Argentina captivates with dramatic landscapes from Patagonian glaciers to thundering Iguazú Falls, vibrant tango culture in Buenos Aires, world-class wines in Mendoza, and passionate football fervor. This vast South American nation offers gauchos on the pampas, stunning Andean peaks, and cosmopolitan cities blending European elegance with Latin American warmth.
- Public
- Buenos Aires has an excellent metro (Subte) and extensive bus network requiring a SUBE card. Outside the capital, long-distance buses are the main intercity option with comfortable reclining and flat-bed services.
- Taxi
- Official taxis (metered, black-and-yellow) and apps like Uber, Cabify, and Didi are widely available in major cities. Reliable and affordable at $5-15 for city rides.
- Rental
- Car rental is ideal for Patagonia, Mendoza wine country, and rural areas where public transport is sparse. Budget from $30-50/day for an economy car.
- Walking
- Buenos Aires city center, Palermo, and San Telmo are very walkable. Patagonian towns like El Chaltén are accessed entirely on foot for trailhead hikes.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Official taxi $35-45 (45-60 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Manuel Tienda León bus $18 (1 hour to Retiro)
- Bus
- Uber/Cabify $25-35
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Buenos Aires colectivos (buses) - extensive network covering entire city, $0.30-0.60 per ride with SUBE card. Over 180 lines operate 24/7. Exact route finding via Google Maps or BA Cómo Llego app. No cash accepted.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxis - base fare $2, plus $0.80 per km. Radio taxis (call-ahead) slightly more expensive but safer. Black and yellow cars throughout Buenos Aires. Tipping 10% standard.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Excellent long-distance bus network. Companies like Andesmar, Via Bariloche, Cata offer reclining seats (semi-cama $40-80) and full flat beds (cama suite $80-150). Buenos Aires to Mendoza $60-120 (14 hours), to Bariloche $90-180 (20 hours). Book via Plataforma 10 or bus terminal.
Flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas and FlyBondi connect major cities. Buenos Aires to El Calafate $150-300 (3.5 hours), to Bariloche $100-250 (2 hours), to Iguazú $120-280 (2 hours). Book early for best prices.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza)
From centre: 35 km to Buenos Aires city center
Options: Official taxi $35-45 (45-60 minutes); Manuel Tienda León bus $18 (1 hour to Retiro); Uber/Cabify $25-35; Private transfer $40-60; Remise (radio taxi) $30-40
Jorge Newbery Aeroparque
From centre: 2 km to Buenos Aires city center
Options: Taxi $10-15 (15-20 minutes); Bus 45 or 160 $0.50; Uber/Cabify $8-12; Walking possible to some neighborhoods
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (El Calafate)
From centre: 23 km to El Calafate town
Options: Airport shuttle bus $8 (30 minutes); Taxi $25-30; Hotel transfers included with many accommodations; Rental car agencies at airport
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport
From centre: 15 km to Bariloche city center
Options: Airport bus $5 (30 minutes); Taxi $18-25; Hotel shuttles often available; Rental car at airport
Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza)
From centre: 8 km to Mendoza city center
Options: Airport bus $3 (20 minutes); Taxi $12-18; Uber/Cabify $10-15; Rental car agencies
Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport
From centre: 20 km to Puerto Iguazú
Options: Taxi $25-30 to Puerto Iguazú; Bus to Puerto Iguazú $8; Direct taxi to falls $35; Hotel transfers available
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
BA Cómo Llego
Official Buenos Aires transport app for navigating colectivos (buses) and Subte routes in real time
Cabify
Ride-hailing app widely used throughout Argentina — often preferred over Uber for better driver availability
Uber
Available in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario. Operates in a legal gray area but widely used and accepted
Plataforma 10
Argentina's main long-distance bus booking platform covering hundreds of companies and routes nationwide
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Book domestic flights connecting Buenos Aires to Bariloche, El Calafate, Iguazú, Ushuaia, and other destinations
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Get a SUBE card immediately on arrival in Buenos Aires — buy at kioscos or Subte stations. Required for all public transport and much cheaper than cash.
Use Cabify or Uber rather than hailing street taxis after dark for safety. Apps show driver details and route tracking.
Long-distance buses in Argentina are excellent — book semi-cama or cama suite class on Plataforma 10 for overnight routes. Far cheaper than flying.
Domestic flights between Buenos Aires and Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia) save 2-3 days of bus travel. Book on Aerolíneas Argentinas or FlyBondi.
In Patagonia, rent a car or book organized tours — public transport between scenic spots is very limited.
Google Maps works well for Buenos Aires public transport. Download offline maps before heading to remote Patagonian areas with no signal.