Bus lines in Buenos Aires cover the whole city and surroundings, and it’s nowadays the most used media of transportation by the locals. There are 144 lines, each identified by a number and different colors.
Buses work 24 hours a day but between 12 p.m. and 7 a.m. the frequency is lower. During the day they come every 10 minutes approximately, but that depends on every line. Usually the service is safe, fast, clean and cheap. The cost changes according to the distance that you travel, but inside the city the minimum price is 1,10 pesos.
All the buses have an automatic expending machine, and they only take coins, so be sure you have enough coins before getting on the bus. We advice you to use $1 or 50 cents coins instead of the smaller ones, to avoid problems with the machine.
Each bus line has a specific path, but some of them can have different options that will be indicated on luminous sign in the front part of the bus. Stops will be made every 2 or 3 blocks, even though in some parts of the city the difference between stops can go to 6 or 7 blocks when going through parks or going into the highway. Bus stops are identified by the number of the bus and the design can change in different parts of the city. Some times they can even be only signs attached to trees. To get on the bus you have to stand on the stop and stretch your arm to let the driver know that he has to stop. Some times if the bus is stopped on a red light you could ask the driver to let you in, but it will be his call. You have to get on the bus through the front door and tell the driver the cost that you want to pay (Usually 80 cents) or your destiny. You can only get off the bus through the back door after ringing the bell to ask for a stop.
Sometimes the bus stops far from the sidewalk, so don’t forget to look back for incoming cars.
Don’t loose your ticket during the trip, because sometimes the inspector could require it in one of his unexpected visits.
Handicap, old and pregnant people have priority in the front seats of the bus. Let people that need it more than you sit.
When you are on the bus we recommend not carrying your backpack or luggage on your back. Put it between your legs or in front of you to avoid someone picking on them.
There is another kind of bus that is called “diferencial”, that travels the same path as the regular one, but is more comfortable, has air conditioned, less stops, but it’s a little more expensive.
