The primary gateways to the Argentine capital consist of two distinct facilities that divide the city's heavy air traffic between international long-haul journeys and regional connections. Whether arriving on a transatlantic flight to Buenos Aires or a short hop from a neighbouring province, travellers land at either a coastal urban airfield or a sprawling suburban complex.
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
The Ministro Pistarini International Airport, commonly known as Ezeiza due to its location, uses the IATA code EZE. It is situated approximately 32 km southwest of the city centre and serves as the primary hub for Aerolíneas Argentinas, as well as the main arrival point for almost all intercontinental flights to Buenos Aires. The facility has three interconnected terminals that handle a high volume of foreign carriers arriving from Europe, North America, and other major South American hubs.
Upon clearing customs, you can reach the city via the Tienda León shuttle bus, which provides a reliable connection to the Terminal Madero near Puerto Madero in about 50 to 60 minutes. Official taxis, known as taxis Ezeiza, and pre-booked private transfers (remises) offer door-to-door service to central districts like Palermo or Recoleta, typically taking 45 to 90 minutes depending on the flow of traffic on the Riccheri Highway. While public bus Line 8 offers a very inexpensive route to Plaza de Mayo and Congreso, it is a slow urban service that can take over 2 hours, making it less practical for those carrying significant luggage.
Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP)
Located along the banks of the Río de la Plata, the Jorge Newbery Airfield, identified by the code AEP, is the city's domestic and regional powerhouse. It sits just 2 km from the Palermo neighbourhood, making it exceptionally convenient for travellers arriving from within Argentina, Brazil, Chile, or Uruguay. The airport operates from a single, elongated terminal building that has undergone significant modernisations to accommodate narrow-body aircraft from major regional airlines.
The journey into the heart of the city from this airport is notably brief due to its proximity to the northeast urban corridor. You can reach the Retiro transport hub or the downtown Microcentro area in roughly 15 to 25 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app. The ArBus shuttle service and several local public bus lines, including Line 33, Line 37, and Line 45, provide direct links to major intersections and the Retiro Railway Station. Because the airport is located within the city limits, it is the most efficient entry point for reaching northern residential and boutique districts.