Overview in Buenos Aires

Overview

The subte, Latin America's oldest subway system (dating from 1913), has five underground lines and the premetro, which runs above ground in the southwest of the city. Líneas (Lines) A, B, D, and E fan out from downtown; Línea C connects them all, as will the new H line. Service is efficient and inexpensive. Single-ride tickets cost 70¢ to anywhere in the city; you can buy passes for 1, 2, 5, or 10 trips or a no-contact-necessary rechargeable card. The subte shuts down around 11 PM and reopens at 5 AM.

Colectivos (city buses; 80¢ within the city, 1.25 to 1.65 pesos outside the city) connect the city's barrios and the greater Buenos Aires area. Carry small change as the ticket machines on board only accept coins. Bus stops are on every other block but you may have to hunt around for the small metal signs that mark the route numbers: they could be stuck on a shelter, lamppost, or even a tree. Stop at a news kiosk and buy the Guía T, a handy route guide.