The subway of Buenos Aires, affectionately known as Subte, is the fastest and most efficient means of transportation to get around the heart of the city.
For those spending holidays in Buenos Aires, learning to use the Subte is essential to save time and move like a true porteño. With its six lines, the Subte connects the main tourist neighborhoods, from historic centers to more modern areas, offering a convenient alternative to the chaotic surface traffic.
History of the Subte: The Oldest Subway in Latin America
The Subte of Buenos Aires is the oldest subway in Latin America and the entire Southern Hemisphere. The first line, Line A, was inaugurated on December 1, 1913, with wooden cars and gas lighting. At that time, it connected Plaza de Mayo with the western area of the city, which was then the outskirts.
Today, the Subte has six lines (A, B, C, D, E, H) and one pre-metro line (Line P) above ground, extending over 50 kilometers and serving more than 80 stations. Over the years, the Subte has undergone numerous modernizations, but it still retains the charm of its origins, with some stations being true works of art.
The Lines of the Subte: A Neighborhood Guide
Line A (Light Blue)
Line A is the oldest and most touristy. It connects the Microcentro (Plaza de Mayo) with the neighborhoods of San Telmo, Almagro, Caballito, and Flores.
Main stations: Plaza de Mayo, Piedras, Lima, Avenida de Mayo, San Juan, San José, La Plata.
Served neighborhoods: Microcenter, San Telmo, Almagro, Caballito.
Utility for the tourist: ideal for reaching the historic center, the Congress, and the traditional neighborhoods.
Line B (Red)
Line B runs from north to west, connecting Microcenter with the neighborhoods of Belgrano, Núñez, and Villa Urquiza.
Main stations: Leandro N. Alem, Florida, Carlos Pellegrini, Pueyrredón, Federico Lacroze.
Served neighborhoods: Microcenter, Balvanera, Villa Crespo, Chacarita, Belgrano, Núñez.
Utility for the tourist: useful for reaching the Belgrano neighborhood and the Chinatown.
Line C (Blue)
Line C is the shortest and connects the center with the area of the Retiro train station and Constitución.
Main stations: Retiro, General San Martín, Avenida de Mayo, Independencia, Constitución.
Served neighborhoods: Microcenter, San Telmo, Monserrat, Constitución.
Utility for the tourist: perfect for those arriving by train at Retiro or Constitución, and for reaching San Telmo.
Line D (Green)
Line D is the most modern and busiest. It connects Microcenter with the chic neighborhoods of Recoleta and Palermo.
Main stations: Cathedral, 9 de Julio, Tribunals, Callao, Faculty of Medicine, Palermo, Plaza Italia, Scalabrini Ortiz.
Served neighborhoods: Microcenter, Recoleta, Palermo.
Utility for the tourist: essential for reaching Recoleta, the museums of Palermo, and the shopping area.
Line E (Purple)
Line E crosses the southern area of the city, connecting the Microcentro with the neighborhoods of San Telmo, Parque Avellaneda, and Varela.
Main stations: Bolívar, San Juan, Pichincha, Entre Ríos, Parque Avellaneda.
Served neighborhoods: Microcentro, San Telmo, Parque Avellaneda.
Usefulness for tourists: useful for reaching the southern area and some parks.
Line H (Yellow)
Line H is the most recent (inaugurated in 2007) and connects the north of the city with the south, passing through the center.
Main stations: Caseros, Independencia, Facultad de Derecho, Las Heras.
Served neighborhoods: Recoleta, San Telmo, Parque Patricios.
Usefulness for tourists: convenient for north-south travel without going through the center.
Line P (Pre-Metro)
The Pre-Metro is a light surface line that connects Line E with the neighborhoods of Villa Soldati and Villa Riachuelo. It is less used by tourists but useful for reaching peripheral areas.
How to Buy the Ticket
The SUBE Card
The payment system for the Subte is based on the SUBE Card (Sistema Único de Boleto Electrónico), a rechargeable contactless card. It is the most convenient and economical way to travel.
Where to buy it: at the ticket offices of the main stations, at newsstands, or at authorized sales points.
How to recharge it: presso le biglietterie automatiche, le farmacie aderenti o online.
Advantages: reduced payment compared to the paper ticket, possibility of using it also on buses and trains.
Paper Tickets
Although the SUBE Card is the main method, some stations still sell paper tickets for single or multiple trips. They are more expensive than the SUBE and are not interchangeable with other means.
Where to buy them: at the ticket offices of the main stations.
Price: generally higher than the fare with SUBE.
Fares and Discounts
Subte fares are among the lowest in the world compared to the cost of living. With the SUBE Card, a fixed amount is paid for each trip, regardless of distance. There are discounts for students, seniors, and specific categories.
Hours and Frequency
The Subte operates from Monday to Saturday from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On Sundays and holidays, the hours are reduced (from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). The frequency of trains varies from 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours, and up to 15 minutes during off-peak hours.
Peak hours: 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM. During these times, the trains are very crowded.
Evening hours: after 8:00 PM, the frequency decreases.
Closing: most lines close around 9:30 PM.
Tips for Using the Subte
Avoid peak hours: if you can, travel between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the trains are less crowded.
Attenzione alle borse: during peak hours, keep your bag in front of you and be aware of pickpockets.
Do not eat or drink: it is prohibited to consume food and drinks on the platforms and trains.
Respect the lines: locals are very orderly: neat lines form in front of the doors.
Give way: let passengers exit before boarding.
Look for the signs: the stations have informational signs in Spanish and often in English.
Use the app: there are apps that provide real-time schedules and optimized routes.
Connections with other Transport
The Subte is integrated with the bus network (Colectivos) and suburban trains. The SUBE card is also valid on these modes, allowing you to pay a single ticket for combined trips (but without direct discounts). The main transfer stations are:
Retiro: connection with suburban trains and long-distance buses.
Constitución: connection with suburban trains.
Plaza de Mayo: connection with numerous bus lines.
Once: connection with suburban trains and buses.
Art Stations and Cultural Heritage
Some Subte stations are true works of art and have been declared cultural heritage of the city:
Line A: the original stations retain brass chandeliers, ceramic signs, and vaulted ceilings. Some have murals and frescoes.
Plaza de Mayo Station: one of the masterpieces of Liberty architecture, with its chandeliers and original ticket office.
9 de Julio Station: one of the largest and most modern, with a contemporary design.
FAQ-THE SUBTE IN BUENOS AIRES
How do you pay for the Subte in Buenos Aires?
You pay with the SUBE Card (contactless) or with paper tickets. The card is rechargeable and can be purchased at stations or kiosks.
How much does a trip on the Subte cost?
The cost is reduced with the SUBE Card, among the lowest in the world. The paper ticket is more expensive. For updated information, check the official website.
Is the Subte safe for tourists?
Yes, the Subte is generally safe. As in any subway, be careful of pickpockets during rush hours and keep valuables secure.
Which Subte lines go to tourist neighborhoods?
Line A goes to San Telmo and Almagro. Line D goes to Recoleta and Palermo. Line C connects Retiro and Constitución. Line H connects Recoleta and San Telmo without going through the center.
Is the Subte open on Sundays?
Yes, but with reduced hours (from 8:00 AM to about 8:00 PM). On Sundays, the frequency is lower.
Can I use the SUBE Card on buses as well?
Yes, the SUBE Card is valid on all public transport in Buenos Aires: buses, suburban trains, and the subway.
Is the Subte accessible for disabled people?
Not all stations are equipped with elevators or ramps, but many have been adapted. The newer stations (Line H) are fully accessible.
The Subte of Buenos Aires
The Subte of Buenos Aires is the ideal means to move around the city quickly and economically. Learning to use it means saving precious time and immersing yourself in the daily life of the porteños. During your vacation in Buenos Aires, rely on this underground network that connects history, art, and modernity. With the SUBE card in your pocket and this guide in your hands, you will be ready to explore every corner of the Argentine capital.
Revision date: April 30, 2026