Skis, a surfboard or a boxed bicycle will not fit in the boot of just any car. In Buenos Aires this matters more than visitors expect, because many taxis run on gas and carry the cylinder in the boot. This guide covers the alternatives and the details to send so that the vehicle that turns up can take everything.
Who travels with long items
- Skiers and snowboarders who pass through Buenos Aires in the southern winter on the way to Bariloche, Las Leñas, Chapelco or Ushuaia.
- Surfers bound for Mar del Plata, and kitesurfers and windsurfers heading to the river in the northern suburbs.
- Golfers, cyclists with a packed bike, and anglers continuing to Patagonia.
- Musicians with large instruments, and families with double pushchairs or travel cots.
Taxis, apps and the two-car fix
- Taxi. A saloon car with a modest boot, smaller still when a gas cylinder sits in it. Roof racks are rare. A ski bag sometimes goes diagonally across the back seat, but that costs seats and depends on the driver’s goodwill.
- Ride-hailing apps. You do not know the size of the car until it arrives. Some apps offer a larger-vehicle category; check whether it is available where you are.
- Two cars. This solves the space and splits the group.
- Private transfer. We choose the vehicle from the measurements you send.
The airline side
Sports equipment is normally checked in as special baggage under each airline’s own conditions, so confirm them before you fly. Bear in mind that many long-haul flights land at Ezeiza while most flights to the ski areas leave from Aeroparque. If you have to change airports with all your gear, see the page on the transfer between Ezeiza and Aeroparque.
What to tell us
- What you are carrying and how many pieces.
- The approximate length of the longest piece, in its bag.
- How many ordinary suitcases come with it.
- How many passengers.
A sedan takes up to 3 passengers with normal cases. With long items a minivan or a van is usually needed even for one or two people. Capacities for each class are on the vehicles page. For a large group with a lot of equipment we arrange two vehicles travelling together.
Packing
- Use bags or covers. They protect both the equipment and the inside of the vehicle.
- Take the fins off the board and cover ski edges.
- Say if something is fragile, such as an instrument, so that it is loaded first.