Getting to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is connected with points in the interior of Argentina, with other South American countries and with the rest of the world through an extended transport system.  This system includes highways, cruise and ferry ports, two airports (one for international and one for domestic flights), rail lines and bus services.  For visitors arriving by air, there is a passenger transport terminal located less than a mile from the centre of the city.

By car

Driving in Argentina involves long distances and other than the main highways, roads are often not well maintained. The ‘A’ roads are motorways (autopistas) and the ‘R’ roads are normal routes (rutas). All of the main roads are toll roads. Some sample driving times to Buenos Aires are:  from Córdoba, 9 hours; Mendoza, 17 hours; Puerto Iguazú, 20 hours; and Ushuaia (Patagonia), 30 hours.

By rail

There are InterCity trains servicing a number of routes, run by a number of different operators. Train travel in Argentina is experiencing a revival, as the government intends to re-establish long-distance passenger services linking all major cities. You can find route and schedule information online (in Spanish only) at: www.sateliteferroviario.com.ar/horarios/. You will find that there are a number of stations scattered around the city, offering services from different starting points, with different companies.

From Chile, you can travel to Buenos Aires via Bariloche (Argentina). Servicio Ferrocarril Patagonico leaves from Estación Ferrocaril Roca for Buenos Aires, with stops enroute. From Bolivia, trains from Santa Cruz connect with bus services.

By bus

Most long-distance buses arrive at the large, but well-organised Estación Terminal de Omnibus at Retiro Station, which is located on the city centre’s northern edge. The buses are usually modern and there is frequent service to most parts of the country. There are also international buses to neighbouring countries. The subway (subte) has a stop here and there are many local buses which stop outside the station as well. The information number for bus service is: +54 11 4310 0700.

By ferry

Daily ferry services are available to and from Colonia and Montevideo, in Uruguay. There are two companies offering the service: Buquebus comes in to the Puerto Madero terminal (tel: +54 11 4316-6400/6500/6550); and Ferrytour operates from the Dársena Norte terminal (tel: +54 11 4311 4700).

By air

International flights arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini, known as Ezeiza, after the suburb in which it is located. It’s about 20 miles southwest of the city centre; about a 45-minute ride by car. Flights from neighbouring Uruguay and starting points around Argentina use the domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbury, in the Costanera Norte district, which is about 10 minutes from the city centre by car.

Buenos Aires Airport

The international airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza (EZE) is served by most international airlines and is the main hub for Argentina’s two largest carriers.

The airport has three terminals: Terminal A is the main international terminal; Terminal B is the Aerolineas Argentinas terminal; and Terminal C is the national terminal. Free shuttle service is provided between terminals A and B. Shopping, ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants, pharmacies, internet service and tourist information services are all available at the airport.

If you are arriving from the interior of the country or from neighbouring countries, you will come in to Jorge Newbery Airport, located in the north coastal area of the city, less than 10 minutes away from the centre by car.

Flight information for both airports can be found on: www.aa2000.com.ar; or by calling: +54 11 5480 6111.

Buenos Aires airport transportation

Municipal taxis are available outside the Arrivals area, at authorised taxi ranks. Chauffeured services are offered by Transfer Express and Manuel Tienda Leon between Ezieza and the city centre; and VIP Car is a luxury transport option.

Buses operate every 30 minutes, taking about 45 minutes to reach the city. There is also a local bus (number 86) that operates between the Plaza de Mayo, in the centre, and the airport. Fares are quite cheap, but be sure to have the correct change. The trip is long and not very comfortable. By car, follow the General Ricchieri Expressway north of the city for around 18 miles and then take the turnoff for avenue 9 de Julio.