Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) Flights & Flight Status

Travelers from the U.S. headed to Argentina will likely fly into Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), in Buenos Aires. Better known as Ezeiza Airport (named for its location in the town of Ezeiza), EZE is the most prominent airport in Argentina. Thanks to a state-of-the-art terminal that opened in 2023, it’s aiming to become a preferred hub in South America.

EZE currently operates about two-thirds of Argentina’s international flights, and it’s also the hub of national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas. Here’s what else to know if you’re headed to EZE.

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 EZE has an official website, but there are also plenty of imposter sites with outdated, inaccurate information.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. In addition, deals, including 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.

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. However, since the opening of the new terminal in 2023 (which is essentially an extension of Terminal A, with the eventual goal to consolidate all departures), the functionality of the airport’s previous infrastructure has changed significantly. Most major global carriers serving EZE, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM and American Airlines, now operate out of the new terminal.

The previous Terminal A now serves as the International Arrivals Terminal, while the previous Terminal C is now the Domestic Arrivals Terminal.

Terminal B is occasionally used for some international arrivals and departures, although most have moved to the new terminal. Terminal B sometimes supports overflow flights during peak hours. Terminal C, which previously serviced the state-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas, now primarily services domestic arrivals.

What to expect for international departures

The new international departures area is part of a massive modernization project that aims to improve the passenger experience and capacity at EZE. The 540,000-square-foot space, which spans four separate levels, has capacity for up to 30 million passengers annually. It features innovative technology designed to speed up the check-in and security processes, making it 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 copious 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, 72 self check-in stations and 24 automatic baggage drop stations. Each airline has its own check-in sector designated with a letter.

In addition, the security screening area also has been upgraded with modern equipment and technology that allows faster processing times. Five levels of security include X-ray technology, while 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 2.5 hours for flights within Argentina (and I advise following those).

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 the lucky ones, as EZE’s Centurion lounge is the best of the bunch. It’s located on Level 1, 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 Aeropuertos VIP Club, also known as the VIP Club Lounge, located post-security near Gate 15. It has shower facilities, a buffet and some dedicated work areas.

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).

Getting to and from EZE

Getting to and from EZE can be a confusing process for first-time travelers to Buenos Aires. Taxis are available, but many are unlicensed – and it can be difficult to decipher the differences if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

Rideshare services also are available but also be confusing for non-locals and anyone who doesn’t speak Spanish (Uber, for example, may or may not be available, depending on its current legality status in the courts). 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 the most well-known and 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

First-time visitors to South America will likely be unfamiliar with a concept called remises, which are common in Argentina and Uruguay but not much elsewhere. Remises are private cars similar to taxis (but without the typical yellow and black paint), and they offer the best bang for your buck, since they’re reliable, convenient and cost less than 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 8, 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 the post office (also called Correo Argentino) in Terminal A, and it’s also available at some automated machines and kiosks.

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 adventure on public transportation from the airport.