Flying into Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and boarding a cruise in Buenos Aires? Planning your transfer in advance is one of the easiest ways to start your trip stress-free.
The Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal (Terminal de Cruceros Benito Quinquela Martín) is Argentina’s main international cruise port and the departure point for most cruises visiting South America.
This guide explains everything you need to know about getting from EZE Airport to the Buenos Aires Cruise Port, including travel times, transportation options, practical tips, and how to make the most of your arrival in Buenos Aires.
Where is the Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal?
The Terminal de Cruceros Benito Quinquela Martín is located in Puerto Nuevo, just a few minutes from Downtown Buenos Aires and close to some of the city’s most popular tourist areas, including Puerto Madero, Retiro, Recoleta and San Telmo.
Although the cruise terminal is very close to the city center, it is not possible to walk there comfortably from nearby hotels or attractions. The terminal is located inside an active commercial port with restricted access, large vehicle traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure.
For this reason, even travelers staying nearby usually arrive by taxi or private transfer.
How Far is EZE Airport from the Buenos Aires Cruise Port?
The journey between Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and the Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal is approximately 40 km (24 miles).
| Route | Distance | Typical Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| EZE Airport → Cruise Terminal | 35 km / 22 mi | 45–60 minutes |
| During heavy traffic | 35 km / 22 mi | Up to 90 minutes |
Traffic conditions vary significantly depending on the day and time, particularly during weekday rush hours.
Best Ways to Get from EZE to the Cruise Port
Private Airport Transfer
A pre-booked private transfer is generally the most convenient option for cruise passengers.
Your driver meets you inside the arrivals hall, assists with your luggage and drives directly to the cruise terminal without unnecessary stops.
Advantages include:
- Meet & Greet service inside the airport
- Flight tracking
- Fixed all-inclusive price
- Door-to-door service
- Professional local drivers
- Vehicles suitable for large cruise luggage
- No waiting in taxi queues
This option is particularly recommended for families, groups and passengers carrying several suitcases.
Official Airport Taxi
Official airport taxis operate with fixed fares from EZE Airport and are a reliable transportation option.
However, during the South American cruise season and other busy travel periods, taxi queues can become quite long, especially after several international flights arrive at the same time.
Passengers traveling with multiple suitcases should also note that vehicles with larger luggage capacity represent only a small portion of the fleet, which may result in an even longer wait for an appropriate vehicle.
Uber and Cabify
Uber and Cabify are available in Buenos Aires, but they may not be the most convenient option for cruise passengers.
Most vehicles operating through these platforms are standard sedans with limited luggage space, making them less suitable for travelers carrying several cruise suitcases.
In addition, pickups at EZE Airport require passengers to coordinate with the driver through the app and walk to a designated curbside meeting point outside the terminal. During busy periods, this area can become crowded with taxis, rideshare vehicles and passengers, making it more difficult to locate your driver.
Airport Bus / Shuttle
Several airport shuttle companies, including Tienda León, offer comfortable direct services between EZE Airport and central Buenos Aires.
However, none of these services operate directly to the Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal.
Passengers must always complete the final part of the journey using a taxi, Uber or another transfer service, making this option less convenient for those traveling with cruise luggage.
How Long Should You Allow Before Your Cruise?
If you’re arriving on the same day your cruise departs, it’s important to leave enough time not only for the transfer itself, but also for airport procedures.
Ezeiza International Airport is well known for experiencing long immigration and customs lines, particularly during the Southern Hemisphere summer (December through March), when both international tourism and cruise activity reach their peak. Travelers frequently mention these delays in travel forums and Reddit discussions, especially after several long-haul flights arrive within a short period.
When planning your schedule, remember to allow time for:
- Immigration
- Baggage claim
- Customs inspection
- Possible airport congestion
- Road traffic into Buenos Aires
- Cruise check-in
As a general recommendation:
| Situation | Recommended Time |
| Domestic arrival | At least 3 hours before cruise check-in |
| International arrival | At least 4–5 hours before embarkation |
Whenever possible, arriving in Buenos Aires the day before your cruise provides extra peace of mind.
Can You Visit Buenos Aires Before Boarding?
Absolutely.
One of the advantages of cruising from Buenos Aires is that the cruise terminal is located very close to the city’s main tourist districts.
If your flight lands early and your embarkation is scheduled for later in the day, it is perfectly feasible to enjoy a short visit before boarding.
Depending on your available time, you can simply have lunch in Puerto Madero, explore Plaza de Mayo and San Telmo, or spend several hours discovering neighborhoods such as Recoleta or La Boca before heading to the cruise terminal.
Many travelers choose to combine their airport transfer with a private Cruise Port Tour, allowing them to make the most of their first day in Argentina without worrying about transportation or luggage.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Book your transfer in advance
During the cruise season, transportation demand increases considerably. Booking ahead guarantees vehicle availability and avoids unnecessary waiting upon arrival.
Compare your flight arrival time with your cruise embarkation schedule
Before booking flights, make sure you have sufficient time to complete immigration, collect your luggage, travel across the city and complete cruise check-in comfortably.
Take advantage of your time in Buenos Aires
Because the cruise terminal is located so close to the city center, even a few free hours can be enough to enjoy some of Buenos Aires’ most famous landmarks before boarding your ship.
Always specify your luggage when booking
If you reserve a private transfer, be sure to indicate the exact number of passengers and suitcases.
Cruise travelers often carry considerably more luggage than standard airline passengers. Providing this information in advance ensures that the appropriate vehicle is assigned, making your transfer safer, more comfortable and avoiding last-minute vehicle changes.
About This Guide
This guide was written by the AirportTransfersBuenosAires.com team based on more than 20 years of experience providing private airport transfers, cruise port transfers and ground transportation services throughout Buenos Aires. Every recommendation is based on real operational experience, helping thousands of international travelers move smoothly between Ezeiza Airport (EZE), the Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal, hotels and the city’s main tourist attractions. Our goal is to provide accurate, practical and up-to-date information so you can plan your arrival with confidence and start your cruise stress-free.