How to get to Santa Fe and visitor guide
This page gathers practical and up-to-date information on how to get to Santa Fe, Argentina, host city of DebConf26, and how to move around the city during the event.
The information is especially intended for international visitors and people unfamiliar with the region.
Table of contents
- Practical information for visitors
- City location
- Nearby airports
- Bus terminals
- How to get to Santa Fe
- Accommodation
- Transportation within the city
- How to get to the Venue – FICH
Practical information for visitors
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
- Time zone: UTC −3
- Electricity: 220V / type C and I
- Language: Spanish
Recommendations
- When booking flights, keep in mind that the closest international airport is Rosario.
Currency exchange
In many places it will be necessary to pay in cash, therefore it is recommended to exchange some money at the airport.
- Using ATMs for currency exchange is not recommended. The amount of cash you can withdraw in one transaction is very low, less that €20 in some cases, and the taxes and transaction fees amount to the same amount, or even more.
- Money can be exchanged at exchange offices at the airport. Although the exchange rate is not the best, they are safe and reliable. Note that you can only exchange cash there; you cannot use cards to purchase currency.
- Most hotels usually offer currency exchange services.
- In the city center there are several exchange offices. Example: Tourfe (OpenStreetMap)
- Avoid exchanging money on the street.
Safety
Santa Fe is a calm city, but standard big-city precautions apply, for example:
- Keep valuables out of sight (mobile phones, laptops, cameras, etc.), especially in bars and at the venue.
- Use official transportation or well-known ride-hailing apps.
- Pay attention in very crowded areas.
City location
The city of Santa Fe is located in the central-eastern region of Argentina, on the banks of the Paraná River.
- Coordinates: 31°38′S 60°42′W
- Approximate distances:
- 476 km from Buenos Aires City
- 178 km from Rosario
OSM location:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-31.6333&mlon=-60.7000#map=12/-31.6333/-60.7000
Nearby airports
Ministro Pistarini International Airport – Ezeiza (EZE)
Main international airport of Argentina.
- OSM location:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-34.8222&mlon=-58.5358#map=14/-34.8222/-58.5358 - Distance to Santa Fe: ~480 km
Official website:
https://www.aeropuertosargentina.com/es/EZE
Transfer from the airport to Buenos Aires city – Required to reach Aeroparque or the Retiro bus terminal.
- Tienda León – approximate cost USD 10
- Taxi – approximate cost USD 40
Jorge Newbery Airport – Aeroparque (AEP)
Domestic and regional airport located within Buenos Aires city.
- OSM location:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-34.5581&mlon=-58.4156#map=15/-34.5581/-58.4156 - Distance to Santa Fe: ~470 km
Official website:
https://www.aeropuertosargentina.com/es/AEP
Rosario International Airport – Islas Malvinas (ROS)
Closest international airport to Santa Fe.
- OSM location:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-32.9036&mlon=-60.7844#map=14/-32.9036/-60.7844 - Distance to Santa Fe: ~170 km
Official website:
http://aeropuertorosario.com/
Transfer from the airport to Rosario bus terminal
- Bus line 115 – https://www.colectivosderosario.com.ar/recorrido-linea-115-aeropuerto/
- Taxis
Sauce Viejo Airport – Islas Malvinas (SFN)
Closest domestic airport to Santa Fe.
- OSM location:
https://www.openstreetmap.org/search?lat=-31.70911&lon=-60.80950&zoom=14#map=14/-31.70911/-60.80950 - Distance to the venue: ~28 km
Official website:
https://www.santafe.gob.ar/ms/aeropuerto-sauce-viejo/
Bus terminals
General Manuel Belgrano Bus Terminal
Santa Fe’s bus terminal is located near the city center. Although it is generally a safe area, walking at night is not recommended. We suggest using taxis or ride-hailing apps to reach hotels and the venue at night.
Official website:
Santa Fe Bus Terminal
Although each bus company has its own website, there is an aggregator where tickets from multiple companies can be searched and purchased:
https://www.plataforma10.com.ar/
How to get to Santa Fe
From Buenos Aires
The most common options are:
-
Long-distance bus from Retiro Bus Terminal
Approximate duration: 6 hours
Approximate cost (cama seat – recommended): USD 44 to 50
Some companies:
-
Plane – From Aeroparque to Sauce Viejo Airport
Approximate duration: 1 hour
Approximate cost: USD 100
Airlines:
-
Door-to-door services – to the Venue
Approximate duration: 7 hours
Approximate cost: USD 69
Companies:
-
Private car
Approximate duration: 5 to 6 hours
From Rosario
-
Long-distance bus from Rosario bus terminal
Approximate duration: 2:20 hours
Approximate cost (express service): USD 17
Companies:
- Tata Rápido – choose the express service
-
Door-to-door services
Approximate duration: 2:15 hours
Approximate cost: USD 36
Companies:
- Transfers – origin Fisherton
-
Private car
Approximate duration: 2 to 3 hours
Accommodation
The list of accommodations can be found on accommodation)
Transportation within the city
SUBE system
SUBE is an NFC card used to pay for urban buses and subways in most Argentine cities.
Although it can be registered, registration is not mandatory, so it can be used anonymously.
In general, one card can be used to pay for multiple passengers.
The card can be purchased and recharged at various kiosks (small convenience shops selling snacks, drinks, newspapers, phone credit, etc.). Not all kiosks offer SUBE recharges, but those near bus stops usually do.
It can also be recharged using an NFC-enabled smartphone and the SUBE app.
Local buses
- Santa Fe has 14 bus lines connecting different neighborhoods of the city. The fare is paid using the SUBE card.
Route maps, stops, and real-time bus locations can be checked using the “Cuando Pasa SFC” app:
http://cuandopasa.smartmovepro.net/
Note: The website is not always available.
Bus lines that go to FICH (the venue) are lines 2, 9, 13, and line C (green).
Taxis and apps
- Traditional taxi service
- Remises (similar to taxis), painted green
- Uber and similar ride-hailing apps are available
Bicycles
- The city has a public bike system that can be used for free for trips shorter than 1 hour. To use it, the “Las Bicis” app is required: https://lasbicis.santa-fe.smod.io/. The app shows station locations and bike availability. The Faculty has a bike station.
- Bike lanes are available in different areas of the city
How to get to the Venue – FICH
From the bus terminal
- Public transport: Although several bus lines pass near the venue, none go directly from the bus terminal. Private transport is therefore recommended.
- Private transport: Taxis are available at the bus terminal entrance. Uber and DiDi also operate in the city.
From Sauce Viejo Airport
- Public transport: Although there is a bus line that goes near the venue, private transport is recommended.
- Private transport: Taxis, Uber, DiDi, and transfer buses are available: https://www.transfers.com.ar/ (approximately USD 38).
This page will be updated periodically as DebConf26 approaches.