Taxis and Remises in Buenos Aires
Navigating Buenos Aires by taxi or remise is a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around the city. Known locally as "Radio Taxis," the traditional yellow and black taxis are a common sight on the streets, providing reliable and affordable transportation. Remises, which are private cars that operate similarly to taxis but typically require a phone or app booking, offer another popular option.
Yellow and Black Taxis
The yellow and black taxis in Buenos Aires are iconic and easy to spot. They can be hailed on the street, with Avenidas (main avenues) being the best places to catch a free taxi due to the higher traffic of available cars. Most taxis are equipped with meters, ensuring you pay a fair and regulated fare for your journey. Generally, the cost of using these traditional taxis is similar to, or sometimes cheaper than, ride-sharing apps.
Hailing a Taxi:
- On the Street: Simply raise your hand to signal an available taxi. Look for the "Libre" sign in the front window, indicating the taxi is free.
- Avenidas: Main avenues like Avenida 9 de Julio, Avenida Corrientes, and Avenida Santa Fe are excellent spots to find a free taxi quickly.
Safety and Reliability:
- Radio Taxis: These taxis are registered and have identifiable markings, including a company name and phone number, offering a safer option compared to unregistered vehicles.
Remises
Remises are another popular choice for getting around Buenos Aires. These private cars are similar to taxis but are usually booked in advance through a phone call, hotel concierge, or an app. With the rise of ride-sharing apps, there are fewer physical remise offices than before, but most hotels and accommodations still have trusted remise companies they can recommend.
Booking a Remise:
- Through Hotels: Most hotels and accommodations can arrange a remise for you through their trusted companies.
- Phone or App: You can also book a remise directly through various companies’ phone lines or apps.
Pricing:
- Cost: Remises are generally priced similarly to traditional taxis and can sometimes be cheaper than ride-sharing apps, especially for longer distances or during peak hours.
Advantages of Taxis and Remises
- Availability: Taxis can be easily hailed on the street, especially on busy Avenidas.
- Safety: Registered Radio Taxis and reputable remise companies provide a secure travel option.
- Convenience: Hotels and accommodations can book remises for you, ensuring a reliable ride.
- Fair Pricing: Metered fares in taxis ensure you are charged fairly, and remise fares are often competitive with ride-sharing apps.
Whether you choose a yellow and black taxi or a remise, both options offer a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Buenos Aires. For the best experience, consider using taxis for quick, spontaneous trips and remises for pre-planned journeys or when recommended by your accommodation.
To find out more about using public transport in Buenos Aires, including details on buses, subways, trains, taxis, ride-sharing services, and how to obtain and use the SUBE card, visit the Best Way to Get Around Buenos Aires section.