Buenos Aires City Information

Area: 4,326 sq km
Population: 16 million
Country: Argentina
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3 (Standard Time)
Telephone Area Code: 011

When to Go
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) have the most hospitable temperatures, while the oppressive summer is a good time to head for the coastal resorts.

Getting There & Away

A major arrival and departure point for the southern part of South America, Buenos Aires enjoys good air, sea and land access. The city has two airports: Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarni (known as Ezeiza), which services most international flights, and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (known as Aeroparque), from where domestic and regional flights leave and arrive.
Local buses serve both Ezeiza and Aeroparque airports. Ezeiza is 35km (22mi) and 1.5 hours south of downtown (in heavy traffic). Aeroparque is only 8km (5mi) north of downtown. Deluxe buses make the journey to both airports for considerably more than the cost of local buses, but often include hotel drop-offs.
The massive and modern Retiro bus terminal is conveniently next to Retiro train station and can get you to just about any destination within Argentina and around the region. Ferry and hydrofoil services conveniently link Buenos Aires with Uruguay at regular intervals.

Getting Around
Most tourist magnets around Buenos Aires are either within walking distance from one another or within a short distance of public transport. Taxis are reasonably priced for shorter cross-city journeys.
Buenos Aires' rail network services the suburbs surrounding the city area, while the Subte (Underground) is South America's oldest subway and is still a quick, efficient and easy way to get around. Buses also ply the streets of Buenos Aires but the system is huge and complex and takes a while to get to grips with, so its not great for short-stayers.


Public Holidays
Jan 1 - New Year's Day
- Good Friday
Apr 2 - Veterans' Day
May 1 - Labor day
Jul 9 - National Independence Day
May 25 - Buenos Aires Independent Government Day
Jun 20 - National Flag Day
Aug 17 - Anniversary of the death of José de San Martín
Oct 12 - Columbus Day
Dec 8 - Immaculate Conception
Dec 24 - Chirstmas Eve
Dec 25 - Christmas Day