Buenos Aires boasts a fairly efficient transport system, primarily consisting of the subway and bus networks. The city features six main subway lines and hundreds of bus routes.

In addition, Buenos Aires has several overground train lines extending to the surrounding provinces of Greater Buenos Aires. The two main terminals are Retiro Station, servicing the north, and Constitución Station, servicing the south. Let's take a look at how to take the Bus in Buenos Aires.

Using the Bus:

Tickets:

Sube Card (Tarjeta Sube): You can only pay for public transport with a Sube Card (Tarjeta Sube). This is a plastic magnetic top-up card that deducts the fare directly from the card when used. Cash is no longer accepted. You can get one at station ticket offices, kioskos (local newsagents), and the post office. Be aware that some areas sometimes have a shortage of these cards, so you may have to visit multiple locations until you find one. If you're wondering "how to pay for bus in Buenos Aires," this is the method you'll need.

Requesting a Stop: Buses only stop upon request at assigned stops. Once you have identified your stop and see your bus approaching, wave your arm to signal the driver. This is an important step in "how to take the bus in Buenos Aires."

Paying the Fare: Once onboard, tell the driver your destination, as there are different rates based on distance. The driver will select the fare. Behind the driver is a computerized box where you place your Sube Card. You should hear a loud buzz and see a message on the screen to confirm the transaction. If not, the driver will likely inform you. More than one person can travel on a Sube Card. If you are two, ask the driver to press for two passengers. You will need to tap the card twice for each person's journey. Understanding this process is key to "how to use bus in Buenos Aires."

Getting Off: Press the bell to get off at the nearest stop to your destination.

For more information about planning a journey and finding out what buses go from where you are in Buenos Aires to where you want to go, check out Omnilineas website. It is has useful map tool where you can pin where you are and draw a line to the area you want to go. It will give you a list of the bus routes that will serve you. The site has an English Language Option.

Helpful tips:

*Most routes run 24 hours, with a limited service in the early hours of the morning.

**Locals call a public bus "Colectivo" or by the local slang word "Bondi".