How to catch the bus in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Buses

[SPhoto credit: Cobra  Libre’s photostream/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0]

In many ways, colectivos (the local name for buses; also known as bondis) are the travel choice of kings in Buenos Aires. There are so many routes, and almost all run with good frequency and regularity, even right through the night. The subte (underground) system is easy to use, but is only useful for certain routes and stops running at around 10pm.  And public transport always beats taxis on value.

So, here is some advice on how to catch a bus in Buenos Aires… a task that may seem simple, but is not as easy as it sounds.

Use Cómo Llego to plan your route

You can use the Buenos Aires city government’s transport planning tool Cómo Llego (how do I get there) in your internet browser (https://mapa.buenosaires.gob.ar/comollego/) or by downloading the app. Then put the address of your starting point in box A and your destination in box B and the website will show you what kinds of transport you can take and will map the route for you. You can choose between walking, cycling, driving and public transport routes by clicking on the icons above the search boxes. Google maps is also useful for realtime transport options in Buenos Aires.

Getting a SUBE card

To use public transport (buses, the subte system and overground trains) in Buenos Aires, you’ll need a rechargeable SUBE card. You can buy these at subte stations and many corner shops, but perhaps the easiest place to get one if you are new to the city is at one of the city’s eight tourist assistance centres (the yellow tourist information kiosks). Once you have your card, you can add credit at subte station ticket offices and many corner shops.

Catching the bus (Tomar [NOT Coger!] el colectivo)

• Now you have found the street where the bus route you want is supposed to travel down (if you are having trouble, ask a local, they will usually try and help), make one last check that the direction of traffic is going the right way for where you want to go.
• Walk along the street you found, on the right hand side, until you find the bus stop for your number. It shouldn’t be much more than a block.
• Queue up politely and patiently, in the direction away from where the bus will come. If you are still not sure the bus you want to take will be going in the right direction, ask someone else in line “este colectivo (point to bus number) va por Microcentro/Recoleta/Palermo/etc?’, and they will be pleased to help you!
• When you see your colectivo approaching, and it won’t be long, make sure to stick your arm out to stop it in good time. Too late and it might go speeding past. No snoozing!

Paying the man (well ok, the machine)

• When you get on the bus, tell the driver your destination. For example, if you are going to the intersection of Avenidas San Juan and Boedo, say “hasta San Juan y Boedo”. The driver will enter the correct fare into the machine; pay by touching it with your SUBE card.
• Next find a seat!  Note that the front seats are reserved for pregnant women, people with small children, elderly people and disabled people; be ready to give up your seat if needed. If busy, find a rail and HOLD ON TIGHT. Buenos Aires bus drivers can err on the speedy side and seem to enjoy breaking hard at the last moment at junctions.

For more information about using public transport in Buenos Aires, check this page of the city government’s tourism website. And that’s it. Enjoy the ride!

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