City Transportation In Buenos Aires

Taxis

Taxis in Buenos Aires are black with the roof painted yellow, they roam the city streets 24 hours a day and you can either flag them on the streets or call them for a pick up (Radio Taxis). Every taxi carries a digital clock that shows the exact amount of money you have to pay. You can notice if a taxi is available when a small red flag-light in the inside is on and says LIBRE. The initial meter rate is $4.60, and it increases 0,46 cents every 200 meters.



Buses or Colectivos

Buenos Aires has a large network of buses, locally called "Colectivos". There are 144 lines, each one identified with a number and different colors. The ticket is paid on the bus with coins ONLY. There are different fares depending on the length of your trip, while the minimum fare is $0.80. Once you get on the bus you must tell the driver your destination and he will enter the amount on the ticket machine located next to the driver, where you have to insert the money (only in coins). The machine prints a receipt as proof of payment, do not throw away the receipt until you get off the bus. If you don't have the exact fare, wait until the machine gives you the change. Bus stops are usually within two to three blocks and most lines operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Late night services are less frequent. Once you are ready to get off, go towards the back of the bus, ring the bell that is on top of the back door and wait for the bus to stop.



The bus service called "Diferencial" is basically the same as the regular; same route, same color, same number, only with the sign DIFERENCIAL, but it has less stops (like an express bus) and it costs almost double.


Remises (Car Service)

Remises are similar to taxis but they are private cars, (no specific colors or signs) and you do not flag them on the streets; you have to request them by telephone or in person at the "Remiserias". Also, the price of the trip is pre arranged, meaning that you know exactly how much you will pay when you tell the operator what your destination is. This transportation is very safe, it is cheaper than taxis and they will always take the fastest route, unlike many taxis that prefer to drive you around in order to charge you more. The "remiserias" or "agencias de remise" are small offices or store fronts located throughout the city.



Subway

The subway system is very reliable and it covers the center and the outskirts of the city with a combined route of 46 kilometers and 80 stations. There are five lines identified with letters (A, B, C, D and E) and it's, undoubtedly, the fastest way to move around the city. This subway system was the first in existence in Latin America, and it is still likely to see some of the original wooden cars still running in line A (soon to be sent to a museum). The subway system runs Monday to Friday from 6am to 10pm. and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 6am to 8pm. The price is $ 0.70.



Trains

There are four Train Terminals that connect the Capital Federal with the suburbs and the rest of the country; and they are: Retiro, Constitución, Once and Federico Lacroze.



Retiro: Av. Libertador & Av. Dr. Ramos Mejía. This terminal has three suburban lines: Bartolomé Mitre, Manuel Belgrano and San Martín and it is the starting point of many out of state routes heading north.

Constitución: Av. Caseros and Lima. This terminal links the city center with suburban Buenos Aires and out of state lines heading south.

Once: Av. Pueyrredón y Bartolomé Mitre. This terminal links the city center with suburban Buenos Aires and out of state lines heading west.



Federico Lacroze: Av. Federico Lacroze y Av. Corrientes. This terminal is located across the Chacarita cemetery and is the main station of the suburban line General Urquiza that links the Chacarita neighborhood with many suburban towns heading northeast



Long Distance Buses, Retiro Terminal

This terminal is located next to the Retiro Train Terminal and it houses dozens of private bus companies that connect Buenos Aires with the rest of Argentina and neighboring countries. There are two types of services: "común" and "diferencial". The "común" or regular is cheaper and you do not get a numbered seat when you buy it, while the diferencial is a little more expensive but it is more comfortable, with wider seats and sometimes you get free snacks. Fares are relatively inexpensive and it is recommended to buy the tickets with at least a week in advance. During the summer season it gets very crowded and tickets are sold out pretty soon.



Maritime

Ferry services are a very popular transportation for short distance trips to Uruguay. These are a few companies that provide fast and convenient service to the cities of Colonia and Montevideo:



Buquebus: Av. Córdoba y Eduardo Madero 4316-6500

Cacciola S.A: Florida 520 P. 1 Of. 113 4393-6100

Ferrytur: Av. Córdoba 699 Dep. Turismo 4315-6800



Rent-a-Car

There are many rent-a-car companies in the city with offices at the airport and in the city center. Check with Avis (www.avis.com), or Hertz (www.hertz.com) for availability and prices.



Drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid drivers license and an international credit card. The average rate for a standard car per day is between $80 and $150 with unlimited mileage.



Highways are in good conditions, are wide, have fast lanes and toll booths It is mandatory to use the seatbelt and turning at a red light is prohibited unless otherwise stated.