Overview
Buenos Aires has a well-established public transport system comprising underground metro lines, suburban trains, buses, and ferry services. As a visitor, you can navigate the city by purchasing a SUBE card—a rechargeable smartcard required for most journeys. The Subte (underground) is often the quickest way to cross the city center, running six lettered lines that converge downtown. Buses (called colectivos) operate 24/7 and cover the entire metropolitan area, though they require some familiarity with street navigation. Trains connect outer neighborhoods and destinations further afield. Most journeys require you to tap your SUBE card at entry barriers or readers on boarding.
The network
Subte (Underground Metro)
The Buenos Aires Underground, known locally as the Subte, is the oldest rapid transit system in Latin America, the Southern Hemisphere, and the Spanish-speaking world. It opened in 1913 with the first section running between Plaza de Mayo and Plaza Miserere. The current network comprises six lines—A, B, C, D, E, and H—totaling 56.7 kilometers and serving 90 stations. An additional 7.4-kilometer premetro line (Line P) with 18 stations complements the main network.
Lines A through E converge in the city center. Line A, the oldest, runs from Plaza de Mayo westward under Avenida Rivadavia toward Congress. Line B connects downtown through Calle Florida, the Obelisk, and Almagro to Abasto. Line C links two major rail terminals, Constitución and Retiro. Line D travels from Plaza de Mayo through Teatro Colón (Tribunales station), then north to Recoleta and Palermo. Line E runs from Constitución to Boedo. Line H serves additional central stations. A historical note: traffic on the Subte moves on the left because Argentina drove on the left when the system opened in 1913.
The Subte operates Monday to Friday 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday and public holidays 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Trains run every 3 to 10 minutes depending on the line, with peak commuter times between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m., and 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. All stations offer free WiFi.
Buses (Colectivos)
Buenos Aires operates an extensive 24/7 bus network covering the entire city. Buses, also called colectivos or bondis, are cheap and efficient. To use a bus, tell the driver your destination (using the nearest cross street name), and the driver determines the fare. You must tap your SUBE card on the reader when boarding. There is also a Metrobús rapid transit system with dedicated lanes on main arteries; some Metrobús stops have free WiFi.
Trains (Commuter Rail)
Suburban trains connect outlying neighborhoods and destinations within Buenos Aires Province, such as Tigre in the river delta. They are economical and depart from major stations including Retiro Train Station. You can purchase tickets at stations using cash or your SUBE card.
Ferries
Daily ferry services connect Buenos Aires to Colonia and Montevideo in Uruguay, operated by Buquebus, Seacat Colonia, and Colonia Express from the Dársena Norte/Puerto Madero terminal.
Tickets & fares
The SUBE card is a rechargeable smartcard required for all Subte, bus, and train travel. As of December 2024, a new SUBE card costs approximately 880 Argentine pesos. You can purchase cards at Subte station ticket booths, train stations, and kioscos (small shops) throughout the city. To recharge your card, use the same locations—Subte stations, national lottery outlets, and some automated terminals at kioscos.
As of December 2024, the Subte began accepting contactless payment via Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, as well as digital wallets including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and MODO. Full rollout to buses is expected by mid-2025. Eight Tourist Assistance Centers throughout the city also sell and recharge SUBE cards.
The SUBE website includes a map showing vendor locations where you can purchase and recharge cards. Specific fare amounts change regularly; current fares are best confirmed through official sources or at the point of purchase.
From the airport
Buenos Aires is served by two main airports. Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), the primary hub for international flights, lies about 30–45 minutes from downtown by car (longer during heavy traffic). Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), used mainly for domestic flights, is only about 20 minutes from downtown.
From Aeroparque, you can reach central areas including Retiro, Plaza de Mayo, and San Telmo using regular bus line 33, which stops a few meters from the main gate at Avenida Costanera Rafael Obligado. New in December 2023, some branches of bus line 8 also connect Aeroparque with Retiro and beyond. Fares are very low (under approximately 2,000 Argentine pesos), but you will need a SUBE card or a contactless credit card. Alternatively, taxis are available; a taxi from Aeroparque costs approximately 160 Argentine pesos.
From Ezeiza International Airport, public transport options include private coach services and bus connections, though these journeys are longer due to distance. Allow about one hour by car to reach the city center from Ezeiza, more if traffic is heavy.
Etiquette & customs
Buenos Aires residents follow courteous public transport practices. Queue in an orderly fashion when entering stations and boarding vehicles. During rush hours—particularly 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.—the system is crowded; expect congestion and move inward to allow others to board.
On escalators, stand to the right so others can pass on the left, or remain stationary if you prefer not to walk.
Designated priority seating exists for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. Offer your seat if you occupy a priority area and someone in need boards. Eating and drinking are not prohibited, but eating strong-smelling foods on crowded services is considered inconsiderate. Keep noise levels low and avoid loud conversations or music.
When using buses, communicate your destination to the driver using cross-street names rather than specific addresses, as this helps the driver understand where you wish to exit.
Survival terms
- Subterráneo or Subte (Subway/Underground metro): the rapid transit system
- Boleto or pasaje (Ticket): a single fare or journey
- Línea (Line): a specific metro or bus route
- Entrada (Entrance): where you enter a station
- Salida (Exit): where you exit a station
- Transbordo (Transfer): changing between lines
- Pasaje sencillo (Single fare): a one-way journey ticket
- Tarjeta SUBE (SUBE card): the rechargeable smartcard for travel
- Colectivo or bondi (Bus): public bus service
Carry your SUBE card at all times and keep small change in case you need to purchase or recharge it at a kiosko, since many smaller vendors may not accept cards.