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Tourist Transportation Guide to Argentina
Argentina is a large country that spans from crowded cities to backwater mountains and national parks. To be able to experience everything the country has to offer, one needs to know about the transportation system in Argentina. Everything from domestic flights and inter-city buses down to the public urban transit options is covered here. Explore Argentina with ease: use domestic flights for long distances, buses for affordability, and taxis or rideshares in cities. Secure your Argentina visa online to enjoy seamless travel experiences across the country!
Domestic Flights

Considering the vast area of Argentina, domestic flights are the most effective method of traveling long distances in relatively short times, especially if one has to make trips between great cities or tourist spots that are pretty far apart.
Airlines: The major airlines include Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSMART. The first one, Aerolineas Argentinas, is the national airline that offers flights to most large cities and popular tourist destinations.
Main Airports:
- Buenos Aires: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) cater to domestic and international flights.
- Other Key airports: Mendoza (MDZ), Cordoba (COR), Bariloche (BRC), Ushuaia (USH), and Iguazu (IGR).
Booking: Book in advance because flights sell out really fast, especially during peak tourist seasons: December to February and July to August.
Budget Tips: There are low-cost airlines that offer budget-friendly fares. These airlines offer options for those on a tight budget, provided one books their tickets well in advance. Be sure to check baggage policies, as many low-cost airlines charge separately for checked luggage.
Long-Distance Buses (Colectivos)

Argentina’s long-distance bus system is well-developed and a popular, cost-effective alternative to flying.
- Bus Terminals: Major cities have large bus terminals, such as Retiro Bus Terminal in Buenos Aires. These terminals offer routes across the country.
- Types of Buses:
- Semi-Cama: Reclining seats, but less legroom and amenities.
- Cama: Reclining seats with great comfort and usually meals and blankets included.
- Cama Ejecutivo or Suite: Fully reclining seats, almost like beds, with added services such as food, beverages, and a personal screen for entertainment.
- Popular Routes: The most popular routes are Buenos Aires-Mendoza, Buenos Aires-Bariloche, and Buenos Aires-Iguazu, running many times a day.
- Cómo arrive: You can buy the tickets online on platforms 10 or directly at the terminals. Book in advance during long weekends and holidays.
- Budget Tips: Another money-saving way is to take night buses, by which one can avoid the expenditure of hotels. In longer routes, taking Cama or Cama Ejecutivo classes is more comfortable.
Trains

Argentina's rail network is limited but offers something different to travel through specific routes.
- Routes:
- Buenos Aires to Rosario and Córdoba: These routes are popular among tourists who would like to see other parts of the country besides Buenos Aires.
- Tren de las Nubes: The route from Salta, called "Train to the Clouds," rises up to a passage across the Andes and is among the highest railways in the world.
- Bookings: It is possible to buy tickets at stations or online through Trenes Argentinos. For the most popular panorama routes, such as Tren de las Nubes, early booking is usually recommended as it often sells out.
- Budget Tips: Trains are most of the time cheaper than flights but take more time and are less frequent. Use this option for scenic or experience journeys.
Car Rentals
For visitors who really want to explore hard-to-reach areas, let alone even some of the national parks, car rentals can assure absolute freedom and flexibility.
- Where to Rent: Available at airports and most major cities. Certain companies, along with local agencies, operate in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and other tourist destinations.
- Driving Conditions: For the most part, city roads and highways are well-maintained. Rural roads are sometimes just unpaved, but graveled routes, such as those frequently encountered in Patagonia.
- Requirements: You'll need a valid driver's license, and it's often recommended, though not required that you obtain an international driving permit (IDP). The minimum age is usually 21 to 23 depending on the company renting you the car.
- Budget Tips: In major cities such as Buenos Aires, renting a car may not be necessary since parking restrictions are plentiful and traffic can be heavy. Save it for the time you want to see Mendoza's wine country or the national parks of Patagonia.
Public Transport in Cities

Public transportation in major cities like Buenos Aires and Cordoba is relatively good and usually consists of a combination of buses, subways, and trains.
- Buenos Aires
Subway (Subte): The Subte is the fastest way to travel around Buenos Aires. Lines would connect important neighborhoods: Line A through E and H.
Buses (Colectivos): There are several bus networks all over Buenos Aires, which practically cover all areas of towns and suburbs. Buses run 24/7 throughout the week; thus, they are the most accessible way.
Train: Several lines link Buenos Aires to the surrounding towns and suburbs.
Payment: Purchase a SUBE card at kiosks or metro shops. Pay with it on Buenos Aires buses, the Subte, and trains along with other cities like Cordoba and Mendoza.
- Other Cities
Cordoba and Mendoza: bus networks, Mendoza also boasts a light rail system of its own; Metrotranvía. Using their SUBE card, one can easily travel.
Budget Tips: The SUBE card gives you a discount when traveling on public transport. Tourists who stay longer will find paying to top up a SUBE card and then taking buses and subways very cheap and a good value.
Taxis and Ridesharing

Taxis and ridesharing are available at every corner in the cities of Argentina, with Buenos Aires being no exception, and are an easy, comfortable option for short distances or traveling at night.
- Taxis - Plenty of taxis are available in major cities. Most work on a meter system. In Buenos Aires, licensed taxis are painted yellow and black.
- Rideshare - Uber, Cabify and Didi also function in the Cities of Buenos Aires and Mendoza among other cities. Prices with ridesharing tend to be fixed and often cheaper than taxis.
- Budget Tips: Avoid flagging down any taxis around tourist areas, or you will be sure to get overcharged. You could always ask hotel staff to call one for you, or use an app such as BA Taxi-for Buenos Aires-so the prices are regulated.
Cycling

For the greener active traveler, biking is a popular option in cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
– Bike Rentals: Many cities will have bike stations for rentals; free bike-sharing is available in Buenos Aires with BA Ecobici.
– Bike Lanes: Buenos Aires boasts an excellent network of bike routes around the major hubs, making cycling around relatively safe and very easy.
– Guided Bike Tours: In cities like Buenos Aires, guided bike tours are an excellent informative way to study landmarks and neighborhoods.
Ferries

Ferries are a must for those travelers who intend to cross from Argentina into Uruguay or take a tour to the Paraná Delta.
– Buenos Aires to Uruguay: Ferries run by Buquebus and Colonia Express link Buenos Aires with Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo in Uruguay. It's a very popular day trip or weekend getaway.
– Paraná Delta: At Tigre, a town just outside Buenos Aires, you can jump on a ferry that takes you through the Paraná Delta. This area is truly a labyrinth of waterways, perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay.
Transportation Apps
Some applications that can aid in making the process of getting through Argentina's transport system easy include:
- Moovit: It gives real-time directions of public transportation routes in cities like Buenos Aires and Cordoba.
- BA Cómo Llego: It is an application used for navigating public transportation through subways, buses, and trains around Buenos Aires.
- Google Maps: The directions for public transportation provided through Google Maps in larger Argentine cities are reliable.
Safety and Travel Tips

Travel Insurance: Given regional differences in the health system, purchase travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and problems with transportation.
Cash and SUBE Card: Keep some cash on hand to pay for public transportation in rural areas where credit cards are not accepted, and also have a SUBE card handy for urban transit.
Traffic and Road Safety: It is busy in Buenos Aires as in every major city. If driving, always pay attention, particularly to speed limits and possible poor conditions of rural roads.
Language: While many signs and transport announcements are in Spanish, some basic Spanish phrases will be helpful when asking for directions or purchasing tickets.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only, and though the best most updated suggestions are provided, travel conditions or requirements for safety might change. It's always best to check with the current situation of relevant airlines or a travel agency before you go.