Getting from Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP) into the city is easy—if you choose the right pickup method and understand one key difference:
- City taxis run on a meter (taxímetro) with official fares set by the City of Buenos Aires.
- Airport transfers / remises / pre-paid services often use a fixed price (sometimes presented as “zones” or destination-based pricing) that you confirm before you ride.
Below is the most reliable, scam-resistant setup for airport pickups, flat-rate vs metered pricing, and smart tips for day-to-day rides in Buenos Aires.
✅ The safest airport pickup strategy (works at both EZE and AEP)
Option 1: Pre-paid airport transfer (fixed price)
If you want the least hassle (especially after a long flight), book or buy a pre-paid transfer/remis:
- You pay a known price upfront (or receive a confirmed quote).
- You get clearer driver/vehicle coordination than random curb offers.
- This is commonly recommended by official tourism info as “private transfers booked in advance or on arrival.”
Examples you’ll see frequently:
- Tienda León operates buses from EZE to Puerto Madero and also offers private transfer options.
- Taxi Ezeiza Oficial markets itself as a pre-paid airport taxi service and publishes fare tables (which change over time).
When to choose this: late night arrivals, first time in BA, traveling with luggage, you don’t want negotiation.
Option 2: App-based ride (Uber / Cabify / DiDi) with designated pickup guidance
Ride-hailing apps operate in major cities like Buenos Aires, and official Argentina travel guidance explicitly mentions Uber, Cabify, and DiDi.
For airports, Uber provides airport-specific pickup instructions and notes that pickup points may vary—follow the app directions/signage.
When to choose this: you want upfront in-app pricing, don’t want to handle cash, you’re comfortable following pickup directions.
Option 3: Licensed city taxi you order via the official BA Taxi app (best “official taxi” method in the city)
For rides within Buenos Aires, the BA Taxi app is an official city app that connects passengers with professional taxi drivers and lets you see driver/vehicle info, estimate fare/time, and pay with card or cash.
When to choose this: you want a licensed taxi experience without curb-hailing stress.
✈️ Airport basics: EZE vs AEP (why your choice changes)
Buenos Aires tourism info summarizes the two airports most travelers use:
- EZE (Ezeiza) is ~32 km from the center; typical travel time about 50 minutes (traffic varies).
- AEP (Aeroparque) is inside the city; often ~25 minutes to main hotel areas.
This matters because:
- From EZE, fixed-price transfers are popular (longer ride, tolls possible).
- From AEP, taxi/app rides are shorter and often simplest.
💸 Flat-rate zones vs metered taxis: what “fixed price” really means
1) Metered taxis (taxímetro) — official city rules
The City of Buenos Aires publishes how taxi fares are calculated:
- A starting charge (flag drop) plus
- A fixed amount per distance or waiting time
- Night fare: 20% surcharge from 22:00 to 06:00
So inside the city, your “correct” taxi ride is normally: meter on + visible license + pay in ARS.
2) Flat-rate / fixed-price rides — common at airports
Fixed-price rides are typically:
- Pre-paid taxi/remis counters at the airport, or
- Booked transfers (private car), or
- Upfront in-app pricing (ride-hailing).
Taxi Ezeiza, for example, explicitly presents itself as pre-paid and publishes “tarifas” (fare lists) that include certain conditions (these numbers change frequently).
Important reality in Argentina: prices can change quickly, so don’t memorize amounts—confirm the price at the moment you book/pay via the official counter/app/site.
🚕 What to do at arrivals: the “anti-scam” flow (especially at EZE)
Do this:
- Ignore unsolicited drivers offering rides inside or outside arrivals.
- Go to a clearly branded counter (pre-paid transfer) or follow your app’s pickup instructions. Uber explicitly tells you to follow in-app directions and airport signage for pickup zones.
- If using a metered taxi in the city, ensure the meter is on and you’re paying in pesos per the city rules.
Why this works: official tourism guidance confirms taxis and pre-booked transfers are standard options; the risks mostly come from unverified curb solicitation.
📱 Best ride apps in Buenos Aires (and how to pick)
Official Argentina Travel guidance summarizes the three major ride-hailing apps:
- Uber: common in big cities; supports multiple payment methods (including card/cash/wallets depending on location).
- Cabify: card/in-app payments; emphasizes registered drivers and corporate option.
- DiDi: card and cash; often promos; “Express Ride.”
If you want “official taxis” with app convenience: use BA Taxi (official CABA app for licensed taxis).
🧠 Smart tips locals use (save money + reduce stress)
✅ Tip 1: Decide your priority: “cheapest” vs “simplest”
- Simplest: pre-paid transfer/remis (fixed price, clear handoff).
- Cheapest often: ride-hailing apps (depends on surge/traffic) — you’ll see the price before confirming.
✅ Tip 2: Night rides cost more in metered taxis
If you take a metered taxi between 22:00–06:00, expect the official +20% night fare.
✅ Tip 3: Always plan for tolls when coming from EZE
EZE is farther from town, so route choice can include toll roads. Fixed-price airport services may bundle conditions; app prices may adjust if tolls differ from estimates (Uber notes potential price adjustment based on tolls/surcharges vs upfront estimate).
✅ Tip 4: Use BA Taxi when you want a “licensed taxi” without street hailing
BA Taxi lets you verify vehicle/driver details and pay by card/cash while still using the regulated taxi system.
✅ Tip 5: Don’t rely on English at the curb
Even official travel guidance notes language can be a friction point; have your destination saved as a map pin or written address.
🚦FAQ
Is there a true “flat-rate zone” system like NYC airports?
In Buenos Aires, “flat-rate” is most reliably achieved through pre-paid airport transfer/remis services (destination-based pricing) or upfront in-app pricing—not the city taxi meter.
What’s the safest airport pickup for first-timers?
A pre-paid transfer/remis bought at a counter or booked in advance is the most straightforward, especially at EZE. Official tourism guidance highlights private transfers as a standard airport-to-city option.
Do Buenos Aires taxis have a night surcharge?
Yes—official city rules state +20% between 22:00 and 06:00.
What’s the official taxi app in Buenos Aires?
BA Taxi is an official City of Buenos Aires app for requesting licensed taxis with driver/vehicle info and multiple payment options.
Conclusion
For Buenos Aires rides, you’ll be happiest if you use this simple framework:
- Airport arrival (EZE/AEP): choose pre-paid transfer/remis (fixed price) or a ride-hailing app with clear pickup instructions.
- City rides: use BA Taxi when you want a licensed taxi with app convenience, or ensure any street taxi runs the meter under official CABA fare rules.
It’s the fastest way to avoid scams, keep pricing predictable, and move smoothly across Buenos Aires.
Comments