Pasco Metro Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Buenos Aires’ Historic Underground
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
Pasco Metro Station is a landmark of Buenos Aires’ urban history, nestled in the lively Balvanera neighborhood beneath Avenida Rivadavia. As one of the original stations on Line A of the Buenos Aires Underground (Subte), opened in 1913, Pasco is not only a vital transit hub but also a living museum reflecting the city’s “Belle Époque” architectural heritage. In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, safety tips, and nearby historical sites—making Pasco an essential stop for both tourists and locals seeking to explore Buenos Aires’ rich past and dynamic present (subte.ar, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar).
Historical Significance
Origins and Development
Pasco Station is part of Latin America’s first metro system, inaugurated in December 1913. Its location at Avenida Rivadavia and Calle Pasco established it as a cornerstone of Buenos Aires’ early 20th-century urban expansion, connecting key commercial and governmental districts (global.yometro.com, subte.ar).
Architectural Legacy
The station’s Beaux-Arts and Art Nouveau architecture features high ceilings, ornamental tiling, and elegant lighting imported to evoke European sophistication. This design encapsulates Buenos Aires’ aspirations during its rapid modernization period (turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, trans-americas.com). The historic wooden carriages, once a hallmark of Line A, are preserved for occasional tourist rides, allowing visitors to experience the railway’s vintage charm (ilivewhereiam.com).
Practical Visitor Information
Location and Layout
- Address: 2260 Avenida Rivadavia, Balvanera, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Tripomatic)
- Neighborhood: Balvanera, a bustling area known for its eclectic architecture and vibrant local culture.
- Platform Arrangement: Pasco serves only eastbound trains toward Plaza de Mayo. The westbound platform (Pasco Sur) has been closed since 1953 to improve operational flow (Wikipedia).
Visiting Hours
- Weekdays: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hours may vary on holidays or due to maintenance—check the official Subte website for updates.
(World of Metro)
Ticketing
- System: SUBE card (rechargeable, valid across metro, bus, and train services)
- Single Fare (July 2025): 80–125 ARS per journey (Metroguides)
- Where to Buy/Recharge: Ticket offices, kiosks, automated machines, and Tourist Assistance Centers.
Accessibility and Safety
Accessibility
- Physical Access: Pasco Station lacks elevators or escalators; stairs are the only access to platforms, making it less suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility (disabledtours.com, buenosaires.com).
- Signage: Improved tactile paving and visual indicators are present, though effectiveness varies.
- Alternative Options: For step-free access, consider nearby modern stations or accessible bus routes (buenosaires.gob.ar).
Safety
- Onsite Staff and CCTV: The station is monitored and staffed during all operating hours.
- Precautions: Standard urban vigilance is advised; keep belongings secure, especially during crowded periods (Secrets of Buenos Aires).
Connections and Nearby Attractions
Transport Links
- Metrobus: Rapid bus lines on Avenida Rivadavia expand your reach across the city (disabledtours.com).
- City Buses: Multiple routes stop nearby; all accept the SUBE card.
- Taxis/Rideshares: Readily available on major avenues.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Within walking distance from Pasco Station:
- Argentine National Congress – An architectural and political landmark.
- Plaza de Mayo – The city’s historic center, home to Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Café Tortoni – Buenos Aires’ oldest café, famed for its literary and artistic heritage.
- Palacio Barolo – A unique skyscraper inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.
- San Telmo – The city’s oldest neighborhood, renowned for tango and antique markets.
Tips for Visitors
- Travel Off-Peak: Visit outside rush hours (7:00–10:00 AM, 5:00–8:00 PM) for a smoother experience (thedailypackers.com).
- Check Direction: Pasco only serves eastbound trains; use Congreso or Alberti for westbound travel.
- Recharge SUBE in Advance: Avoid lines during peak times.
- Photo Opportunities: The station’s period details and vintage signage are ideal for photography.
- Mobile Apps: Use the official Subte app and BA Cómo Llego? for real-time updates and route planning.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at Pasco and throughout much of the Subte network (Metroguides).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Pasco Metro Station’s opening hours?
A: Weekdays 5:00 AM–11:00 PM; weekends/holidays 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Use a rechargeable SUBE card, available at station kiosks, ticket offices, and tourist centers.
Q: Is Pasco Station wheelchair accessible?
A: No, there are no elevators or ramps; only stairs are available.
Q: Does Pasco serve both directions?
A: No, only eastbound trains toward Plaza de Mayo stop at Pasco.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No official tours at Pasco, but heritage metro tours are offered by local operators.
Summary Table: Pasco Metro Station Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2260 Avenida Rivadavia, Balvanera, Buenos Aires (Tripomatic) |
| Line | Line A (Blue) |
| Platform | Single, eastbound only (to Plaza de Mayo) |
| Accessibility | Limited; stairs only, no elevators/escalators |
| Operating Hours | 5:00 AM–11:00 PM (weekdays); 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (weekends/holidays) |
| Ticket Fare | 80–125 ARS (July 2025) (Metroguides) |
| Connections | Metrobus, city buses, taxis, rideshare |
| Safety | Generally safe; standard urban precautions |
| Digital Resources | Official Subte app, free Wi-Fi, downloadable maps |
Final Tips and Resources
Pasco Metro Station is more than a subway stop—it’s a gateway to Buenos Aires’ history and culture. For an optimal visit:
- Use the SUBE card for seamless travel.
- Plan your trip with mobile apps and real-time updates.
- Explore the surrounding neighborhoods for authentic local experiences.
- Take advantage of periodic heritage tours for deeper insight into Buenos Aires’ transit history.
Sources and Further Reading
- Pasco Station Official Page (subte.ar)
- Buenos Aires Underground Overview (global.yometro.com)
- Architecture in Buenos Aires (turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar)
- European Elegance in Buenos Aires (dokmimarlik.com)
- Historic Subway Line A (ilivewhereiam.com)
- Buenos Aires Transportation Challenges (buenosaires.com)
- Urban Sustainability and Accessibility Plan (buenosaires.gob.ar)
- Pasco Metro Station Wikipedia (Wikipedia)
- Buenos Aires Transportation Accessibility (buenosaires.gob.ar)
