Moving around Buenos Aires
Until recently, those planning to use the public transportation would need to get a SUBE Card. It can still be used and can be obtained at any office of Correo Argentino, kiosks and other locations, just presenting a passport or ID.
The SUBE card can be charged with credit at determined kiosks (look for the "Se Carga Sube" sign), all lottery stores, or at any subway station, and then used at the automated machines on buses and for the subway and urban trains.
Since January 2025, you can also pay for subway or bus rides in Buenos Aires with contactless Visa and Mastercard debit, credit, and prepaid cards, from cell phones or watches with NFC. Simply tap your card on the designated reader (not all the turnstiles or bus readers are operating with credit/debit card yet). The fare will be charged to your credit card account at the end of the day.
There's an extensive network of bus lines that covers the entire city and its suburbs.
Once you get on the bus, you tell the driver your destination, but it is not necessary to tell them what you want to pay with. The driver will enter the fare in the machine, and then you tap the card on the reader. One SUBE card can be used by more than one person, just tap the card once for each traveler.
With contactless cards, a cell phone, or an NFC-enabled watch: Just like with the SUBE card, hold your contactless Visa or Mastercard debit, credit, or prepaid card, or your NFC-enabled cell phone or watch against the validator until the screen indicates that the payment has been made.
You get on the bus through the front door, and get
off through the rear door. To let the driver know you want to get off,
ring the bell located at the handrails near the rear door when approaching the
desired stop.
On the bus and subway the card only has to be tapped at the start of the journey.
There are 6 lines of Subtes (subway). For maps and information about the subway, click here.
As in every crowded place in any big city, be very careful with your belongings when you travel on a subte or crowded bus.
Yellow/black taxis are very safe and available in the streets at any hour. You can hail a taxi anywhere, not just at taxi stands. When you see a taxi with a red light on (Libre) in the windshield, it means it is available. Taxis are very inexpensive for tourists. You will never spend more than $5 - 10 USD if you travel within the city. Note that taxis can only be paid in cash in Argentine Pesos.
A taxi can accommodate up to four passengers. A tip is not required but you can leave some change if you had a good service.
In the city of Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina you can also use Uber. It accepts credit or debit cards, cash, and digital wallets. Another reliable option is the App Cabify, but it only accepts accepts card payments or in-app transactions.
For transportation from Ezeiza Airport into the city you can take Uber, or hire a taxi at one of the stands inside the airport, like Taxi Ezeiza. Just don't hail a taxi at the curb outside the airport since those are not very safe.
For more peace of mind, you can also hire a private "remise" car and the driver will be waiting for you on arrival, holding a sign with your name. You can contact me and I'll make the arrangements for you with a reliable company.
