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Buenos Aires Buses

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There are two main types of buses here in Buenos Aires: local city buses for getting around town and long distance buses for travel outside of Buenos Aires.

Local Buenos Aires Buses

Local buses, known as colectivos or bondis ($0.80AR one-way) are one of the best ways to get around the city, especially if you're on a budget. They are also great for experiencing the real Buenos Aires lifestyle as most porteños regularly use the efficient city bus system. There are more than 180 different bus lines that traverse the city. Times may vary and, due to weekly protests and demonstrations, schedules and routes may be altered at a moment's notice. Visitors adventurous enough to want to ride the local buses and figure out the complicated system of routes, stops and the lay of the land, should buy a Guia T ($3AR). The Guia T is a funny-looking but sophisticated pocket manual essential for anyone that is planning on using the colectivos on a regular basis.

Long Haul Buses from Buenos Aires

Traveling outside of Buenos Aires throughout Argentina is usually done by long distance, overnight buses. Services range from executive class, which can rival traveling in business class on an international flight, to barely-reclining to back-bending discomfort. Most destinations outside of Buenos Aires — including Iguazú Falls, Cordoba, Mendoza, Patagonia, and others — leave from Retiro bus station, an incredible and slightly daunting transportation hub with gates for more than eighty buses. Upstairs in the terminal is where the plethora of long haul bus companies sell tickets to their various destinations. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel times around holidays. It also ensures departure and arrival times of your choice as well as preferred level of service.

The most important thing about long-distance buses is that there are three different types or classes of seats available for travelers. The most comfortable, luxurious, and expensive are called Super Cama or Cama Suite. Many times these plush seats recline to nearly 180 degrees and can accommodate even the tallest of travelers but these seats are few and sellout fastest and advance reservations are recommended. Regular cama seats are still quite comfortable and are recommended when super cama is not available. Both of the above classes will have a supplementary meal service — just check with your service provider. Those on a tight budget that can endure tedious and arduous discomfort can opt for the economical semi-cama or bus común. This is recommended only when other, more preferable choices are not available or when traveling on an extremely limited budget — especially not recommended for tall people.