Balancing Budget and Convenience – Buenos Aires Airport Transportation
Like many big city airports, the main airport in Buenos Aires, Ezeiza, is decently far outside the center of the city. Over the course of several years, I have traveled to and from the Buenos Aires airport many times, both as a budget traveler, and as an Argentine resident. The options for getting between the airport and the city are limited. Of the 3 main options, only two could be considered a budget choice. Here’s a look at all three, taking into consideration both budget and convenience.
The Cheapest Option: Bus 86
While there is one city bus (Collectivo 86) that runs from the airport into the city, it is hardly worth it. Sure, you’ll only spent around 2 pesos ($0.50 USD), but you will also be lugging all of your belongings onto a crowded bus and most likely have to stand up, trying not to get pick-pocketed or fall over for a good hour and a half to two hours. I don’t know about you, but that is hardly the kind of hassle I want to deal with when I am about to get on a cramped airplane.
The Most Convenient Option: Taxi
Of course the simplest way to get to and from the airport is to just suck it up and pay for a cab. This will run you around $140 pesos ($32 USD) if you are traveling to or from the city center. The best way to save money on this option is to to make sure you get a flat rate before getting into the cab. If you are traveling to the airport, call Radio Taxi and schedule a pickup the day before your flight. They will send you a driver and give you a set fee for the ride. If you are at the airport, do not go to the line of taxis outside. Instead, go to one of the taxi kiosks just outside of customs. These kiosks have flat fees posted so you know you are getting the same price, every time.
Best Budget to Convenience Balance: Manuel Tienda Leon
Manuel Tienda Leon is basically a well organized car-pooling service. The way it works is you call ahead to reserve a spot on one of their airport shuttles. These shuttles leave from the Retiro area of Buenos Aires. For only $65 pesos ($15 USD), they will send a cab to pick you up and take you to the Tienda Leon Station. From there, you will hop on a shuttle that drops you off at the airport. You will usually have to leave earlier than you would with a cab because they send the cabs to pick up multiple people at once meaning they have to accommodate several different flights. You might lose an hour or two extra, but you will save money while still saying safe and comfortable. Definitely the best of both worlds.
The three very different options for airport transportation in Buenos Aires vary greatly in both price and convenience. While taxis are the simplest and most straight forward option, they will set you back quite a few pesos. The most cost effective option, Bus 86, is dirt cheap, but you will sacrifice a lot of time which may be better spent exploring the city. Manuel Tienda Leon offers a middle ground between budget and convenience. Any of these means of transportation will get you to your flight or into the city, it just depends on how much time and money you wish to spend on the trip.
