Buenos Aires Layover Guide

Buenos Aires layover at a glance

San Telmo stroll, steak or sandwich, and coffee before heading back to EZE.

Is it worth leaving the airport?

• Leave with 6+ hours. Under that, stay airside.
• Visa: US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia are visa-free. Others must meet Argentina entry rules.
• Luggage: Maletería at EZE arrivals, about $10 USD / 10,000 ARS per day.
• Transit: 45-75 minutes to San Telmo by taxi/app; bus 60-90 minutes.

3-5 hours: stay airside

Medialunas, sandwiches, coffee; lounges (Star Alliance, Amex) for showers/Wi‑Fi. Gate 40 minutes before boarding.

6-9 hours: San Telmo and quick steak

Taxi/app to San Telmo. Walk Plaza Dorrego and cobblestones. Eat at Desnivel (~$16 USD / 16,000 ARS) or grab a lomito. Coffee at Coffee Town in San Telmo Market. Leave 4 hours before departure.

10+ hours: add Microcentro or Recoleta

Start in San Telmo, then taxi to Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada, Cathedral exterior). If time allows, taxi to Recoleta Cemetery for a quick loop. Head to EZE with a big rush-hour buffer.

Getting there and back

• Taxi/App: $18-30 USD / 18,000-30,000 ARS; 45-75 minutes.
• Airport Bus (Tienda León): ~$10-12 USD / 10,000-12,000 ARS; 60-90 minutes.

Money and budget

• Currency: ARS; inflation high. Cards often work; carry some cash.
• 6-9h: ~$62 USD / 62,000 ARS (rides, meal, coffee/snack).
• 10h+: ~$78-88 USD / 78,000-88,000 ARS (rides, meals, extras).

Logistics and safety

• Immigration: 20-40 minutes typical.
• Storage: Maletería ~$10 USD / 10,000 ARS per day.
• Return: Back at EZE 3h before intl, 2h regional; add for traffic.
• Safety: Daylight in San Telmo/central areas; keep phone secure.

If you stay airside

• Lounges: Star Alliance, Amex; showers and food.
• Food: Medialunas, empanadas, sandwiches, coffee.
• Rest: Lounges best.