Buenos
Aires is a modern cosmopolitan city. There is a complete public transport
system which includes a subway network,
a complex but easy-to-use bus system and many taxis and remise cars which can take you anywhere
anytime.
Moving around is simple, cheap and usually
fast, despite the traffic. There are certain highways that connect the
city with districts located outside and beyond.
Arriving in Buenos Aires
The
international airport (called 'Aeropuerto Internacional de
Ezeiza') is located twenty minutes away from the city centre by
highway. There are taxi and remise services,
buses and minibuses that come and go 24 hours a day. A taxi may cost
around $25, while a bus may be $8.
Just
five minutes away from the city centre, the domestic airport (called 'Aeroparque Jorge Newbery') connects the city with the rest of
the country.
The
city is also an important destination for international cruise lines. The harbour, called 'Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martín' is
located a few blocks from the city centre.
Moving around
Subte
(Subway)
There
are five subway routes known as 'Subte' running from several
different neighbourhoods and ending in the city centre. It's the fastest
way of moving, that's why it has become the locals' preferred method of
travelling. It connects the main avenues, many tourist attractions and
train and bus stations.
The service runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 8 a.m.
to 10 p.m. on Sundays. There is a single fare of $0.70 which also allows
to combine the different lines.
Tickets may be purchased at stations and
they can be used anytime anywhere. There are also new stations being built at
the moment which will make this means of transport even more convenient to
access the different neighbourhoods.
Bus
A
nice way to see the city and its people is to travel by bus, called 'colectivo'
or
'micro' by locals. It 's one of the
most widespread used means of transport, and it's cheap and usually fast.
There are more than 100 different routes which run all over the city and
connect all neighbourhoods within the city and the suburbs beyond
(Greater Buenos Aires, called 'Gran Buenos Aires').
Bus stops
are signalled with the number of the line and its route,
and buses usually come every 15 minutes. Service runs 24 hours a day,
although at night the frequency is much lower.
All buses have a ticket
machine onboard. Only coins are accepted, although no exact change is
needed. Within the whole city there
is a fixed fare of $0.80 (for shorter distances it may be $0.75). Going to a
suburb in Greater Buenos Aires may be more expensive depending on
the distance covered.
Train
To
access distant neighbourhoods, the train offers a good service at a very
affordable price. Many of them are bound to the city centre. The main stations are 'Retiro' (in Recoleta),
'Federico Lacroze', 'Once' and 'Constitución', all of which offer connections
with buses and the subway.
The fare depends on the distance of the trip,
and the minimum fare is $0.60. Tickets may be purchased at stations and
they may be single or return tickets.
Taxi
This is a good choice if you need to travel long distances without spending too
much time. There are more than 32,000 taxis in the city, identified
as black cars with yellow roof.
The fare consists of an initial fixed price ($1,28) and an additional fare
according to distance and time of travelling ($0,16 for each 200m). All
taxis have a clock showing the fare in real time. Some taxis may be
ordered by phone for immediate use.
Remise
This
service has
become popular as it can be booked by phone, even days before
needed. Cars are not identified in any way. Waiting time is less than
ten minutes and they will pick you up from any place in town.
The fare is known
beforehand, since they usually state it when the booking is made. This is
a safer option than taxis because you know who you are booking instead of
taking any taxi you see. And you are sure that you will pay the fare they
told you even if you are stuck in a traffic jam (in a taxi you pay for the
time of travelling).
Renting
a car
This may be a good and practical choice for independent travellers staying in
the city. There is a wide range of companies that offer this service. A
credit card is usually required to cover warranty and other expenses. To
drive, you must be 21 or older, and of course, an international driver's license is
needed.
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