Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires is where most U.S. travelers land when heading to Argentina. Better known as Ezeiza Airport for its location in the town of Ezeiza, it’s Argentina’s largest and most important airport. Thanks to a modern new terminal, it’s aiming to become a preferred hub in South America.
EZE handles most of the country’s international traffic, and it’s also the primary base for national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Getting to and from EZE
Transportation from EZE to Buenos Aires includes taxis, rideshares, remises, and public buses, but the process can confuse first-time visitors. Many taxis operate without proper licenses, and this makes it tough to identify legitimate services if you’re unfamiliar with the system.
Rideshare services are also available but can be confusing for non-locals and anyone who doesn’t speak Spanish. Uber, for example, operates in Buenos Aires but is subject to periodic regulatory actions. Travelers should check the app’s current availability and airport pickup rules at the time of travel. It helps to do a bit of homework ahead of time to see which option is best for you.
How to book a taxi at EZE
My top tip if you opt to take a taxi from EZE (or any airport in Argentina, for that matter): Make sure you go with an authorized operator – not one of the vendors who are approaching travelers outside of the facility. To do this, head to the official taxi desks located in the arrivals area.
Taxi Ezeiza is a popular and widely used operator, and it’s also officially authorized by the airport. The service offers fixed-rate fares to popular tourist areas including Palermo and Recoleta. (You can also pre-book a taxi service online via the operator’s website, but keep in mind that if you’re delayed this is one more thing you’ll have to contend with upon arrival.)
When you book a taxi at the kiosks, you’ll pay either with cash or a credit card (payment is sometimes available in USD, as well as in Argentine pesos, depending on the operator’s policies). You’ll then get a receipt to hand to your designated driver outside the terminal.
Remises: A local and reliable means of transit
Remises are private cars that work like taxis but without the typical yellow and black paint – a transportation concept you’ll find in Argentina and Uruguay but rarely elsewhere. They’re a great value option from EZE since they’re reliable, convenient and cost less than hiring a private driver. To book one, look for the dedicated stands inside the airport and be sure to have the address of your destination ready.
Traveling to and from EZE by public bus
You can take the public bus – also known as colectivo – to and from EZE. However, I only recommend this option if you’re traveling solo and with very little luggage (or are on an especially tight budget) and know some Spanish. You’ll take Line Eight, which is the only public transport that runs regularly from the airport. It’s cheap (tickets cost little more than the price of a cup of coffee), but this mode of transit has several drawbacks.
First, it can take around two hours to reach the city center – more if there’s traffic. (However, depending on schedules, you may be able to take the express or semirapido bus.) Second, buses only accept payment via what’s called a SUBE card, which is good for all local transportation. You can buy a SUBE card from authorized vendors in the city or check for sale points at the airport upon arrival.
If you can manage all that and snag yourself a seat on the bus, pat yourself on the back – you not only have a brag-worthy travel tale, you can enjoy the substantial savings from your adventure on public transportation.
The layout at EZE: What to know
With upgraded technology and modern, spacious aesthetics, the new terminal makes the airport experience much more pleasant for international flights.
Previously, EZE had three separate terminals (A, B and C). But since the opening of the new terminal, the airport’s layout has changed significantly. All departures, both domestic and international, now operate out of the New Departures Terminal. This includes major global carriers such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM and American Airlines.
The previous Terminal A now serves as the International Arrivals Terminal, while the previous Terminal C is now the Domestic Arrivals Terminal.
The airport is de-emphasizing the “Terminal B” name as it transitions to its new configuration, with the unified New Departures Terminal handling all departures. Travelers should follow their airline and airport day-of instructions for the most current gate and terminal information.
What to expect for international departures
EZE’s new international departures area represents a massive modernization effort focused on improving passenger experience and capacity. The 540,000-square-foot space spans four levels and can handle up to 30 million passengers annually. It features innovative technology designed to speed up the check-in and security processes, and it’s now a more efficient hub for international travelers in South America.
In addition to its tech-forward features, the new area also boasts a modern, spacious design, with a striking glass-and-steel roof structure and large windows that allow for plenty of natural light. Custom artwork further enhances the space.
State-of-the-art technological features
The new terminal features self-service kiosks for both check-in and baggage drop, which has made the check-in process much more efficient. There are five independent islands with 150 counters, between 68 and 72 self check-in stations and 24 automatic baggage drop stations. Airlines are assigned to different check-in zones organized across the five islands.
In addition, they’ve upgraded the security screening area with modern equipment and technology that allows for faster processing times. The automated baggage handling system includes five security levels with advanced CT screening technology. Meanwhile, 36 new immigration posts (14 more than before) will provide increased capacity for international departures.
All that said, lines can still be long and time-consuming at EZE. The airport’s official recommended arrival time is three hours ahead of departure for international flights and two hours for flights within Argentina (and I advise following those).
A heads-up on the official EZE website and app
EZE is managed and operated by AA2000, a government agency that runs a total of 35 airport terminals across Argentina. EZE has an official website, but there are also plenty of imposter sites with outdated, inaccurate information. To ensure you’re on the correct one, do an internet search for “EZE official website,” which will bring you to the government-run site.
However, the site is clunky and not very user friendly, and much of it is available only in Spanish. For English speakers, it’s best used for checking the status of flight arrivals and departures – and not much else.
The one exception is for travelers who have a decent command of Spanish. If that’s you, consider checking the website to buy a Fast Pass for security, which is available for a reasonable fee. You can also find deals for Fast Pass discounts, parking reservations, lounge access and more. These deals are located in the promociones section, and might be worth a peek if you have a long layover at EZE.
In addition, EZE also has an official app, but like the website, it has received mixed reviews thanks to slow loading times and a glitchy interface. My advice: Don’t bother.
Plenty of quality shopping and dining options
Once you’ve cleared security and immigration, plenty of options await for shopping and dining, with more choices than before – including an expansive duty free area. This is a great place to grab signature Argentinian products like leather goods, wine (a nice Malbec, perhaps), alfajores (traditional cookies) or even a mate tea set. The new terminal also includes several play areas for children, which are helpful for traveling families.
Lounges at EZE: What to know
For passengers who prefer to pass the time in an airport lounge, EZE has several options, from airline lounges to membership-based ones. However, travelers accustomed to swanky lounge experiences may need to temper their expectations, as EZE’s offerings aren’t especially memorable.
American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders are in luck, as EZE’s Centurion lounge is a standout option. It’s located on Level One, near Gate 15, and features plenty of room to spread out, a nice selection of hot and cold buffet items and a decent offering of alcoholic beverages, including Argentine wine. There’s also a small kids’ play area. Alas, day passes aren’t available.
Priority Pass members can use the Ezeiza Lounge, located airside near Gate 23, or the Star Alliance Lounge near Gate Nine. The Ezeiza Lounge includes a dedicated children’s play area among its amenities.
The Star Alliance Lounge, meanwhile, is exclusively available for Star Alliance Gold members and first- and business-class passengers of Star Alliance airlines. Amenities include shower facilities, complimentary newspapers and a fully stocked bar. Day passes are available, but since it’s a fairly basic lounge, I’m not sure the steep fee is worth it.
Same goes for the American Airlines Admirals Club and Iberia VIP Lounge, located near Gate 9. It’s also fairly ordinary and has limited food options, so don’t come with a massive appetite. Day passes also are available (but again, I don’t think the price justifies the experience).
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
