Transportation, Public Transportation in Buenos Aires, Featured Content

Buenos Aires Subway or Subte

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By | March 11, 2020

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Taking the subway for the first time in Buenos Aires? Here we explain how to use the subte system, along with some tips for making it as smooth a journey as possible.

The Buenos Aires subte is a small network of underground subway lines that extend out from downtown. The key to using public transportation in Buenos Aires is the SUBE card. These hard plastic cards can be charged with credit at subway stations, kisoskos (corner stores) and lottery outlets across the city. These cards are an absolute necessity for taking the bus, but for the subte you can also purchase a one-time ticket from the counter. This is a good option if you’re passing through Buenos Aires and only plan on using the subway a few times. Otherwise, you’ll make your life a lot easier purchasing the card.

How to use the Subte

Once you have your card or one-time ticket, you can pass through the turnstiles. To activate the turnstile, just hold the SUBE card over the scanning pad and wait a few seconds. If you have a one-time use ticket you’ll insert it into the slot lower down on the machine.

Once you’ve paid to enter you can take as many trips, and line transfers as you want without paying additional fares. Just make sure not to exit the turnstiles, or you’ll need to pay again to re-enter. To make a connection, just get off at the station where the lines connect and follow the signs to your next line.

The subte runs from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week. For late night transportation, the bus system in Buenos Aires operates 24 hours a day.

Tips for using the subte

  • If you can, avoid taking the subte during rush-hour between 7:30 and 9:30 in the morning, and 5:00 and 7:30 at night. The crowds during these times are horrendous. If you do need to use the subte during rush hour, you can expect overcrowded sweaty cars, and a lot of shoving. When it’s time to disembark, be assertive. If the train is slowing down at your stop and you are three large men away from the door, proclaim “permiso” (excuse me) or ask “Bajas?” (are you getting off?) to the person in front of you. If no one is moving, you may need to gently shove your way through to the door.
  • The larger subte stations where several lines cross have connecting platforms, but many of the smaller station have split platforms. So, you need to make sure you entering the station on the correct side of the street. The signs will say the final destination of that line, so just double check that’s the direction you’re heading before going through the turnstiles.
  • Landing a seat is a rare feat, but if you do make sure to keep an eye out for pregnant women, children, and disabled/elderly travelers, and be prepared to offer your seat. This is the norm for public transportation in Argentina. Young able-bodied passengers that don’t offer their seat are generally met with a few piercing glares.
  • It’s quite common for vendors to pedal their wares on the subte. If someone comes by and hands you something, it means it’s for sale. If you want it you can ask how much and buy it. Otherwise just hold onto it until they come back around to collect it.
  • Ladies, hold your bags over a shoulder and in front of you, zipped at all times. Gents, do the same. These safety tips are good rules of thumb for any public transport situation.

Good luck and happy traveling!

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