Getting around Buenos Aires can be seen as an organized chaos through an interconnected web. And honestly, Google maps is your best friend. It is completely possible and safe to navigate Buenos Aires by walking or taking public transportation. And you can also use Uber and taxis to get around the city directly and efficiently. These are the variety of Buenos Aires transportation options you have to best explore the city.
Walking Around the City
The city is large and sprawling and walking is truly only viable within a neighborhood or two. It is the best way to feel the energy of the city, see the shops and sights, and experience the city. However, consider other means of transportation when getting between neighborhoods as this will be much faster and you will find there to be fewer people on the fringes of neighborhoods, especially La Boca.
When it comes to the hierarchy on the road, the buses are kings, the cars come next, then come the bikes, and finally there are the pedestrians. Do not expect any vehicles to yield for you to cross the street and make sure to look both ways on one-ways for any bikes. Cars and buses travel fast and brake hard, but it won’t be hard enough to save you, so make sure to keep your head on a swivel!
Another easy way to walk around the city and see the sites is through walking tours of different neighborhoods.
Check out some of the different hotel options in Buenos Aires
Using Public Buenos Aires Transportation
Public transportation is both the most economical way to navigate large distances throughout the city and an amazing way to see more of the neighborhoods throughout in an efficient way. Buenos Aires is incredibly proud of the transportation system that they have built in the city. And rightly so! There are so many bus lines that you will most likely get from point A to point B with minimal walking and few transfers.
We used a combination of the subway and buses to navigate Buenos Aires and it is even possible to use public transportation to travel from the airports. When you first land in the international airport (EZE), go to the tourist information desk after customs and they can explain to you how to get the Sube card within the airport and get into the city with ease.
To use public transportation, you need to obtain a “Sube” card. Many short-term apartments provide the card for you but you can buy them at subway stations or different kiosks throughout the city (JEVI or Lottery Agencies for example). The card costs a flat fee but you don’t have to pay any additional fees to load money on the card. Overall, rides with the sube card will be a few cents to a dollar depending on the exchange rate between pesos and dollars!
El Subte (The Subway)
"El Subte" (the subway) is a fast and efficient way to navigate Buenos Aires but it does not have the most extensive network because it is a newer part of the Buenos Aires transportation system. If Google Maps shows the subway as an option to get between two places, use it!
Los Colectivos (The Bus System and a Recommended form of Transportation)
The network of buses (colectivos) is large and is a major form of Buenos Aires transportation. Chances are, there are a number of bus stops around your hotel or short-term apartments. Use Google Maps to determine the best route. The bus stops are indicated by a bench and overhang or a number on a pole. There are a couple of things you need to know to best use the colectivos:
1. People typically line up single file while waiting for the bus and put their arm out to wave down the bus as it comes by. If you don’t wave down the bus, it will just skip over your stop.
2. Once the bus stops, get on the bus as quickly as possible because the bus driver will be itching to leave the stop. You will need to tell the bus driver where you are getting off so he can appropriately charge you and then you hold your card against the Sube card reader until it gives you the green light.
3. Find your seat on the bus or stand to the side if the bus is full.
4. To get off the bus, make your way towards the middle or back doors and press the button on the pole by the doors. The bus driver will not stop unless you press the button to indicate that you want to get off at the next stop.
Free Bikes to Get Around Buenos Aires
You may see some orange bikes around the city. These are Ecobicis and are free to use for 30 minute increments 4 times a day. However, you will need to download the application (linked here) and create an account. You will need cellphone data to use the app to take out a bike. Many bike lanes in the city are protected from cars and the city is relatively flat so its great form of Buenos Aires transportation that allows you to experience the city in a unique way.
Taking a Taxi as a Buenos Aires Transportation Method
Taxis are prolific within the city and can be spotted with their black body and yellow roofs. When they are available, many say “Libre” (free) in the window or on the top of the roof. Make sure that the driver starts the meter at zero when you get in the car. You can give the driver the cross streets of your destination or the name of the destination if it is a known attraction. It is easiest to pay the taxi in Argentine pesos. A taxi or Uber will be the best way to travel from the airport to your hotel or accommodation.
Taking Ubers in Buenos Aires
While the city does have some Ubers, you may have a wait before one is available to pick you up. While Ubers are the most expensive way to navigate Buenos Aires (from this list) it will be a guaranteed way to pay with card if you do not have pesos. It is also a secure form of Buenos Aires transportation if you are nervous about getting from place to place or if you worry about the language barrier. A taxi or Uber will be the best way to travel from the airport to your hotel or accommodation.
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