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Country Guide > South America > Argentina | |
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Travel - Internal Air Domestic flights from Jorge Newbery (Aeroparque) and Córdoba (COR) (Pajas Blancas) to destinations throughout Argentina are run by Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Austral (AU) (website: www.austral.com.ar) and LAPA (MJ). Air travel is the most efficient way to get around, but the services are very busy and can be subject to delay. There is a 30-day ’Visit Argentina Pass’ available, with four to eight coupons for flights within the country, with many accompanying airlines. It is also possible to buy a 60-day air pass. Domestic airports: Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbury (AEP) is located on the bank of the Rio de la Plata, a few minutes away from the main financial and commercial district. There are frequent bus and taxi services to all areas of the city as well as a coach connection to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini international airport. Airport facilities include a bank/bureau de change, left luggage, car rental and a tourist information kiosk. Departure tax: Between US$7.05 to US$8, and subject to frequent changes. Rail Owing to severe underfunding of State railways and recent privatisation, many long haul services have been disrupted, although some suburban lines have been greatly improved. The domestic rail network extends over 43,000km (27,000 miles), which makes it one of the largest in the world. Children under three travel free and children aged three to 11 pay half fare. There are three classes: air conditioned, first class and second class. There are restaurant and sleeping facilities for first-class passengers. Second-class rail travel is good value. There are six main rail routes from Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires–Rosario (where one branch goes to Tucumán and Jujuy via Córdoba and the second branch goes to Tucumán and Jujuy via La Banda), Buenos Aires–Rojas, Buenos Aires–Santa Rosa, Buenos Aires–Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires–Las Flores–Quequén Necochea and Buenos Aires–Bahía Blanca (where a branch goes to San Carlos de Bariloche). Rail travellers are warned that once out of Buenos Aires, information is very hard to come by. Special fares: The Argempass entitles visitors to unlimited first-class train travel, but is only sold in Argentina at railway booking offices. Passes are available for 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. A supplement is charged for sleeping car accommodation. The passes must be used within 30 days of purchase and are valid from the first day of use to the last day at 2400. Other discount tickets include: Group Pass: 10 to 25 per cent discount for a group of 10 to 25 people; Family Pass: 25 per cent discount for a parent and up to two children; Youth Pass: 25 per cent discount for people under 30 years of age; Senior Pass: 25 per cent discount for women aged 55 and over and men aged 60 and over; and Student Pass: 25 per cent discount for students. Road Major privatisation programmes have resulted in many trunk roads being upgraded, and roads are generally in good condition. Expect tolls on motorways. Rural roads, composed of packed dirt, become impassable after rain. Nonetheless, buses are considered to be a more reliable form of long-distance transport than trains. Traffic drives on the right. Car hire: There are a number of agencies in Buenos Aires (including Avis, Dollar and Hertz). Drivers must be at least 21 years of age (sometimes up to 25 years of age). Documentation: International Driving Permit is required and this must be stamped at the offices of the Automóvil Club Argentino (website: www.aca.org.ar). These documents must be carried at all times whilst driving: proof of ownership, proof of insurance and receipt for last tax payment. Urban Buenos Aires is generally well served by public transport. The city’s underground, the Subte, was the first to be constructed in Latin America. Recently privatised, its old glitzy stations (adorned with ceramic tiles portraying scenes of Argentine life) are now being renovated. There are five lines, labelled A to E. Services operate from early morning to late at night on a fixed-fare basis; tokens can be purchased at booking offices. Bus: Services are provided by colectivo buses operating 24 hours a day on an inexpensive flat fare; however, these are often crowded, particularly at rush hour, but are usually prompt. There are extensive bus services in other towns, including trolleybuses in Rosario. The main bus station is in Buenos Aires, at Av. Ramos Mejia 1680, close to Retiro Station. Taxi: Available in most cities and large towns and can either be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks. They are usually recognisable by their yellow roofs. It is best to use hotel-recommended taxis. Travel times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Buenos Aires to other major cities/towns in Argentina.
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