Survival Guide - Buenos Aires - page 476

GETTING AROUND BUENOS AIRES
Bicycle
Buenos Aires is generally not the best city to cycle around: traffic is dangerous, with scant respect for cyc-
lists, and the biggest vehicle wins the right of way, so bikes are low on the transport totem pole.
However, things are getting better. New bike lanes were installed in 2010 and are expanding; a bike-share
program ( www.mejorenbici.gob.ar ) also exists, but it's more geared towards residents (one-hour rental lim-
its). Every day there seem to be more cyclists on the streets - but even so, BA has a long way to go to be seen
as a bike-friendly city.
The city's best places for two-wheeled exploration are Palermo's parks and the Reserva Ecológica Costan-
era Sur; on sunny weekends you can rent bikes at these places. You can also join city bike tours, which in-
clude bicycle and guide ( Click here ).
Bus
Buenos Aires has a huge and complex bus system. If you want to get to know it better you'll have to buy a
Guia T - it's sold at any newsstand, but get the pocket version (about AR$10). It details hundreds of the city's
bus routes. Just look at the grids to find out where you are and where you're going, and find a matching bus
number. You can also check www.xcolectivo.com.ar for an online version. For information (in English) on
how to get to your destination on city buses, check out www.omnilineas.com/argentina/buenos-aires/city-
bus / .
Bus ticket machines on board will give you small change from your coins. Rides around town are cheap;
just mention your destination to the driver and he'll cue the machine. If you're staying in BA awhile, consider
getting a SUBE card ( www.sube.gob.ar ) for cheaper fares and to make paying easier.
Most bus routes (but not all) run 24 hours; there are fewer buses at night. Seats up front are offered to the
elderly, pregnant women and those with young children.
If you're arriving in Buenos Aires at Retiro bus terminal for the first time, it'll be difficult to sort out the
local bus system - there are a lot of bus lines outside. It's worth spending a few pesos to take a remise (radio
taxi) directly to your destination. There are two small remise booths near bus slots 8 and 9 that are open 24
hours. And remember to keep an eye on your bags at this station!
EASY BUS TICKETS
You can buy nearly any long-distance bus ticket without taking a special trip to Retiro bus station. Use
the practical booking services of Omnilíneas ( 4326-3924; www.omnilineas.com ; Maipú 459, 9B).
Just reserve and buy your ticket over the website, and either print it out at home or pick it up at the of-
fice. Prices are the same as at Retiro bus station, and English is spoken.