Buenos Aires is one of South America's most exciting and vibrant cities. While the city is relatively safe, here are some tips to stay safe on public transport.
Photo © iStock/Goddard_Photography
At a Glance:
- The Colectivo (local bus) and the subte (subway) are two of the most popular ways to travel in and around Buenos Aires.
- Google Maps, Moovit, and BA Cómo Llego are apps that can help you find your way around the city.
- The SUBE card is a physical card you can get to pay for public transportation, but there’s now a digital version of it, too.
- Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so be aware of your surroundings.
- Buenos Aires is relatively safe, and the US State Department Travel Advisory for Buenos Aires, Argentina is a Level 1 travel advisory (as of July 2026)
From the popular Caminito strip and Casa Rosada to the charismatic nightlife scene, there’s always something to see or do in Buenos Aires. With so many neighborhoods to check out, chances are you’ll be out and about from dusk to dawn.
The good news is that Buenos Aires is relatively safe compared to its South American counterparts. Most of the inner city streets and neighborhoods are clean, well maintained and well-lit at night. Plus, the city has a good public transport system, especially the bus service.
But there are little nuances to navigating your way around the city. So before you take a stroll through La Boca, or hit up one of the city’s all-night boliches (nightclubs with dancing), it pays to read up on the best ways to get around this city quickly and safely. The last thing you want is to end up in the wrong part of town or to stand around looking lost.
- Public Transport in Buenos Aires
- Local Buses and Subway
- Stay Safe - Hold on Tight
- Apps to Help you Navigate the City
- SUBE - Buenos Aires Transport Card
Public transport in Buenos Aires
If it’s your first time in the city, you'll probably be calling Palermo, Recoleta or Puerto Madero home for a few days. These neighborhoods are popular with visitors and expats, and as soon as you step out of your hotel you’ll find just about everything you need to experience Buenos Aires’ hottest dining and club scenes.
But burst through these cosmopolitan bubbles, and you’ll discover there’s so much more to explore, and public transport can be a great, affordable way to see it all.
Note: If you’re traveling alone late at night, especially females, it’s best to avoid the subway. Opt for a registered taxi or travel with a friend instead.
Local buses and subway
Previously shunned by the middle or upper class, the Colectivo (local bus) and the
There’s a service that runs through, or close to, all popular destinations and attractions. But keep in mind this is a city of more than three million people, so it can get pretty crowded, especially during weekday peak periods, which are around 8-9am and 6-8pm.
As you would in any crowded area while traveling, make sure you stay alert and watch out for pickpockets who might bump or slide up against you.
You’ll be quick to notice even locals keep their belongings, such as handbags and laptop bags, very close to them while traveling around. Wear bags across and over your shoulder if possible, and zip them shut. Don’t forget to leave your valuable jewelry at home. Wearing anything sparkly on public transport (or anywhere in South America, for that matter) is a big no-no.
If you’re more of a backpacking kind of nomad, you’ll want to wear your bag around your front, not your back.
Depending on the neighborhood, avoid standing around flicking through your smartphone on public transport (or on the streets). La Boca, especially just outside of the main Caminito area, and Retiro, mainly around the market and train station, are two popular visitor destinations where you’ll want to stay on your guard. That witty social media post isn’t worth tempting even the most rookie criminal! So keep it in a safe, closed section of your bag or in one of your front pockets. That goes for wallets, too.
Stay safe - hold on tight
Another safety tip is to get on or off the bus and train quickly and to hold on tight.
On most streets and roads, the bus won’t pull up to the curb, even if there’s a queue. Sometimes, the bus will barely make a complete stop to let people on and off, so you’ll need to be on your A-game. Also, watch out for cyclists in the bike lane or motorcyclists zipping nearby before you get on or off.
Once the last person has stepped up, drivers are quick to close the doors and drive off again. It’s followed by a rollercoaster of a ride, so grab a seat or hold on to something quick!
This all makes for a quick and efficient ride, but a somewhat chaotic one too! Some travelers have reported their ankles or shoes getting stuck in the door before they’ve fully got on board or off their bus or train.
Apps to help you navigate Buenos Aires
Technology can be your best friend when trying to find your way around Buenos Aires. Some of the popular platforms residents and visitors are using include:
SUBE - Buenos Aires Transport Card
The city has an electronic card system, so instead of loose change, you’ll now need a SUBE card to travel on the bus and subway.
You can buy a SUBE (pronounced “soo-
SUBE Digital is a new option within the SUBE app that allows you to pay directly from your mobile phone, as opposed to paying with your physical card. Currently this works with buses and will eventually include trains, subways, and water transportation in Buenos Aires. You’ll need a phone with Android 8 or higher and NFC technology in order to use it.
To use the bus, you’ll need to tell the driver where you’d like to get off (by cross street, or name if it’s a well-known destination), and the driver will program your fare into the card reader. Then you tap your card, and you’re done. There’s no need to tap off at the end of the trip.
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