Getting Around Argentina 2025
Navigate Argentina like a local with our transportation guide.
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.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Argentina.
Public Transit
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.
Taxis
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.
Car 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.
Getting There
How to arrive in Argentina.
✈️ By Air
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza)
Jorge Newbery Aeroparque
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (El Calafate)
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport
Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza)
Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Argentina.
🚌 Buses
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.
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
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.
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
AerolÃneas 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.
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Argentina
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
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.
Useful Apps
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
Navigate Argentina Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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