Retiro bus terminal is the main long-distance coach station in Buenos Aires. It stands in the Retiro neighbourhood, right beside the railway stations, and receives services from across Argentina and from neighbouring countries. Once you step off the coach there are several ways to continue. Which one suits you depends on your luggage, the hour and where you are going.
What is close and what is not
The city centre, Puerto Madero and Recoleta are a short ride away. The ferry terminal for Uruguay is in the port area, also near. Aeroparque is reached along the riverside avenue. Ezeiza is a different matter: it lies outside the city and means a motorway drive.
Ways to leave the terminal
- Subte (metro). Lines C and E have stations at Retiro. It works with a backpack and is awkward with large cases because of stairs and crowded carriages at peak times. You pay with a SUBE card.
- City bus (colectivo). Many lines stop nearby. You need the SUBE card and to know in advance which line to take.
- Taxi. There is a rank at the terminal. City taxis are black and yellow and run on the meter.
- Ride-hailing apps. They work in the area. Agree the exact spot with the driver, as the streets around the terminal are busy.
- Private transfer. Booked before you travel, with the meeting point agreed in advance.
As at any large terminal, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking around the surrounding streets with luggage, especially at night.
How a transfer from the terminal works
A coach has no flight number to follow, and long-distance arrival times vary a good deal. So we ask for:
- The company and service you are travelling on.
- The expected arrival time.
- A phone with WhatsApp or Telegram that stays on during the journey.
- The number of people and suitcases.
Message us when the coach is entering the city and we adjust the meeting. Before the trip you receive the driver’s and vehicle’s details. The steps are on the how to book page.
If you are catching a coach
The terminal is a long building with many platforms. The exact platform appears on the screens shortly before departure, so arrive with time in hand. On Friday evenings and at the start of holidays and long weekends the approach roads fill up.
From Retiro to the airports
This is a common combination for travellers who arrive by coach and continue by air. See the pages for Ezeiza and Aeroparque, and give us your flight time so that we can set the departure.