Getting around Buenos Aires is an adventure in itself. The city moves fast, traffic is chaotic, and you’ll waste time (and patience) figuring it out if you don’t know the system. But locals? They navigate public transport like a well-rehearsed routine. Buenos Aires has one of the most extensive and affordable public transport networks in Latin America, but if you don’t know how to use it efficiently, you’ll end up frustrated, overcharged, or stranded. This guide cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly how to use public transportation in Buenos Aires: what you need to know to take the subte, a colectivo, a train, or even a bike to move around the city like a porteño.
If you’re planning to use public transport in Buenos Aires without a SUBE card, stop right there. You can’t. Buenos Aires ditched cash payments years ago, and now, the only way to board a bus, subway, or train is with a SUBE (Sistema Único de Boleto Electrónico) card. No card? No ride.
You can get a SUBE card at kiosks, subway stations, or authorized retailers—look for the blue-and-white SUBE sticker. It costs around ARS 1,000 (prices fluctuate, so check the official SUBE website for updates), and you’ll need to load it with credit before your first trip. Recharging is easy: you can top up at kiosks, SUBE terminals, or online through apps like MercadoPago. But don’t assume every kiosk has credit available—locals know to keep their cards loaded to avoid last-minute panic.
If you need to get across Buenos Aires fast, the subte (subway) is your best bet. It’s the oldest subway system in Latin America, dating back to 1913, but despite its age, it remains the quickest way to avoid the city’s relentless traffic.
Buenos Aires’ subway network consists of six lines (A, B, C, D, E, and H), all radiating from the city center. Most tourists will use Line D (which passes through Palermo, Recoleta, and downtown) or Line B (which runs along Corrientes Avenue, a nightlife hotspot).
To ride, you need a SUBE card—no cash, no paper tickets. Tap your card at the turnstile, and you’re in.
Buses—or colectivos, as locals call them—are the backbone of Buenos Aires’ public transport. They run 24/7, cover almost every city corner, and are the preferred choice for most porteños. Unlike subways, colectivos don’t have fixed schedules. They run on estimated frequencies, which means a bus might show up in two minutes or twenty. That’s why locals use apps like Cómo Llego or Google Maps, which give real-time arrival estimates. Still, expect some unpredictability—this is Buenos Aires, after all.
One last tip: buses only accept exact change via SUBE, and you cannot pay with cash. If your card runs out of credit mid-ride, don’t expect sympathy: some drivers might let it slide, but most won’t. Play it safe and keep your SUBE topped up.
Most visitors overlook Buenos Aires’ train system, assuming it’s outdated or unreliable. That’s a mistake. While the subte (subway) and buses dominate daily commutes, trains are an excellent alternative—especially for getting out of the city center fast. They are the fastest way to reach Buenos Aires’ outer districts and nearby towns. If you’re heading to Tigre, San Isidro, or La Plata, forget about colectivos—trains get you there in less than half the time. Another advantage? They’re cheaper than long bus rides and avoid city traffic.
Buenos Aires has several train lines, each serving different areas of the metropolitan region. The most useful for visitors include:
At some point, you’ll need a taxi or ride-share in Buenos Aires. Maybe you’re heading home late at night, carrying luggage, or just don’t feel like dealing with public transport while heading to an Argentine parrilla. The good news? You have plenty of options. The bad news? Taxi scams are common, and if you don’t know how to avoid them, you’re an easy target.
| Use a Taxi When… | Use a Ride-Share When… |
| You’re hailing a cab on the street (easiest in tourist areas). | You prefer fixed prices with no risk of getting overcharged. |
| You need a ride immediately and don’t want to wait. | You want a safer, trackable ride. |
| You’re going to a non-touristy area where ride-sharing coverage is weaker. | You want to pay by card (most taxis only take cash). |
Buenos Aires has multiple ride-sharing apps, but they don’t all work the same way:
If you want a cheap, efficient, and (mostly) hassle-free way to get around Buenos Aires, biking is a solid choice. The city has been pushing for more bike-friendly infrastructure, and while it’s far from perfect, it’s good enough for short commutes—if you know what you’re doing.
Buenos Aires has a free public bike system called Ecobici, available to both locals and tourists. The catch? It’s not as smooth as it sounds. Here’s what you need to know before relying on it:
If Ecobici isn’t cutting it, you can always rent a bike from a private shop, which gives you better quality bikes and zero time limits to enjoy all the food and activities the city has to offer.
Buenos Aires isn’t a city where you can just “figure things out” as you go. Locals follow unspoken rules, and breaking them will make you stand out—in a bad way. Avoid these classic tourist mistakes:
Buenos Aires rewards those who pay attention. The city’s transport system isn’t the most polished, but it’s fast, cheap, and—when used correctly—efficient. If you master the SUBE card, know when to take a bus over the subway, and avoid taxi scams, you’ll move through Buenos Aires like someone who belongs here. A final word of advice? Be flexible. Schedules are loose, buses might take unexpected detours, and sometimes the best option is just to walk. But with a little patience (and the right apps), you’ll have no problem getting around—and maybe even enjoy the ride.
