Port information & tips for Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the pulsating heart of Argentina and is often referred to as the "Paris of South America" thanks to its magnificent architecture. The city welcomes visitors with a fascinating blend of European elegance, passionate tango flair, and modern skyscrapers directly on the majestic Río de la Plata. Glamorous highlights nearby include the historic Plaza de Mayo with the famous Casa Rosada, the trendy harbor district of Puerto Madero, and the artistic district of San Telmo. Cruise ships dock at the Terminal de Cruceros Quinquela Martín in the Retiro district, which offers first-class infrastructure while being located only about two kilometers from the lively city center.
The Port of Buenos Aires, with its central Quinquela Martín terminal, is located in the heart of the Argentine metropolis and is an ideal starting point for cruises around South America. Thanks to its location in the Retiro district, the terminal is excellently integrated into the city's infrastructure and is easily accessible for international travelers.
Airplane
International guests from the DACH region primarily use Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE), which is located around 35 kilometers from the port and can be reached, for example, via direct flight from Frankfurt. In addition, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is available for regional connecting flights, located just 5 kilometers from the terminal and allowing for a quick arrival thanks to the short distance.
Transfer & Taxi
From the airport, you can reach the port comfortably in about 45 to 60 minutes using authorized taxi services or private remise services. In addition, cruise lines and specialized providers such as Manuel Tienda León offer comfortable shuttles that ensure smooth transport to the Quinquela Martín Terminal and ensure a relaxed arrival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation with an overnight stay in the Retiro or Puerto Madero districts. These central neighborhoods are in direct proximity to the port and, thanks to short distances via Avenida Antártida Argentina, allow for a stress-free start to your cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Buenos Aires, with its central Quinquela Martín terminal, is located in the heart of the Argentine metropolis and is an ideal starting point for cruises around South America. Thanks to its location in the Retiro district, the terminal is excellently integrated into the city's infrastructure and is easily accessible for international travelers.
Airplane
International guests from the DACH region primarily use Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE), which is located around 35 kilometers from the port and can be reached, for example, via direct flight from Frankfurt. In addition, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is available for regional connecting flights, located just 5 kilometers from the terminal and allowing for a quick arrival thanks to the short distance.
Transfer & Taxi
From the airport, you can reach the port comfortably in about 45 to 60 minutes using authorized taxi services or private remise services. In addition, cruise lines and specialized providers such as Manuel Tienda León offer comfortable shuttles that ensure smooth transport to the Quinquela Martín Terminal and ensure a relaxed arrival.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation with an overnight stay in the Retiro or Puerto Madero districts. These central neighborhoods are in direct proximity to the port and, thanks to short distances via Avenida Antártida Argentina, allow for a stress-free start to your cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The Quinquela Martín terminal impresses with its proximity to the city center and, thanks to its modern infrastructure, allows for a straightforward onward journey.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official Radio-Taxis wait for you directly at the terminal exit and will take you comfortably to destinations such as the Obelisk or the historic San Telmo. In addition, ride-hailing services like Uber or Cabify are widely used in Buenos Aires and offer a convenient way to explore the city directly from the port.
Colectivos & Subte
The characteristic city buses, known as Colectivos, stop within walking distance of the port and offer an authentic way of getting around the metropolis. At the same time, you can quickly reach the nearest station of the subway known as Subte in Retiro, and from there, thanks to the efficient route system, you can swiftly reach all relevant parts of the city.
On Foot
The elegant Plaza San Martín in the Retiro district can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot and serves as an ideal starting point for your sightseeing tour. A walk toward the nearby Florida shopping street also gives you the opportunity to experience the city's lively hustle and bustle firsthand while remaining flexible as you discover the surroundings.
To make the most of your stay in the Argentine metropolis, a combination of the historical charm of the old town and the modern elegance of the waterfront promenades is recommended.
La Boca & Caminito
This colorful neighborhood delights with its brightly painted corrugated iron houses and passionate tango dancers right on the street, embodying the vibrant cultural heart of the city. Thanks to its easy accessibility, a walk through the famous Caminito alley can be ideally integrated into any shore excursion.
Recoleta
This aristocratic district impresses with its magnificent French-style architecture and is home to the world-famous cemetery containing the tomb of Evita Perón. The extensive parklands and elegant cafes create an exclusive atmosphere and, thanks to its central location, are perfect for a relaxed city exploration.
Puerto Madero
The modernized port district right by the cruise terminal invites you to stroll along the water with its iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge and its first-class restaurants in restored brick warehouses. It simultaneously offers an impressive view of the skyline and, thanks to its immediate proximity to the ship, is the ideal place for a high-quality conclusion to your shore excursion.
San Telmo & Plaza Dorrego
The history-steeped district of San Telmo is easily accessible from the port in about fifteen minutes by taxi, where you can immerse yourself directly in the authentic heart of the Argentine metropolis. The area around Plaza Dorrego is perfect for a relaxed stroll through colonial alleys and offers an incomparable cultural experience thanks to its many traditional antique shops and historic tango bars. In the numerous charming cafes and first-class parillas, you can also enjoy local specialties and often observe spontaneous open-air dance performances. Ideally, start your excursion in the early morning to experience the district in its soft morning light, and plan your short return trip to the ship for maximum relaxation no later than ninety minutes before departure.
The way back to the Quinquela Martín cruise terminal is straightforward thanks to its central location near the Retiro district and can be easily integrated into your daily schedule. Due to the busy traffic in Buenos Aires, plan a generous time buffer so that you arrive back on board relaxed and on time.
Taxis and Rideshare Services
The yellow-and-black Radio Taxis are present throughout the city and can easily be found at busy squares or in front of major hotels like the Sheraton at Plaza San Martín. Additionally, rideshare apps such as Cabify or Uber offer a convenient alternative, as you can enter the destination Terminal de Cruceros directly in the app and see the fixed price in advance.
Cruise Line Shuttle Buses
Many cruise lines offer their own shuttle buses on the day of the port call, which run between the port terminal and central meeting points such as Plaza San Martín or the Florida shopping district. These buses are easy to recognize thanks to the cruise line logos and will take you directly back to the terminal's check-in area without any detours.
On Foot
From the Retiro district, the terminal is easily accessible for experienced walkers, and the path leads along the busy Avenida Antártida Argentina directly to the port entrance. Look out for the signs to the Terminal de Cruceros and use the designated crossings to safely cross the wide streets and reach the ship safely.
