Buenos Aires With Autistic Children

Traveling to Buenos Aires with autistic children can be a really fun and rich experience. My guide below will help you plan your trip to Buenos Aires to make the most of your time there with your family, while keeping autism in mind.

Getting To Buenos Aires

Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) is the main gateway, offering services like priority boarding and accessible facilities for families. Upon arrival, you can opt for a pre-booked taxi or private transfer to ensure a seamless journey to your hotel.

When traveling from Buenos Aires’ main airport, Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza, EZE), into the city, you have several transport options:

• Taxi : Official airport taxis (remises) are available and can be booked at the airport. They offer a fixed rate to various destinations in the city.
• Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Cabify operate in Buenos Aires. You can arrange a ride via their apps once you’re at the airport.
• Airport Shuttle: There are shuttle services that can be booked in advance or upon arrival. These often provide shared rides to different parts of the city. You can book a shared transfer via GetYourGuide here.
• Manuel Tienda León Bus: This company offers an airport transfer service with both shared and private options. Their buses have specific stops in the city centre, and they offer a reliable and cost-effective way to travel.
• Public Bus: Bus lines such as the 8 and 51 connect the airport to various parts of the city, though this might be less convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are unfamiliar with the local transit system.
• Private Transfer Services: Private transfer services can be arranged in advance. They provide a more personalized experience and can be particularly convenient if you have special requirements or prefer a direct route to your accommodation. You can book this in advance here.
• Train: The airport does not have a direct train connection to the city. However, you can take a bus or taxi to the nearest train station, which is in the town of Ezeiza, and then continue by train.

Choosing the best option depends on your preferences for convenience, cost, and travel time.

We came into Buenos Aires on a cruise ship. We walked from the cruise port to our hotel. When we left we took a taxi to get to the airport.

Where to Stay

Buenos Aires offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels and apartments that cater to the needs of autistic children. Look for accommodations with spacious rooms, kitchen facilities, and quiet environments. Neighbourhoods like Palermo and Recoleta offer a blend of convenience and tranquillity, with many hotels providing easy access to parks and family-oriented attractions. Some hotels may also have staff trained in working with neurodiverse children, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Family-Friendly Things To Do In Buenos Aires

Visit the Buenos Aires Eco-Park

Explore a zoo-turned-eco-park with animal exhibits and lush gardens. MY children get amazed every time they see animals up close so we always try to seek out experiences like this that will make them smile. You can book your tickets online here.

Explore the Museo de los Niños

An interactive children’s museum perfect for hands-on learning.

Stroll through Parque Tres de Febrero:

Enjoy boating, playgrounds, and picnic spots.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Visit a beautiful bookstore housed in an old theatre.

Ride the Tren de la Costa

A scenic train ride along the coast.

Explore the Recoleta Cemetery

Famous for its ornate mausoleums and peaceful paths. It is a popular tourist attraction in Buenos Aires but probably quite confusing without a guide. You can book a tour of the cemetery with an English-speaking guide via GetYourGuide here.

Take a boat ride at Tigre Delta

Explore waterways and island communities. The best tours will offer transfers to the Tigre Delta – like this one which includes van transfer and the boat ride.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Buenos Aires

Attend a Tango Show

Family-friendly performances offer a taste of local culture. We happened to bump into a live Tango Show on the streets of Buenos Aires after we had eaten on our last night there! It was a lovely thing to witness. You can book to go to a Tango Show online in advance here.

We loved seeing a Tango show in the street, it meant we had more open space to move and dance ourselves, and the crowds weren’t packed closely together. Travis loved the music, he loves all music, and so this was truly a sensory treat that we really enjoyed.

Getting Around Buenos Aires with Autistic Children

Public transportation in Buenos Aires includes buses, the Subte (subway), and taxis. The Subte is efficient but can get crowded, so consider traveling during off-peak hours. Taxis are abundant and relatively affordable, offering a direct route to your destination. Renting a car is an option, but it’s often easier to rely on taxis or rideshare services like Uber for getting around, especially if your child needs breaks or prefers a quieter environment.

We just walked everywhere, as we weren’t going to anywhere too out of the way.

Is Buenos Aires Autism-Friendly?

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, offers a rich cultural experience and a range of activities for visitors. However, when it comes to autism-friendliness, the city presents a mix of opportunities and challenges.

Things That Make Buenos Aires Stand Out

• Buenos Aires has made some progress in terms of accessibility, but it can be inconsistent across the city. Public transportation, such as buses and the Subte (subway), has limited accessibility, especially for those with mobility needs. Only a few subway stations have elevators, and navigating the crowded public transport system can be challenging for individuals sensitive to noise and crowds. However, the city has accessible taxis (taxis con rampa) that can be pre-booked, offering a more comfortable transport option.
• Buenos Aires is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant street life, which can lead to sensory overload, especially in popular areas like downtown, San Telmo, and Palermo. The noise from traffic, street vendors, and crowds can be overwhelming for autistic individuals.
• Buenos Aires is home to quality healthcare facilities, with several hospitals and clinics offering specialized services for children with autism. However, accessing these services as a tourist may require more planning, as English is not widely spoken in the healthcare sector.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
• Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
• Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download.
• Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Buenos Aires is a vibrant and accommodating destination for families with autistic children. With careful planning, you can enjoy a memorable and enriching holiday. From tranquil parks to sensory-friendly museums and accessible accommodations, Buenos Aires offers a variety of options to suit your family’s needs. Embrace the city’s rich culture and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

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