From the airport into Buenos Aires: every option and what it costs

By Camila Duarte, Argentina host 14 August 2026 6 min read

A blue aircraft taxiing on a runway with cityscape background, depicting travel and aviation. — Photo by Go Journal on Pexels

The drizzle is a thin grey curtain over the Ezeiza tarmac, and the air has that damp, mineral smell that Buenos Aires wears all winter. You’ve just cleared customs at Ministro Pistarini, the main airport the porteños still call Ezeiza, and the city is 35 kilometers away, glowing faintly through the clouds. The question is not if you’ll get to your Palermo or San Telmo apartment, but how—and how much it’ll cost in pesos that don’t behave like any other currency. Welcome to Argentina, where the airport transfer is your first lesson in the art of the possible.

Train: the cheapest, not the easiest

If you’re on a budget and traveling light, the Ferrocarril Roca train from Ezeiza to Plaza Constitución is your friend—but it’s not a friend you want after a 14-hour flight. The line runs from the airport’s own station (a short walk from the arrivals hall) into the heart of the city, taking about 45 minutes to an hour. Fares are roughly 300–400 ARS (under a dollar), making it absurdly cheap compared to anything else. But there’s a catch: the station at Constitución is in one of the rougher parts of town, and the trains can be crowded, especially on weekdays. I’d only recommend it if you’re staying near San Telmo or Constitución itself, and if you’re not weighed down by luggage. For most travelers, the savings aren’t worth the hassle.

Bus: the backpacker’s classic

The colectivo (city bus) is the quintessential Buenos Aires experience—and the cheapest door-to-door option from Ezeiza that doesn’t involve a train station transfer. Several lines (notably Line 8 and Line 51) run from the airport into the city, with stops along major avenues like 9 de Julio and near Retiro. The fare is around 500–600 ARS with a SUBE card (the contactless transit card you’ll need for any bus or metro in the city). The ride takes anywhere from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, which can be brutal on weekdays. It’s an adventure, and it’ll cost you less than a cup of café con leche at Café Tortoni (that’ll set you back about 4,000 ARS, by the way). But honestly? Only do this if you’re a seasoned budget traveler with a small backpack and a map downloaded offline. The buses are safe, but they’re slow, and you’ll be dodging the city’s chaotic traffic at the end of a long flight.

Taxi: the classic, with caveats

For most visitors, a taxi is the default—and it’s not as expensive as you’d fear. Official airport taxis from Ezeiza have a fixed zone tariff (you buy a ticket at the desk in arrivals, so no haggling). The ride into Recoleta, Palermo, or Puerto Madero takes about 35–50 minutes depending on traffic, and you’ll usually pay between 25,000 and 35,000 ARS (roughly US$27–38). That’s the official rate, and it’s a solid, safe bet. The alternative is a remise (a private car service) which is sometimes a bit cheaper, but there’s no reliable base fare I can quote—and you don’t want to be Googling that at 2 a.m. If you use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Cabify, the price will be dynamic, often cheaper than a taxi, but you’ll need to walk to the designated pickup area (usually a short walk from the arrivals hall). I’d say: take the official taxi if you’re tired, and don’t fuss over the extra few thousand pesos. Your first empanada (around 1,800 ARS each) will cost more than the difference.

Private transfer: the stress-free splurge

If you’re traveling with family, a big group, or you’ve just survived a red-eye and can’t handle the logistics, book a private transfer. You’ll see plenty of companies at the airport, and most hotels can arrange one with advance notice. This is the most comfortable and predictable option: a driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to your door in a clean, modern car. Prices vary wildly depending on the company and vehicle class, but you should budget around 40,000–60,000 ARS (US$44–66) for a one-way trip to the city. It’s two to three times the cost of a taxi, but you’re paying for certainty—no queueing, no guessing, no dynamic surge pricing. I’ve known travelers who splurge on this just because they want to arrive in Buenos Aires with their sanity intact. If that’s you, go for it.

Which should you pick?

Here’s my honest take, based on years of living here and dozens of airport runs:

Train — Choose if you’re a solo budget backpacker staying near Constitución, and you’re arriving during daylight hours. Otherwise, skip.
Bus — Choose if you’re on a shoestring budget and want a true local experience, but only if you have minimal luggage and patience for traffic.
Taxi — The best all-rounder for most travelers: safe, predictable, and reasonably priced. Take the official airport taxi, not a random guy who approaches you.
Private transfer — Choose if you’re with family, have lots of luggage, are arriving late at night, or just want zero stress. Worth it for peace of mind.

One more thing: whether you take a taxi or private transfer, you’ll want to have Argentine pesos on you or a working credit card—many drivers prefer cash, and while the exchange rate is officially around 914 ARS per US$ (rates move fast here), you’ll get a better deal on the blue market. That’s a topic for another article, but just remember: don’t expect to pay with US dollars in a taxi.

Practical notes for your arrival

Before you set foot in any vehicle, make sure you have a SUBE card (or the mobile app) if you plan on using transit later—you’ll need it for buses and the Subte (the metro, which costs around 1,030–1,070 ARS per ride). Buy it at the airport kiosk; it’s cheap and essential. Also, grab a prepaid SIM card from Claro, Movistar, or Personal—they’re sold at the arrivals hall and you’ll need an Argentine number for banking apps and ride-hailing. And if you’re arriving over the long weekend of August 15–17, note that the Mitre Line’s Tigre branch is completely suspended for track works (Retiro–Tigre), so don’t plan a delta day trip on that Sunday. The city will be buzzing with the World Alfajor Championship at Costa Salguero—maybe not your priority on day one, but a fun cultural note for your first jet-lagged afternoon.

As you roll through the grimy, evocative suburbs toward the center, you’ll see the Obelisco rise on the horizon, then the glass towers of Puerto Madero. It’s a city that rewards patience and good choices. Choose your transfer wisely, and you’ll step out into the damp winter air with your energy intact—ready for a steak at Don Julio (about 24,000–50,000 ARS) and a glass of Malbec. That’s what you’re here for, after all.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a taxi from Ezeiza airport to Buenos Aires city cost?

An official airport taxi from Ezeiza to central neighborhoods like Recoleta, Palermo, or Puerto Madero typically costs between 25,000 and 35,000 ARS (roughly US$27–38), depending on traffic and exact destination. Always use the official taxi ticket desk in arrivals for a fixed rate.

Is there a train from Buenos Aires Ezeiza airport to the city?

Yes, the Ferrocarril Roca train runs from the airport station to Plaza Constitución in about 45–60 minutes, costing around 300–400 ARS (very affordable). However, the station area can be rough, and it's best only if you're staying nearby or traveling light.

How much is the bus from Ezeiza to Buenos Aires?

Colectivo buses (like Line 8 or 51) from Ezeiza to the city cost around 500–600 ARS with a SUBE card. The ride takes 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic—cheap but slow, and best for budget travelers with minimal luggage.

What is the cheapest way to get from Ezeiza airport to the city?

The train is the cheapest at about 300–400 ARS, followed by the city bus at 500–600 ARS. But for most travelers, the official taxi is worth the extra cost for safety, convenience, and speed.

What's the best transfer option from Ezeiza if I'm traveling with a lot of luggage?

A private transfer is the most comfortable and stress-free option, costing around 40,000–60,000 ARS (US$44–66) one-way. You'll have a driver waiting with a sign, help with luggage, and direct door-to-door service—well worth it if you're carrying heavy bags or traveling with family.

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