggage for free plus one suitcase or bundle up to 0.90 x 0.40 x 0.30 m; additional pieces may be charged at the equivalent of five fichas each.
The official tariff components are:
- Bajada de bandera (flag-fall): ARS 1,920
- Ficha: ARS 192 per 200 meters or per minute of waiting time
- Night surcharge: +20% between 22:00 and 06:00
Trips outside CABA without a return passenger may carry a surcharge for the taxi's return travel to the city. The official application TAXI BA is referenced in city documents as part of the regulatory framework for taxi services. For complaints about non-compliance, the city provides channels, including 147 and ENTE 0800-222-ENTE (3683).
At Aeroparque, the official taxi stand uses a QR ticket system to ensure a fixed, regulated fare. The official guidance directs passengers to the taxi line in front of McDonald's in domestic arrivals and warns against negotiated prices outside the official line. Ride-hailing apps are directed to separate signposted meeting points, with Uber assigned to the South Parking Lot (Estacionamiento Sur).
A late-April 2026 court decision requires app drivers (Uber, Cabify, DiDi) to meet requirements comparable to those of taxis and remises, including a professional license and specific insurance. This is expected to affect availability and pricing dynamics between taxis and apps over the course of 2026.
Ride-sharing in Buenos Aires
The main ride-sharing platforms operating in Buenos Aires are Uber, Cabify, and DiDi. Uber publishes a dedicated service page for Capital Federal, Cabify maintains a Buenos Aires fare page, and DiDi's Argentina passenger page confirms operations in the city with payment by card or cash.
Pricing on these platforms is demand-based. The trip cost depends on ride type, trip length, duration, tolls, city fees, and current demand. During periods of high demand, an additional cost can apply to certain categories, shown in the app once the destination is entered.
Payment methods vary by platform. Cabify allows paying in cash in Buenos Aires and can be switched back to card in the app. DiDi accepts credit cards and cash.
Good to know:
Uber Cash is available in Argentina.
Cycling in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has an actively maintained cycling network. In fact, cycling is realistically usable for short point-to-point trips where most of the route can stay on marked lanes. The city's bike-sharing system is BA Ecobici, operated by Tembici. For residents of Argentina, the system is free on weekdays, with up to 4 trips of 30 minutes each. Bikes are unlocked via QR on the handlebars or by entering an app-generated code on the dock keypad. International visitors register on the BA Ecobici app through Tembici with a passport and a credit card, then purchase a tourist pass in the app. This is the most direct route for newcomers who do not yet have local documentation.
National rules on the Voy en bici portal set out that general traffic rules apply to cyclists, bicycles are prohibited on highways (autopistas), riding in the street is permitted from age 12 with listed exceptions, and required equipment includes brakes and steering, a rear-view mirror, a bell or horn, mudguards, and, at night, lights plus reflective signaling. The rules distinguish bicisendas (on sidewalks or in green spaces) from ciclovías (exclusive street lanes separated by construction).
Palermo's large parks (Parque Tres de Febrero) and the Costanera riverfront are among the most commonly used areas for leisure cycling.
Walking in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is structured for walking in daily life. Dense, mixed-use neighborhoods make many trips feasible on foot, and the city operates a Prioridad Peatón policy that designates pedestrian-priority zones, including Tribunales, Retiro, Casco Histórico, Once, Microcentro, and Avenida Corrientes. Several of these areas overlap with major rail and bus interchanges, supporting walking as a first-mile and last-mile mode.
Calle Florida in Microcentro is the city's first pedestrianized shopping street and serves as a car-free spine through the central business district. On Avenida Corrientes, between Callao and Cerrito, two lanes become pedestrian space from 19:00 to 02:00, while two other lanes remain reserved for taxis and buses 24 hours. This makes Corrientes one of the clearest evening walking corridors, with theatres, bookstores, and late-night activity.
Good to know:
Climate affects walking comfort. The humidity in Buenos Aires averages around 78%, which is worth considering when planning longer walks.
Driving in Buenos Aires
Driving inside CABA is often more stressful than the map suggests. Many corridors prioritize buses (Metrobus and other exclusive lanes), enforcement is increasingly automated, and parking in the central zona tarifada is regulated and app-based. The city actively expands automated controls: there are more than 180 fixed photo-enforcement cameras used to enforce speed limits, red lights, and other infractions.
Tolls and the Free Flow shift
On CABA urban motorways operated by AUSA, TelePASE has been mandatory for paying tolls since September 28, 2020. In 2026, AUSA announced the move to barrier-free tolling (peajes sin barreras / Free Flow) across its network. Anyone planning to drive on city motorways should set up TelePASE before they need it, since occasional cash payments are no longer a workable option. Alternatives include TelePASE por patente and a Pase Diario purchased online in advance.
Parking
Paid parking in the main zona tarifada is app-based via the Blinkay app (debit, credit, or Mercado Pago). There are no parking meters or tokens. Official paid parking hours are weekdays, 08:00 to 20:00, and Saturdays, 08:00 to 13:00; Sundays and public holidays are excluded. Covered neighborhoods include parts of San Telmo, Montserrat, Balvanera, San Nicolás, Retiro, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and Almagro. The official progressive tariff lists an initial price of ARS 700, with progressive hourly increases.
Residents living within the metered zone can apply for a beneficio para residentes, allowing free parking within a 300-meter radius of the registered address. It does not reserve a specific spot. Requirements include proof of address in the metered zone, the ABL partida, the vehicle ID card, and no outstanding debts.
Car rental
Renting a car at Buenos Aires airports through major agencies is straightforward. Drivers must present a valid driving license from their country of origin, and rental vehicles must remain within Argentina. For daily life in CABA, a rental is typically unnecessary unless travel outside the city is planned.
Traditional and local transport in Buenos Aires
The locally distinctive modes that play a practical or visitor-facing role are passenger boat services along the waterfront and historic horse-drawn carriages.
Sturla operates river trips on the Río de la Plata, including routes connecting Puerto Madero with Tigre's delta, alongside coastal trips. Since 2024, passengers can also board from a dock in La Boca near Caminito. The operator runs from three ports (Puerto Madero, La Boca, and Tigre), open year-round. These services primarily serve as scenic excursions or niche connectors rather than mass transit. Tickets are purchased through the operator's website, and passengers should carefully confirm the departure port before purchasing.
The historic mateo is a horse-drawn carriage that played a role in passenger transport historically and now exists as a tourist ride.
Airport connections in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is served by three airports. Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), in Ezeiza, sits 32 km from the center and is the country's largest airport, handling most long-haul international flights. Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), known as Aeroparque, sits inside the city in Palermo and handles mainly domestic flights and services to neighbouring countries. El Palomar (EPA), 18 km from the city, began serving low-cost domestic flights in 2018.
Baseline travel times are about 50 minutes from EZE to the city center and 25 minutes from AEP to the main hotels. Road transfers from EZE are traffic-sensitive: typical times run 40 to 80 minutes, and rush hour on the Autopista Riccheri and General Paz can easily double travel time.
Transfer options
Taxis are available at all three airports, and private transfers can be booked in advance or on arrival. The city tourism site names Tienda León buses running from Ezeiza to the company's base in Puerto Madero. Public buses serve all three airports but can be crowded at peak times with little luggage space, and a SUBE card is required for bus and train use.
Sample shuttle reference fares include EZE to Terminal Pellegrini in CABA at ARS 15,500 and EZE to AEP at ARS 16,000.
At EZE, official taxi services such as Cooperativa Taxi Ezeiza charge a fixed final fare confirmed at the official booth before the trip starts. At AEP, the official taxi stand uses a QR-ticket system for a fixed, regulated fare. Uber and Cabify both publish EZE and AEP pickup pages, with in-app directions to designated meeting points.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get around Buenos Aires as a newcomer?
The most practical first-week setup is to obtain a SUBE card, install BA Cómo Llego for trip planning, and add BA Subte for live network status. With these in place, you can move freely between colectivos, the Subte, and commuter rail. For short trips in central neighborhoods, walking is often the fastest option, and Ecobici handles many last-mile routes within the cycle-lane network.
How much does a SUBE card cost, and where do I get one?
The SUBE card costs ARS 1,500 and can be purchased at authorized sales points, including post offices and many kioscos. Registering the card to your name through the official SUBE channels protects the balance if the card is lost or stolen and is required to access the lower registered fares on buses and the Subte.
Can I use a foreign contactless bank card instead of a SUBE card?
On the Subte, contactless debit, credit, and prepaid cards, NFC devices, and QR codes are accepted at all stations. On buses, contactless cards work on all CABA-jurisdiction lines and some national and provincial lines, with coverage varying by route. The fare is the same, but national and local discounts, the escalonada Subte discount, and Red SUBE combination discounts only apply when paying with SUBE throughout the month. For a stay of more than a few days, a SUBE card is the more economical choice.
How safe is it to use the Subte and colectivos at night?
The Subte stops running at night, with last trains around 23:30 on weekdays, 00:00 on Saturdays, and 22:30 on Sundays and holidays. Colectivos run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are the standard late-night option alongside taxis and ride-hailing apps. As in any large city, basic precautions apply: keep an eye on phones and bags, especially in crowded carriages and at busy terminals.
Is it worth getting an Argentine driving license if I plan to drive occasionally?
For short-term rentals, agencies at the airports accept a valid driving license from your country of origin, and rental vehicles must remain within Argentina. For day-to-day life in CABA, driving is rarely the most efficient option given Metrobus lanes, automated enforcement, and the app-based zona tarifada. A driving license becomes more useful if you plan regular trips outside the city or to settle long-term and buy a vehicle.
How do I pay tolls on city motorways?
TelePASE has been mandatory on AUSA-operated city motorways since September 2020, and the network is moving to barrier-free Free Flow tolling. Set up a TelePASE account before driving on these roads. If you do not have a tag, alternatives include TelePASE por patente linked to the license plate, or a Pase Diario purchased online in advance. Cash is not a workable option.
Are taxis safer than ride-hailing apps, or the other way around?
Both are widely used. Street-hailed taxis are regulated, run on a meter, and offer official complaint channels through 147 and the ENTE line. Ride-hailing apps provide driver and plate verification in-app, in-app payment, and predictable airport meeting points. A late-April 2026 court decision requires app drivers to meet requirements comparable to taxis and remises, including professional licenses and specific insurance, which may affect availability and pricing throughout the year. Choosing between them is mostly a question of time of day, neighborhood, and payment preference.
Can I use Ecobici as a tourist or a new resident without a DNI?
Yes. International visitors register on the BA Ecobici app through Tembici with a passport and credit card, then purchase a tourist pass in the app. Residents of Argentina use the system for free on weekdays for up to four 30-minute trips. Bikes are unlocked via QR on the handlebars or by entering an app-generated code on the dock keypad.
Do I need to learn the bus numbers, or can I rely on apps?
Apps cover most needs. BA Cómo Llego returns routes by bus, Subte, train, walking, or driving, drawing on the city's open real-time bus-arrival feed. Google Maps and Moovit use the same feed and work well in most of the city, though real-time coverage can vary by line. Knowing the numbers of one or two routes near your home and workplace is useful for quick decisions, but is not required for day-to-day travel.
