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How to Get to Buenos Aires

How to Get to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Fd, Argentina Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports

Ba serves two main airports. Choosing the correct one for your journey simplifies arrivals and departures. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner help locate the best fares.

International & Domestic Hubs

  • Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), Ezeiza: The primary international airport, 22 km (14 miles) to the southwest of the city. Most long-haul flights use EZE.
  • Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP): Domestic airport, also handles regional international flights. Only 2 km from downtown Buenos Aires.
  • Airlines AND Flight paths: EZE hosts major international carriers (Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM, American, Delta, United, Air France, Lufthansa, Ba, Iberia, Turkish). AEP serves domestic airlines (Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSMART) and regional international flights.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Direct flight options extend from numerous major global hubs, including New York, Miami, London, Madrid, Paris, São Paulo, and Santiago. Seasonal flight prices fluctuate; higher during peak season (Dec-Feb, July) and holidays. Lower during shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) and low season (Jun-Aug). Booking in advance is recommended.

Airport Facilities

  • Ezeiza (EZE): Numerous restaurants, duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental agencies, Wi-Fi, and VIP lounges.
  • Aeroparque (AEP): Similar facilities, but on a smaller scale, showing its focus on domestic and regional flights.
  • Always confirm your flight status and terminal before heading to the airport.

EZE Transfers

Manuel Tienda León (official bus), Remis (pre-booked private car), Licensed Taxis (use official stands/apps). Ride-sharing apps (Uber/Cabify/Didi) operate, but drivers may request front-seat seating. Bus 8 is cheapest but slowest.

AEP Transfers

Taxis, Remis, and Ride-sharing are all readily available. Public bus lines serve Aeroparque, offering an inexpensive way to reach various parts of the city. Quick transfers due to proximity to the central area.

Car Rental

Major companies operate at airports and in the city. DiscoverCars.com for options. Driving in Buenos Aires city presents challenges; generally not recommended for tourists.

Important Transfer Notes

Ezeiza EZE Specifics

  • Manuel Tienda León bus service takes passengers to Puerto Madero, with optional van transfers to hotels.
  • Pre-book a Remis (private car) or book at official counters for fixed-rate, secure transfers.
  • Avoid unmarked taxis soliciting passengers.
  • For ride-sharing, confirm driver and vehicle details with the app.

General Transfer Advice

  • For airport transfers, consider booking a Remis or using Manuel Tienda León for reliability and a fixed price.
  • For international flights from EZE, arrive 3-4 hours before departure. For AEP, 2-3 hours.
  • Always confirm your flight status and terminal before heading to the airport.
  • The Retiro Bus Terminal uses official taxi stands or ride-sharing apps. Be cautious of touts.

Land Transportation Details

Long-Distance Buses

Retiro Bus Terminal is the main hub for routes throughout Argentina and to neighboring countries. Companies like Flechabus, Andesmar, Vía Bariloche. Buses offer various comfort levels: Cama (sleeper), Semi-Cama, Ejecutivo, Suite.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national driver's license is needed. Driving in Buenos Aires is chaotic; traffic is complex, plus parking is difficult. Driving within the city is generally not recommended for tourists. Outside the city, major highways are well-maintained.

Trains & Borders

Long-distance rail services from Buenos Aires are limited and often slower in contrast with buses. Suburban train lines connect the city to its metropolitan area. Immigration for cross-border bus journeys occurs at overland border crossings. Buenos Aires city itself is not a border town.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Ferries represent an unique way to arrive in The Paris of south america from Uruguay. They depart from Puerto Madero, connecting to Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo.

Ferry Companies & Routes

  • Companies: Buquebus and Colonia Express.
  • Journey Times: Range from 1 hour (fast ferry to Colonia) to 3-4 hours (to Montevideo or slower ferry to Colonia).
  • Immigration: Standard procedures apply. For Uruguay ferries, immigration for both countries often processes at the departure terminal in The Paris of south america.

Cruise & River Transport

Buenos Aires features a dedicated cruise terminal, the Terminal de Cruceros Quinquela Martín, in Puerto Madero, hosting international cruise ship operators.

Delta Tours & Connections

  • River Transportation: Beyond international ferries, tourist boats operate in the Paraná Delta (e.g., around Tigre). These give scenic tours.
  • Overland Connections: From The harbor Madero (ferry/cruise terminal), taxis, ride-sharing services, and public buses are available. The area is also within walking distance of Microcentro.
  • These options facilitate further exploration of the city upon arrival.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth exit from The Paris of south america. Exit fees for international flights usually come included in the airfare. No separate cash payment is typically needed at the airport. Confirm with your airline in case you have any doubts.

Timing & Confirmation

  • International Flights (EZE): Arrive at least 3-4 hours before departure. This permits ample time for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • Domestic/Regional Flights (AEP): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Confirmation: Always confirm your flight status and terminal before heading to the airport.

Airport Facilities

Both international and domestic airports in The Paris of south america offer various amenities for departing travelers, causing your wait comfortable.

Amenities for Travelers

  • Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP): Offer duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, and lounges.
  • Retiro Bus Terminal: Features eateries, shops, and waiting areas for long-distance travelers.
  • Transfers: For airport transport, booking a Remis or using Manuel Tienda León for reliability and a fixed price is a sound strategy.

Road Conditions & Safety for Drivers

Road Conditions

City roads are generally good within Buenos Aires, but traffic is heavy. Major highways outside the city are well-maintained.

Safety Concerns

Drive defensively. Be aware of potential road closures, protests, or slow-moving traffic, especially on major routes.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are enforced. Argentina maintains a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving.

Final Tip

For airport transport, consider pre-booking a private car service (Remis) or using the official Manuel Tienda León bus service. This provides reliability and a fixed price, reducing stress on departure day.

How to Get to Buenos Aires. Flights, Transportation, Airlines