Travel
Local Transportation
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires people use buses (colectivos), or take the subway (el subte). Information about the different lines and where they go can be found in various transportation guides. We recommend that international students buy a Guía-T guide in which one can find maps for all the streets and avenues, showing the various modes of transportation (colectivos, subways, and taxis). The city government runs an interactive page that is also very useful for planning trips.
Colectivos: Bus service is very convenient, with frequent service on popular routes. Bus stops are situated every two blocks and are posted. You can purchase a rechargeable SUBE card to pay for the bus fare, which the program staff will help you acquire during orientation, or use a credit card or smart pay on your phone.
Subway: The subway is also very efficient and is the fastest way to get around Buenos Aires. There are about 150 stations that are part of the system and cover about one-half of the city. You may also use your SUBE card to use the subway system, or pay with a credit card or smart pay on your phone.
Taxis: For taxis, it is good to know the route you will be taking, as well as an estimate of the cost. A surcharge is made for each item of luggage, fares between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am within city limits, and, if the taxi goes out of the city, the fare will include the cost of the return to the city. The safest and most reliable option is to use a radio taxi or a remis. There are many companies offering this service; we suggest you ask your host family for the phone number of the company they use.
Montevideo
Extensive bus services operate in Montevideo and the suburbs. There are flat fares for the central area and suburban services. Tickets cost 60 pesos and you must keep your ticket for inspection. You can also obtain a local bus card (tarjeta STM) that will allow you to ride the bus for 49 pesos. This local bus card can be obtained during orientation with the help of the assistant director in Montevideo. Bus routes and schedules can be found on Montevideo’s municipal website here: http://www.montevideo.gub.uy/aplicacion/como-ir. Metered taxis are available in all cities and from the airport. Drivers carry a list of fares. A surcharge is made for each item of baggage and fares between midnight and 6:00 am within city limits. Taxis may be hired by the hour at an agreed-upon rate. Uber is regulated in Uruguay as well, and so may be used as an affordable transportation option, especially when sharing a ride with friends.
Travel outside the host country
If you plan to travel to other countries, be advised that regulations vary and may change at any time. In some cases a visa and/or proof of certain inoculations may be required. Students are strongly advised to consult their destination country’s embassy website before departure for the most up to date entry requirements.
Hitchhiking as a mode of transportation anywhere in Latin America is strongly discouraged as a matter of Middlebury College policy. This practice is regarded by security officials to be extremely unsafe and is often illegal. Buses and trains provide a low-cost, safe alternative.
