Buenos Aires taxi rates in ARS, Ezeiza and Aeroparque airport fares, Cabify vs metered cabs, and tips for navigating high inflation in 2026.
Buenos Aires has one of South America's most accessible taxi networks — yellow-and-black Radio Taxis with meters are everywhere, street hailing is safe, and app-based services like Cabify have excellent coverage. The main complication is Argentina's inflation: taxi rates are updated by city decree multiple times per year, meaning any quoted ARS figure may be outdated by the time you arrive. Here's how the system works, what you'll roughly pay in 2026, and how to handle the inflation challenge.
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All licensed Buenos Aires taxis (Radio Taxis) use a taximeter. The flag fall rate and per-km rate are set by the Buenos Aires city government (GCBA) and updated periodically — sometimes multiple times per year due to inflation. The meter automatically applies the correct tariff. A night surcharge of 20% applies between 10 pm and 6 am. Due to inflation, the peso figures in this guide may be outdated by the time you arrive — use Cabify or InDriver for a real-time fare estimate in ARS.
Argentina's inflation means taxi rates are updated by city decree multiple times per year. The ARS figures below are approximate for early 2026 and may be significantly out of date. Always use Cabify or InDriver for a real-time fare quote in current ARS — or check the GCBA official website for current tariffs.
Buenos Aires has two airports. Ezeiza (EZE) is the main international hub, 35 km from the city centre. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) handles domestic and some regional flights, just 4 km from Palermo. For EZE, the official Manuel Tienda León transfer service (remis) from booths inside arrivals offers fixed-price shared and private options — recommended over metered taxis for the long trip from Ezeiza.
Many official remis services from Ezeiza are priced in USD to hedge against peso inflation — and you often get a better deal paying in USD cash at the informal exchange rate ("dólar blue"). Confirm with the Manuel Tienda León booth whether they accept dollars and at what rate. Always use the official booth inside arrivals, not drivers who approach you outside.
Cabify is the dominant ride-hailing app in Buenos Aires — far more popular and better accepted by local drivers than Uber. Cabify's prices are set in real-time ARS, so they automatically reflect current inflation. InDriver allows you to propose a fare, with drivers bidding to accept — useful for saving 15–25% on longer trips during quiet hours. Uber operates in Buenos Aires but exists in a legal grey area due to pressure from taxi unions. Drivers may ask passengers to sit in the front seat and pretend to be a friend. Cabify is the legally cleaner and more comfortable option.
Unlike Mexico City or parts of Brazil, street hailing in Buenos Aires is generally safe. Licensed Radio Taxis are yellow with a black roof and display an illuminated "Radio Taxi" sign. The driver must show a visible ID card inside. Always confirm the meter is running at the correct flag fall before the car moves. Ask "¿Está corriendo el taxímetro?" ("Is the meter running?") if in doubt. Reputable radio taxi companies include Radio Taxi Premium (011-5238-9000) and Radio Taxi Plus (011-4931-1200).
Buenos Aires has an excellent Subte (metro) network with 6 lines covering the main tourist areas including San Telmo, Microcentro, Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano. Subte fares are charged via SUBE card (rechargeable, available at kioscos/newsstands) at a very low fixed fare — typically under $200 ARS per journey. For late-night travel after the Subte closes (around 11 pm), taxis and Cabify are the practical options.
How much is a taxi from Ezeiza Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires city centre?
Approximately USD 35–55 or the equivalent in ARS via the official Manuel Tienda León remis booth inside arrivals. The journey takes 40–70 minutes depending on traffic. Due to Argentina's inflation, ARS figures change frequently — check with the booth on arrival.
Is it safe to hail a taxi on the street in Buenos Aires?
Yes — Buenos Aires Radio Taxis (yellow with black roof) are generally safe to hail. Look for the illuminated Radio Taxi sign and a visible driver ID inside. Confirm the meter starts correctly. Cabify and InDriver are alternatives if you prefer app-based tracking.
Is Uber available in Buenos Aires?
Uber operates in Buenos Aires but in a legal grey area due to taxi union opposition. Drivers may ask you to sit in the front and act as a friend. Cabify is legally clearer, more comfortable, and equally well-priced. InDriver is a good budget alternative.
Why are Buenos Aires taxi fares so hard to quote accurately?
Argentina's inflation means the GCBA updates taxi tariffs multiple times per year. ARS figures quoted anywhere online can be outdated within weeks. Use Cabify for a real-time ARS fare estimate, or convert recent metered rates to USD at the current exchange rate for a stable reference.
Should I pay for Buenos Aires taxis in USD?
Many airport transfer services accept USD and price in dollars to hedge against peso inflation. In the city, Radio Taxi meters run in ARS. You can tip in USD at the unofficial exchange rate if the driver agrees, but the meter fare itself is in ARS.
Should I tip taxi drivers in Buenos Aires?
Rounding up to the nearest $500–1,000 ARS is customary and appreciated. A 5–10% tip is generous but not expected. For Cabify, an in-app tip can be added. Cash tips in USD are always welcomed by drivers.
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