Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Argentina.

National Trains [Trenes]

• Long-distance operators — Tren Argentino (Ruta del Vino, Tren a las Nubes) and Ferrocarriles Argentinos offer scenic overnight journeys across the country. Book directly through their websites or via agencies; prices are reasonable but seats fill quickly during holidays.
• Comfort vs. budget — First-class sleeper cars include meals and better amenities, while tourist trains prioritize experience over speed. Standard long-distance trains are slower but significantly cheaper than flying for Buenos Aires–Mendoza or similar routes.
• Strikes (paros) occasionally disrupt train schedules with little notice; check local news before traveling and have backup plans for connections.
• Book in advance — Tickets for popular routes (especially Tren a las Nubes to Salta) should be purchased 2–4 weeks ahead through official websites or authorized agents.

City Metro & Buses [Subte & Colectivos]

• Buenos Aires Subte — The subway system (Lines A–H) is fast, cheap, and covers most central areas. Use the SUBE card (rechargeable) available at kiosks; a single trip costs around 12 ARS (2024 price) and is far cheaper than taxis.
• Colectivos (buses) — Buses connect every neighborhood and are the backbone of local transit; tap your SUBE card when boarding. Routes are numbered and stops are marked; apps like Moovit or Google Maps show real-time arrivals.
• Rush-hour buses and trains are extremely crowded; watch your belongings closely and avoid displaying valuables, as pickpocketing is common on packed services.
• Regional buses — Cities like Córdoba, Rosario, and Mendoza have local bus networks; fares are typically 10–20 ARS and SUBE or cash cards work in most systems.
• Overnight buses may be targets for theft; keep bags with you and avoid sleeping deeply; use locked luggage compartments when available.

Taxis & Ride Apps [Taxis & Apps]

• Official black taxis — White-roofed black taxis in Buenos Aires are metered and regulated; flag one down on the street or call a radio taxi service (like Radio Taxi 4373 4000). Fares are transparent and relatively affordable.
• Uber & Cabify — Both apps operate in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and other major cities with fixed prices shown upfront. They're reliable for airport transfers and evening travel when street taxis are scarce.
• Unregistered taxis ('remises') from unofficial drivers pose safety and scam risks; never enter unmarked vehicles or agree to fares without a meter running.
• Remis (safe alternative) — Pre-booked private cars (remis) are safer than flagging taxis and cost only slightly more; hotels and restaurants can call one for you.
• Airport taxi scams target tourists; use official taxi booths in the terminal or pre-book a remis; avoid drivers who approach you outside arrivals.

Driving [Auto]

• License & documents — You must carry a valid passport, driver's license (IDP recommended), car registration, and proof of insurance. Argentine police conduct frequent checkpoints; fines for missing documents start at 500 ARS.
• Driving in Argentina is chaotic; traffic laws are often ignored, speed limits are poorly marked, and accidents are frequent. Avoid night driving outside major highways due to poor visibility and robbery risks.
• Car rental — Major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) operate at airports and city centers; rates are moderate but third-party liability insurance is mandatory and often expensive—negotiate or use a credit card that covers it.
• Fuel & tolls — Fuel (nafta) is sold by the liter at stations; highways have tolls (peajes) payable in cash or with a TELEPASE device (ask rental companies for one). Keep receipts for disputed charges.
• Parking in cities is risky; use guarded lots (estacionamiento) rather than street parking, especially at night. Car theft and break-ins are common in Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
• Road conditions — Main routes (Ruta 9, Ruta 5) are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be unpaved or poorly lit. Check weather forecasts before long trips, especially in winter or Patagonia.

Airports [Aeropuertos]

• Ministro Pistarini (EZE) — Buenos Aires' primary international airport is 35 km south; buses (Tienda León, BA Less) run every 30 minutes for ~20 ARS, or taxis/Uber cost 800–1200 ARS (book ahead to avoid scams).
• Aeroparque (AEP) — Domestic and some regional flights use this airport 4 km north; it's closer to the city center and accessible by bus (colectivo 45) or 10-minute taxi ride for ~150 ARS.
• Domestic flights — Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, and LATAM serve regional routes; book online in advance and arrive 2 hours early. Baggage allowance is typically 1 carry-on and 1 checked bag (23 kg).
• Airport exchange rates are poor; withdraw pesos at ATMs in the terminal or use credit cards. Duty-free shops are expensive; buy essentials outside the airport.
• Regional airports — Córdoba (COR), Rosario (ROS), Mendoza (MDZ), and Salta (SLA) have smaller terminals with fewer crowds; local transport from these airports is usually cheap and straightforward.

Ferries [Ferries]

• Buenos Aires to Colonia (Uruguay) — Ferries run daily between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento (1 hour fast ferry or 3 hours slower ferry). Buquebus and Seacat operate the routes; book online to save 10–20% and avoid peak weekend crowds.
• Buenos Aires to Montevideo — A slower overnight ferry option (10–14 hours) is cheaper than flying but less comfortable; book through Buquebus if you prefer a leisurely trip.
• Documentation — You must have a valid passport to cross to Uruguay; ensure it doesn't expire within 6 months of travel.
• Patagonian ferries — Ferries in southern Patagonia (Lago Argentino, Beagle Channel) are primarily tourist attractions; book through tour operators or Hielo y Aventura for glacier and wildlife tours.

Tickets & Passes [Tarjetas & Boletos]

• SUBE card — This rechargeable contactless card works on subways, buses, and trains in Buenos Aires and several other cities. Buy at kiosks (50 ARS) and load credit at the same places or ticket machines; it cuts costs by 20% vs. single tickets.
• Tourist passes — Buenos Aires offers 24-hour and 72-hour tourist SUBE cards with unlimited subway/bus rides; these are better value than single trips if you plan heavy transit use.
• Long-distance bus tickets — Purchase through agencies (like Ticketbus or Viajesbus), travel company websites, or bus terminals. Buses within Argentina (e.g., Buenos Aires to Mendoza, 15 hours) cost 60–150 ARS depending on comfort class.
• Buying tickets directly from drivers or unofficial resellers risks overcharging or seat disputes; always use official channels or reputable agencies.
• Train tickets — Book directly via Ferrocarriles Argentinos (trenesdelsur.com.ar) or Tren Argentino websites; cheaper than going to terminals in person and you get advance discounts.

Connectivity & SIM [Móviles & Internet]

• Local SIM cards — Movistar, Claro, and Personal are the main providers; buy a SIM at airports, kiosks, or carrier shops for ~100 ARS and top up with prepaid credit. Tourist plans include data and calls and are cheaper than roaming.
• 4G coverage — 4G/LTE is reliable in cities and major highways; rural areas and Patagonia may drop to 3G or have dead zones. Data plans typically cost 50–300 ARS/month depending on usage.
• WiFi availability — Free WiFi is common in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and shopping malls in cities; ask for the password (contraseña) at the counter. Speeds are often slow, so download offline maps beforehand.
• Public WiFi networks are not encrypted; avoid banking or sensitive transactions on unprotected networks. Use a VPN if accessing financial apps in cafés or terminals.
• eSIM option — Some carriers (Claro, Movistar) offer eSIM activation for international travelers; set it up before arrival via their apps to save time at the airport.
• Mobile payment apps — WhatsApp and Telegram are ubiquitous for messaging and calls over data. MercadoPago and Ualá are popular for mobile payments; many vendors still prefer cash.