Getting around Argentina
Argentina is a vast country, and domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel between major destinations. Aerolíneas Argentinas and its subsidiary, Austral, operate an extensive network of routes connecting Buenos Aires with cities such as Mendoza, Córdoba, Bariloche, Ushuaia, and Salta. Low-cost carriers like Flybondi and JetSMART also provide affordable options for domestic travel.
Most domestic flights operate from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) in Buenos Aires, offering convenient access to regional destinations. Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) also handles some domestic flights, particularly those connecting with international arrivals.
Argentina boasts an extensive road network, with more than 200,000 km (124,274 miles) of highways and roads connecting cities, towns, and rural areas. The main roads are generally well-maintained, particularly the motorways (autopistas) and national routes (rutas nacionales), which link major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Bariloche. The iconic Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40) is a highlight, stretching over 5,000 km (3,107 miles) from the Bolivian border to Patagonia, offering a scenic drive through diverse landscapes.
Be aware of local driving customs, including the somewhat creative interpretation of traffic rules in urban areas. Tolls (peajes) apply on many major highways, so carrying cash in local currency is recommended.
Road conditions are usually good in cities and along primary highways, with paved surfaces and clear signage. However, in rural and remote areas, especially in Patagonia and the northwest, roads can be gravel or dirt, and conditions may vary. It's advisable to check the route in advance, particularly during winter when snow and ice can affect mountain passes.
Autopistas (Motorways): These are multi-lane highways, often toll roads, with the designation "AU" (e.g., AU1, known as Acceso Oeste in Buenos Aires). They connect major cities and regions, offering faster and safer travel.
Rutas Nacionales (National Routes): Marked with an "RN" prefix, these roads form the backbone of Argentina's road network. Examples include RN40, which runs parallel to the Andes, and RN9, connecting Buenos Aires with the northwest.
Rutas Provinciales (Provincial Routes): Designated with an "RP" prefix, these roads are managed by individual provinces. They link smaller towns and rural areas to national routes.
Caminos Vecinales (Local Roads): These roads serve rural and less populated areas. They may be paved or unpaved (ripio), with varying conditions.
The signage is generally clear, with green signs indicating national routes, blue signs for provincial roads, and brown signs for tourist routes. Distances are usually shown in kilometres, and directional signs often include the next major town or city.
International car rental companies operate in major cities and airports.
The minimum age to hire a car in Argentina is generally 21 years old. However, some rental companies may require drivers to be at least 23 or 25 years old for certain vehicle categories. Drivers under 25 may also be subject to a young driver surcharge. Most car hire companies also require a credit card for the security deposit.
A valid driver's licence from your home country is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish.
In most Argentine cities, official taxis are easily recognisable by their black and yellow colour scheme, particularly in Buenos Aires. In smaller towns and other regions, taxis may vary in appearance, but they typically display a clear TAXI sign on the roof.
Taxis can be hailed directly on the street or taken from designated taxi ranks (paradas de taxi), which are often found near busy areas such as airports, bus terminals, and major tourist attractions. Pre-booking a taxi is unnecessary unless it is during peak times or late at night.
Most official taxis are metered, and fares are regulated by the local government. The meter (taxímetro) should start at the base fare, and prices increase according to distance and time. If the meter is not turned on, it is advisable to either request it be used or agree on a fare before starting the journey. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the fare is a common courtesy.
Ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Cabify, and Didi offer a reliable alternative and often provide upfront pricing.
The Ruta Nacional 40 (RN40) is a particular favourite among long-distance cyclists, offering stunning views and access to natural wonders such as the Lake District and the Andes.
Mountain biking is well-established in areas like Bariloche, where trails weave through forests and along lakes, and in the Andean regions of Salta and Jujuy.
Argentina boasts an extensive and well-developed long-distance coach network, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel between cities and regions. Coaches (known locally as micros) connect Buenos Aires with destinations across the country, including Patagonia and the wine regions of Mendoza.
Coaches in Argentina come in a range of comfort levels, typically categorised as:
• Semi-cama: Reclining seats with footrests, offering a good level of comfort for short to medium journeys.
• Cama: Wider, more comfortable seats that recline further back, ideal for overnight trips.
• Cama Ejecutivo or Ejecutivo: Premium services with spacious seats, meal service, and sometimes onboard entertainment.
• Cama Suite or "Doble Cama": The top tier, with fully reclining seats (180 degrees) akin to a business class flight experience. Blankets, pillows, and meals are often provided.
Leading coach companies include Flecha Bus, Andesmar, Via Bariloche, and El Rapido Internacional, among others. Many operators offer online booking and run frequent services on popular routes. The main bus terminals (terminales de ómnibus) in major cities are generally well-equipped with amenities such as waiting areas, food outlets, and ticket offices.
Argentina is large, so some journeys can be long. For example, Buenos Aires to Bariloche takes approximately 20 hours by coach. Overnight services can help maximise your travel time.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and headlights must be on at all times when driving on national and provincial routes, even during the day.
Blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for private drivers, 0.2 g/l for motorcyclists, and zero tolerance for professional drivers. Some provinces enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all drivers.
Speed limits vary depending on the type of road:
• Motorways (Autopistas): 120–130 km/h (75–81 mph)
• Rural roads: 80–110 km/h (50–68 mph)
• Urban areas: 40–60 km/h (25–37 mph)
Speed limits are generally well signposted, but it is advisable to keep an eye out, as limits can change suddenly, particularly when approaching towns or speed bumps (lomos de burro).
Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA) offers roadside assistance, towing, and mechanical support. The contact is 0800 888 1400. Many car hire companies also provide emergency contact numbers for roadside assistance, so it's advisable to check this information before setting off.
Foreign drivers must carry:
• A valid driver's licence from their home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if the original licence is not in Spanish.
• Passport (or a valid ID card for Mercosur nationals).
• Vehicle registration documents (green card if the vehicle is registered in Argentina or a blue card if it is a rental vehicle).
• Proof of insurance, including coverage for third-party liability (seguro contra terceros).
• The car rental agreement.
Buenos Aires has the Subte (subway), colectivos (buses), and suburban trains. It also offers a bike-sharing scheme (EcoBici), and in neighbourhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta, visitors can comfortably explore on foot. Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced, while ride-sharing apps (Uber, Cabify, Didi) provide a reliable alternative to traditional taxis.
Buenos Aires' Subte operates from 05:30 am to 11:30 pm (until 12:30 am on weekends) and covers many of the city's key areas. The network includes six lines (A to H) and fares are paid using the rechargeable SUBE card. In addition, Buenos Aires has over 100 bus lines operating 24/7. Visitors can purchase a SUBE card at kiosks, Subte stations, and some convenience stores, and use it on all forms of public transport, including buses, trains, and the Subte.
In other towns and cities, colectivos (buses) are the main form of public transport, and they generally run from early morning until late evening. Buses in most cities accept the SUBE card, which can be purchased and topped up at kiosks and convenience stores.
Argentina's domestic train network is limited but offers a few key routes, particularly connecting Buenos Aires with nearby cities and regions. The major routes include:
• Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata: This route is popular with tourists heading to the Atlantic coast, with daily services offering both standard and first-class seating.
• Buenos Aires to Rosario: A comfortable option for reaching Argentina's third-largest city, with modern trains and affordable fares.
• Buenos Aires to Tucumán: One of the longest train routes in Argentina, offering a low-cost option for travel to the northwest.
• The Tren de la Costa: A charming suburban train connecting the northern Buenos Aires neighbourhoods with the Tigre Delta, a popular day-trip destination.
Tickets can be purchased online via the official website (Trenes Argentinos), at train stations, or through authorised travel agents. Services vary from basic to first-class, with some routes offering sleeping cars and dining facilities.
Additionally, there are two scenic routes worth mentioning:
• The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds): One of the world's highest railways, departing from Salta and offering breathtaking views of the Andes.
• The Old Patagonian Express (La Trochita): A narrow-gauge steam train that runs through Patagonia, providing a nostalgic travel experience.
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