Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 20 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of BAI:
- Can you legally enter Costa Rica? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 20-minute journey each way by Local Taxis / Buses, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CRC. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Get Into Buenos Aires
From BAI, the Local Taxis / Buses gets you to Buenos Aires in around 20 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 40 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Taxis / Buses offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What’s Worth Seeing in Buenos Aires
Two recommendations for your time in Buenos Aires:
Start with Obelisco de Buenos Aires. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Buenos Aires. Then, if time allows, make your way to Plaza de Mayo. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Buenos Aires.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BAI, you can spend time at Aeropuertos VIP Club (EZE) or try ShopGallery Duty Free (EZE). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near BAI
- In the city: Café Tortoni and PizzerÃa GüerrÃn are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Buenos Aires.
- At the airport: Havanna Café (EZE) and La Cabrera Express (EZE) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Buenos Aires:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $8 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $23 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Buenos Aires, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Bag Storage Near BAI
Luggage storage options at BAI can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Buenos Aires for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BAI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Buenos Aires itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Costa Rica that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at BAI include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Costa Rica also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Buenos Aires doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 20 minutes from BAI, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.