EZE to AEP Connection Guide (2026): Immigration, Luggage & Transfer Time Explained

If you arrive on an international flight at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and your next flight departs from Aeroparque (AEP), it is essential to understand one key fact:

This is NOT a traditional airside connection.

Even if you are flying with the same airline, you cannot remain in transit. You must formally enter Argentina and transfer between airports by road.


How long does it take to transfer from EZE to AEP?

The transfer from EZE (Ezeiza International Airport) to AEP (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery) typically takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, travel time may exceed 90 minutes. The two airports are approximately 40 km (25 miles) apart and are connected only by road.

Can I stay in transit between EZE and AEP?

No. There is no airside connection between EZE and AEP. All international passengers must pass through immigration, collect their luggage, exit the airport, and transfer by road to Aeroparque (AEP) before checking in again for their domestic flight.


Table of Contents


1. Arrival at EZE (International Flight)

When your international flight lands at EZE, you will follow the standard arrival procedure for all passengers entering Argentina.

There is no international transit corridor for passengers connecting between EZE and AEP.

Upon arrival, you must:

  • Pass through immigration
  • Go through passport control
  • Proceed to baggage claim
  • Collect all your checked luggage
  • Pass through customs

Even if your final destination is another Argentine city, and even if both flights are with the same airline, you must complete this full arrival process.

You cannot stay in transit.

You must collect your luggage.


2. Immigration, Passport Control & Baggage Claim

All passengers arriving internationally must formally enter Argentina.

This means:

  • Waiting in line at passport control
  • Receiving entry authorization
  • Collecting your checked baggage
  • Passing through customs screening

Baggage is not automatically transferred to Aeroparque (AEP).

There is no inter-airport baggage system between EZE and AEP.

Many travelers assume that connecting between EZE and AEP works like a normal international airport connection.

However, this is not the case.

EZE and AEP are two completely separate airports located in different parts of Buenos Aires. There is no airside shuttle, no transit corridor, and no secure transfer system between them.

Even if you:

  • Travel on the same airline
  • Book both flights on a single ticket
  • Have a short layover

You must still:

  • Enter Argentina
  • Collect your luggage
  • Exit the airport
  • Transfer by road to AEP
  • Check in again

Because the connection requires ground transportation across the city, it is treated as two independent airport processes.


3. Travel from EZE to AEP (Distance & Time)

EZE and AEP are located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) apart.

EZE to AEP Transfer Route
“Ricchieri” highway, is the main link between EZE Airport and AEP

The transfer must be done by road.

Estimated driving time:

  • 1 hour in light traffic
  • 1.5 to 2 hours during rush hour
  • Possibly longer in heavy traffic or rainy conditions

Buenos Aires traffic can be unpredictable, especially:

  • Weekdays from 07:00–10:00
  • Weekdays from 16:30–19:30
  • Long weekends and holidays
  • Rainy days

The transfer time is often the most underestimated part of the connection.

For large groups traveling by van, minibus, or coach, we strongly recommend allowing extra time. Larger vehicles operate at slower speeds in city traffic and require additional time for coordination and luggage handling.

If you prefer a reliable and direct option, you can pre-book a private transfer from EZE to AEP to ensure punctual arrival and assistance with luggage.


4. Check-in Again at AEP

Once you arrive at Aeroparque (AEP), you must:

  • Enter the terminal
  • Check in again for your domestic flight
  • Drop off your luggage

This is treated as a completely new departure. There is no automatic baggage re-check between airports.

Check-in Again at AEP
Check in counters at AEP Airport for domestic flights

Although AEP is considered a domestic airport, it handles a very high volume of passengers, often even higher than EZE in total numbers. The airport operates:

  • Numerous daily domestic flights across Argentina
  • High-frequency routes to major cities such as Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, and Iguazú
  • Regional international flights to Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay

Because of this high traffic, check-in counters can experience significant lines — especially:

  • During peak morning hours
  • Late afternoon and early evening departures
  • Long weekends and holiday periods

If you need to dispatch (check) luggage, allow additional time, as baggage drop queues may be longer than expected.

Planning ahead is essential to avoid unnecessary stress before your domestic departure.

Many travelers connecting onward choose a Buenos Aires airport transfer service to avoid delays caused by traffic or taxi availability.


5. Security Screening at AEP

After check-in, you must:

  • Pass through airport security screening
  • Proceed to your departure gate

This follows standard domestic departure procedures in Argentina.

Especially during the summer season, AEP experiences very high passenger traffic, which can lead to longer lines at both check-in and security control.


6. How Much Time Should You Allow?

Because this is not a traditional connection, planning sufficient time is critical.

Recommended minimum connection time:

  • 4 to 5 hours (ideal in normal traffic)
  • 5 to 6 hours during peak traffic periods

If you are traveling with:

  • Children
  • Elderly passengers
  • Large or multiple pieces of luggage
  • A tight domestic departure schedule

Allow additional time.

Example Connection Scenario

To better understand timing, here is a realistic example:

  • International flight lands at EZE at 08:30
  • Immigration + baggage claim: 60–90 minutes
  • Departure from EZE around 10:00
  • Transfer during morning traffic: 60–90 minutes
  • Arrival at AEP between 11:15 and 11:45
  • Check-in + baggage drop: 30–45 minutes
  • Security screening: 15–30 minutes

In this scenario, a 4-hour connection is comfortable, but anything shorter could become stressful — especially during rush hour.


Private Transfer from EZE to AEP

Many travelers choose a pre-arranged private transfer to ensure a smooth and stress-free connection.

A professional meet-and-greet service provides:

  • Driver waiting at arrivals
  • Assistance with luggage
  • Direct transfer between airports
  • Local knowledge of traffic patterns
  • Reliable timing for tight connections

For travelers connecting to Patagonia, Iguazú, Mendoza, or other domestic destinations, careful planning of the ground transfer is essential.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay in transit between EZE and AEP?

No. There is no transit corridor between EZE and AEP. All passengers arriving internationally at EZE must pass through immigration, collect their luggage, and transfer by road to AEP.

Will my luggage be automatically transferred if I fly with the same airline?

No. Even if both flights are operated by the same airline and booked on a single ticket, luggage will not be automatically transferred between EZE and AEP. You must collect your bags at EZE and check them in again at AEP.

How far is EZE from AEP?

The distance between EZE (Ezeiza International Airport) and AEP (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery) is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles).

How long does it take to transfer from EZE to AEP?

The transfer typically takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, travel time may exceed 90 minutes.

What is the minimum recommended connection time between EZE and AEP?

Most travelers should allow at least 4 to 5 hours between flights. During peak traffic periods or summer season, 5 to 6 hours is safer.

Planning Your EZE to AEP Transfer?

If you have a tight connection or are traveling with family or large luggage, pre-arranging your airport transfer ensures punctual arrival and avoids unnecessary stress.

This guide was prepared by Airport Transfers Buenos Aires, a local transfer provider operating daily at both EZE and AEP.