If you’re heading to MALBA for the first time, the easiest overall plan is to travel from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) into the city center and then continue by bus or taxi toward the museum area. It keeps decisions minimal and avoids unnecessary line changes. As a backup, you can take the airport transfer to Retiro Station and continue by bus from there. Once you break the trip into two calm segments—airport to center, center to MALBA—it feels far more manageable than it first appears.
Before getting into routes, it helps to know your anchors. Retiro Station is the main rail hub if you’re arriving by train. For metro users, the closest practical underground reference point is 9 de Julio Station, which works well as a reset if you need to reorient yourself mid-journey.
Travel conditions can shift slightly depending on time of day and traffic flow, so build in a little flexibility rather than aiming for a perfect minute-by-minute schedule.
From Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
Airport bus or shuttle into central Buenos Aires, then onward
- Follow airport signs for official city bus or shuttle services.
- Purchase your ticket at the designated counter or machine.
- Ride into the central area near major transport connections.
- From there, transfer to a city bus or taxi heading toward MALBA.
- Exit at the stop closest to the museum area and walk the remaining short distance.
You’re on the right track when the shuttle clearly indicates it is heading toward central Buenos Aires and you see recognizable city traffic replacing highway lanes.
If you see multiple shuttle options, choose the one that drops off near a major transport hub rather than a hotel-specific route.
This option feels steady because you reduce transfers to one clear change within the city.
Allow a small time buffer if arriving during peak commuting hours, as city traffic can move more slowly than expected.
Taxi directly from EZE
- Follow official taxi signage inside the arrivals hall.
- Confirm the destination as “MALBA” with the driver.
- Sit back as the route transitions from highway to city streets.
- Exit as the driver reaches the museum’s surrounding streets.
You’re on the right track when wide highways gradually give way to tree-lined urban roads.
If offered different vehicle categories, choose the standard licensed taxi line for simplicity.
This is often the least mentally demanding choice after a long flight.
From Retiro Station
If you arrive by train or are staying near Retiro Station, reaching MALBA is straightforward.
City bus from Retiro
- Exit the station and locate the bus stops along the main avenue.
- Check route numbers that serve the museum’s neighborhood.
- Board the correct bus and validate your fare.
- Monitor your map to follow progress.
- Exit at the stop nearest MALBA.
You’re on the right track when the bus travels through broad avenues and residential blocks rather than looping back toward the station.
If two buses appear to head in the same direction, choose the one with fewer intermediate stops.
This approach allows you to see the city gradually as you move closer.
Taxi from Retiro
- Step into the official taxi rank outside the station.
- Confirm “MALBA” as your destination.
- Ride directly without transfers.
- Exit when the driver indicates arrival nearby.
You’re on the right track when traffic thins slightly and you notice quieter residential surroundings.
If you prefer less walking, ask the driver to stop as close to the main entrance as possible.
This route feels uncomplicated and predictable.
Metro option via 9 de Julio Station
While MALBA is not directly beside a metro entrance, the underground can still form part of your journey.
- Travel to 9 de Julio Station on the metro network.
- Exit to street level and orient yourself.
- Continue by bus or taxi toward MALBA.
- Disembark near the museum area and walk the final stretch.
You’re on the right track when 9 de Julio Station signage clearly marks multiple exit points.
If you see more than one exit option, choose the one that leads toward major avenues rather than smaller side streets.
Using the metro for the first segment keeps you in a structured transport environment before switching to surface travel.
Bus-only route within the city
If you prefer to stay above ground:
- Identify a bus line connecting your location directly to the MALBA area.
- Confirm the direction displayed on the front panel.
- Board and validate your fare.
- Follow your route via a map app.
- Exit at a stop within short walking distance.
You’re on the right track when the bus continues steadily without looping back.
If a bus appears crowded, consider waiting for the next one to make the ride calmer.
This option works well if you enjoy watching the city unfold as you approach.
Walking from nearby streets
If you are already staying within walking distance:
- Head toward the broad avenues shown on your map.
- Keep to well-lit main streets.
- Follow signage indicating the museum zone.
- Continue until the building façade becomes visible.
You’re on the right track when pedestrian traffic increases slightly and the surroundings feel more cultural than commercial.
If you encounter multiple crossings, choose the route with clearer sidewalks and fewer turns.
Walking can feel grounding after time spent on buses or trains.
If you get lost
- Make your way to 9 de Julio Station, your reset anchor.
- Re-check your route calmly from that central point.
- Choose one clear next step—bus or taxi—and continue from there.
The last 5 minutes
As you approach MALBA, the streets tend to feel quieter and more residential. Trees line the sidewalks, and traffic moves at a moderate pace. You may notice more pedestrians walking with purpose rather than rushing. The building’s presence becomes clearer as you near it. Pause once to confirm your map orientation, then continue forward confidently. You’ll know you’re close when the entrance area opens up slightly and foot traffic gathers near a defined entry point.
FAQ
Q: Is taxi from EZE easier than public transport?
A: For first-timers with luggage, yes. It removes transfers and reduces navigation decisions.
Q: Does the metro stop directly at MALBA?
A: No, you’ll need a short bus or taxi segment after the metro.
Q: Is Retiro Station a good starting point?
A: Yes, it’s a major hub with easy bus and taxi connections.
Q: Are buses reliable during the day?
A: Generally yes, though traffic can affect timing slightly.
Q: Is walking safe around the museum area?
A: The surrounding streets are typically calm and pedestrian-friendly.
Quick checklist
- Confirm your arrival segment from EZE first.
- Choose fewer transfers if you feel uncertain.
- Keep small change or a transport card ready.
- Allow modest flexibility for traffic.
- Pause once near arrival to confirm direction.
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 — airport ground transport overview — https://www.aa2000.com.ar
Trenes Argentinos — Retiro Station rail connectivity — https://www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/trenes-argentinos
Buenos Aires Ciudad — public transport network overview — https://www.buenosaires.gob.ar
Subte Buenos Aires — metro network information — https://www.metrovias.com.ar
Turismo Buenos Aires — visitor transport guidance — https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
OpenStreetMap — general walking layout reference — https://www.openstreetmap.org
Last updated: February 2026
