Public Transportation Systems

Subte (Buenos Aires Subway)

Lines and Key Stations

The Buenos Aires subway system, known as the Subte, is one of the city's most efficient modes of transportation. It consists of six lines, labeled A to H, each distinctively color-coded for easy navigation.

• Line A (Light Blue): This is the oldest line, featuring historic wooden cars. It runs from Plaza de Mayo to San Pedrito. Key stations include Lima, which connects to Line C, and Plaza Miserere, a major interchange station.
• Line B (Red): Stretching from Leandro N. Alem to Juan Manuel de Rosas, Line B connects major commercial areas. Notable stations are Carlos Pellegrini, where you can transfer to Line C, and Federico Lacroze, a hub for long-distance bus services.
• Line C (Blue): It runs from Retiro to Constitución, serving two major train stations. Key connection points include Diagonal Norte and 9 de Julio stations.
• Line D (Green): This line goes from Catedral to Congreso de Tucumán, passing through Palermo, a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Key stations here include 9 de Julio and Pueyrredón.
• Line E (Purple): It links Bolívar to Plaza de los Virreyes, primarily serving the central and southern sections of the city. Bolívar station connects with Line A.
• Line H (Yellow): The newest line, running from Facultad de Derecho to Hospitales. It's essential for reaching educational institutions, with a significant interchange at Corrientes Station for Line B.

Operational Hours and Frequency

The Subte operates approximately from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends, typically closing around 11:00 PM. During peak hours, trains run every 3 to 5 minutes, offering frequent service to accommodate the commuting rush. Off-peak times see trains arriving every 6 to 10 minutes.

Ticketing and Pricing

Passengers can use a rechargeable card known as the SUBE card to pay for rides on the Subte. This card is also valid on buses and trains, providing a convenient and integrated ticketing solution. Ticket prices are quite affordable, with discounts available for frequent riders who make multiple journeys in a single day. Be sure to recharge your SUBE card at stations or kiosks to ensure a seamless travel experience.

Buses (Colectivos)

Major Routes and Destinations

Buenos Aires has an extensive bus system, with over 140 lines crisscrossing the city. Buses, or colectivos, serve every neighborhood, often running 24 hours a day. Some of the most significant routes include:

• Line 60: Popular for its journey from Constitución to Tigre, traversing the northern suburbs.
• Line 152: This line is crucial for residents and tourists alike, connecting Olivos to La Boca, passing through the city center.
• Line 29: Known for its route from Belgrano to the Microcentro, this line is heavily used during business hours.

Tips for Using Buses

Navigating the bus network requires some local knowledge. Here are some tips:

• Check Route Maps: Use online tools or mobile apps to find the best route to your destination.
• Bus Stops: Buses do not stop automatically at each stop, so signaling to the driver is essential.
• Seat Etiquette: Offering your seat to elderly passengers or those with disabilities is common practice.

Payment Methods

Payment for bus rides is also made using the SUBE card. Fares depend on the distance traveled, calculated upon entry by tapping the card on the reader. Ensuring your card has a positive balance before boarding is crucial, as cash is not accepted on buses.

Trains

Suburban Train Lines

Buenos Aires features several suburban train lines serving the Greater Buenos Aires area, essential for commuters and those accessing the city's outskirts. Major lines include:

• Mitre Line: It caters to the northern suburbs, with branches reaching Retiro, Tigre, José León Suárez, and Bartolomé Mitre.
• Roca Line: The busiest line, connecting the southern suburbs with the city, including stations like Constitución, Quilmes, and La Plata.
• Sarmiento Line: Running from Once to Moreno, this line predominantly serves the western suburbs.

Key Stations and Connections

• Retiro: A central hub for Mitre and Belgrano Norte lines, connecting with Subte Line C.
• Once: The terminal for the Sarmiento line, providing access to Subte lines A and H.
• Constitución: Serving the Roca line, with connections to Subte lines C and E.

Scheduling and Ticketing

Train schedules vary by line, but generally operate from 4:00 AM to midnight. Frequencies can range from an impressive 10 minutes during rush hour to 30 minutes off-peak. Tickets are priced based on distance traveled, with the SUBE card offering a seamless payment option across all lines. It's advisable to check schedules and announcements, as delays can occur, especially during peak periods.