Buenos Aires City Guide - Getting There By Road

Driving in Argentina usually involves long distances and, apart from the main highways, roads are generally in poor condition. Checkpoints exist to prevent meat, vegetables and other food products entering into Mendoza, San Juan, Patagonia, Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta and Tucumán. The 'A' roads are the autopistas (motorways) and those labelled 'R' are rutas (roads) - tolls exist on all main roads. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 130kph (80mph) and on one-lane roads is 80kph (50mph), while the speed limit in built-up areas varies from 40 to 60kph (25 to 37mph). Traffic drives on the right and regulations, signs and conduct are similar to those in the USA or Europe. Drivers can be impatient and have little regard for lanes or the wearing of seat belts. The use of seat belts is, however, compulsory and fines are implemented for failure to comply with the law. The minimum driving age is 18 years, while the maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.05%.

Insurance that covers third-party liability is required by law. An international driving licence is rarely requested by car hire companies or police; your licence from home will suffice, although it is a good idea to get it officially translated.

Emergency breakdown service: ACA (tel: (011) 4803 3333 or 0800 777 2894, in Argentina only).

Routes to the city: From Buenos Aires, Route 3 goes southwest to Bahia Blanca and then along the east coast of Argentina all the way to Rio Gallegos. It then travels to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, via Chile and a ferry ride across the Magellan Straits. Route 7 goes west to Mendoza and onwards to Santiago in Chile. Route 9 goes northwest to Rosario and Córdoba and connects with roads northwards to Salta or Puerto Iguazú. All roads coming into Buenos Aires connect with the A001 or Avenida General Paz, a semicircular autopista that acts as the city's ring-road. Several main roads run all the way into the heart of the city, such as Autopistas Leopoldo Lugones and 25 Mayo, which both connect with Avenida 9 de Julio in the city centre.

Driving times to Buenos Aires: From Córdoba - 9 hours; Mendoza - 17 hours; Puerto Iguazú - 20 hours; Ushuaia - 30 hours.

Coach services: Numerous bus companies operate long-distance services from Retiro Terminal de Omnibus, Avenida Antártida Argentina (tel: (011) 4310 0700/07), next to the Retiro train station. Facilities at the modern and well-organised terminal include tourist information, cafes, left luggage, ATM, shops and Internet. International services operate between Buenos Aires and Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.