Let’s talk about public transport in Buenos Aires: how to get around the city, where to buy a public transport card – the SUBE card – and how to use it. I’ll cover the bus, subway (metro system), and suburban trains in Buenos Aires. Be sure to check out my other articles on getting around the city by bike or taxi.
Read also: how to use a taxi in Buenos Aires – tips and tricks
Buenos Aires Public Transport in a Nutshell
How to use public transport in Buenos Aires?
- Buy a contactless SUBE-card in a metro station, kiosko or train station. (USD 1,00)
- Top up the card with cash money. This can be done where you bought the card or stores with the sign “Carga SUBE Aqui”.
- Take the bus, subway or suburban train. Say your destination to the bus driver. Not necessary when taking the subway or suburban train.
- Average price per ride: USD 0,50
Why should you use public transport in Buenos Aires?
We are not exaggerating when I say that you can get everywhere with public transport. Buenos Aires has a very extensive bus network supported by the metro. Also, it’s a cheap way to get around in Buenos Aires and you will come into more contact with local life.
The SUBE-card: where to buy it?
The SUBE card is a contactless reloadable card used for all buses, trains, and subways in Buenos Aires. Keep in mind: cash payments to drivers are not accepted!
You’ll need a SUBE card before using the bus or subway. Arriving at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport? Great! But first, you’ll need some Argentine pesos in cash. In my article “The Best Places to Change Your Money in Buenos Aires,” I explain where to exchange currency at Ezeiza airport. Once that’s sorted, head back to the arrival hall, and on your left, you’ll find a kiosko where you can purchase a SUBE card for about USD 1.00.
At the same kiosko, you’ll spot a yellow machine with a touchscreen. Place your SUBE card on the reader, insert some peso bills, and load credit onto your card.
In Buenos Aires city is best heading to the Obelico subway station to buy a SUBE card. You will have more chance there due to a shortage of SUBE cards.
Tip: Planning to rely solely on public transport in Buenos Aires? Expect to spend around USD 2.50 per day. Be sure to top up enough credit for your stay to save time!
The subway in Buenos Aires
The Buenos Aires underground system consists of six lines, making it an efficient way to reach most of the city’s popular attractions. On weekdays, the subway operates from 5:30 to 23:30. On Saturdays, service runs 30 minutes later until midnight, while on Sundays, it operates from 8:00 to 22:30.
The subway offers convenient connections to key neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Microcentro (including Plaza de Mayo and the Presidential Palace).
Some tips when using the subway in Buenos Aires:
- Carry your bag in front of your body. Be aware of pickpocketers.
- Avoid using the metro between 07:30 – 09:00 and 17:00 – 18:30. (Rush hour)
- In the subway trains, you may encounter people selling small items like candy. They often place the item on your lap if you’re seated. If you’re not interested in buying, simply leave it there—they’ll come back shortly to collect it or leave it on the seat. Alternatively, you can politely say, “No, thank you,” when you see them approaching.
Use the bus in Buenos Aires
Taking a bus in Buenos Aires is not much different from other cities. However, you’ll quickly notice buses are everywhere! The best part is that you’ll rarely wait more than 10 minutes for a bus, as they operate both day and night.
First, you’ll need to find the bus line that goes to your destination. We recommend downloading the Transit app for your phone: https://transitapp.com. It’s the most comprehensive app with live tracking. To make it even easier, consider getting a local SIM card in Buenos Aires. Check out our guide on where to buy a SIM card—it’s practical and straightforward!
- Find the correct line to your destination
- Wait in line at the bus stop (a common thing to do in Argentina)
- Say to the bus driver your destination
- Scan your SUBE-card at the card reader terminal
Suburban train in Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, there is also the suburban train network. The train is cheap and well-maintained.
Going to Tigre
You will need to take a suburban train when you want to go to Tigre. The line is called “Mitre”. It will take you one hour to arrive in Tigre. The train departs in Retiro train station. First
Going to El Palomar airport
Also, the train will bring you to El Palomar airport. The hub for FlyBondi and JetSmart. Take the “San Martin” line up to your destination in around 45-50 minutes. Departing from Retiro train station.
18 Comments
I believe that I need my passport to obtain a SUBE card. Is that true?
Hi Ian, I never had to give my passport nor a national ID to get a SUBE card. But keep it with you in case that the rules changed last minute.
We will arrive Buenos Aires CruiseTerminal in a few days. Can you let us know where to get the SUBE card near the cruise terminal?
The nearest location will be Retiro train station. Have a nice stay!
It’s 2 January 2024 and I got one at first Kiosko I visited, next to Obelisco. Not sure if I got lucky or the problem is fixed!
Oh super to hear that! Will check some kiosko’s too. Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy your stay in Buenos Aires 🙂
Thanks so much for your detailed info on this website, Glenn! I’ve been to BA and still have my SUBE from my 2019 trip. I’m visiting again with a friend in December ’23. If it’s hard to get the card since 2021, is it possible to load more money on my SUBE and use it with my friend?
Yes of course. I still use the same SUBE card since I arrived here in 2017 🙂
Glad we can use the same SUBE card since it might be hard to get one for my friend after reading some other comments. Thanks for your help again!
Went all over Bariloche and a few places in Buenos Aires and still can’t get my hands on a SUBE card. Any idea where to get one in Jan 2023?
Hi Rachel, since 2021 it is a problem to get a SUBE card. Even locals have problems.
Hi Glenn, could you confirm whether it’s still possible to get SUBE card at the airport? And if it’s not available what are the alternatives to use public transportation in BA?
Hi, at the airport it will be difficult to find. Last time there were SUBE cards available in the major train stations Retiro and Constitution. There are no alternatives to use the public transport as the sube card is required to enter the busses or underground.
Hi, Glenn:
Thank you for your effort and time to help the visitors! May God bless you!
We will take a Celebrity cruise on 2/25/2023. We will be arriving at EZE airport on at 10:45a Saturday 2/25/23 via AA. Will you please provide the least expensive way or the best way to the Cruise terminal, Pureto NuevoTerminal De Pasajeros , Terminal 3 in details for us? Thank you very much!
Susan
Hi Susan, wishing you already an amazing cruise. You can book your transfer here and select “Buenos Aires Port”. That’s the only cruise terminal in Buenos Aires. A driver will wait for you in the arrival hall and guide you to the car. An easy transfer and not the most expensive. However, for me the most convenient one. 🙂
Asking questions are truly good thing if you are not understanding anything totally, but this
article offers nice understanding even.
Extremely useful information, so far the most comprehensive available in one stop. Definitely helping me tons with my upcoming trip in October 2019! Cheers
Thank you Karen! It’s a kind compliment. Enjoy your trip in October 😉