Getting Around the City in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Travel & Transportation, Getting Around the City

Getting Around the City in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Subte (Buenos Aires Metro)

1. Subte (Buenos Aires Metro)

The Subte is the fastest way to travel long distances across the city, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours. It consists of six lines that connect major neighborhoods, making it ideal for avoiding street traffic. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased with a SUBE card.
  • Frequency: Expect trains every few minutes, meaning minimal waiting time.
  • Coverage: Extensive network covering major city areas.
  • Cost: Budget-friendly with fixed prices for journeys.
Colectivos (City Buses)

2. Colectivos (City Buses)

Colectivos are yellow and blue city buses that provide a comprehensive network, covering almost every street in Buenos Aires. They operate around the clock, and their routes are numbered. Payment is made with a SUBE card.
  • Availability: Buses operate 24/
- Routes

3. - Routes

Numbered, and they cover almost all areas of the city.
  • Payment Method: Requires a SUBE card.
Taxis

4. Taxis

Taxis are available all over the city, marked with a distinctive black and yellow design. They’re metered and can be flagged down on the street or booked via phone apps. Useful for direct routes or areas harder to reach by public transport.
  • Accessibility: Readily available throughout the city.
  • Pricing: Metered fares ensure transparency.
  • Options: Can be flagged down or booked via apps.
Remises

5. Remises

Remises are private car services and can be booked for specific trips or even for a fixed hourly rate. They offer more comfort compared to regular taxis and can be prearranged with the travel destination and price agreed upon beforehand.
  • Comfort: Generally more comfortable than regular taxis.
  • Pricing: Fixed rates can be agreed on before ride.
  • Booking: Pre-arrangement required for service.
Rental Bicycles

6. Rental Bicycles

Buenos Aires has become a bike-friendly city with the introduction of rental bikes known as Ecobici. This service offers free, 24-hour access to bikes with dedicated bike lanes. It's an eco-friendly way to explore parks and neighborhoods at your own pace.
  • Cost: Free rental for limited hours daily.
  • Infrastructure: Extensive bike lanes.
  • Accessibility: Bikes available at numerous stations around city.
Walking

7. Walking

Many of Buenos Aires’ attractions are close enough to walk between, offering a scenic and economical way to explore. Some areas, like San Telmo and Palermo, are best enjoyed on foot due to the charming architecture and street life.
  • Cost: Completely free.
  • Experience: Offers a more personal and direct connection with the city.
  • Flexibility: Allows for exploration at your own pace.
Tren de la Costa

8. Tren de la Costa

A tourist train that travels along the coast of Buenos Aires. It's mainly used for leisure trips and connects to popular spots such as the Tigre Delta. The train offers scenic views and adds a pleasant twist to your travel experience.
  • Scenery: Offers unique coastal views.
  • Stops: Connects to leisure destinations like Tigre.
  • Purpose: Better for sightseeing than city commuting.
Rental Cars

9. Rental Cars

While not the most advisable for city navigation due to traffic, renting a car can be useful for trips outside the city or for more privacy. Familiar international brands and local rental companies are available.
  • Independence: Allows travel on your schedule.
  • Reach: Good for exploring areas outside Buenos Aires.
  • Traffic: Traffic can be challenging within city limits.
Uber

10. Uber

Uber operates in Buenos Aires, offering a convenient app-based way to hail a car. It provided fixed pricing before rides, eliminating surprises upon arrival. It’s especially useful for English-speaking travelers as there's no language barrier.
  • Language: App is in English, avoiding miscommunication.
  • Pricing: Fixed rates provided before starting trip.
  • Convenience: Easily booked via smartphone.
Train Services

11. Train Services

Several commuter train lines run from the city center to the suburbs, useful for trips outside the central neighborhoods. The Retiro station acts as a hub for many of these services.
  • Main Hub: Major connections occur at Retiro station.
  • Area: Ideal for reaching Buenos Aires' suburban areas.
  • Consideration: Best suited for long-distance city perimeter travel.
Vias Barco (Ferry Routes)

12. Vias Barco (Ferry Routes)

Ferries offer connections to Uruguay and are excellent for day trips out of the city. Common routes include trips to Montevideo and Colonia, departing from the riverside.
  • Destination: Enables international day trips to Uruguay.
  • Scenic: Provides a different perspective of the river and city.
  • Schedule: Requires advance booking and planning.
Buenos Aires Tour Bus

13. Buenos Aires Tour Bus

This hop-on-hop-off tourist bus stops at key attractions and neighborhoods, providing a comprehensive city overview. Narration is provided in multiple languages, enhancing the tourist experience.
  • Convenience: Covers major tourist attractions.
  • Languages: Multilingual tour narrations.
  • Flexibility: Unlimited access for a day tour.
Skateboarding

14. Skateboarding

In areas like Palermo Woods and Puerto Madero, skateboarding is both a fun and trendy way to travel short distances. These areas offer smooth pathways perfect for skaters of all levels.
  • Location: Best in smooth areas like Palermo Woods.
  • Trendy: Popular among locals and tourists alike.
  • Limited Range: Suitable for short distances only.
Scooters

15. Scooters

Electric scooter rentals provide an efficient way to travel short distances throughout neighborhoods. Companies like Lime and Grin offer this service, useful in avoiding crowded public transport.
  • Availability: Can be found in various popular spots.
  • Efficiency: Great for short hops.
  • Eco-Friendly: Little environmental impact.
Motorcycle Rentals

16. Motorcycle Rentals

Motorcycle rentals allow travelers to navigate the city quickly and freely, particularly useful for those who can handle the chaotic traffic. Rental shops offer various types of bikes according to preference or experience.
  • Speed: Offers fast travel despite traffic.
  • Licensing: Requires valid motorcycle license.
  • Skill Level: Best for experienced riders.
Carpool Services

17. Carpool Services

Apps like Carpooling allow travelers to share rides, reducing costs for long trips. It's a cost-efficient and social way to meet locals while getting around.
  • Cost: Shared expenses make it budget-friendly.
  • Social: Opportunity to meet and travel with locals.
  • Booking: Requires app and prearrangement.
Linea Belgrano Norte

18. Linea Belgrano Norte

An essential commuter rail line that extends northward, often faster than the equivalent bus route. It’s particularly beneficial for accessing suburban areas beyond the city’s bus services.
  • Route: Extends the travel reach to the northern suburbs.
  • Speed: Faster alternative to the bus for similar routes.
  • Frequency: Runs every few minutes during peak times.
Tren de la Libertad

19. Tren de la Libertad

This scenic train is used more for leisure, connecting the city to neighboring towns. It’s a way to experience the landscape of Buenos Aires province beyond the urban hustle.
  • Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of surrounding areas.
  • Purpose: Ideal for leisure rather than daily commuting.
  • Coverage: Connects to nearby towns outside Buenos Aires.
Carriage Rides

20. Carriage Rides

In areas such as Recoleta, carriage rides provide a nostalgic and charming way to see the area. It’s tourist-oriented, offering a slow-paced exploration of beautiful districts.
  • Experience: A unique and charming perspective.
  • Destination: Great way to see Recoleta.
  • Leisure: More focused on enjoyment than efficiency.
Local Ferries

21. Local Ferries

Various local ferries navigate the network of the city’s rivers and deltas. These are used mostly for leisure trips, providing a unique perspective of Buenos Aires from the water.
  • Perspective: See Buenos Aires from the waterways.
  • Function: Primarily leisure, not everyday commuting.
  • Area: Useful for visiting Tigre and surrounding islands.