Getting Around Argentina
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses and subways for Buenos Aires and major cities. Rural: Rent a car for Patagonia exploration. Long Distances: Domestic flights or long-haul buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Buenos Aires to your destination.
Train Travel
Trenes Argentinos Nacionales
Limited but scenic train network connecting Buenos Aires to cities like Rosario and Tucumán with occasional services.
Cost: Buenos Aires to Rosario $10-20, journeys 3-7 hours between select cities.
Tickets: Buy via Trenes Argentinos app, website, or station counters. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid holidays and weekends for better availability and seats.
Tourist Train Passes
Tren a las Nubes offers a unique high-altitude journey in the Andes for $50-100 round-trip (under 30 discounts available).
Best For: Scenic trips over several days, significant savings for multiple tourist routes.
Where to Buy: Official websites, train stations, or apps with advance booking required.
Urban Commuter Trains
TBA lines connect Buenos Aires suburbs to the city center, with extensions to nearby provinces.
Booking: Tickets on-site or app, book early for long-distance routes like to Mar del Plata.
Main Stations: Retiro in Buenos Aires, with connections to Constitución and Federico Lacroze.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Patagonia and rural areas. Compare rental prices from $30-60/day at Buenos Aires Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage advised, verify theft protection for remote areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100-110 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Autopistas like RN9 require cash or card payments ($2-10 per toll).
Priority: Yield to right at intersections unless signed, watch for erratic local driving.
Parking: Street parking regulated in cities ($1-3/hour), secure lots recommended overnight.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at $1-1.50/liter for petrol, $0.90-1.20 for diesel in 2026 estimates.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote regions.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Buenos Aires during rush hours and around Córdoba.
Urban Transport
Buenos Aires Subte & Trams
Historic subway network covering the capital, single ticket $0.50, day pass $2, 10-journey card $4.
Validation: Use SUBE card for contactless entry, fines for non-validation are strict.
Apps: Subte BA app for routes, real-time updates, and digital ticketing.
Bike Rentals
Ecobici bike-sharing in Buenos Aires and other cities, $5-10/day with stations citywide.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in urban areas, especially along the Río de la Plata.
Tours: Guided cycling tours in Córdoba and Mendoza, blending sightseeing with adventure.
Buses & Local Services
Colectivos in Buenos Aires, plus regional operators like Flecha Bus for intercity links.
Tickets: $0.50-1 per ride, use SUBE card or exact change from kiosks.
Long-Haul Buses: Extensive network connecting all provinces, $10-50 for overnight routes.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, central Buenos Aires or Mendoza for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (Dec-Feb) and major festivals like Carnival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather in Patagonia.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities, 3G/4G in most rural areas, spotty in remote Patagonia.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Claro, Movistar, and Personal offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, phone shops, or kiosks with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15, 10GB for $25, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots, paid in some remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Bus terminals and plazas offer free access in major cities.
Speed: Generally fast (10-50 Mbps) in urban areas, suitable for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Argentina Time (ART), UTC-3, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) 35km from Buenos Aires center, bus $5 (1 hour), taxi $30, or book private transfer for $25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals ($3-5/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and subways partially accessible, many natural sites have ramps but terrain challenges.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large $5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains and buses off-peak for $5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Argentina
Ezeiza Airport (EZE) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Kiwi, for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Ezeiza International (EZE): Primary gateway 35km south of Buenos Aires with bus connections.
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP): Domestic and regional hub 5km from center, taxi $10 (20 min).
Bariloche (BRC): Key for Patagonia, small airport with seasonal international flights.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (Dec-Feb) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Montevideo and busing to Buenos Aires for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM, and low-cost Flybondi serve domestic routes extensively.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee $3-6, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing use of tap-to-pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay in urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for markets, small vendors, and remote areas, keep $50-100 in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, round up for taxis and services.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges due to high fees.