Buenos Aires is famously a night city. Dinner at 10 PM is normal, and the streets of Palermo and Recoleta have life well past midnight. Arriving late at Aeroparque is less of an issue here than at most airports, though there are a few things worth knowing.
Airport hours and last flights
AEP typically operates flights until around 11 PM, with occasional arrivals stretching to 11:30 PM. The airport does not run 24 hours. After the last flights land, the terminal closes and services shut down. There are no overnight facilities, lounges, or sleeping areas.
If you are arriving on one of the last flights, expect the terminal to be emptying out as you collect your luggage. Shops and cafés close early — by 10 PM most are already shut.
Taxi availability after 10 PM
The taxi rank operates as long as flights are arriving, but the queue of available taxis thins out noticeably after 10 PM. During the day you walk out and there are 15 taxis waiting. At 11 PM there might be 3-5. You will still get one, but you might wait 5-10 minutes.
A night surcharge applies to metered taxis between 10 PM and 6 AM, adding roughly 20% to the fare. A ride to Palermo at midnight costs approximately ARS 6,000-10,000 (EUR 5-8) instead of the daytime ARS 5,000-8,000 (EUR 4-7). The increase is modest.
Rideshare apps at night
Uber and Cabify work well in Buenos Aires at night. Driver availability remains good — Buenos Aires nightlife means plenty of drivers are active late. If the taxi rank looks sparse, opening the app is a reliable backup. Expect a 3-7 minute wait for pickup.
Pre-booked transfers for late arrivals
This is where a private transfer shows its clearest advantage. Your driver is there regardless of what time your flight actually lands. If you are delayed by an hour, the driver adjusts via flight tracking. No guessing about taxi availability, no standing outside at 11:30 PM waiting.
For families, solo female travellers, or anyone who simply dislikes uncertainty, the pre-booked transfer is the obvious choice for late arrivals. The price premium over a taxi is small — roughly ARS 5,000-8,000 more — and buys genuine peace of mind.
Safety at night
The area around Aeroparque is safe. The airport sits in Palermo, one of Buenos Aires' best neighbourhoods, along the Costanera Norte waterfront. The taxi rank is well-lit and directly outside the terminal.
That said, standard Buenos Aires precautions apply. Use the official taxi rank or a booked service. Do not accept rides from individuals approaching you inside the terminal. Keep your phone and valuables secure. These are sensible habits anywhere, not specific concerns about AEP.
The drive from AEP to central hotels passes through well-populated, well-lit streets. Palermo and Recoleta at 11 PM are busy with restaurants and bars. You are not driving through isolated areas.
Early morning departures
If you have an early flight out of AEP (before 7 AM), the same logic applies in reverse. Taxis are scarce at 4-5 AM in Buenos Aires. A pre-booked transfer ensures you get to the airport on time without relying on finding a taxi on the street at dawn.
Most hotels can also arrange a remis (private car) for early morning departures. Ask the front desk the evening before.
Summary
Late arrivals at Aeroparque are manageable. Taxis are available but reduced, rideshares fill the gap, and a pre-booked transfer removes all doubt. The short distance to central Buenos Aires means that even with a wait, you are at your hotel within 20-30 minutes of leaving the terminal.