Buenos Aires Underground Information
The city of Buenos Aires is presently the only city in Argentina that has an underground system. It’s a mass transit subway system and is also locally known as Subte. On 1st December 1913, the network’s first section was opened. The project’s expansion continued during the following decades. However, after World War II, the expansion fell. It was later on resumed in late 1990’s. The Transport Corporation of Buenos Aires (CTBA) nationalized and centralized the network in the late 1930’s. However, CTBA was absorbed by Buenos Aires Transport General Administration (AGTBA) in 1952. The network later on was owned by Subterráneos de Buenos Aires Company (later SBASE) in 1963, when the administration was dissolved. The network is now privately owned and administered by Metrovias S.A since 1994. Buenos Aires Underground has an annual ridership of 252 million passengers as in 2013.
The network is spread over six underground lines and track length is 49.85 kms.
Buenos Aires Underground Map
Map of Buenos Aires Underground showing various lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or Download Buenos Aires Underground Map in PDF.
Buenos Aires Underground Hours
The underground system operates between 5:00-23:00, with a frequency of 3-6 minutes on weekdays and Saturday’s. On Sunday’s and other legal holidays, it begins operations slightly later from 8:00-23:00.
For detailed information on the schedule of the metro network, you can visit the official website at:http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/subte/horarios
Buenos Aires Underground Fares, Tickets and Cards
There are two options available to the passengers of the metro. They can either purchase magnetic strip Subtepass which can be used for a single day or for multiple days as well, depending on your needs. These passes allow you to travel on the metro as well as the premetro. For 1 trip it costs $5 and for 2 trips it costs $10, without discount. The discount on these tickets depends on the number of trips. The more the greater the discount. The cost for 20 trips is $85, for 30 trips it is $126, for 40 trips it is $157 and for 50 trips it is $184. The ticket for only the premetro costs just $2.
The second option available to the passengers is a contactless card, Sube which can be recharged with cash. The rates to avail the metro as well as premetro service are as follows: the fare for 1 to 20 trips is $4.50, for 21 to 30 trips it is $3.60, for 31 to 40 trips it is $3.15 and for 41 trips and onwards it is $2.70. The ticket for only the premetro lies at $1.50.
Children under the age of 4 can travel for free.
Note: From the 2nd of May 2016, Subtepass will not be sold anymore and one needs to purchase tickets using either with SUBE or purse.
For more information on the fares, tickets and cards, you can visit the official website at: http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/subte/tarifas
Buenos Aires Underground Parking
Some metro stations offer park and ride facilities to the passengers.
Buenos Aires Underground Tips and Rules
The underground system is a convenient way to get around the city. However due to increasing population and ridership, the current network can be overcrowded at times. The expansion is underway. The stations are clean and have a museum like artistic work and murals. Many stations also have intricate tile works and also provide space for theatrical and musical events. Eating, Smoking, and Drinking is prohibited inside the metro except at designated areas. Passengers are also allowed to carry folding bikes.
Buenos Aires Underground Lines
Currently, Buenos Aires serves through 6 underground lines. All the 6 lines are identified by different colors. Some new lines are under planning stage.
● Line A – Line A which is light blue in color started operation in 1913 and it is the oldest line of the Buenos Aires metro. The metro runs from Plaza de Mayo towards San Pedrito. The length of the line is 10.7km serving 16 stations. Line A is used by 216,000 people per day and it is the first metro line to be opened in South America.
● Line B – Line B which is red in color started operation in 1930 and it is the only line that uses a third rail current collection. Line B operates between Leandro N. Alem and Juan Manuel de Rosas. The length of the line is 11.75km serving 17 stations.
● Line C – Line C which is blue in color started operation in 1934 and the metro runs between Retiro and Constitucion. The rapid transit system is 4.3km long serving 9 stations.
● Line D – Line D which is green in color started operation in 1937 and the metro runs between Catedral and Congreso de Tucuman. The rapid transit system is 11km long serving 16 stations.
● Line E – Line E which is purple in color started operation in 1944 and the metro runs between Plaza de los Virreyes and Bolivar. Line E is 9.6km long serving 15 stations. The extension of this line is under construction. Most of the stations are located in residential areas.
● Line H– Line H which is yellow in color started operation in 2007 and the metro runs between Corrientes and Hospitals. The line is 5km long and the metro serves 8 stations. The line has few stations and they are intended primarily to serve the locals.
● Line P- The premetro line began operations in the year 1987. It spans over a length of 7.4 km, serving 18 stations. The line runs between Intendente Saguier and Centro Civico Lugano/ General Savio, transporting nearly 2300 passengers daily.