By Car in Buenos Aires

By Car

Avenida General Paz completely encircles Buenos Aires. If you're driving into the city, you'll know you're in Buenos Aires proper once you cross this road. If you're entering from the north, chances are you will be on the Ruta Panamericana, which has wide lanes and good lighting. The quickest way from downtown to Ezeiza Airport is Autopista 25 de Mayo to Autopista Ricchieri. The R2 (Ruta 2) takes you to the Atlantic beach resorts in and around Mar del Plata.

Porteños drive with verve and a disdain for the rules. Having a car in Buenos Aires is really more hassle than it's worth; there are ample taxis and public transportation options. If you're up to the challenge, however, drive defensively. And be cautious when approaching or exiting overpasses; there have been incidences of ladrillazo (brick throwing) for the purpose of theft. Daily rental rates range from around 75 pesos to 200 pesos, depending on the type of car and the distance you plan to travel.

A more convenient option than driving yourself is to have your travel agent or hotel arrange for a remis (car and driver), especially for a day's tour of the suburbs or nearby pampas. This service costs about 30-40 pesos per hour, sometimes with a three-hour minimum and an additional charge per kilometer ( 1/2 mi) if you drive outside the city limits. Remises usually end up being cheaper than cabs, especially during peak hours. If your driver is helpful and friendly, a 10% tip is appropriate.

Parking

Parking can be a problem in the city, though there are several underground municipal parking garages and numerous private ones. Look for a blue sign with an e (for estacionamiento [parking]). The cost is about 3-4 pesos for the first hour and 1-1.50 pesos for each additional half hour. Most malls have garages, which are usually free or give you a reduced rate with a purchase.

Rules of the Road

Most driving rules in the United States apply here, but keep in mind the following: right turns on red are not allowed; never park on the left side of the street, where there's a yellow line on the curb, or near a bus stop; and left turns are seldom allowed, unless indicated. Where there are no traffic lights, intersections are a free-for-all, though vehicles coming from your right theoretically have right-of-way. During the week, Microcentro, the bustling commercial district bounded by Carlos Pellegrini, Avenida Córdoba, Avenida Leandro Alem, and Avenida de Mayo, is off-limits to all but public transit vehicles.

Local Rental Agencies

Annie Millet (Av. Santa Fe 883, fl. 1, El Centro. 11/6777-7777. www.amillet.com.ar). Gracia (Paraguay 658, El Centro. 11/4313-4844).

GVS (Leandro N. Alem 699, El Centro. 11/4315-0777). Localiza (Av. Rivadavia 1126, El Centro. 0800/999-2999 or 11/4382-9267. www.localiza.com.ar). Rent-a-Sol (Av. Libertador 6553, Belgrano. 11/4787-2140 or 11/4787-1414. www.rent-a-sol.com.ar).

Remises

Annie Millet Transfers (Av. Santa Fe 883, fl. 1, El Centro. 11/6777-7777). Remises Full-Time (Paraguay 4552, Palermo Soho. 11/4775-9596 or 11/4775-1011). Remises REB (Billinghurst 68, Palermo. 11/4863-1226 or 11/4862-6271). Remises Rioja (Rioja 3023, Olivos. 11/4794-4677). Remises Universal (25 de Mayo 611, fl. 4, El Centro. 11/4315-6555).