Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) Airport Guide

For being a major capital city and such an important hub in South America, Buenos Aires' Ministro Pistarini Airport (also called Ezeiza) leaves something to be desired when it comes to efficiency and ease of travel. Far from the city center with spread out terminals only accessible by walking outside, this airport takes a bit of planning to navigate well.

Most important when planning a trip in or out of Buenos Aires is to double check your airport codes when booking. Some flights go out of Ezeiza and some out of Jorge Newberry (also called Aeroparque)—and many travelers have missed their connections because they didn't double check the airport codes. Jorge Newberry is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Ezeiza depending on traffic, so those with a shorter layover will need to plan well if transfers between airports have to be made. 

Most everyone will fly into Ezeiza, but for those continuing on to other major regions in Argentina such as Salta, Bariloche, Mendoza or Iguazu, will likely fly out of Jorge Newberry. There is even a third airport used for certain low-cost airlines such as Fly Bondi, but due to some past safety issues it’s probably best to stay away from anything going out of El Palomar airport. 

• Airport Code: EZE
• Location: The official address is: AU Tte. Gral. Pablo Riccheri Km 33,5, B1802 Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. Usually about 45 minutes to one hour by car from downtown Buenos Aires, please note that drive times can vary greatly depending on traffic and/or roadblocks from strikes.
• Contact Information: Phone +011 5480-6111, http://www.aa2000.com.ar
• Flight Tracker/ Departure and Arrival Status: https://www.buenos-aires-airport.com/ezeiza/departures.php
• Terminal Map: https://www.ifly.com/ezeiza-international-airport/terminal-map

Argentinians are big fans of striking in order to resolve problems. Multiple times a year there are national transportation strikes, or specifically airline strikes, that will cause havoc. Sometimes there will be advance notice, sometimes not so much. When travel to Argentina, always have a plan B ready in case there are delays. Aerolineas Argentinas is a government-run airline and is often the most affected while LATAM flights are in general a bit more reliable. 

There are three terminals at EZE named A, B, and C, though A (the main terminal) and C are the only ones currently used by passengers. It’s about a 10 minute outdoor walk between the terminals and there are no shuttles. Check which terminals you will need before you go. Some bags need to be checked in through Terminal A yet you would board in Terminal C.

While there is very little violent crime in Argentina, there are pickpockets who hang out at the airport and the bus terminals. Keep an eye on your valuables at all times, especially electronics. Phones, Apple products in particular, have a tendency to go missing before you would even notice. Do not keep your phone in your back pocket or in an open coat pocket.

There is parking available at Ezeiza, and the first 15 minutes are free. As of the time of publication, (please note that Argentina has one of the highest inflation rates in the world so prices in pesos rise all the time), Terminal A parking is 100 pesos per hour and 540 pesos for the day. Terminal B and C parking is 85 pesos per hour and 425 pesos for the day.

From downtown Buenos Aires, travel south along Avenida 9 de Julio until you can join the General Ricchieri Expressway and head south-east. Continue for around 19 miles (30 kilometers) and follow the signs.

You can hail a normal taxi or a remis in town and ask the driver to take you to the airport, although Uber or Cabify is often a cheaper option. There is also a reliable shuttle service, Manuel Tienda Leon, that leaves from close to Retiro and also one from Aeroparque airport. Taking a public bus to the airport isn't recommended.

Downstairs in Terminal A you will find a McDonalds and a Starbucks, and upstairs before you hit security there is a Hard Rock Cafe. After security is Patagonia Wine Experience, a great place to drink a glass or two of Malbec. Terminal C has fewer options with just generic cafe options—one before security and one after.

You are about 45 minutes to an hour from Buenos Aires, so running into the city is not that convenient unless you have a half-day layover or longer. There are no comfortable public places at the airport to relax in, so unless you want to splurge for a lounge or camp out at a table at Starbucks or McDonalds, prepare for a rather boring.

• Aeropuertos VIP Club Arrivals Lounge: Located in Terminal A, outside security, first level. Open 24 hours. Services: Food, snacks, newspapers and magazines, showers, TV, and Wi-Fi. Entrance fee is $50 per person.
• LATAM VIP Lounge: Located in Terminal A, inside security, level 2, between gates 9 and 10. Open 2:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Services: Conference rooms, newspapers and magazines, printers and copiers, food, showers, internet terminals, telephones, shoe shine, Wi-Fi, and TV. Entrance is only allowed to adults over 18.
• American Airlines Admirals Club & Iberia VIP Lounge: Located in Terminal A, level 2, close to gates 9 and 10. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Services: Newspapers, magazines, printers, copiers, showers, snacks, TV, Wi-Fi, and internet terminals. Entrance is only allowed to adults over 18.
• Star Alliance Lounge: Located in Terminal A, upper level, opposite gate 9. Open 24 hours. Services: Newspapers and magazines, showers, drinks, printers and copiers, internet terminals, snacks, TV, and Wi-Fi.
• Aerolineas Argentinas Salon Condor: Located in Terminal C. Open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Services: Newspapers and magazines, drinks, showers, printers and copiers, telephones, snacks, and Wi-Fi.
• American Express Salon Centurion: Located in Terminal C. Open from 5 a.m. to midnight. Services: Newspapers, drinks, printers and copiers, Internet Terminals, Snacks, TV, and Wi-Fi.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Outlets in restaurants or where you would check-in are hard to come by, but there are a couple of charging stations at the gates.