Getting to Buenos Aires

You can get to Buenos Aires by land, air and water.

Air:
Aerolineas Argentinas and other international airlines have regular flights from and to Buenos Aires. Within the country, Lineas Aéreas del Estado (LADE) has an irregular schedule from various Patagonian destinations, as does Sapse. Lineas Aéreas Privadas Argentina (LAPA) flies daily flights to Buenos Aires, and Transportes Aéreos Neuquén (TAN) covers the nothern domestic routes. Be aware that flights to and from Patagonia are heavily booked in the summer. Make your reservations in advance.

International flights use Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza, about 35 km south of the city center. Domestic and flights to Uruguay use Aeroparque Jorge Newberry north of the city center. Busses, shuttle service and taxis service both airports.

TIP: Check into the Aerolineas Argentinas air pass, also valid on Austral Airlines, which allows you to fly to any city they serve on a "Visit Argentina" tour. Less expensive is the Mercosur pass which flies you to Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Use a travel agent to get the best mileage for the least expense on these passes.


Land:
Bus:
Argentina has an extensive, well-run bus system, with many companies offering service to and from the main bus terminal in Buenos Aires. Fares are by kilometer and are posted with destinations. Long distance busses are comfortable, with meal service and toilets. Some have recliner seats. If no meal service is provided, meals are available at restaurants along the way.

Bus companies Tirsa, TUS, Don Otto, Mercedes, Via Bariloche, Andesmar, TAC provide service to and from Buenos Aires, other Patagonian destinations, and other Argentine cities.

From Bolivia:
Bus to La Quiaca, walk or taxi across the border, then bus to Jujuy or Salta and points eastward. From Tarija to Bermejo, then cross the border to Aguas Blancas and on to Jujuy or Salta. From Pocitos/Yacuiba, cross the border to Tartagal and then on to Jujuy or Salta.

From Paraguay:
From Asunción, service is frequent across the Puente Internacional Ignacio to Clorinda. From Encarnación, bus across the Puente Internacional Beato Roque Gonzáz to Posadas. From Ciudad del Este, across Brazil at Foz do Iguaçu, and then to Puerto Iguazú. Bus from these border locations to Buenos Aires.

From Brazil
From Foz do Iguaçu,to Puerto Iguazú or from Uruguaina to Paso de los Libres.

From Chile:
Some of the passes over the Andes may be closed in winter, but there are multiple possibilities. The Calama-Salta use the Paso de Jama route via Jujuy. Santiago to Mendoza is a popular route with many busses as is the Temuco to San Martín de los Andes. Farther south, some of the bus routes are bus/ferry combinations such as the Valdivia to San Martín de los Andes, Puerto Montt to Bariloche via Lake Todo Los Santos, Chile Chico to Los Antiguos. There are multiple possibilities in Patagonia from Punta Arenas.

Inquire locally but be aware that the Lake District crossings are very popular and you need to book ahead during the summer months.

Train:
From Chile via Bariloche, Servicio Ferrocarril Patagonico ((Sefepa) leaves from Estación Ferrocaril Roca for Buenos Aires with stops along the way. Consult for schedule and fares at the station. From Bolivia, train from Santa Cruz connects with bus service mentioned above.

Commuter trains from Retiro, Constitución, Lacroze and Once.

Water:
Cruise Lines offer Buenos Aires as a destination. Local river crossings from Paraguay may be found at Encarnación to Posadas or from Puerto Presidente Franco to Puerto Iguazú. These are irregular sailings, so be sure to check first. There is hydrofoil service from Colonia or Montevideo in Uruguay to Dársena Norte, the port for Buenos Aires.

Around town:
Bus route maps are sold in bookstores and kiosks around town. Check the destination sign on the bus, and tell the driver where you want to get off.

The Subte, subway, is old, fast and efficient, but goes only to the what used to be the outskirts in 1913. Buy a map of the system and fichas tokens) at ticket booths. The Subte runs 5:30 am to 1:30 am weekdays, less frequently on weekends.

Taxis are plentiful as are radio taxis called remises. Tips are expected. Car rentals and bike rentals are available.

Leaving Argentina:
Departure taxes from Ezeiza airport or Dársena Norte are payable in US dollars or local currency. Check the amount beforehand.