Let’s talk about public transport in Buenos Aires: how to get around the city, where to buy a public transport card – the SUBE card – and how to use it. I’ll cover the bus, subway (metro system), and suburban trains in Buenos Aires. Be sure to check out my other articles on getting around the city by bike or taxi.

Read also: how to use a taxi in Buenos Aires – tips and tricks

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Private airport transfer Buenos Aires Ezeiza

Buenos Aires Public Transport in a Nutshell

How to use public transport in Buenos Aires?

  1. Buy a contactless SUBE-card in a metro station, kiosko or train station. (USD 1,00) or pay your subway ride with your credit card (new since January 2025)
  2. Top up the card with cash money. This can be done where you bought the card or stores with the sign “Carga SUBE Aqui”.
  3. Take the bus, subway or suburban train. Say your destination to the bus driver. Not necessary when taking the subway or suburban train.
  4. Average price per ride: USD 0,50

Why should you use public transport in Buenos Aires?

I am not exaggerating when I say that you can get everywhere with public transport. Buenos Aires has a very extensive bus network supported by the metro. Also, it’s a cheap way to get around in Buenos Aires and you will come into more contact with local life.

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Paying public transport in Buenos Aires with your credit card

Since January 2025, you can pay for subway rides in Buenos Aires with your credit card. Buses aren’t included just yet.

Simply tap your credit card on the reader, and you’re good to go. The fare will be charged to your credit card account at the end of the day. Also, top-up cards such as Wise and Revolut are possible. You only need to tap your card one time when entering. Going out and tapping your card on the subway is not needed.

Contactless payment credit card Public transport Buenos Aires Subway

Entrance payment with credit card subway Buenos Aires

The SUBE-card: where to buy it?

The SUBE card is a contactless reloadable card used for all buses, trains, and subways in Buenos Aires. Keep in mind: cash payments to drivers are not accepted!

You’ll need a SUBE card before using the bus or subway. Arriving at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport? Great! But first, you’ll need some Argentine pesos in cash. In my article “The Best Places to Change Your Money in Buenos Aires,” I explain where to exchange currency at Ezeiza airport. Once that’s sorted, head back to the arrival hall, and on your left, you’ll find a kiosko where you can purchase a SUBE card for about USD 1.00.

At the same kiosko, you’ll spot a yellow machine with a touchscreen. Place your SUBE card on the reader, insert some peso bills, and load credit onto your card.

In Buenos Aires city is best heading to the Obelico subway station to buy a SUBE card. You will have more chance there due to a shortage of SUBE cards.

Tip: Planning to rely solely on public transport in Buenos Aires? Expect to spend around USD 2.50 per day. Be sure to top up enough credit for your stay to save time!

SUBE card Bus Buenos Aires Metro

SUBE-card Buenos Aires

The subway in Buenos Aires

The Buenos Aires underground system consists of six lines, making it an efficient way to reach most of the city’s popular attractions. On weekdays, the subway operates from 5:30 to 23:30. On Saturdays, service runs 30 minutes later until midnight, while on Sundays, it operates from 8:00 to 22:30.

The subway offers convenient connections to key neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Microcentro (including Plaza de Mayo and the Presidential Palace).

Some tips when using the subway in Buenos Aires:

  • Carry your bag in front of your body. Be aware of pickpocketers.
  • Avoid using the metro between 07:30 – 09:00 and 17:00 – 18:30. (Rush hour)
  • In the subway trains, you may encounter people selling small items like candy. They often place the item on your lap if you’re seated. If you’re not interested in buying, simply leave it there—they’ll come back shortly to collect it or leave it on the seat. Alternatively, you can politely say, “No, thank you,” when you see them approaching.

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Use the bus in Buenos Aires

Taking a bus in Buenos Aires is not much different from other cities. However, you’ll quickly notice buses are everywhere! The best part is that you’ll rarely wait more than 10 minutes for a bus, as they operate both day and night.

First, you’ll need to find the bus line that goes to your destination. We recommend downloading the Transit app for your phone: https://transitapp.com. It’s the most comprehensive app with live tracking. To make it even easier, consider getting a local SIM card in Buenos Aires. Check out our guide on where to buy a SIM card—it’s practical and straightforward!

  1. Find the correct line to your destination
  2. Wait in line at the bus stop (a common thing to do in Argentina)
  3. Say to the bus driver your destination
  4. Scan your SUBE-card at the card reader terminal
Metro bus Public Transport Buenos Aires

Bus network in Buenos Aires

Suburban train in Buenos Aires

In Buenos Aires, there is also the suburban train network. The train is cheap and well-maintained.

Going to Tigre

You will need to take a suburban train when you want to go to Tigre.  The line is called “Mitre”. It will take you one hour to arrive in Tigre. The train departs in Retiro train station. First

Going to El Palomar airport

Also, the train will bring you to El Palomar airport. The hub for FlyBondi and JetSmart. Take the “San Martin” line up to your destination in around 45-50 minutes. Departing from Retiro train station.