Last checked: November 2026
Getting around Argentina means choosing between flights, long-distance buses, a few trains and rental cars. Distances are large, so flights suit the longest trips, buses suit short and mid-range ones, and cities are easiest by metro, bus and taxi. Check timetables close to your travel date, because services change.
What Is the Best Way to Travel Between Argentine Cities?
Use a plane for routes over about 800 km and a bus for shorter ones. Buses are comfortable and cheaper, but a trip such as Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes most of a day. Trains cover only a few routes. A car gives the most freedom in Patagonia and the northwest.
Travel Times Between Main Cities
| Route | By air | By bus |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires to Mendoza | About 2 hours | About 14 to 18 hours |
| Buenos Aires to El Calafate | About 3 hours or more | Not practical. Fly instead. |
| Buenos Aires to Ushuaia | About 3.5 hours | Not practical. Fly instead. |
| Buenos Aires to Iguazú | Check airline schedules | Long overnight service. Check the operator. |
| Buenos Aires to Córdoba | Check airline schedules | Many daily departures from Retiro station |
The UK government says flights from Argentina can be unreliable, so build in slack. By road, Buenos Aires to Mendoza is about 1,050 km, and the trip to Bariloche is over 1,500 km, which is why most visitors fly. For a route plan that uses these times, see the Argentina itineraries.
Domestic Flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas runs the largest domestic network, and low-cost carriers such as JetSMART and Flybondi fly on main routes. Low-cost fares often exclude checked baggage and seat selection, so compare the final price. Airport works have shifted flights between Buenos Aires airports in 2026. Aeroparque (AEP) closed for 55 hours from 25 to 27 August, and Ezeiza (EZE) runs with restrictions until 11 November. Check whether your flight leaves from AEP or EZE and allow time to cross the city. Airport transfers for international arrivals are in our flights to Argentina guide.
Long-Distance Buses
Buses are the main way to travel overland. Buenos Aires’ Retiro terminal is the hub, linked by metro lines C and E and by suburban trains. Operators such as Andesmar, Chevallier, CATA, Via Bariloche and Via Tac run daily routes. Seat classes range from semi cama, a reclining seat, to cama ejecutivo, a near-flat bed. Book the better class for overnight trips. Thieves and pickpockets operate at bus and train terminals, according to the UK FCDO, so keep bags in sight.
Trains
Passenger rail is limited. State operator Trenes Argentinos runs long-distance services from Buenos Aires to places such as Rosario, Junín, Bragado and the coast at Mar del Plata, and suburban lines serve places like Tigre. Argentine media reported that the long-distance trains from Buenos Aires to Córdoba and Tucumán have been suspended since late 2025, so don’t plan a route around them without checking. The Tren Patagónico links Viedma and Bariloche in about 19 hours on selected days, with departures from Viedma on Fridays according to local reports. It had several temporary suspensions in 2026, including after track damage in October, and resumed regular departures on 30 October. Tourist trains include the Tren a las Nubes in Salta, which runs seasonally and has changed its format in recent years, and the Tren del Fin del Mundo in Ushuaia. Timetables and classes change often, so use the official Trenes Argentinos page and the operator’s own site before you plan around a train.
Car Rental and Driving
Argentina drives on the right. Most rental companies ask foreign visitors for an International Driving Permit alongside a home licence, so confirm the rule with your company before you fly. Main highways have toll booths, so carry cash and a card. Patagonian roads are long, fuel stops can be far apart, and some roads are gravel, so fill up early and allow extra time. Avoid driving in central Buenos Aires, where traffic is dense and parking is hard.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Official taxis and remises, which are private cars with a fixed fare agreed in advance, are the safest street options. Uber, Cabify and inDriver all operate in Buenos Aires, though their legal status has changed over the years, so be ready to use a regular taxi. Use a marked taxi or a booked car at airports and bus terminals, and avoid unofficial drivers who approach you.
City Transport and the SUBE Card
Buenos Aires has a metro called the subte and more than 140 bus lines called colectivos, many of which run through the night. The SUBE card works on subte, buses and trains in the Buenos Aires area and in around 60 cities, including Mendoza and Bariloche. The card costs ARS 1,500 according to the official SUBE page. Contactless bank cards and phones also work on the subte and city buses, but suburban trains need a physical SUBE card. Check current fares on the operator’s site.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Choose a flight if you want the fastest route or the trip is over 800 km.
- Choose a bus if you want the lowest cost or a short and mid-range trip.
- Choose a car if you want scenic stops, such as Ruta 40 in the west and Patagonia.
- Choose a tourist train if the ride itself is the point, as in Salta or Ushuaia.
Common Mistakes
- Planning a long bus ride between distant regions on a short trip.
- Booking a domestic flight without checking which Buenos Aires airport it uses.
- Getting into unofficial taxis at terminals.
- Relying on an old train timetable.
- Arriving without a SUBE card or a contactless payment method.
Transport Checklist
- Check airline schedules and the departure airport code.
- Book overnight buses early for holidays. See the best time to visit Argentina for busy dates.
- Buy or register a SUBE card for Buenos Aires.
- Carry an International Driving Permit if you rent a car.
- Save addresses for your hotel in each city to show to drivers.
Getting Around Argentina FAQs
Is it easy to travel around Argentina by bus?
Yes. Long-distance buses link almost every city, with comfortable seats on main routes. The main drawback is time, since a trip such as Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes roughly 14 to 18 hours. Book overnight services ahead on holidays.
Can I use a foreign bank card on Buenos Aires public transport?
Contactless bank cards and phone wallets work on the subte and city buses. Suburban trains still need a physical SUBE card, so buy one if you plan a trip to a place such as Tigre.
Is Uber available in Argentina?
Uber, Cabify and inDriver operate in Buenos Aires and are widely used. Their legal status has changed over the years, and airport pickups can be difficult, so keep a taxi or remis option in mind.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car?
Most rental companies ask foreign drivers for one alongside a home licence. Rules and company policies differ, so confirm with your rental company before you travel and carry both documents when you drive.
Are there passenger trains between Argentine cities?
Yes, but only on a few routes. Trenes Argentinos runs long-distance services to places such as Rosario and Mar del Plata, and the Tren Patagónico runs between Viedma and Bariloche. The Córdoba and Tucumán trains were reported suspended in 2026. Check the operator’s page for current timetables.