Are you a digital nomad, expat, or traveler looking to navigate Buenos Aires with ease? Discover everything you need to know about the Buenos Aires Subway, the city’s lifeline connecting vibrant neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.
Whether you’re commuting between meetings or exploring the city’s charming cafés and museums, understanding this extensive network is key.
Our guide on ExpatPathways provides you with essential tips, station details, and the latest updates to enhance your urban exploration.
Dive into the heart of Buenos Aires with confidence and make your travel experience unforgettable!
Everything You Need to Know About the Buenos Aires Subway
The Buenos Aires Subway is one of the most important means of transportation in the city’s daily life. Passenger numbers and other statistics show that it is one of the most used transportation routes by both residents and foreigners.
Importance of the subway for transportation in Buenos Aires
- Every day, 850,000 passengers use the subway.
- In 2022, the Buenos Aires subway system transported more than 200 million passengers.
- The total network stretches for 56.7 kilometers.
- The B line is the busiest, serving 57.4 million passengers in 2023, followed by lines D (54.4 million) and A (43.6 million).
- The system includes 108 stations as of 2022.
- The E line is the longest at 11.6 km.
- Proposed expansions include three new lines: F, G, and I.
- The subway is the third most-used public transportation mode in Buenos Aires after buses and trains.
Advantages of traveling by subway in Buenos Aires
Speed
The Buenos Aires subway allows you to reach almost any part of the city within minutes, offering a quick service that bypasses the common traffic issues on the streets.
This is particularly noticeable during peak hours, such as 8-10 AM and 5-8 PM, when the city experiences heavy congestion due to work and school commutes.
Numerous Connections
The subway system is well-designed for easy transfers between lines, allowing you to switch routes without extra charges.
Additionally, you can connect to train lines, making it convenient for those traveling to or from the Buenos Aires Province.
Clear Signage
Well-marked stations and clear signage make navigation easy for both foreigners and locals. The subway’s administrative efforts ensure that you can find your way around any station or line without confusion, reducing the chances of getting lost.
Extended Operating Hours
Subway service in Buenos Aires starts early at 5:30 AM and runs until about 11 PM on weekdays, catering to a broad range of travel needs. This flexibility makes the subway a preferred choice for daily commuting for both residents and visitors.
Weather Protection
Operating underground, the subway remains unaffected by weather conditions like rain or storms, except in extreme cases which may cause temporary disruptions.
This makes it a reliable option during adverse weather, providing a comfortable and dry alternative to other forms of public transport.
Time and Planning
The subway offers consistent travel times and short waiting periods. Unlike buses, which may face delays or interruptions, the subway’s fixed routes and schedules allow for precise travel planning, a significant advantage during busy or strike-prone periods.
Buenos Aires subway service schedules
Useful tips for traveling by subway in Buenos Aires
Plan Your Trip
Before you start your journey, check the interactive subway map to identify the lines and stations you need. Also, verify the schedules and fares to avoid any surprises.
Acquire a SUBE Card
The SUBE card is the accepted payment method for the Buenos Aires subway as well as other public transport services. Keeping it loaded with sufficient credit will save you time and hassle.
Avoid Peak Hours
If possible, try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) to experience a more comfortable and less crowded ride.
Keep Your Belongings Secure
Always make sure to keep your personal items, such as phones, wallets, and bags, close to you and well-secured to prevent theft.
Offer Your Seat
If you are sitting and see a pregnant person, an elderly individual, or someone with a disability, offer your seat to them.
Respect Subway Signage and Regulations
Follow the safety signs and guidelines at stations and on trains, such as not crossing yellow lines, not smoking, and not obstructing the doors.
Be Mindful of Transfers
If you need to transfer between lines, check the transfer stations and plan enough time to avoid getting lost or rushing.
Heed Staff Instructions
If subway staff give you directions or recommendations, follow them to ensure a safe and orderly experience.
Use Headphones
If you listen to music or watch videos on your device, use headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Stay Calm and Be Polite
Always treat other passengers and subway staff with respect and courtesy. If you have a question or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask.
Choose the Right Car
If comfort and avoiding crowded spaces are your priorities, opt for the cars at the ends of the train (front and back). These tend to be less crowded than those in the middle. However, if safety or proximity to exits is your concern, middle cars are ideal as they save you several steps when disembarking.
Strategically Position Yourself in the Car
Depending on the day and time, the volume of passengers can vary. Position yourself near the doors only if your stop is coming up soon.
If your journey spans many stations, or if you’re traveling to a line terminus, it’s best to stay away from the doors. This minimizes disruption for other passengers getting on and off and makes your ride more comfortable.
Dealing with Strangers
In the Buenos Aires subway, you’ll encounter a variety of people, not just ordinary passengers but also street vendors, musicians, artists, and sometimes beggars or unstable individuals. To avoid problems:
- Avoid any contact (even eye contact) with these groups.
- If a vendor places a product on your lap or bag and you do not wish to buy, simply leave it there until they return to collect it.
- For musicians and performers, a common courtesy is to applaud after their performance and, if you wish, you can give them a small tip as a token of appreciation.
How to pay the subway ticket in Buenos Aires
The SUBE card is an essential tool for navigating public transportation in Buenos Aires, including the subway.
To obtain a SUBE card, locate an authorized sales point, available at subway stations, kiosks, and train stations throughout the city.
After acquiring your card, you must register it online through the SUBE website or the SUBE Mobile app. This registration allows for balance checks and credit top-ups.
Ways to recharge your SUBE card include:
- Authorized sales points where you can top up with cash.
- Online through the SUBE Mobile app or the SUBE website.
- ATMs in the Banelco network or Pago Fácil terminals.
Benefits of using a SUBE card:
- Access to exclusive discounts and promotions, including benefits for students and seniors.
- Faster transaction times at turnstiles, avoiding the need to purchase separate tickets.
- The card is rechargeable, accommodating as much credit as you need.
- Free transfers between different lines of the subway, trains, and buses within a set time limit, without exiting the station.
- Compatibility with all public transportation in Buenos Aires that accepts the SUBE card.
Connections between the subway and the railway in Buenos Aires
Line A Connections
- Subway Lines D and E at Peru Station.
- Subway Line C at Lima Station.
- Subway Line H and Sarmiento Railway at Plaza Miserere Station.
- Sarmiento Railway at San José de Flores Station.
Line B Connections
- Subway Lines C and D at Carlos Pellegrini Station.
- Subway Line H at Pueyrredón Station.
- San Martín Railway at Dorrego Station.
- Urquiza Railway at Federico Lacroze Station.
- Mitre Railway at Juan Manuel de Rosas Station.
Line C Connections
- Subway Lines B and D at Diagonal Norte Station.
- Subway Line A at Avenida de Mayo Station.
- Subway Line E at Independencia Station.
- San Martín, Belgrano, and Mitre Railways at Retiro Station.
- Roca Railway at Constitución Station.
- Bus Terminal at Retiro Station.
Line D Connections
- Subway Lines A and E at Catedral Station.
- Subway Lines C and B at 9 de Julio Station.
- Subway Line H at Pueyrredón Station.
- San Martín Railway at Palermo Station.
- Mitre Railway at Ministro Carranza Station.
Line E Connections
- Subway Lines A and D at Bolívar Station.
- Subway Line C at Independencia Station.
- Subway Line H at Jujuy Station.
- Premetro at Plaza de los Virreyes Station.
Line H Connections
- Subway Line D at Santa Fe Station.
- Subway Line B at Corrientes Station.
- Subway Line A at Once Station.
- Subway Line E at Humberto 1° Station.
- Sarmiento Railway at Once Station.
Premetro Connections
- Subway Line E at Intendente Saguier Station.
- Belgrano Sur Railway at Presidente Illia Station.
Buenos Aires Subway Lines
This comprehensive exploration of Buenos Aires’ Subway and Premetro stations, along with their respective features and connectivity options, offers an essential guide for both residents and visitors navigating the city’s extensive public transport network.
Line A
Line A is one of Buenos Aires’ six subway lines and the first subway line in Latin America, inaugurated on December 1, 1913.
Stretching 9.7 kilometers, it runs from Plaza de Mayo in the Monserrat neighborhood to San Pedrito in Flores, traveling under Avenida de Mayo and parts of Avenida Rivadavia.
It serves approximately 250,000 passengers daily and connects the neighborhoods of Monserrat, San Nicolás, Balvanera, Almagro, Caballito, and Flores.
Stations on Line A
- Plaza de Mayo (Monserrat): Terminal station
- Perú (Monserrat): Transfer station
- Piedras (Monserrat): Regular stop
- Lima (Monserrat): Transfer station
- Sáenz Peña (Monserrat): Regular stop
- Congreso (Balvanera/Monserrat/San Nicolás): Regular stop
- Pasco (Balvanera): Regular stop
- Alberti (Balvanera): Regular stop
- Plaza Miserere (Balvanera): Transfer station
- Loria (Almagro): Regular stop
- Castro Barros (Almagro): Regular stop
- Río de Janeiro (Almagro/Caballito): Regular stop
- Acoyte (Caballito): Regular stop
- Primera Junta (Caballito): Transfer station
- Puán (Caballito): Regular stop
- Carabobo (Flores): Regular stop
- San José de Flores (Flores): Transfer station
- San Pedrito (Flores): Terminal station
Line B
Opened to the public on October 17, 1930, Line B extends 11.8 kilometers from Leandro N. Alem to Juan Manuel de Rosas, connecting through major hubs and is known for its high usage.
It was the first in Buenos Aires to feature turnstiles and escalators and uniquely uses a third rail for electric power.
Stations on Line B
- Leandro N. Alem (San Nicolás): Terminal station
- Florida (San Nicolás): Regular stop
- Carlos Pellegrini (San Nicolás): Transfer station
- Uruguay (San Nicolás): Regular stop
- Callao (San Nicolás/Balvanera): Regular stop
- Pasteur (Balvanera): Regular stop
- Pueyrredón (Balvanera): Transfer station
- Carlos Gardel (Balvanera): Regular stop
- Medrano (Almagro): Regular stop
- Ángel Gallardo (Almagro): Regular stop
- Malabia (Villa Crespo): Regular stop
- Dorrego (Chacarita): Transfer station
- Federico Lacroze (Chacarita): Transfer station
- Tronador (Villa Ortúzar): Regular stop
- De los Incas (Villa Ortúzar/Parque Chas): Regular stop
- Echeverría (Villa Urquiza): Regular stop
- Juan Manuel de Rosas (Villa Urquiza): Terminal station
Line C
Line C, connecting Retiro to Constitución, was inaugurated on November 9, 1934. It runs mainly under Avenida Ramos Mejía and the streets Esmeralda, Sarmiento, Carlos Pellegrini, Bernardo de Irigoyen, and Lima Oeste, covering a distance of 4.4 kilometers. Known for its neocolonial style, inspired by Spanish landscapes, it serves as a cross-city link.
Stations on Line C
- Retiro: Terminal station
- General San Martín: Regular stop
- Lavalle: Regular stop
- Diagonal Norte: Transfer station
- Avenida de Mayo: Transfer station
- Moreno: Regular stop
- Independencia: Transfer station
- San Juan: Regular stop
- Constitución: Terminal station
Line D
Line D of the Buenos Aires Subway, inaugurated on June 3, 1937, extends from Catedral station in downtown Buenos Aires to Congreso de Tucumán, located on the border between the Belgrano and Núñez neighborhoods.
Spanning 10.6 kilometers, it is one of the busiest lines, transporting approximately 357,000 passengers on a typical weekday. The route primarily follows major avenues such as Diagonal Norte, Córdoba, Santa Fe, and its continuation, Cabildo. Like other major lines, it uses overhead catenary for power.
Stations on Line D
- Catedral (San Nicolás): Terminal and transfer station
- 9 de Julio (San Nicolás): Transfer station
- Tribunales (San Nicolás): Regular stop
- Callao (Balvanera, Recoleta, and San Nicolás): Regular stop
- Facultad de Medicina (Balvanera and Recoleta): Regular stop
- Pueyrredón (Recoleta): Transfer station
- Agüero (Recoleta): Regular stop
- Bulnes (Palermo): Regular stop
- Scalabrini Ortiz (Palermo): Regular stop
- Plaza Italia (Palermo): Regular stop
- Palermo (Palermo): Transfer station
- Ministro Carranza (Palermo): Transfer station
- Olleros (Colegiales and Palermo): Regular stop
- José Hernández (Belgrano and Colegiales): Regular stop
- Juramento (Belgrano): Regular stop
- Congreso de Tucumán (Belgrano and Núñez): Terminal station
Line E
Line E, opened on June 20, 1944, runs from Retiro to Plaza de los Virreyes-Eva Perón in Flores. This line was the first to serve the southern area below Avenida Rivadavia, catering to a less affluent part of the city.
Stretching 11.9 kilometers and featuring 18 stations, Line E uniquely intersects with all other subway lines, enhancing its connectivity throughout Buenos Aires. Its design elements include inspirations from typical Spanish landscapes, incorporating a neocolonial style with indigenous decorative elements.
Stations on Line E
- Retiro: Terminal and transfer station
- Catalinas: Regular stop
- Correo Central: Transfer station
- Bolívar: Transfer station
- Belgrano: Regular stop
- Independencia: Transfer station
- San José: Regular stop
- Entre Ríos: Regular stop
- Pichincha: Regular stop
- Jujuy: Transfer station
- General Urquiza: Regular stop
- Boedo: Regular stop
- Avenida La Plata: Regular stop
- José María Moreno: Regular stop
- Emilio Mitre: Regular stop
- Medalla Milagrosa: Regular stop
- Varela: Regular stop
- Plaza de los Virreyes: Terminal station
Line H
The newest and most modern of the Buenos Aires Subway lines, Line H was inaugurated on October 18, 2007. This line extends 8.8 kilometers and connects the north and south of the city, passing under Avenidas Jujuy and Pueyrredón.
It serves approximately 100,000 passengers daily and features transfers with Lines A, B, D, and E. The completed line will eventually run about 11 kilometers between Sáenz and Retiro stations.
Stations on Line H
- Facultad de Derecho (Recoleta): Terminal station
- Las Heras (Recoleta): Regular stop
- Santa Fe (Recoleta): Transfer station
- Córdoba (Balvanera): Regular stop
- Corrientes (Balvanera): Transfer station
- Once (Balvanera): Transfer station
- Venezuela (Balvanera): Regular stop
- Humberto I (San Cristóbal): Transfer station
- Inclán (Parque Patricios): Regular stop
- Caseros (Parque Patricios): Regular stop
- Parque Patricios (Parque Patricios): Regular stop
- Hospitales (Parque Patricios and Nueva Pompeya): Terminal station
Premetro
The Premetro, officially known as Line E2 and sometimes stylized as PreMetro, is a tramway system that extends the reach of the Buenos Aires subway network.
Inaugurated on August 27, 1987, this 7.4-kilometer line has 18 stations and serves as a vital connection in less densely populated areas, particularly extending from the subway’s reach into the neighborhoods it serves.
Stations on the Premetro
- Intendente Saguier (Flores): Terminal and transfer station, connecting with Subway Line E.
- Balbastro (Flores): Regular stop.
- Mariano Acosta (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Somellera (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Ana María Janer (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Nuestra Señora de Fátima (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Fernández de la Cruz (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Presidente Illia (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Parque de la Ciudad (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Cecilia Grierson (Villa Soldati): Regular stop.
- Escalada (Villa Lugano): Regular stop.
- Pola (Villa Lugano): Transfer station, connecting branches of the Premetro.
General Savio Branch:
- Larrazábal (Villa Lugano): Regular stop.
- Nicolás Descalzi (Villa Lugano): Regular stop.
- Gabino Ezeiza (Villa Lugano and Villa Riachuelo): Regular stop.
- General Savio (Villa Lugano and Villa Riachuelo): Terminal station.
Centro Cívico Branch:
- Ana Díaz (Villa Lugano): Regular stop.
- Centro Cívico (Villa Lugano): Terminal station.
The Premetro serves as a crucial feeder service to the main subway lines, enhancing the overall connectivity of Buenos Aires’ public transport system. It caters especially to areas where subway access is limited, providing a seamless transition from tram to underground services.
Last Considerations
Navigating the Buenos Aires Subway is an essential skill for any digital nomad, traveler, or expat eager to explore every corner of this dynamic city.
By planning your trips on the subway system, you can avoid the pitfalls of union strikes, service interruptions, and rush hours that might otherwise disrupt your journey.
It’s crucial to keep your belongings secure and to position yourself strategically within the subway cars for both comfort and safety.
Additionally, make sure you’re well-acquainted with the station where you need to disembark and understand the possible transfers to other forms of transportation like buses, railways, and the Metrobus.
With these practical tips from ExpatPathways, you’re all set to move around Buenos Aires efficiently, soaking up the local culture and navigating the city with ease.
(Featured Image Source: taigatrommelchen/flickr.com)
