AR$270-ish gets you from Aeroparque to downtown on Colectivo 45
Colectivo 45 is the standard city bus linking Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) with central Buenos Aires, at a fraction of taxi or remis prices that usually start around AR$6,000–8,000. It runs as a regular “colectivo”, not an airport shuttle, so expect local stops, standing passengers, and no luggage racks. Figure 45–70 minutes to areas like Microcentro or Congreso, depending on Av. Costanera traffic and time of day.
The 45 stops on Avenida Costanera Rafael Obligado, just outside the Aeroparque terminal building, roughly a 3–6 minute walk from arrivals depending on where you exit. You want the branch that says “Aeropuerto” or lists “Retiro / Constitución / Congreso” on the sign above the windshield; buses show route details digitally in front and on the side. If you’re heading into town, confirm with the driver that the bus is going toward “Centro” before tapping in.
You pay the 45 with a rechargeable SUBE card only; drivers do not take cash pesos at all. A SUBE card itself runs around AR$800–1,500 at kiosks in the city, and the ride from Aeroparque to downtown usually debits about AR$270–350 from your balance, depending on the current fare table. Load the card at “kiosco” shops or SUBE terminals before your flight, because airport recharge points at AEP are hit-or-miss and sometimes closed in the late evening after 21:00.
Service frequency is typical city level: in daytime, expect a 45 every 7–15 minutes, with gaps stretching to 20–25 minutes late at night after 23:00. Buses run 24/7 along the corridor, but waits get longer as it gets closer to 02:00 or 03:00. There’s no guarantee of a seat; at busy times like 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00 you might be standing with your suitcase between local commuters for most of the ride.
Step-by-step from Aeroparque arrivals to Colectivo 45: 1) Exit baggage claim and follow signs to “Salida” and “Avenida Costanera” (2–4 minutes). 2) Walk along the sidewalk parallel to the runway until you see the blue and white “45” stop sign, usually shared with lines like 33 or 160. 3) Check the bus front display for “45” plus downtown references like “Retiro / Congreso”. 4) Board at the front door, tap your SUBE on the reader once the driver sets the fare, and keep the beep confirmation in mind. 5) Watch Google Maps or a local app like BA Cómo Llego to time your get-off point within 1–2 blocks.
One tip: buy and load a SUBE card in the city a day or two before flying, then keep at least AR$1,000–2,000 on it so you’re not stuck at AEP trying to find a working kiosk when you land at 23:30.