If you’re a first-timer and you want the fewest transfers, the best overall plan is to ride the Subte to 9 de Julio Station and finish with a short, simple walk. A good backup (different mode) is taxi / ride-hailing straight to Obelisk (Buenos Aires), which removes the need to think about lines and platforms at all. Either way, this is an easy-feeling destination once you anchor yourself to one target: “9 de Julio Station.”
The anchor that makes this trip feel simple
Obelisk (Buenos Aires) sits in a part of the city where several Subte lines meet, so you don’t need a perfect route—just a clear final station.
- Metro option: 9 de Julio Station (Subte) is the most practical “aim here” stop for many routes.
- Main rail anchor: Retiro Station is the easiest reference point for trains and a common starting place in the city.
A lived-in tip that helps anxious travelers: before you go underground, take a screenshot of your route and your target station name. You’ll feel calmer when your phone signal drops or your map takes a second to load.
From Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE): easiest “just get there” plan (taxi / ride-hailing)
This is the low-decision route. It costs more than public transport, but it’s very straightforward after a flight.
- Follow airport signage to official taxi / remis / authorized ride pickups and confirm your ride there.
- Set the destination as Obelisk (Buenos Aires) (show the pin on your phone if you like).
- Ask to be dropped where you can step onto a wide sidewalk and pause for a second.
- When you get out, move a few steps away from traffic, then check your map once and start walking.
You’re on the right track when… your driver slows down near a very large, busy intersection and you can see multiple crosswalks ahead.
If you see X, choose Y: If the driver offers “here or a little further,” choose the spot with more space to stand (wider sidewalk), even if it’s a slightly longer walk.
Comfort line: It feels easier because you arrive above ground and can orient yourself at your own pace.
Time buffer tip (only here): On weekdays, traffic can change quickly—if you have a timed plan, give yourself an extra 20–30 minutes for the drive from the airport.
From Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE): cheaper backup (shuttle + Subte)
If you want to spend less and don’t mind a couple of steps, this route is a good balance.
- Take an airport shuttle/coach from EZE into the city (buy from an official sales point).
- Once you arrive at the shuttle’s main city stop, open your map and aim for the nearest Subte entrance.
- Choose a Subte route that ends at 9 de Julio Station (or connects you to it with minimal transfers).
- Exit at 9 de Julio Station and finish on foot.
You’re on the right track when… you’ve passed the Subte turnstiles and the signs consistently point toward your line letter and direction.
If you see X, choose Y: If you see two Subte entrances close together, choose the one that looks busier and more open—it’s usually easier to navigate and less confusing.
Comfort line: This works well because the long airport distance is handled for you, and the last part becomes a predictable metro ride.
From Retiro Station: quick Subte connection to 9 de Julio Station
Retiro is a big hub, which can actually help—everything is clearly labeled, and staff are used to questions.
- Follow signs for the Subte from Retiro Station (if you’re unsure, asking “Subte?” is enough).
- Take the line that brings you toward the central transfer area.
- Connect to the line that stops at 9 de Julio Station.
- Exit the station slowly, and once you’re outside, stop for a short “orientation pause.”
- Walk toward Obelisk (Buenos Aires).
You’re on the right track when… you see the station name 9 de Julio on the wall signage just before the doors open.
If you see X, choose Y: If the transfer corridor splits into two directions, choose the side with the clearer line letter signs rather than the shorter-looking hallway.
Comfort line: It feels manageable because you’re moving between major hubs with strong signage and frequent trains.
A small lived-in tip: in large stations, it’s often calmer to let one train go and board the next if the platform feels crowded. You don’t need to rush to arrive well.
Subte route in plain words (when you’re already in Buenos Aires)
This is the mental model that keeps things calm: “Get to 9 de Julio Station, then walk.”
- Find your nearest Subte entrance and check which line you’re on.
- Choose the simplest connection that lands you at 9 de Julio Station.
- Ride until you see 9 de Julio on the station signs.
- Exit to street level and start your final walk.
You’re on the right track when… the station signage matches your route screenshot and your train’s onboard display is consistent stop to stop.
If you see X, choose Y: If your map app rotates and you lose your sense of direction, choose the exit that brings you to the widest street level area—it’s easier to re-orient there.
Comfort line: It’s easier because your goal is one station name, not a complex set of steps.
Bus option: above ground and steady (good for confident budget travelers)
Buses can be a pleasant way to move through the city if you prefer staying above ground. It’s often slower, but it can feel more intuitive.
- Use your maps app to find a bus route that stops close to Obelisk (Buenos Aires).
- Make sure you can pay with the standard local payment method used for city transport.
- Board and keep your map open so you can watch your progress.
- Get off when you’re a short walk away, then walk calmly to the monument.
You’re on the right track when… you notice the street pattern becoming busier and your map shows you approaching a major intersection.
If you see X, choose Y: If two buses could work, choose the one that gives you fewer turns on foot at the end, even if it takes a little longer.
Comfort line: It can feel easier because you’re never “stuck underground” and you can visually confirm your direction.
Taxi / ride-hailing within the city: simplest door-to-door
If you’re already in Buenos Aires and you want the fewest decisions, this is the most straightforward choice.
- Set your destination to Obelisk (Buenos Aires) in your app.
- Choose a pickup point where the car can stop cleanly (corners and wide curbs are best).
- As you approach, gather your things before the car stops.
- Step out, move to the side, and then walk the final minutes.
You’re on the right track when… your ETA drops quickly and the car begins making smaller, slower turns.
If you see X, choose Y: If the app suggests a pickup in a tight spot, choose a nearby wider curb instead—your driver will find you more easily.
Comfort line: It’s easier because you skip transfers and arrive already oriented above ground.
Walking (only if you’re already nearby)
Obelisk (Buenos Aires) is walkable if you’re staying close. The key is to keep the walk simple.
- Set your map to walking mode for Obelisk (Buenos Aires).
- Choose a route with fewer turns rather than the shortest route.
- Walk at a steady pace and avoid weaving through crowds.
- Pause once near the end to confirm which side of the intersection you want.
You’re on the right track when… you see more crosswalks than usual and multiple entrances down into the Subte nearby.
If you see X, choose Y: If your map tries to cut through narrow side streets, choose the main streets—they’re easier to follow and easier to reset.
Comfort line: It feels easier because you can slow down, pause, and correct your direction instantly.
If you get lost (reset plan using 9 de Julio Station)
- Go to 9 de Julio Station and stop there on purpose—this is your reset point.
- Inside 9 de Julio Station, follow signs to exit to street level (don’t try to “fix” things while walking).
- Once outside, set your map to Obelisk (Buenos Aires) and walk the short final stretch calmly.
The last 5 minutes
The final approach feels open and obvious rather than hidden. You’ll notice a wider view ahead, more people naturally slowing down, and several crosswalk options feeding into the same central point. Two small confirmation cues help: you can usually spot the tall monument structure rising above street level, and you’ll see multiple Subte entrances spaced around the area. Here’s the gentle trick: pause and check once before you cross the last big crossing—zoom your map in, confirm which corner you want, then cross with confidence. That single check turns a potentially busy moment into a calm, simple finish.
One more note for day-of flexibility: if traffic, station access, or crowds feel different than expected, it’s fine to switch modes (for example, take a short taxi ride for the final stretch). You’re not “doing it wrong”—you’re choosing the calmer option.
FAQ
Q: What’s the easiest station to aim for?
A: 9 de Julio Station is the simplest “single target” for Obelisk (Buenos Aires), because it keeps your last walk short.
Q: Is this a good destination for first-time visitors who hate navigating?
A: Yes. Treat it as “reach 9 de Julio Station, then walk,” or use a taxi for a door-to-door arrival.
Q: Should I take the Subte or a taxi from Retiro Station?
A: If you want fewer decisions, a taxi/ride-hail is simplest. If you want a predictable routine, the Subte is reliable and frequent.
Q: Is the walk at the end complicated?
A: Not usually. The area is open with clear pedestrian flow; pausing once to confirm direction is often all you need.
Q: What if I feel turned around near the end?
A: Reset at 9 de Julio Station, exit to street level, and re-approach with your map zoomed in.
Quick checklist
- Choose 9 de Julio Station as your arrival target
- Save Obelisk (Buenos Aires) on your map before you leave
- Carry a simple backup option like a short taxi ride
- Pause once before the final crossing to confirm direction
- Walk the last minutes steadily without rushing
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 airport access and official ground transport overview — https://www.aeropuertosargentina.com/en/EZE
Emova — Buenos Aires Subte maps and service information — https://emova.com.ar
Buenos Aires Ciudad (Government) — mobility and public transport guidance — https://buenosaires.gob.ar/movilidad
Argentina.gob.ar — SUBE card information for public transport payments — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sube
Trenes Argentinos — national rail operator reference (Retiro connectivity) — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/trenes-argentinos
Visit Buenos Aires (Official tourism site) — getting around overview — https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en
OpenStreetMap — general walking layout reference — https://www.openstreetmap.org
Last updated: February 2026
