You can tap a contactless card or your phone on the subway and many buses, but get a SUBE card anyway: it's cheaper, it gives you discounts on connections, and phone payments sometimes glitch. And walk as much as you can. Buenos Aires is a walking city.
Do I still need a SUBE card?
You can pay both ways now. Many subway gates and buses accept contactless bank cards and phones. But terminals for phone payments can be glitchy, so it’s good to have a SUBE card in your pocket.
Buying one is a little quest: you walk through a few kioscos until you find the one that actually has cards in stock. How much does the card cost now? Add it.
Is SUBE cheaper?
Yes. On top of the lower fare, there’s a connection discount: if you take a second city bus within 120 minutes, it costs 50% less, and the third one 75% less. Registering your SUBE (you can do it online) also keeps the lower fare. Check the current subway and bus fare right before publishing.
You can top up SUBE at lottery shops and kioscos with a SUBE sign, at some subway stations, and at every train station.
Uber, Cabify or a taxi?
Your take: what do you use and why? Is Uber legal now? Motorbike taxis from about US$1, cars from about US$2.
Which apps do I need?
- Google Maps for walking and general routes.
- Transit for more accurate bus and train times.
- Rappi and PedidosYa for food delivery.
Can I walk between neighborhoods?
Absolutely. Buenos Aires is incredibly walkable, and most neighborhoods flow into each other almost seamlessly. Just check your route before you go, and make sure it doesn’t cut through any sketchy areas. Name two or three walks you love, e.g. San Telmo → Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta → Palermo.
What about strikes?
Transport strikes (paros) happen, and the best way to know is the local news on the day. Name the source you check.
Sources: Red SUBE discounts, August 2026 (iProUP, in Spanish)
