Buenos Aires Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Buenos Aires, the vast capital of Argentina, is served by two primary commercial airports, each with a distinct role. Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) is the main international gateway, while Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) handles almost all domestic flights and regional international routes. Choosing the correct airport is crucial, as they are located on opposite sides of the metropolitan area.

Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)

Overview: Commonly known as Ezeiza Airport, EZE is Argentina’s primary international gateway, handling the vast majority of long-haul and intercontinental flights. Located approximately 35 km (22 miles) southwest of downtown Buenos Aires, in the suburb of Ezeiza, it is the hub for Aerolíneas Argentinas and a key point of entry for tourists and business travelers.

Terminals:

• Terminal A (T1): The main international terminal, a large building that handles all non-regional international arrivals and departures.
• Terminal B (T2): A smaller terminal occasionally used for charters and overflow. Most passengers will use Terminal A.
• Terminal C (T3): Currently under renovation/development.

The terminals are connected landside. Follow signs for your airline. The airport can feel dated and busy, but it is functional.

Getting to and from EZE:

• Official Taxi / Remise (Pre-paid Taxi):
  The most recommended and secure option. Use the official taxi/remise desks (“Tienda León”, “Manuel Tienda León”, “Taxi Ezeiza”) located in the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed fare to your destination zone at the counter, receive a voucher, and are assigned a driver. This ensures a safe and known fare. A trip to central Buenos Aires (e.g., Recoleta, Palermo) costs approximately $30-40 USD (ARS equivalent). Never accept offers from solicitors inside the terminal.
• Private Transfer:
  Many hotels and services offer pre-booked cars. Drivers meet you in arrivals.
• Shuttle Bus (Manuel Tienda León):
  A shared shuttle bus service that runs from EZE to their downtown terminal (located near Retiro bus/train station). From there, you can take a short taxi to your final hotel. More affordable than a private taxi but slower.
• Public Bus (Línea 8):
  A very inexpensive but impractical option for most travelers. Involves taking a local bus to the nearest train station and then a train into the city. Not recommended for those with luggage or first-time visitors.
• Car Rental:
  All major agencies have desks in the arrivals hall.

Best for: All long-haul international flights from outside South America (e.g., from the USA, Europe, Asia).

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)

Overview: Commonly called Aeroparque, this is the primary domestic airport and also handles flights to neighboring countries (Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia). It is located right on the Rio de la Plata waterfront, only 4 km (2.5 miles) north of the city center, in the Palermo district. Its proximity makes it extremely convenient.

Terminals: A single, recently renovated terminal building. It is modern, clean, and easy to navigate.

Getting to and from AEP: Very easy access to the city.

• Taxi / Remise: Official taxi desks are inside the terminal. A trip to nearby neighborhoods (Recoleta, Palermo, Centro) takes 10-20 minutes and costs a fraction of an EZE fare.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber, Cabify): Available and convenient from the designated pickup area.
• Public Bus & Subte (Subway): Multiple city bus lines stop outside. The closest subway (Subte) station is “Pte. José F. Uriburu” on Line D (a 15-20 minute walk or short bus/taxi ride).

Best for: All domestic flights within Argentina and regional international flights to neighboring countries.

Which Buenos Aires Airport Should You Choose?

Your flight route dictates your airport:

• Fly into Ministro Pistarini (EZE) if: You are arriving on a long-haul flight from outside South America (e.g., from Madrid, Miami, New York, Dubai).
• Fly into Aeroparque (AEP) if: You are arriving on a domestic flight from within Argentina, or on a regional flight from a neighboring country like Uruguay, Chile, or Brazil.

Always double-check your airport code (EZE vs. AEP) when booking flights and accommodations. Confusing the two can result in a very long and expensive cross-city taxi ride.

Essential Travel Information for Buenos Aires Airports

Transfers Between EZE and AEP:

• The airports are about 40-50 km apart, depending on route. A transfer can take 60 to 90 minutes minimum, often longer with Buenos Aires traffic.
• Options:
  1. Official Taxi / Remise: The most direct. Book at the official desks in either airport. Expensive (approx. $50-70 USD).
  2. Shuttle Bus (Manuel Tienda León): Operates a service between the two airports. Slower but more affordable.
• Warning: Do not book connecting flights between EZE and AEP on the same day with less than 4-5 hours between them. It is a high-risk connection due to traffic, immigration, and baggage collection.

Arrival Process at EZE (International):

1. Disembark & Follow Signs: Follow signs for “Migraciones” (Immigration).
2. Immigration: Have your passport and completed customs form ready. Some nationalities may need to pay a “Reciprocity Fee” – check requirements before travel.
3. Baggage Claim: Collect luggage from the carousels.
4. Customs (Aduana): All bags go through an X-ray scanner after claim. You may be selected for a manual inspection. Proceed to the exit.
5. Arrivals Hall: This is a crowded area with the official taxi desks, transfer counters, and meet-and-greet drivers.

Departure Process at EZE:

1. Arrive Early: For international flights, arrive 3.5 to 4 hours early. Check-in and immigration lines can be extremely long, especially during peak seasons (Dec-Feb, Jul).
2. Check-in: Find your airline counter. Be prepared for queues.
3. Security & Immigration: Pass through security screening, then proceed to Argentine exit immigration (Migraciones).
4. Gate Area: Facilities are dated and limited. Duty-free shopping is available. Boarding often involves a bus transfer to the aircraft.

Money, SIM Cards & Safety:

• Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). The exchange rate is complex (official vs. “blue” market). ATMs at the airport dispense pesos at the official rate. It is advisable to bring some US dollars in cash.
• SIM Cards: Counters for Claro, Movistar, and Personal are in the EZE arrivals hall, selling prepaid SIMs.
• Safety at EZE: Use only official transport. Be vigilant with your luggage and personal belongings in the arrivals hall.

Ground Transport Strategy:

• From EZE to City: Use the official pre-paid taxi (“remise”) desks. It’s worth the extra cost for peace of mind and safety.
• From AEP to City: A quick and cheap taxi or ride-hailing trip.

Local Tip – “Dolar Blue”:

• Argentina has a significant parallel exchange market for US dollars. While exchanging at the airport is simplest, rates in the city (“cambios”) are often much more favorable. Research current conditions before your trip.

Bottom Line: Buenos Aires’ two-airport system requires careful attention. Know that EZE is for intercontinental flights and AEP is for domestic/regional travel. For EZE, prioritize safety and convenience by using the official pre-paid taxi service. For AEP, enjoy the easy access to the city. Always confirm your airport code to avoid a major logistical and financial headache.