Buenos Aires Airports: Ezeiza, Aeroparque and How to Get Around

Buenos Aires has two main airports that serve travelers arriving in and traveling around Argentina: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Knowing the difference between them is essential when planning your itinerary, especially if you are connecting from an international flight to destinations such as Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, or other regions of the country.

Ezeiza Airport is the main gateway for international arrivals and departures, while Aeroparque is located closer to the city center and is mainly used for domestic flights and regional connections. Many travelers use both airports during the same trip, making airport transfers an important part of planning your journey.

In this guide, you will learn how Buenos Aires airports work, when to use Ezeiza or Aeroparque, how to get to the city center, and what to consider when connecting between terminals.

Buenos Aires has two main airports used by most travelers: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Each airport serves a different purpose, so choosing the right one depends on whether you are arriving from abroad, flying within Argentina, or connecting to another destination.

The main difference is:

• Ezeiza International Airport (EZE): The primary airport for international flights arriving from destinations outside Argentina.
• Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP): The main airport for domestic flights and many regional connections, located much closer to downtown Buenos Aires.

Understanding which airport you need is especially important when planning a multi-destination trip. For example, many travelers arrive in Argentina through Ezeiza and then continue to destinations such as Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, Mendoza, or Salta from Aeroparque.

For most international visitors, the typical itinerary is:
International arrival → Ezeiza (EZE) → Buenos Aires → Aeroparque (AEP) → domestic destination

Knowing the difference between both airports can save time and avoid confusion when organizing connections in Argentina.

Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), officially known as Ministro Pistarini International Airport, is the main airport for international flights in Buenos Aires and the primary gateway for travelers arriving in Argentina from abroad.

Located in the city of Ezeiza, in the Buenos Aires province, the airport is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from downtown Buenos Aires. Because of its location outside the city, travel times can vary depending on traffic, with transfers usually taking between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.

Ezeiza is mainly used for:

• International arrivals and departures.
• Long-haul flights from Europe, North America, and other continents.
• International connections with airlines flying to Argentina.

Most travelers visiting Argentina for the first time will arrive through Ezeiza before continuing their itinerary to destinations such as Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, or other regions of the country.

As Argentina’s main international airport, Ezeiza offers services designed for international travelers, including:

• Immigration and customs facilities.
• Currency exchange services.
• Restaurants and cafés.
• Car rental and transportation options.
• Tourist assistance services.

After landing at Ezeiza, travelers can continue to Buenos Aires city center by private transfer, taxi, or other transportation options. Booking transportation in advance can be especially convenient after a long international flight or when traveling with luggage.

Learn more about options for reaching the city with our guide to Buenos Aires airport transfers.

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is Buenos Aires’ main airport for domestic flights and many regional connections. Unlike Ezeiza, Aeroparque is located within the city, next to the Río de la Plata in the Palermo area, making it a much more convenient option for travelers staying in Buenos Aires.

Its central location is one of its main advantages: Aeroparque is approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) from downtown Buenos Aires, and transfers to neighborhoods such as Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, or Microcentro are usually much shorter than from Ezeiza.

Aeroparque is mainly used for:

• Domestic flights within Argentina.
• Connections to destinations such as Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, Mendoza, Salta, and Bariloche.
• Regional flights to nearby South American countries.

For many international travelers, Aeroparque becomes part of their itinerary after arriving in Argentina through Ezeiza. A common route is:

International arrival at Ezeiza → transfer to Aeroparque → domestic flight to another destination in Argentina

Because of its location, Aeroparque is often the preferred airport for travelers who need to connect with domestic flights. Its main advantages are:

• Shorter transfer times from the city center.
• Easier access from hotels in Buenos Aires.
• Convenient connections for multi-destination trips around Argentina.

However, travelers connecting between Ezeiza and Aeroparque should plan enough time between flights, as traffic in Buenos Aires can significantly affect transfer times.

For more ideas on planning a multi-destination itinerary in Argentina, explore our guide on how to plan a trip to Argentina.

Getting from Buenos Aires airports to the city center is relatively easy, but the best option depends on which airport you arrive at, your budget, and the amount of luggage you have.

The main difference is the distance: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is located within the city, while Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is outside Buenos Aires and requires a longer transfer.

Since Ezeiza is located outside the city, most international travelers choose a private transfer, taxi, or authorized transportation service.

The most convenient options are:

• Private transfer: The most comfortable option, especially after a long international flight or when traveling with luggage.
• Taxi or ride-hailing services: Available and commonly used by travelers.
• Public transportation: A more economical alternative, although less practical with luggage and after international arrivals.

Traffic conditions can significantly affect travel times, especially during weekday rush hours, so it is recommended to allow extra time when planning airport connections.

Aeroparque is much closer to the main tourist areas, making transfers faster and simpler.

Common options include:

• Taxi or ride-hailing services: Convenient for most travelers.
• Private transfers: Useful for travelers with multiple bags or tight schedules.
• Public transportation: Available through buses and nearby connections.

Because of its central location, reaching neighborhoods such as Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Microcentro from Aeroparque is usually straightforward.

For a smoother arrival experience, especially after international flights, consider arranging transportation in advance with our guide to Buenos Aires airport transfers.

Many travelers visiting Argentina need to transfer between Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) during their trip. This is especially common when arriving on an international flight and then continuing to destinations such as Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, Mendoza, or other regions of Argentina.

A typical connection looks like this:

International arrival → Ezeiza (EZE) → transfer across Buenos Aires → Aeroparque (AEP) → domestic flight

The distance between both airports is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles), but travel time depends heavily on traffic conditions. The transfer usually takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, although it can take longer during peak traffic.

The most practical options are:

• Private transfer: The most convenient choice for travelers with luggage, families, or tight connections. A driver can monitor your arrival time and take you directly between airports.
• Taxi or ride-hailing services: Available from both airports and commonly used by travelers.
• Shared transfer services: An alternative option depending on schedules and availability.

When connecting between airports, it is important to allow enough time for:

• International arrival procedures.
• Immigration and customs.
• Collecting luggage.
• Transfer through Buenos Aires traffic.
• Check-in and security for the next flight.

As a general recommendation, travelers should plan at least 4 to 5 hours between flights, and more during busy periods or if arriving on an international flight.

For a smoother multi-destination itinerary, explore our guide on how to plan a trip to Argentina.

The airport you should use depends on your itinerary. Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is the main airport for international flights arriving from abroad, while Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is mainly used for domestic flights and many regional connections within South America. Most international travelers arrive at Ezeiza and may continue their trip from Aeroparque.

The main difference is their location and purpose. Ezeiza Airport (EZE) is located outside Buenos Aires and serves mostly international flights, while Aeroparque (AEP) is located closer to the city center and serves mainly domestic flights and regional routes. Aeroparque is usually more convenient for travelers connecting to destinations such as Patagonia or Iguazú Falls.

Ezeiza International Airport is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from downtown Buenos Aires. The transfer usually takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.

The easiest way to get from Ezeiza (EZE) to Aeroparque (AEP) is by private transfer, taxi, or ride-hailing service. The distance is around 40 kilometers (25 miles) and the journey usually takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, although traffic can make it longer. Travelers should allow at least 4 to 5 hours between connecting flights to account for immigration, luggage, and the airport transfer.