If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires and you want the fewest transfers, the easiest plan is a prepaid/official taxi or car service from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) straight to Plaza de Mayo. A solid backup (different mode) is an airport shuttle into the city, then a short metro ride to Plaza de Mayo Station. Either way, this is a very doable arrival—once you know what you’re aiming for, the last part is simple.
A quick “anchor” before you move
Plaza de Mayo sits right next to multiple metro stops, so you’re not relying on one perfect exit.
- Closest metro option: Plaza de Mayo Station (Line A) is the most direct “name match” stop for the square.
- Other nearby metro stops that also work: Bolívar and Catedral are both within an easy last stretch on foot, depending on which line you arrive on.
- Main rail anchor: Retiro Station is the big, practical reference point for trains and for a simple metro connection toward the center.
A small mindset tip that helps: pick one target for your arrival—either “Plaza de Mayo Station (Line A)” or “Catedral / Bolívar”—and ignore everything else until you’re out of the station.
From Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE): simplest, fewest decisions (taxi / car service)
This is the “one ride, done” choice—especially good when you’re tired, carrying bags, or just want your brain to rest.
- Follow airport signs for official taxi / remise / car services and book at the counter (or use an authorized pickup area).
- Give the driver the destination: “Plaza de Mayo” (show it on your phone map if you like).
- Stay with your plan: ride directly, and don’t add extra stops unless you truly need them.
- Ask to be dropped at the edge of the square (not on a small side street), so you step out into a wide open space.
- Pay and step away from traffic before you sort your belongings.
You’re on the right track when… the ride turns into slower city driving and you start seeing more pedestrians and frequent traffic lights.
If you see X, choose Y: If someone approaches offering a “taxi deal” inside the terminal, choose the official counter / marked stand outside instead. It’s fewer conversations, fewer surprises.
Comfort line: It’s easier because you don’t need to navigate tickets, platforms, or transfers while you’re still in arrival-mode.
Time buffer tip (only here): If you’re landing close to peak traffic or you have a timed check-in, give yourself an extra 20–30 minutes for the drive—Buenos Aires traffic can change fast day-to-day.
From Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE): calmer budget backup (shuttle + metro)
If you want to avoid the full taxi cost but still keep things straightforward, this is a good compromise.
- Take an airport shuttle/coach from EZE into the city (buy a ticket at the airport desk or official sales point).
- Get off at the shuttle’s main city terminal/stop and open your map.
- Head to the nearest Subte (metro) entrance and aim for Line A to Plaza de Mayo Station if it’s convenient from where you are.
- If Line A isn’t the cleanest from that point, aim for a route that lands you at Catedral or Bolívar, then walk the last minutes.
- Exit to street level, then do the final walk slowly and on purpose.
You’re on the right track when… you’ve passed the metro turnstiles and the platform signage clearly shows a line letter (A / D / E) and a direction.
If you see X, choose Y: If you see two different station entrances close together, choose the one with clearer signage for your line letter—even if it’s a slightly longer walk to the door.
Comfort line: This feels easier because the long airport distance is handled for you, and the final approach is a short, predictable metro ride.
From Retiro Station: the clean metro connection to Plaza de Mayo
Retiro is a great starting point because it connects smoothly into the metro network.
- Inside/near Retiro, follow signs for the Subte.
- Take Line C toward the center and get off at a station that makes your final connection simplest.
- Option A (often simplest): connect to Line A and ride to Plaza de Mayo Station.
- Option B: connect to Line D or Line E and get off at Catedral or Bolívar, then walk.
- Once you’re on the correct line, stay on until your chosen stop—don’t overthink intermediate stations.
You’re on the right track when… you’re on Line C and the train is moving quickly with short gaps between stations—Retiro-to-center is a short hop.
If you see X, choose Y: If you arrive at a busy transfer corridor and you see signs for both Line A and Line D, choose Line A if your goal is “least walking,” and choose Line D if it looks less crowded in the moment and you’re okay with a slightly different last-mile exit.
Comfort line: It’s easier because Retiro gives you a strong “starting line,” and the metro does most of the work.
A simple metro plan (when you’re already in the city)
If you’re somewhere in Buenos Aires and just want the cleanest metro logic:
- Aim for Line A → Plaza de Mayo Station as your default.
- If you’re on Line D, ride toward Catedral and walk from there.
- If you’re on Line E, ride toward Bolívar and walk from there.
- Keep your eyes on station-name signs; don’t rely only on phone GPS underground.
You’re on the right track when… your station name appears on the wall signage before the doors open, and you can match it to your plan without rushing.
If you see X, choose Y: If your map app “spins” and can’t decide which way you’re facing, choose the station signs over the blue dot—follow exits that clearly point to the street you need.
Comfort line: Metro routes feel easier here because you’re aiming for a stop right beside the destination, not a complicated multi-transfer journey.
Bus option: realistic, cheap, but slower (best for confident budget travelers)
Buses can be a good choice if you’re comfortable with a longer ride and you’re not carrying much.
- Use your maps app to find a bus route that drops you near Plaza de Mayo (several lines pass through the area).
- Make sure you can pay with a SUBE card (it’s the standard for city transport).
- Board, then keep your phone map open and watch your progress.
- Get off when you’re a short, simple walk away, then finish on foot at street level.
You’re on the right track when… the bus is moving along broad avenues and your map shows your distance to Plaza de Mayo steadily shrinking, stop by stop.
If you see X, choose Y: If two buses arrive and both “roughly go your way,” choose the one that gives you the simplest final walk (fewer turns), not necessarily the shortest ride on paper.
Comfort line: It can feel easier because you stay above ground and can visually confirm you’re heading into the center.
Taxi / ride-hailing within the city: the “door to door” shortcut
If you’re already in Buenos Aires and want to arrive calm and direct:
- Set destination to Plaza de Mayo in your app (or tell the driver the name).
- Choose a pickup point where the car can stop safely—corners and wide curbs work best.
- As you approach, watch the map so you’re ready for the drop-off.
- Step out, then walk into the square before you reorganize bags, tickets, or kids.
You’re on the right track when… your ETA suddenly drops quickly—meaning you’re already close and the app is routing you through slower central streets.
If you see X, choose Y: If the driver offers two drop points, choose the one that puts you directly beside the open square rather than a narrow side street.
Comfort line: It’s easier because you skip platforms, stairs, and crowded corridors.
Walking (only if you’re already nearby)
Walking is pleasant when you’re close and conditions are good.
- Open your map and set destination to Plaza de Mayo.
- Choose the route with fewer turns (even if it’s slightly longer).
- Keep to wider streets where you can walk without squeezing past crowds.
- As you near the square, slow down and check your direction once.
You’re on the right track when… the streets begin to open up and you can see a larger, brighter open space ahead.
If you see X, choose Y: If your map suggests cutting through small side streets, choose the main streets instead—it’s usually simpler and calmer.
Comfort line: It’s easier because you’re fully in control of pace, stops, and timing.
If you get lost: a calm reset plan (use 9 de Julio Station)
- Head to 9 de Julio Station and stop there on purpose (don’t try to fix everything while walking).
- From 9 de Julio Station, take the metro toward Catedral or connect to Line A for Plaza de Mayo Station—choose whichever looks clearer on signs in the moment.
- Once you exit at Catedral or Plaza de Mayo Station, do the last stretch slowly with your map zoomed in, and treat it like a short walk, not a puzzle.
The last 5 minutes (what the approach feels like)
The final approach to Plaza de Mayo usually feels “open” rather than hidden: streets widen, foot traffic becomes steadier, and you’ll sense you’re arriving at a major central point. You’re close when you notice a broad open square space, multiple pedestrian crossings feeding into it, and more than one metro entrance nearby. One gentle trick: pause once at the edge of the open area, turn your phone brightness up, and confirm your direction before you cross—doing that one check prevents the tiny wrong turn that makes you feel unnecessarily turned around.
Also, keep in mind that day-of conditions (traffic, temporary station access changes, crowds) can shift the “best” route. Having a simple backup—metro instead of road, or road instead of metro—keeps the trip feeling flexible rather than fragile.
FAQ
Q: What’s the easiest station to aim for on the metro?
A: Plaza de Mayo Station (Line A) is the most straightforward target. If your line brings you closer to Catedral or Bolívar, those also make for an easy final walk.
Q: Is Retiro Station a good starting point for a first-timer?
A: Yes. Retiro is a clear rail anchor, and the metro connection from there is usually simple once you commit to one line-and-stop plan.
Q: Should I choose taxi or metro after a long flight?
A: If you want the fewest decisions, choose a prepaid/official taxi or car service. If you prefer spending less and you feel okay with one extra step, shuttle + metro is a solid backup.
Q: Do I need a special card for buses and metro?
A: For most everyday trips, a SUBE card is the standard way to pay on public transport. If you’ll be using buses/metro more than once, it’s worth sorting early.
Q: What’s the simplest “reset” if I feel turned around?
A: Use 9 de Julio Station as your reset point, then re-approach via Catedral or Plaza de Mayo Station. It’s a clean mental restart.
Quick checklist
- Choose your target stop: Plaza de Mayo Station, Catedral, or Bolívar
- Carry a small amount of easy-access cash/card for tickets and top-ups
- Save “Plaza de Mayo” offline in your map (screenshot works)
- Aim for an edge-of-square drop-off if arriving by car
- Pause once at the final approach to confirm direction before crossing
Sources checked
(Verification scope used for this article)
- Confirmed airport-to-city backbone options.
- Confirmed main rail hub connectivity.
- Confirmed city public transport network coverage.
- Used map reference for walking layout only.
- Checked destination access notes at a high level.
Aeropuertos Argentina (EZE) — official taxi/remis and ground transport guidance — https://www.aeropuertosargentina.com/en/EZE/servicios/como-llego/taxi-remis
Aeropuertos Argentina (EZE) — airport reference page for services and access info — https://www.aeropuertosargentina.com/en/EZE
Emova — official Subte network maps — https://emova.com.ar/index.php/mapas/
Buenos Aires City Tourism — getting around basics (Subte/bus, SUBE mention) — https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/article/getting-around
Argentina.gob.ar — SUBE card basics and where to get it — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/mundial-sub-20-argentina-2023/get-sube-card
Trenes Argentinos (Argentina.gob.ar) — national rail operator reference — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/trenes-argentinos
OpenStreetMap — general walking layout reference — https://www.openstreetmap.org
Last updated: February 2026
