Argentina’s bustling capital city of Buenos Aires is a must-see destination for anyone traveling through South America. With streets lined with incredible 19th-century buildings including the famous Casa Rosada as well as a ton of cultural sites to be seen, it’s hard to even scratch the surface of all that Buenos Aires has to offer without staying there for an extended period of time.
Buenos Aires was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century on the western shore of the Rio de la Plata, which starts on the southeastern coast of South America. The city has a long history of colonialism that lasted until the Argentine War of Independence; however, remnants of Spanish can still be seen in the city today. Since the city gained its independence, it has been the pride and joy of the nation, and today it houses some of the most important monuments in all of Argentina and represents one of the most multicultural cities in Latin America. To truly get a sense of all that Buenos Aires has to offer, you should rent a motorcycle and explore the streets at your own pace.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Buenos Aires. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether you need and international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Argentina
- The price of motorbike hire in Buenos Aires
- The best places in Buenos Aires to find motorbike rental
- Whether it’s safe to drive a motorcycle in Buenos Aires as a foreigner
- The best things to do in Buenos Aires by motorbike
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorbike in Argentina?
If you have a valid national driver’s license from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, or Germany, as well as an extensive list of other countries, you are eligible to drive in Argentina for up to one year after arrival in the country and you do not need to obtain an international driving permit.
If you happen to be from one of the countries not included on Argentina’s list of approved national driver’s licenses, you can apply for an international driving permit online here. There is a $20 application fee and you should send your application at least two weeks prior to departing for Argentina, as that’s how long the permit usually takes to come in the mail. Once you have a permit, it is valid for up to one full year.
What Is the Cost of Motorcycle Hire in Buenos Aires?
In general, things are more expensive in Buenos Aires than in other Latin American cities because it’s such a well-developed city and popular tourist destination. If you want to rent a basic motorcycle for a day, such as a BMW G 310 R, it’s probably going to cost you around €100. If that’s a bit too expensive for you, you’ll surely be able to find a motor scooter at a more affordable price.
If you plan on staying in Buenos Aires for an extended period of time, many of the shops in the city will offer discounted rates for weekly or monthly rentals. You should also always make sure that insurance is included in the stated rental price.
Where Can You Rent a Motorcycle in Buenos Aires?
If you plan on flying to Buenos Aires from an international destination, you’ll most likely arrive at Ezeiza International Airport, also known as Ministro Pistarini International Airport, which is located quite close to the heart of the city. You should be able to find a motorcycle rental shop just outside the airport terminals. But if you want to be certain, you can find services online that will bring your rental motorbike to the airport when you arrive.
If you want to wait until you get to the city center before hiring a motorbike, you can also find a great deal of rental shops around the Parque Patricios, Villa Del Parque, and Villa Lugano areas of the city. There are plenty of rental shops in Buenos Aires and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one.
Is It Safe for Foreigners to Hire a Motorcycle in Buenos Aires?
While driving a motorcycle around Buenos Aires is one of the best ways to maximize your time in the city, if you’re not very experienced on a motorcycle or motor scooter, Buenos Aires might not be the best place to experiment. The local drivers in the city tend to drive very quickly and ignore the rules of the road. It’s not uncommon for locals to talk on the phone while driving, ignore signage, and even drink and drive.
If you do plan on driving a motorbike in Buenos Aires, make sure to always have your guard up and drive defensively. Luckily, the roads are typically very well-maintained and easy to navigate. So, just watch out for crazy and reckless drivers and you should have no problem driving through the city.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires by Motorcycle?
Now that you have all the necessary information for hiring a motorcycle in Buenos Aires, here are some of the best things to do during your stay there:
Palermo
The neighborhood of Palmero is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and interesting in all of Buenos Aires. The neighborhood is divided into three parts: Alto Palermo, Palermo Chico, and Palermo Viejo, all of which offer a wide range of sites and activities.
Alto Palermo offers some incredible museums and parks, such as the Carlos Thays Botanical Garden, which has one of the greatest displays of plant life in all of Latin America. Palermo Chico has a long row of extravagant mansions that gives you a sense of how the elites of Buenos Aires live, and it’s also home to the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires. Palermo Viejo is the place to go if you want to see how the locals live and get some delicious, authentic food.
Paseo del Rosedal (Rose Garden Walk)
Located in the Parque Tres de Febrero, the Paseo del Rosedal is a great place to get away from the bustling city and give yourself some time to think and relax. The entire garden is bursting with color as the walkable thoroughfares are home to over 1,000 different species of roses, encompassing every color you could possibly imagine.
As you walk along the paths, you may come upon statues of famous Argentine poets surrounded by an Andalusian patio decorated with colorful tiles imported from Seville. This is the perfect place to sit down with a book, have a picnic, or just feel the breeze on your face and smell the roses.
El Zanjon de Granados
It would be a shame to leave Buenos Aires without learning a bit about its interesting history. So, when you get tired of shopping and eating, head over to El Zanjon de Granados. While it looks like an opulent mansion from the outside, once you enter, you can traverse a maze of underground tunnels that lead to the remains of old Spanish settlements.
It’s definitely a little spooky down in the tunnels; however, if you want to get a firsthand look at some ancient artifacts and remnants of old Spanish architecture, there’s no better place.
Travel Buenos Aires on Two Wheels
While driving in Buenos Aires can be difficult at times, hiring a motorcycle truly will give you the most freedom to explore the city at your own leisure. Make sure to hit as many cultural sites as you can while you’re there, but also take some time to relax and try some of the region’s famous wine. Just don’t drive afterward.
Written by 
