Do you want to master the art of traveling by taxi in Buenos Aires like a local? Dive into our detailed guide, “Taxis in Buenos Aires: Everything You Need to Know, Recommendations and Tips,” brought to you by ExpatPathways.
This article is tailor-made for digital nomads, travelers, and expats who wish to navigate Buenos Aires efficiently.
From understanding fare structures to choosing the best taxi services, we cover all the essentials that ensure your taxi experiences in Buenos Aires are as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Join us to unlock the secrets of the city’s iconic black and yellow taxis!
Key Data on Taxis in Buenos Aires
- Fleet Size: As of 2022, there were a total of 23,000 taxis operating in the city.
- Iconic Status: The black and yellow taxis are not only an icon of Buenos Aires but also among the largest and most efficient fleets in the region.
- Regulatory Colors: By government ordinance, taxis are mandated to be black and yellow.
- Competing with Ride-Sharing Apps: The number of taxis has been gradually decreasing due to the rise of ride-sharing apps like Cabify, Uber, and DiDi.
- Nighttime Surcharge: From 10 PM to 6 AM, there is a 20% surcharge on fares.
- Fare Structure: Fares include a base fare upon entering the taxi and incremental charges every 200 meters.
- Popularity: Despite competition, taxis remain one of the most utilized transportation methods in Buenos Aires.
Advantages of traveling by taxi in Buenos Aires
Regulated Fares
Taxi fares in Buenos Aires are regulated by the government, ensuring that there is no price competition like that seen with ride-sharing services.
This makes taxis a reliable option in terms of cost-effectiveness, particularly during night hours when there is a 20% fare increase.
Licensed and Regulated Service
In Buenos Aires, taxis represent a regulated and official passenger transport service. Both the vehicles and drivers are duly registered with the relevant control bodies.
Taxis are required to provide passengers with clear identification, including the vehicle’s license, the driver’s details, and the license holder’s information. These regulations help ensure transparency, safety, and comfort for passengers.
24-Hour Service Availability
Taxis in Buenos Aires operate 24/7, though service availability can fluctuate based on demand and safety considerations.
You can hail a taxi at any time from almost anywhere within the city. However, during late-night hours, drivers may be hesitant to travel to certain areas either due to distance or safety concerns.
Door-to-Door Travel
Unlike other major public transport options like buses, trains, or subways—which may not operate during late-night hours—taxis provide the convenience of taking you directly to your doorstep.
This is particularly valuable during hours when pedestrian traffic and overall safety conditions in Buenos Aires are less favorable.
Tips for traveling by taxi in Buenos Aires
Comparing Prices: Taxis vs. Ride-Sharing Apps
While taxis offer predictable, government-regulated fares, they aren’t always the most economical choice compared to ride-sharing apps like Uber or Cabify, especially considering the 20% nighttime surcharge.
Not all taxis accept debit or virtual wallet payments, which could be inconvenient. Assess each situation to decide whether it’s more practical to hail a taxi on the street or order one through an app.
Ensure Visibility of Vehicle and Driver Information
Buenos Aires taxis are required to display information about the driver, the vehicle, and its license, typically found on the back of the front seats. This information is crucial for security and necessary in case you need to file a complaint.
Finding Taxis on Avenues
It’s generally easier to find a taxi on main avenues than on single-lane streets, except when a taxi drops off a passenger and immediately returns to service. Head to the avenues where taxis frequent for better chances of catching one quickly.
Route Determination by the Passenger
Though drivers might suggest the quickest or shortest route based on GPS, the passenger has the final say. Knowing the best route beforehand can prevent costly detours, often referred to locally as ‘paseos.’
No Extra Charge for Luggage
Drivers cannot charge extra for a standard-sized suitcase or carry-on bag. However, they may refuse service if the luggage is excessively large or could damage the vehicle’s interior.
Fare Determined by the Meter
In Buenos Aires, taxi fares are non-negotiable and must be determined by the meter, which includes a flag drop charge and increments per distance or waiting time. Charges for ‘door-to-door’ service may include up to 10 extra tokens if ordered via phone or app.
Use Pre-set Fares at the Airport
To avoid overcharging at airports like Aeroparque, a pre-set fare system calculates the total cost based on distance, traffic conditions, and other factors.
This system, initiated in March 2019, requires passengers to get a ticket from a kiosk indicating the journey’s cost.
Air Conditioning Included in the Fare
All taxis must have working heating and air conditioning, the use of which should be with the passenger’s consent and included in the metered fare.
Meter Should Start with the Journey
Ensure the meter is off when you enter the taxi and only starts once the vehicle begins moving. Charges for waiting time are permissible but should be reasonable and agreed upon, especially when a taxi is booked for a specific time.
Additional Charge for Trips to Buenos Aires Province
If a journey starts in the city and ends in the province, drivers may refuse or charge an extra fee, which should be discussed at the beginning of the trip. This fee is intended only to cover the return trip to the city.
How and Where to Report Irregularities
If any rights are violated, it’s advisable not to start or to terminate the journey immediately and report the issue. Ensure you have the taxi’s and driver’s details, along with the date and time.
Complaints can be filed with the City Government (calling 147, emailing [email protected]), the Public Service Regulatory Entity (0800-222-ENTE, [email protected]), or the Ombudsman (0800-999-3722, [email protected]).
Taxi applications and services in Buenos Aires
BA Taxi App
BA Taxi is the official free app provided by the city to quickly, easily, and securely request a taxi. Available for both Android and iOS, BA Taxi connects passengers with professional taxi drivers and offers various payment options including cash, debit card, credit card, and QR. Registering on the app is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to use it:
- Request your ride from anywhere.
- Choose your payment method.
- Customize your ride according to your needs.
- Check the driver’s information.
Special Features of BA Taxi:
- Travel with a Female Driver: This option is available only for female users. If no female drivers are available nearby, the app will ask if the passenger is willing to travel with a male driver.
- Pet-Friendly Travel: You can travel with your pet by selecting the “Pet friendly” filter in the app.
- Lost and Found: If you lose an item during your taxi ride, you can report it through the BA Taxi app for assistance in retrieving it.
CityTax/NewTaxi
Formed nearly 20 years ago, CityTax and NewTaxi merged to meet the growing demands of Buenos Aires’ residents. Now, they operate a fleet of nearly 1,000 vehicles, offering a 24/7 service that includes transporting goods, documents, and pets alongside passenger transport.
Features and Services:
- Safety: Equipped with satellite tracking and emergency vehicle immobilization features, these taxis ensure the security of both passengers and drivers.
- Speed: Utilizing their own geolocation systems and apps, CityTax/NewTaxi provides efficient taxi services in a busy city, with simple booking via their passenger app or WhatsApp.
- Comfort: The fleet includes a variety of modern vehicles, all under three years old, including brands like Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Renault, Ford, Fiat, Peugeot, Toyota, and Citroen.
- Innovation and Attention: Besides regular services, they offer school pool services, door-to-door messaging, shopping services, pre-scheduled routines, pet transport without additional cost, city tours, smoker-friendly services, airport transfers, and more.
Premium Taxi
As a leading taxi company in Buenos Aires since 1999, Taxi Premium differentiates itself with exceptional service quality. With more than 3500 registered vehicles and authorized drivers, it ensures transparency and quality in every ride.
Premium Features:
- Fixed Fare: Known in advance through the app, eliminating fare surprises.
- Corporate Services: Premium Corporate allows for managing corporate transfers, offering bi-weekly billing and professional consultancy.
- Executive Assistance: Available 24/7 through their call center for real-time travel advice.
- Airport Travel: Specialized services for travel to Ezeiza airport, ensuring punctual and reliable transportation for departures and arrivals.
Last Considerations
Buenos Aires taxis have long been the backbone of private transportation in the city, serving as a traditional and trusted way to navigate the bustling streets for many decades.
With the rise of new players such as Cabify and Uber, local taxis have had to adapt by offering more versatile payment options and integrating new technologies.
This evolution ensures that they remain competitive and relevant in today’s tech-driven world. As a regulated and officially sanctioned service, taxis in Buenos Aires offer enhanced safety compared to informal ride-sharing apps.
While most taxi drivers welcome foreigners with open arms, it’s wise to stay alert for the few who might take advantage of tourists.
Trust ExpatPathways to keep you informed and ready to explore Buenos Aires safely and efficiently.
(Featured Image Source: Pieter Edelman/flickr.com)
