Argentina – Transportation in Buenos Aires
Forms of Public Transport in Capital Federal and Gran Buenos Aires
Jul 14, 2009
Within the Province of Buenos Aires lies the megalopolis of Gran Buenos Aires [Greater Buenos Aires]. Its nucleus is called Capital Federal. This is the economic and financial heart of Argentina, as well as the oldest and culturally richest part of the city. Capital Federal and Greater Buenos Aires each have their own preferred means of transportation.
Metro Transportation in Capital Federal
The metro is called "subte" and only runs within Capital Federal. There are six lines: A to E and H. Line A is the oldest and an attraction in itself – it still uses the old, wooden carriages. Most tourist maps of Buenos Aires include information on the metro system and each metro station also has maps hanging on a wall.
The "boleterías" [ticket offices] are located downstairs within the metro tunnels and a ticket costs 1,10 pesos per ride, irrespective of the number of stations. It is also possible to buy 10 tickets in one, at 11 pesos. The latter has the advantage of less queuing in the endless lines waiting to buy a ticket. In some metro stations a ticket can be bought from a machine. The metro runs between 6am to 22.30pm.
Taxi and Remis in Buenos Aires
Argentina has two types of taxis: a taxi and a "remis". A taxi is recognizable by its black and yellow colours. A remis is unrecognizable, it can be any kind of car [including its condition]. A taxi can be hailed at any point in the street but a remis is ordered at a remis office or called by phone. The latter can, among other things, be found at larger bus stations, train stations and airports.
Whereas a remis is cheaper outside Capital Federal, and for example a perfect means of transportation between the international airport Ezeiza and any of Buenos Aires’ suburbs, a taxi is cheaper within Capital Federal. Licence controls are not enforced, which leaves room for scams, and radio taxis [having radio service] are considered safest. Information can be found on their websites.
Capital Federal by Foot
The metro is perfect to cover larger distances but within a neighbourhood nothing beats going on foot. Characteristic areas like San Telmo, Recoleta and Palermo simply ask for a slow discovery on foot. Each neighbourhood has an abundance of outdoor cafés and eateries to take regular rests. Don't forget to look up, at the upper parts of the old buildings. Whereas the ground floor façades often have been demolished to make way for shops and restaurants, the upper part of the façade often still retains its original ornaments, roofs and windows.
A good book on walking tours is called: "Buenos Aires 16 recorridos a pie" [16 city walks]. It comes in English and Spanish and is for sale in large bookstores, for example in the pedestrian street of Florida [isbn 978-987-566-397-8].
Private Means of Transportation and Parking in Capital Federal
Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation for local people but for those unfamiliar with Argentinian driving, it is not recommended. Neither is bicycling. Traffic is fast and Porteños [as inhabitants of Buenos Aires are called] are not used to cyclists.
As in any big city, parking is the big hurdle when arriving by car. The easiest and most economical way to park is to find a large, guarded parking place [called a "Playa de Estacionamiento"] where, at the time of writing, parking for the day costs a minimum of twenty pesos [US $6], or 6,50 pesos per hour [US $2].
Bus and Train Transportation in Gran Buenos Aires
Inland Argentina has an extensive and good bus transportation system. Retiro, at the northern end of Capital Federal, is the biggest bus station of the city and has buses running to each corner of the country.
Within Capital Federal buses are largely used by local people, but the extensive system remains something of an enigma to foreigners and the small booklets on bus itineraries, for sale at kiosks, aren't a big help either. Taking a metro or taxi is easier. Bus tickets cost 1,10 pesos per ride and are bought inside the bus from a machine.
Within Argentina, the train system is almost extinct. Buenos Aires forms the major exception and thousands of commuters daily depend on the train. For example, a day trip to a suburb like Olivos or the nearby town of Tigres is perfectly feasible by train. Retiro is the train station for all trains going north, and Constitution is the train station at the southern end of Capital Federal. Retiro and Constitution are linked by a metro line.
Shortage of Coins in Argentina
N.B. Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, has a shortage of coins. Stock up on change, in case you are required to pay the right change.
Readers may also be interested about churches in Buenos Aires, hidden treasures in Buenos Aires' Banking Zone as well as the city's oldest cemetery: Recoleta.
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