Looking for Your Definitive Buenos Aires Transit Guide (w/ tips for using it with kids)?
- Trevor Lawrence
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Buenos Aires Transit Guide: Getting Around Argentina’s Capital
Buenos Aires is a sprawling city. Get to know the Subte (Metro). It's pretty efficient! We've even included a bit of info about the short ferry ride to Colonia, Paraguay, you know, so you can count it on your country tally.
Special Considerations for Parents
Strollers: Subte has elevators in major stations but many are nonfunctional; buses can be tight.
Baby Wearing: Easier on Subte and in crowded streets/markets.
Car Seats: Rare in taxis; bring your own if needed. Be sure to bring a car seat that can be secured with seat belts.
Safety: Avoid flashing valuables when boarding crowded transport.
Public Transit Overview
Mode | What It Covers | Notes |
Subte (Metro) | 6 lines (A–E and H) covering central and outlying areas | Fast and affordable, especially useful for commuting hours. |
Colectivos (Buses) | Over 180 lines across the city | Extensive coverage; color-coded buses run 24/7 on main routes. |
Trains | Suburban connections and farther city outskirts | Useful for day trips or budget regional travel. |
Taxis | Citywide; can be hailed on street or called | Must be clearly marked. Fares are metered and inexpensive. |
Ride-Hailing | Uber, Cabify, DiDi | Uber is cheaper but technically not legal (still widely used). |
Biking | EcoBici public bike program | Free for short rides. Dedicated bike lanes in key areas. |
Ticketing & Fares (2025)
Ticket Type | ARS Price (approx.) | USD Price (approx.) | Notes |
Subte Single Ride | ARS 125 | ~$0.80 | Requires SUBE card |
Bus Ride (Colectivo) | ARS 75–125 | ~$0.50–$0.80 | Fare depends on distance |
Train Ride | ARS 100–160 | ~$0.65–$1.00 | For travel to outer districts |
SUBE Card | ARS 730 | ~$4.80 | Required for all public transit (one card per group is fine) |
How to Get a SUBE Card
Purchase at kioskos (convenience shops), Subte stations, or train terminals.
Can be recharged at stations or with the "Carga SUBE" app.
Ticket Activation & Use
Tap your SUBE card at turnstiles in Subte or upon boarding buses.
One card can be used for multiple passengers—just tap once per person.
Getting from Ezeiza Airport (EZE) to the City
It's not cheap thanks to the pretty big distance between airport and city center, but taxi and ride-hailing are the way to go, esp when traveling with kids. If you're traveling a bit lighter and want to save some cash, Tienda León is very easy to grab.
Method | Price (ARS/USD) | Time | Notes |
Taxi (official) | ARS 10,000–13,000 / ~$65–$85 | 45–60 min | Use airport taxi stand or book via Taxi Ezeiza. |
Ride-Hailing | ARS 6,000–9,000 / ~$40–$60 | 45–60 min | Uber operates despite legal grey zone. |
Shuttle (Tienda León) | ARS 3,000 / ~$20 | ~1 hour | Shared van to main terminals (Retiro, Puerto Madero). |
Public Bus | Not recommended | 1.5–2 hours | Complicated with luggage; not direct. |
Useful Apps & Maps
Travel Like a Local
Rush hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM) are very crowded—travel off-peak when possible.
Keep coins or small bills handy when topping up SUBE at kiosks.
EcoBici is free, but you need to register online or via app: https://ecobici.buenosaires.gob.ar
Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
Almost forgot. Just across the Río de la Plata, Colonia makes for a perfect day trip. This charming UNESCO-listed town offers cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and a relaxed pace—ideal for families or anyone needing a breather from the bustle of Buenos Aires.
Ferry Operator | Duration | Price (USD approx.) | Notes |
Buquebus | ~1 hr | ~$65–$90 roundtrip | Most luxurious option with onboard services |
Colonia Express | ~1 hr 15m | ~$50–$70 roundtrip | Cheaper, slightly less frequent |
Seacat | ~1 hr | ~$55–$75 roundtrip | Often codeshares with Buquebus |
Passport required for international travel.
Ferries leave from Puerto Madero terminal—easily reached by taxi or Subte (Line B).
Tickets can be booked online. Book early for weekends or holidays.
WS&T Family Tip: Consider Tienda León shuttles or arranging a private transfer from the airport if traveling with young children and lots of gear. Once in the city, the Subte is a fast friend—as long as you avoid rush hour(s).
While subject to change due to construction, schedule and route issues, we do our best to keep the Buenos Aires transit guide (with kids) up to date. Let us know if you see something that needs revision, or notice any glaring issues with our memory of the system.
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