Are you a digital nomad, traveler, or expat planning a visit to Buenos Aires and wondering about the best transfer options to and from Buenos Aires airports?
Whether you prefer taxis, ride-sharing apps, public transportation, or vehicle rentals, ExpatPathways has your back with this comprehensive guide.
Find out how to navigate like a local, make smart choices, and ensure your journey to Ezeiza International Airport or Jorge Newbery Airpark is smooth and hassle-free.
What you should consider when choosing a transfer to or from Buenos Aires airports
Airport
Buenos Aires has two main airports: the Ezeiza International Airport and the Jorge Newbery Airpark. The latter is located in the northern part of the city, but most international flights arrive and depart from Ezeiza, which is situated a few kilometers away from Buenos Aires. The distance and transfer conditions vary significantly between the two airports.
Budget
A transfer to or from Buenos Aires airports won’t significantly impact your personal budget. However, doing a comparative analysis of the different transfer options can result in considerable savings.
Luggage
Do you have a lot of luggage? In such cases, it’s not advisable to use public transportation because, in addition to being uncomfortable, you won’t have peace of mind during the trip. If you’re traveling light, a broader range of transfer options becomes available.
Accommodation
Where are you staying? Most areas in Buenos Aires are well-connected in terms of transportation and accessibility. However, traveling during peak hours or encountering traffic congestion can significantly impact central neighborhoods like Monserrat, San Telmo, and the entire downtown area.
Comfort
Do you want a private transfer without sharing the journey with anyone else? Are you traveling with companions? Or do you just want to sit down and not think about anything other than getting out of the vehicle? Comfort often comes with an extra cost for the transfer.
Transfer Options To and From Buenos Aires Airports
Charter
Combis, remises, and vans, also known as charters, offer the possibility of traveling comfortably at an affordable price. Some provide door-to-door service, meaning they will pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off at the airport.
However, other van and remise services have their own transfer terminals, which you need to reach to start your journey.
Charter options
Advantages
- They are spacious and comfortable vehicles.
- They have several seats for comfortable accommodation.
- As a regular and standardized service, you will have no problems booking your trip.
Disadvantages
- The transfer to or from Ezeiza Airport may have a higher cost due to distance and tolls.
- In some cases, you must go to a transfer station or combi stop to board the vehicle, which could be a hassle if you have a lot of luggage.
- Combis do not start their journey until at least 50% of the seats are occupied. This can be an issue on weekends.
Taxi
Taxis are perfect for both going to the airport and heading to your accommodation. Officially, taxis have their own station at the airports, allowing travelers not only to board a taxi without waiting too long but also ensuring a safe and smooth arrival when traveling from the accommodation to the airport.
Some travelers often notice that taxi fares in Buenos Aires can be somewhat expensive compared to other means of transport like ride-sharing apps or vans. However, the taxi service is regulated, and the licenses include rules and standards that cannot be violated to the detriment of passengers.
Advantages
- You can catch a taxi at any corner in Buenos Aires.
- They readily accept transfers to the airports.
- You can fit your luggage in the trunk.
- The fare is regulated by law and includes the initial flag fall (when you board the taxi) and fixed increases every 200 meters. Additionally, there is a 20% surcharge for nighttime service.
- Taxis are licensed and properly registered.
- They operate 24 hours a day.
Disadvantages
- Mostly, taxis only accept cash payments. In recent years, due to competition from ride-sharing apps, taxis have been incorporating other payment methods, though this is not always the case.
- The trip cost may increase if your destination or departure point is Ezeiza International Airport since it’s located in Buenos Aires Province, at a greater distance from the city and with tolls along the way.
Car sharing Apps
Ride-sharing apps have firmly established themselves in Buenos Aires. In recent years, they have not only dominated the private car travel segment but also the market for airport transfers.
The speed and convenience of being able to request a vehicle through an app on your mobile phone, coupled with the variety of payment methods these services offer, make them very appealing. You can pay for your trip with credit cards, virtual wallets, or even PayPal, allowing you to enjoy the ride without worrying about anything other than the journey.
Advantages
- You can request a vehicle at any time of day.
- Generally, the response is quick and immediate.
- You will know the trip price in advance.
- Some apps allow you to choose a special vehicle.
- Several ride-sharing apps operate in Buenos Aires.
Disadvantages
- Since the price is determined by supply and demand, you might face some surprises on days and times when supply is very low or demand is very high.
- It is also common for drivers to take longer to accept the trip when traveling to or from Ezeiza Airport due to its distance from Buenos Aires City.
- At airports, taxi services monopolize almost all transfer space, making it difficult to board private transport vehicles.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is the most economical option for traveling to or from the airports. For Jorge Newbery Airpark, located in the Núñez area (north of Buenos Aires), traveling by public transport is not a far-fetched option. In fact, it’s worth considering if you don’t have much luggage and want to keep your budget in check.
However, for Ezeiza International Airport, the primary hub for international passenger transportation, only a few buses connect to Buenos Aires City (lines 8, 398, 514). Furthermore, this very limited group of buses doesn’t necessarily have a transfer station near your accommodation. In some cases, you may need to combine a bus with a train or subway, which would take a lot of time.
Advantages
- The most economical option of all.
- If you need to travel to or from Jorge Newbery Airpark, public transport is a fairly convenient option.
Disadvantages
- You will need the SUBE card to travel on public transport (the only payment method allowed to pay for the ticket).
- Getting to or from Ezeiza Airport by public transport can be an odyssey.
- If you travel with a lot of luggage, your journey will be very uncomfortable.
- Public transport frequency is not always the best.
Car Rental
Although this option is the most expensive, it is also the most convenient for travelers who know how to drive and plan their trip to Buenos Aires well in advance.
Many car rental agencies are located at Buenos Aires airports. Thus, you can get off the plane, pick up your luggage, complete the paperwork, and have your rental vehicle ready to move around the city.
You can rent the vehicle only for the day you arrive in Buenos Aires and for the day you leave the country, or rent it for a week or more.
Advantages
- You won’t have to worry about paying for public transport tickets or facing exorbitant fares.
- You can reserve your vehicle in advance.
- Car rental agencies are at the airports.
- Having your own vehicle not only makes airport transfers easier but also provides autonomy for your entire trip.
Disadvantages
- Renting a vehicle is a budget in itself.
- You need to have a deep knowledge of driving in Buenos Aires, beyond using maps and GPS assistance.
- You have to make sure you meet the agency requirements.
- Parking in Buenos Aires can become an odyssey, especially in neighborhoods like San Telmo, Puerto Madero, and Palermo.
Last Considerations
Have you figured out the perfect transfer option to and from Buenos Aires airports yet?
As a savvy digital nomad, traveler, or expat, ExpatPathways encourages you to plan your transfers ahead of time, prioritize the mode that aligns with your preferences, and arrive at the airport or your accommodation with plenty of time to spare.
Remember, traffic in Buenos Aires can turn chaotic due to protests or accidents, so don’t underestimate it. Make informed decisions, stay proactive, and let ExpatPathways guide you to the smoothest transfer experience possible.
(Featured Image Source: Ministerio de Transporte/flickr.com)
