Cruise port Buenos Aires (Argentina) - tips from an experienced traveler
Buenos Aires is not just a port, but a whole palette of emotions, tango, architecture, and delicious food. For many cruisers, it becomes their first introduction to South America. The city is amazingly colorful, noisy, yet warm and cozy.
Where your liner docks
Cruise liners dock at Puerto Nuevo cargo port (Puerto Nuevo), where there is a modern passenger terminal named Benito Quinquela Martín. It is named after the famous Argentine artist whose paintings often depict this same port.
Terminal address:
Puerto Nuevo Terminal de PasajerosAvenida de los Inmigrantes y Edision Terminal 3Dársena C / Basin C, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaEmail: institucionales@puertobuenosaires.gob.ar; Tel: (+54) (11) 4342-1727
The port is quite extensive, and liners may dock at different berths. Free shuttle buses run between them - do not attempt to walk: the port area is industrial, with heavy truck traffic.
Excursions and walking options
Official excursions from cruise companies, such as Costa Cruises, can be expensive, and reviews are often conflicting - too much time is spent at souvenir shops. It's better to choose a local guide or a walking route through the city.
For independent travelers, an excellent alternative is the Hop-on Hop-off bus. The ticket costs around 350 pesos (~$22) and allows you to hop on and off at major attractions all day. The nearest stop to the port is about a 10-15 minute walk. Buses run from 9:00 to 18:00, and along the way, you will hear an audio guide in several languages.
Getting around the city
The nearest metro station Retiro is about 1.2 km away. It is a transport hub with metro, buses, and a railway station. There are no luggage storage facilities in the metro, but there are some in the basement of the bus terminal Retiro - convenient if you need to leave your luggage.
Taxis in Buenos Aires are relatively cheap, but have small bills and addresses on paper: most drivers do not speak English. There is an official taxi stand outside the terminal, but sometimes the queue is long - it's easier to exit the port area and catch a cab there.
For independent travel
The website Omnilineas.com will help you plan your route on public transport, show stops, and costs. The current fare for 2025 is around 250–300 pesos for a short trip.
What to see in Buenos Aires
The city is incredibly diverse: colonial architecture coexists with modern towers, and old cafes with tango street scenes. Here are a few places worth seeing:
- Recoleta Cemetery - one of the most unusual cemeteries in the world, a real open-air museum cemetery. It's about a 20-minute walk from the port.
- San Telmo - the oldest district of the city, the birthplace of Argentine tango, antique shops, and cozy parrillas cafes where the best steaks are cooked.
- La Boca - a vibrant, colorful district known for street dancers and the colorful Caminito houses.
- Palermo - a bohemian neighborhood with many restaurants, boutiques, and parks. Nearby are the botanical garden and zoo.
- Floralis Genérica Monument - a giant metal sculpture in the shape of a flower that opens during the day and closes at night.
City video presentation:
Recommended itinerary for transit passengers
If you only have one day in port, here is a rough plan:
- Take bus No. 150 and head to the center, get off at Avenida Santa Fe 983.
- Stroll through the center, visit Florida Street, the Congress building, and Mayo Square.
- Next - take the metro to Independencia station, then walk to San Telmo and La Boca.
- Lunch at one of the parrillas (places where meat is grilled over charcoal).
- In the afternoon - a trip to Palermo, a walk in the park and botanical garden, return to the port by bus or taxi.
Airports and transfers
Buenos Aires has two airports:
- Ezeiza - the international airport, 35 km from the port, 40–60 minutes by taxi. Official taxis - website. There are shuttle buses - Aerobus and Minibus Ezeiza.
- Aeroparque Jorge Newbery - the domestic airport, closer to the center, 15–20 minutes by taxi. Both airports have a common official website.
Tips and safety
- Carry your bag on the side facing the buildings, especially in the La Boca and downtown areas.
- Do not exchange currency on the street - use exchange offices or banks.
- It's better to take official taxis or use Cabify or BA Taxi apps.
- The tap water is technically safe, but tourists are better off drinking bottled water.
Additional sources
Buenos Aires is not just the capital of Argentina, it is a city where the soul of Latin America lives. If your cruise starts or ends here, be sure to stay for at least a couple of days - stroll through the old neighborhoods, try Argentine meat, and enjoy the rhythm of tango.
