This article deals with how to get from AEP or Aeroparque Jorge Newbery to Buenos Aires using ground transportion. There is another Buenos Airport called Ezeiza (EZE), which this article does not deal with.
I flew to Buenos Aires via Sāo Paulo:
Read my Latam Buenos Aires to Sāo Paulo flight review.
Find out what Immigration & Customs are like at Buenos Aires Airport (AEP)
Taxi from AEP to Buenos Aires
AEP (Jorge Newbery Airport) is located around 9 kilometres or 6 miles from the centre of Buenos Aires. The city of Buenos Aires has a population of 15 million and is the second biggest city in South America. However, most visitors and tourists stay in well-known neighbourhoods. The centre is known as Microcentro, where the main shopping streets and hotels are located. Nearby tourist-friendly districts include Recoleta, Palermo, Retiro and San Telmo.
The typical cost of a taxi to Microcentro is ARS $1800-2200.
Can I use Uber or Cabify at Buenos Aires Airport?
In short, yes you can. As with using apps at any airport, wait until all your party are through Immigration & Customs and you have all your bags before you organise your pick-up. There are different pick-up points at each of the terminals at Buenos Aires Airport (and sometimes these have changed). So note carefully where your driver expects to collect you, within the app.
Read my advice on how *I think* you should travel into the city, at the end of this article.
Bus from AEP to Buenos Aires
Buses depart from right in front of the arrivals terminal at AEP. You will see two stops. For the city centre or Microcentro, make sure to use either Linea 33 or Linea 45.
Your journey to Buenos Aires city centre will take around 45 minutes.
Plaza Italia: Connections between the Bus and Subte (Metro) from AEP
Three other bus routes depart from the airport. Linea 37 and Linea 160 go to the Palermo area. If you need to get to the Metro service, called the Subte, take either of these lines to Plaza Italia and transfer to the Subte station. That bus trip takes around 20 minutes.
How to buy bus tickets for Buenos Aires at AEP Airport – SUBE Card
If you want to take public transport in Buenos Aires, buy a SUBE Card. Typically, you can buy the SUBE Card at any Subte station. There isn’t one at the airport, of course, but the SUBE Card is available from Open 25 kiosks at AEP Airport (known as “kioskos”). The kiosks sell confectionary and tobacco, so you can’t miss them.
The SUBE card costs ARS $90 and you have to charge it up with money. There are two locations at the airport where you can do this, using a regular credit card. Put on sufficient money for the first few days of your trip and you can then top up at numerous kioskos or Subte stations around the city. To help you gauge, the cost of a typical journey is between ARS $35 and $45 by bus. A subway journey using the SUBE Card costs ARS $58 per journey.
The Subte Buenos Aires Transport website is very helpful and provides details of where to charge your SUBE Card. Note that it is in Spanish only.
Top 5 things to do in Buenos Aires
Safety Concerns: AEP Ground Transportation
Some people express safety concerns about taking a bus or a taxi from AEP into Buenos Aires. The warnings focus on taxi drivers taking circuitous routes, the issues of counterfeit notes, overcharging, the safety of bags on buses and concerns about travelling after dark. These concerns are valid, but it is important to keep some perspective.
Buenos Aires is a big city and, like most big cities, you have got to watch yourself. For example, BA has a reputation for distraction scams (often involving women). The infamous “mustard scam” involves a person appearing to help you to remove mustard or ketchup from your outfit, while another person robs you. Politely don’t get involved and move away from anyone who approaches you.
Like any big city, take care of you and your possessions on Buenos Aires public transport. Don’t carry or show large amounts of cash in one place. Spread out your valuables. Don’t leave bags unattended.
My Advice: Get a taxi, Uber/Cabify or Remis to Buenos Aires
For my own safety, I always pay for a taxi from an official airport provider to my hotel, despite the fact I love using public transport. The transfer with all your stuff from an airport to a hotel or hostel is a moment of significant vulnerability as a traveller. Take care of yourself and budget for the taxi service.
I used a “Remis” service called Tienda León, which is a bit like a private limousine service in a regular car.
I had read about the brand and was comfortable using it. The process can be a little bureaucratic. On arrival, you provide your name, passport and credit card. As drivers come free, they stop by to collect the next person who has been processed. It took about 10 minutes once my details had been provided. Don’t expect the driver to take your bag.
Before long, you’ll be rolling through the streets of Buenos Aires, admiring the fabulous architecture and planning your next outing!
