bus travel argentina

All buses to and from Argentina

Popular bus routes in Argentina

• Buenos Aires to Asunción, PY
• Buenos Aires to Córdoba, CD
• Buenos Aires to Corrientes
• Buenos Aires to Curitiba, PR
• Buenos Aires to Florianópolis, SC
• Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata
• Buenos Aires to Montevideo
• Buenos Aires to Porto Alegre
• Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
• Buenos Aires to Rosario, SF
• Buenos Aires to Salta
• Buenos Aires to San Miguel de Tucumán
• Buenos Aires to Santa Fe, SF
• Buenos Aires to Santiago, RM
• Buenos Aires to São Paulo
• Ezeiza Airport to Jorge Newbery Airport
• Jorge Newbery Airport to Congonhas - São Paulo Airport
• Jorge Newbery Airport to Ezeiza Airport
• Jorge Newbery Airport to Foz do Iguaçu Airport
• Jorge Newbery Airport to Santiago de Chile Airport

Cities with the most bus connections in Argentina

• Avellaneda, BA
• Bahía Blanca
• Buenos Aires
• Córdoba Airport
• Córdoba, CD
• Ezeiza Airport
• Gobernador Horacio Guzmán Airport
• Gregorio de Laferrere, BA
• Jorge Newbery Airport
• José C. Paz, BA
• Mar del Plata
• Mendoza Governor Francisco Gabrielli Airport
• Neuquén Presidente Perón Airport
• Resistencia
• Rosario, SF
• Salta Martín Miguel de Güemes Airport
• San Juan Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport
• San Miguel de Tucumán
• San Miguel de Tucumán Airport
• San Salvador de Jujuy, JJ
• Santa Fe, SF
• Santiago del Estero

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

We value your privacy!

• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Airline Credit Cards
• Hotel Credit Cards
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Business Credit Cards
• Earn Points
• Transfer Partners
• Earn Miles & Rewards
• Guide to Chase Refer-A-Friend
• Guide to Amex Refer-A-Friend
• Guide to Capital One Refer-A-Friend
• Program Guide
• Points Maximizer
• Airline Transfer Partner Guide
• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Underseat Luggage
• Best Carry On Garment Bags
• The Best Waterproof Backpacks
• Global Entry Application Guide

Guide to Bus Travel in Argentina

Guide to mastering bus travel in argentina - seat types & bus companies.

If you’re considering to or have traveled to Argentina you’ve probably noticed that getting around the country is very expensive by flying. Argentina is a massive country. It’s the third largest country in the Southern hemisphere and stretches 2,268 miles from its northern tip down to its southern tip and up to 889 miles wide.

If you're going to be traveling Argentina for an extended period of time be sure to check out my post on how to exchange and send yourself money at the blue dollar rate.

Trip Report: One-Way Down to Argentina

Lounge Review: The Club at ATL

Flight Review: American Airlines First Class Flagship Suites MIA to EZE

Hotel Review: Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

La Cumbrecita, Argentina: How to Get There, Where to Stay & What to Do

Guide to Mastering Bus Travel in Argentina

Send Money Using Xoom to Get Blue Dollar Exchange Rate in Argentina

Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Mendoza

Hiking in Valle del Sol and the Mountains Around Mendoza, Argentina

Hotel Review: Posada Salentein – Valle de Uco, Argentina

Hotel Review: Tupungato Divino Wine Hotel – Valle de Uco, Argentina

For non-Argentinians, flights are exorbitantly more expensive than it is for locals which makes other options more appealing. There are only a handful of train routes and services can be iffy at best.

This is where long distance bus travel journeys come in and if you travel around South America long enough you're bound to take one. However, when you think of the buses in Argentina, don’t think of Greyhound buses, we’re talking fully flat beds and being served dinner with champagne.

What Does Bus Travel in Argentina Look Like?

Local bus lines aside, in general there are three bus classes in Argentina: Semi Cama, Cama Executive, and Cama suite. The distinguishing factors that set these classes apart are size and angle of seat recline, serviced meals and drinks, and frequency of inter-route stops.

One would like to think that in general prices reflect quality of service, but you can always get a run-down or broken bus on a well-known and recommended company. From my experiences the quality of service can vary dramatically with the same bus company depending on the route.

Seats  |  Semi-Cama vs. Cama vs. Suite

Cama Ejecutivo is definitely a cut above Semi-Cama and it’s likely worth shelling out the extra 100 or so pesos. It’s a common practice for bus companies to have combined Semi-Cama/Cama Ejecutivo buses with 60-70 Semi-Cama seats on the upper level and 10 Cama Ejecutivo on the lower level. You will also find similar set-ups with a mix of Cama Suite seats.

Cama Ejecutivo seats are definitely a step up from Semi-Cama. They are significantly wider, recline farther back, and no doubt more comfortable for longer journeys. Cama Suite seats are hands down the best bet for getting a full nights sleep as they recline to a fully flat bed.

Semi-Cama seats are in a 2-2 configuration on both sides of the aisle, where both Cama Ejecutivo and Cama Suite seats are for the most part run in a 2-1 configuration (most of the times 2 seats on the left and 1 on the right of the aisle).

When you purchase a bus ticket you can choose your seat at the time of booking. If you’re a solo traveler you can go for the ‘1’ seat or if traveling with a partner you can grab the ‘2’ seats, either way it’s not an issue as there is plenty of room between seats. However, getting up to use the restroom in the middle of the night can be cumbersome if you're seated on the window side of a ‘2’ seat.

Semi-Cama is the cheapest class of bus travel. Expect a comfortable seat which reclines about 120°. Most Semi-Cama buses run in a 2-2 configuration.

Price Per Hour: ~45 ARS/hour

Example Fare: Buenos Aires to Mendoza = 670 ARS

Promocional Semicama Sin Servicio may also be an option which most likely means the back seats above the engine. You save some money in exchange for the least desirable seats on the bus---engine noise, bumpy, and hot.

Cama Ejecutivo

Cama Ejecutivo seats are significantly wider with more cushioning and recline to around 160°. Most Cama Ejecutivo buses run in a 2-1 configuration.

Price Per Hour: ~53 ARS/hour

Example Fare: Buenos Aires to Mendoza = 800 ARS

Cama Suite seats are top of the class bus seats in Argentina. They are the same width as Cama Ejecutivo, but they come with a fully-flat recline---think first class airlines. Some buses even have a privacy curtain and individual TV monitors.

Price Per Hour: ~63 ARS/hour

Example Fare: Buenos Aires to Mendoza = 945 ARS

Service can vary across the board from route-to-route and companies. Depending on the company, route, and time of departure all classes of seats can be con/sin servicio (with/without service). If the bus is “Sin Servicio” you can expect to stop enroute at a cafeteria to buy a meal and be sure to pack along a packable travel water bottle to stay hydrated on longer journeys. Some bus companies have limited or less than desirable water sources.

On some Cama Ejecutivo con Servicio and Cama Suite con Servicio buses you will be served wine or champagne, on others you won’t. On most “con servicio” buses you’ll at least get served Coca-Cola, water, and/or coffee.

As far as meals, what you get served can be varied across the board. For the most part the food is basic and usually edible---enough to hold you over until you arrive to your destination, but don’t expect to get the bife de chorizo and a glass of Malbec you’d get from your favorite parilla. Don’t even get your hopes up expecting economy class airline food.

How to Find Bus Prices and Schedules in Argentina

There are several sites that aggregate bus travel options within Argentina. Most are affiliated 3rd party booking sites that allow you to purchase a ticket if you have an Argentine National ID. It may be possible to purchase a ticket online directly from the bus company websites with a passport number. Also note that not all bus companies work with some of these sites.

These sites are best used to find which bus companies travel certain routes, departure/arrival timetables, and cost per ticket.

Plataforma10.com - Probably the most wellknown bus ticket booking website in Argentina. They have an easy to use website and have a large range of bus companies bookable through them. There are also ticketing offices in many touristic destinations that can print a paper ticket.

Centraldepasajes.com.ar - Another top site for purchasing bus tickets online and finding all bus schedules in one place. It may offer larger selection of bus companies compared to Plataforma10 on particular routes.

Omnilineas.com.ar - Another option for searching timetables and purchasing bus tickets. online.

Xcolectivo.com.ar - Online bus booking website with most major long-distance bus schedules. companies.

Rome2rio.com - A great site to find off-the-beaten-path bus companies and routings, plus it offers a map view map.

Retiro.com.ar - Great list of bu s companies throughout Argentina. Appears to be affiliated with Centraldepasajes.com .

Terminalrosario.gov.ar - Website for the bus terminal in Rosario with lots of information regarding bus travel in and out of Rosario. Note: from experience I’ve found that some information may not be 100% accurate or up-to-date.

Note: Some bus companies don’t contract with these 3rd party booking sites and you will have to go directly to their website or go to the bus terminal to see schedules and purchase tickets.

Best Bus Companies to Travel With

There are many variables that can make one company better than the next. I have found that Andemar to be a cut above the rest, but have traveled on most of the buses listed below and can't say that any of them were bad. Some companies do tend to have newer fleets, but it's hard to say which companies and which routes tend to have better buses.

Some of the major bus companies in Argentina:

El Rapido Internacional

Empresa Argentina

Via Bariloche

Almirante Brown

CATA Internacional

La Veloz del Norte

Sierras de Cordoba

Finding Your Bus at the Bus Terminal

At most larger  terminal de omnibus there are TV screens that display which platforms buses are departing from. Firstly, when you purchase a ticket it will have information showing a range of platforms (p lataforma 15 a 20 ) that the bus may depart from. You're best bet is to head to the platforms that are listed on your ticket 15-30 minutes early and watch for an incoming bus to have you destination listed on the front.

Don't rely on hearing the loudspeaker announcements and if you have any questions don't hesitate to present your ticket to any bus driver who will point you in the right direction.

Bus terminals are not necessarily unsafe, but as when traveling through any foreign country it's always a good idea to keep your belongings with you at all times. This is a must when traveling through Retiro in Buenos Aires. You'll have to worry a lot less about this in smaller cities and towns, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down.

Argentina Bus Travel Tips - Do's and Don'ts

Be prepared to sleep. Make sure you pack a sleeping mask and ear plugs on overnight buses to ensure you get a good nights rest. The overhead lights may turn on at 4:00 AM at a stop and often the TV's will be blaring dubbed action films well into the night.

Carry small change & bills. When loading and unloading luggage under the bus a porter will assist you, basically just tagging your bag and giving you the corresponding baggage tag. Most of the time they do actually check to see if you have the matching baggage tag when you pick up your bag at the destination. Oh yeah, and they will expect a small tip---a few pesos will do.

Choose your seat wisely.  Often at time of booking you can choose your seat selection. If you're booking a Cama seat on the lower level it will be noisier in the rear closer to the engine, but being up front may mean being woken up with people using the restroom in the middle of the night. The first row on the upper level offers superb views if you can handle the often less than safe driving practices. Also, it's best to try not to get a seat right next to the toilet.

Stay hydrated, just not too hydrated. Be sure to pack a bottle of water on longer bus journeys, but also be warned that the restrooms are only a step above a port-a-potty at your local music festival. It also never hurts to pack a bottle of Malbec.

Set your alarm. If your stop is enroute to the buses final destination make sure to set an alarm to alert you to get ready to get off. Often on the buses, there are no announcements when stops are made and rarely do the bus employees count passengers until after departing again. This is especially important on overnight buses.

Bus travel in Argentina (and any South American country for that matter) is a excellent choice. The network of both short and long-distance bus routes is impressive and you can get just about anywhere by bus. If you are not pressed for time and want to stretch your travel budget, bus travel is the best way to both save money and see the Argentine countryside.

I completely recommend bus travel in Argentina. I've taken more than a dozen 10+ hour bus trips throughout the country and wouldn't hesitate to book a trip by bus to anywhere in the country.

Want to find the best travel gear? Read our guides:

• Best Packable Travel Rain Jackets
• Best Sling Bags
• Best Waterproof Backpacks
• Best Packable Daypacks
• Best Hammock Underquilts

Advertiser Disclosure

Get engaged.

Disclaimer: WellTraveledMile.com publishes information on airline and hotel programs, credit cards, product reviews and travel. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. Although we use reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site, we recommend all visitors to review full details of credit card products and offers, including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees to determine if a credit card is suitable for them.

Advertiser Disclosure: Well Traveled Mile has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Well Traveled Mile and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. You can read more about our advertising policy here .

Editorial Note: All opinions, reviews and analyses within the content of this site are the responsibility of the author’s alone, and have not been provided by, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any Advertiser or credit card issuer. Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that I may make a commission if you make purchases through links on my website.

• Getting around Argentina: Transportation Tips

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• South America
• getting-around
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Annie, Canada

What a great trip! It was so easy to communicate, got all the answers to my many questions. What a trip! Argentina wasn't on my bucket list, now I NEED to ...

Distances are immense in Argentina, and you are likely to spend a considerable portion of your budget on travel. Ground transport (mostly bus) is best for giving a true impression of the scale of the country and for appreciating the landscape. However, you may want to cover some big legs, particularly to and around Patagonia , in which case travelling by domestic flights can often save a day or more. The inter-city bus network is extensive but services in remote areas can be poor and infrequent; in these places, it is worth considering car rental. Train services are run-down and limited and not generally a viable method of getting around.

Bus travel in Argentina

Flying around argentina, renting a car in argentina, getting around by taxi in argentina, argentina by boat, travel by train in argentina, cycling in argentina, hitchhiking in argentina, tailor-made travel itineraries for argentina, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 2650 USD

The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina

Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

13 days  / from 3180 USD

From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes

Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.

14 days  / from 1933 USD

An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.

By far the most common and straightforward method of transport in Argentina is the bus ( omnibus , bus or micro ). There are hundreds of private companies, most of which concentrate on one particular region, although a few, such as TAC and Cruz del Sur, run essentially nationwide.

Many buses are modern, plush Brazilian-built models designed for long-distance travel. Breakdowns do happen, but in general your biggest worry will be what movie the driver has chosen to “entertain” you with (usually subtitled Hollywood action flicks, played with the sound either turned off or at thunderous volume). On longer journeys, snacks and even hot meals are served (included in the ticket price), although these vary considerably in quality and tend towards sweet-toothed tastes. Coche cama , ejecutivo and pullman are the luxury services, with wide, fully reclinable seats; semi - cama services are not far behind in terms of seat comfort. These services usually cost twenty to forty percent more than the común (regular) services, but are well worth the extra, particularly over long distances. On minor routes, you’ll have less choice of buses, though most are decent with plenty of legroom. Many services turn the air conditioning up beyond most people’s levels of endurance; take a sweater on board.

Buying tickets ( boletos ) is normally a simple on-the-spot matter, but you must plan in advance if travelling in the high season (mid-Dec to Feb) or around long weekends, especially if you’re taking a long-distance bus from Buenos Aires or any other major city to a particularly popular holiday destination. In these cases you should buy your ticket two to three days beforehand; note that prices rise during peak times. Some destinations have both direct ( directo or rápido ) and slower services that stop at all intermediary points, and though most services call into the bus terminal ( terminal de omnibus ), this is not always the case: some drop you on the road outside the centre. Similarly, when heading to Buenos Aires, check that the bus goes to Retiro, the central bus terminal.

There’s usually some kind of left-luggage office ( guardamaleta or guardaequipaje ) at terminals, or, if you have a few hours to kill between connections, the company with whom you have your onward ticket will usually store your pack free of charge, enabling you to look around town unencumbered.

If you are planning to travel a lot by bus, it may be worth investing in a South Pass, which allows unlimited travel in the Southern Cone and Andean countries over a set number of days, though you will have to be clocking up quite a few miles to make it worthwhile, with prices starting at US$80 per trip and a minimum of five trips (011 4724 7878, argentinabybus.com ).

Mount Fitz Roy in the clouds, road to Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina © Dmitry Pichugin/Shutterstock

Argentina’s most important domestic airport is Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, which has flights to all the country’s provincial capitals and major tourist centres. People who want to get an overview of Argentina’s tremendous variety in a limited time may rely heavily on domestic flights to combat the vast distances involved – what takes twenty or more hours by bus might take only one or two by plane. As a rule, you’ll find prices are the same whether you buy your ticket direct from the airline office or from the plentiful travel agencies in most towns and cities. Availability can be a problem on tourist routes such as those around Patagonia or during the holidays, and if these feature in your itinerary you are advised to book as far in advance as possible. Some deals booked in advance are good value, although non-residents usually pay a considerably higher tariff than Argentines. Domestic departure taxes are always included in the price of the ticket.

Aerolíneas Argentinas (0810 2228 6527, aerolineas.com.ar ) is the national flag carrier, with the biggest destination network. The company has faced many problems over the past decade or so and its once excellent reputation has been tarnished, but in many places it will be your only option. Its main rival in Argentina these days is Chilean flag carrier LAN (0810 999 9526, lan.com ), which has an Argentine subsidiary (LAN Argentina) operating flights to the country’s major tourist destinations.

The military also provides civilian services – the Air Force’s LADE (0810 810 5233, lade.com.ar ) is one of the cheapest methods of travel in the country and flies to isolated, often unexpected places, mostly destinations in Patagonia. However, routings can be convoluted, and you might find a flight stops four or five times between its original departure point and final destination. Timetables change frequently (up to once a month) and services can be cancelled at the last moment if the Air Force needs the plane. That said, it’s worth asking at LADE offices as you travel round just in case they’ve something useful.

Other small airlines in operation are Salta-based Andes (0810 7772 6337, andesonline.com ), which connects the city with several destinations, including Buenos Aires and Iguazú, and Sol (0810 444 765, sol.com.ar ), a Rosario-based low-cost airline that serves destinations in the centre of the country such as Córdoba and Santa Fe, as well as some coastal and Uruguayan destinations.

One factor to bear in mind is the possible disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in the Andes. Huge clouds of ash billowed out of a Chilean volcano throughout much of 2011, showering grit and dust onto the Lake District and causing havoc farther afield. Bariloche airport was closed for several months while other airports around the country, including both of the capital’s, were repeatedly shut down as a precaution, sometimes for a couple of days at a time.

You are unlikely to want or need a car for your whole stay in Argentina, but you’ll find one pretty indispensable for travelling around some of the more isolated areas of Patagonia , Tierra del Fuego , the Northwest , Mendoza or San Juan. If possible, it makes sense to get a group together, not just to keep costs down but also to share the driving, which can be arduous and potentially dangerous, especially on unsealed roads. Approximately thirty percent of roads are paved in Argentina, but some of the less important of these routes are littered with potholes. Unsealed roads can be extremely muddy after rain, and may be impassable, even to 4WDs, after prolonged wet spells. A 4WD is not usually necessary, but can be useful on minor roads in mountainous areas, when you’re likely to encounter snow, or on Ruta 40 in Patagonia. Outside major cities, most accidents (often the most serious ones) occur on unsurfaced gravel roads ( ripio ).

Altitude can also be a problem in the high Andes – you may need to adjust the fuel intake. One thing worth noting: flashing your lights when driving is a warning to other vehicles not to do something, as opposed to the British system, where it is used to signal concession of right of way. You can be fined for not wearing seatbelts (both in the front and back), although many Argentines display a cavalier disregard of this law.

To rent a car, you need to be over 21 (25 with some agencies) and hold a driver’s licence – an international one is not usually necessary. Bring a credit card and your passport for the deposit. Before you drive off, check that you’ve been given insurance, tax and ownership papers, check carefully for dents and paintwork damage and get hold of a 24hr emergency telephone number. Also, pay close attention to the small print, most notably what you’re liable for in the event of an accident: the list of people with grievances after renting a car and spending considerably more than they intended is a long one. Your insurance will not normally cover you for flipping the car, or smashed windscreens or headlights.

Tierra del Fuego, landscape of snowy and wooded mountains and ocean with boats © Oleksii G/Shutterstock

Car-rental costs

These are relatively high in Argentina, though rates between different agencies can vary considerably. Small, local firms often give very good deals – up to half the price of the global rental names – and it doesn’t necessarily hold that the local branch of an international agency will be up to the standards you expect. The main cities offer the most economical prices, while costs are highest in Patagonia; unlimited mileage deals are usually your best option, as per-kilometre charges can otherwise exceed your daily rental cost many times over. Unfortunately, there are relatively few places in Argentina where you can rent a vehicle and drop it in another specified town without being clobbered with a high relocation fee. Book as early as possible if you’re travelling in high season to popular holiday destinations, as demand usually outstrips supply. It’s fairly straightforward to take a vehicle into Chile but it is essential to have the correct paperwork from the rental firm. Many provide this free of charge, particularly those in towns near the border.

If you plan to do a lot of driving, consider a membership with the Automóvil Club Argentino (ACA), which has a useful emergency breakdown towing and repair service and offers discounts at a series of lodges across the country (many of which are in need of an overhaul). You can join in Buenos Aires at Av del Libertador 1850 (Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; 011 4808 4000, aca.org.ar ), or at any of the ACA service stations.

There are two main types of taxi in Argentina: regular urban taxis that you can flag down in the street; and remises, or minicab radio taxis, that you must book by phone or at their central booking booth. Urban taxis are fitted with meters – make sure they use them – and each municipality has its own rates. Remises operate with rates fixed according to the destination and are less expensive than taxis for out-of-town and long-distance trips. Hiring a remise for a day can be the best way to travel around: it can be more economical than renting your own car, plus you save yourself the hassle of driving and you’ll normally get the sights pointed out for you along the way.

In some places, shared taxis ( taxis colectivos ) also run on fixed routes between towns: they wait at a given collection point, each passenger pays a set fee and the colectivos leave when full (some carry destination signs on their windscreen, others don’t, so always ask around). They often drop you at a place of your choice at the other end, making them a faster and more convenient alternative to buses, often for only marginally more money. Taxis colectivos also drive up and down fixed routes within certain cities: flag one down and pay your share (usually posted on the windscreen).

Boat services in Argentina fall into two broad categories: those that serve as a functional form of transport, and (with some overlap) those that you take to enjoy tourist sights. The two ferry services you are most likely to use are the comfortable ones from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (also served by the speedier hydrofoil) and the much more spartan Chilean ones that transport foot passengers and vehicles across the Magellan Straits into Tierra del Fuego at Punta Delgada and Porvenir. There are also several practical river crossings throughout the Litoral region, connecting towns such as Concordia with Salto in Uruguay and Goya in Corrientes with Reconquista in Santa Fe, as well as numerous crossings from Misiones to neighbouring Paraguay and Brazil. Tigre, just northwest of the capital, tends towards the pleasure-trips end of the market, and offers boat trips around the Delta and to Isla Martín García.

In Patagonia, most boat trips are designed purely for their scenic value, including ones that give access to the polar scenery of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and the alpine Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

Argentina’s train network, developed through British investment in the late nineteenth century and nationalized by the Perón administration in 1948, collapsed in 1993 when government subsidies were withdrawn. The railways are now in a pitiful state, with very little in the way of long-distance services – just a handful in Buenos Aires Province, which are cheaper than the bus but considerably less savoury. The government has announced a plethora of measures and licences intended to reinvigorate the system and introduce new, modern services, most notably a controversial US$4 billion bullet train connecting Buenos Aires, Rosario and Córdoba, the licence for which has been awarded but which is still on hold indefinitely at the time of writing.

You’re far less likely to want to use Argentine trains as a method of getting around, however, than you are to try one of the country’s tourist trains, where the aim is simply to travel for the fun of it. There are two principal lines: La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express from Esquel; and the Tren a las Nubes, one of the highest railways in the world, climbing through the mountains from Salta towards the Chilean border.

Most towns with a tourist infrastructure have at least one place that rents out bicycles for half- or full-day visits to sights at very reasonable prices. These excursions can be great fun, but remember to bring spare inner tubes and a pump, especially if you’re cycling off sealed roads, and check that the brakes and seat height are properly adjusted. Dedicated bike paths are rare, though more are appearing all the time, particularly in Buenos Aires. Don’t expect much consideration from other vehicles on the road, though. There are almost no places that rent out motorbikes.

Argentina is also a popular destination for more serious cyclists, and expeditions along routes such as the arduous, partly unsurfaced RN-40 attract mountain-biking devotees who often value physical endurance above the need to see sights (most points of interest off RN-40 lie a good way west along branch roads, which deters most people from visiting more than one or two). Trips such as these need to be planned thoroughly, and should only be attempted by experienced expedition cyclists with top-quality equipment and plenty of spares.

Hitchhiking always involves an element of risk, but it can also be one of the most rewarding ways to travel, especially if you can speak at least elementary conversational Spanish. It is getting trickier to hitchhike, though, in Argentina: some truck drivers are prohibited by company rules from picking you up, others are reluctant, as it often invalidates car insurance, or you become the liability of the driver. And in general, it is not advisable for women travelling on their own to hitchhike, or for anyone to head out of large urban areas by hitchhiking: you’re far better off catching a local bus out to an outlying service station or road checkpoint and trying from there. In the south of the country, hitching is still generally very safe. In places such as Patagonia, where roads are few and traffic sparse, you’ll often find yourself part of a queue, especially in summer. If you do try to hitchhike, always travel with sufficient reserves of water, food, clothes and shelter; you can get stranded for days in some of the more isolated spots.

Top image: Polvorilla viaduct. Train in Salta region. Argentina © Serjio74/Shutterstock

The Rough Guides to Argentina and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Argentina

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Argentina

• Eating and drinking in Argentina
• How to get to Argentina
• Travel Tips Argentina for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Argentina

Find even more inspiration here

• Travel Tips

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Argentina?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice

How to get around in Argentina: be ready for some epic journeys

Nov 19, 2022 • 6 min read

Argentina is a huge country with lots of transport options – here are our top tips © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Argentina is the eighth-largest country on Earth and, as a result, distances between destinations can be huge. For example, the drive between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego is more than 3000km (1864 miles).

Fortunately, you'll find a wide range of transport options to get you around. Whether you choose bus, boat, train, plane, bike or car, plan your route with this guide to navigating your way around Argentina.

Buses are the best option for budget travelers in Argentina

Long-distance buses are the most popular and cost-effective way to travel around the country. Known as micros , they are generally modern, comfortable and reliable, with air-conditioning, toilets and reclining seats. Some even have wifi and USB ports.

Various classes of buses and seats are available, especially on popular inter-city routes, including partially reclining semi-cama (semi-sleeper), fully reclining cama (sleeper class) and bigger and more luxurious ejecutivo (executive) and "suite" buses. For long journeys, it’s worth going for the most expensive seat you can afford so you can get some rest as the miles roll by.

You can also expect an attendant serving hot meals, soft drinks and sometimes wine and beer (all of which are typically included in the fare). Many buses have TV screens showing films (often at great volume) and some even have bingo sessions with prizes. Good ear plugs, an eye mask and warm clothes for the often glacial air-conditioning are highly recommended.

Frequently there’s strong competition between companies on busier routes, so look out for promotions. Some bus stations – including Retiro, the main terminal in Buenos Aires – are in slightly shady areas, so keep your wits about you. More positively, many also have handy left-luggage services.

Hiring a car can help you get off the beaten track

Hiring a car gives you more freedom to explore independently and get off the beaten track, particularly in regions such as Patagonia , Tierra del Fuego and the northwest , and in Argentina's spectacular national parks where public transport is limited or infrequent. Although the main highways across the country are usually in good condition, roads in many rural areas are unpaved and dotted with potholes.

Rental cars and gas are generally a bit more expensive than in North America or Europe – it’s worth going for an unlimited mileage deal when you rent. And if you’re planning to drive into a neighboring country, make sure this is covered by the rental agreement and your insurance (you’ll probably need to pay an additional fee).

Tourist trains are incredibly scenic

Argentina’s once extensive railway network is now sadly much diminished, with only a handful of long-distance lines still operating, but Buenos Aires has plenty of commuter services, with stations throughout the city, suburbs and surrounding province.

A handful of long-distance trains run to cities such as Mar del Plata , Rosario , Córdoba and Tucumán, and these tend to be cheaper, but slower and less frequent than buses. There are also regional lines in and around Córdoba, Salta and Neuquén, though again they aren’t particularly useful for travelers.

However, there are several popular tourist and heritage trains, including the Tren de la Costa (Train of the Coast), which runs from Buenos Aires to Tigre, the gateway to the Paraná delta , and the scenic Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) in the high-altitude northwest.

Many visitors take the scenic Tren Patagónico , which runs through the Lake District between Bariloche and Viedma and La Trochita (The Little Gauge), popularized by Paul Theroux’s classic book The Old Patagonian Expres s. Then there's the Tren de Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train), the most southerly railway on Earth, in Tierra del Fuego.

Planes are an expensive way to explore Argentina

Aerolíneas Argentinas , the national carrier, has the widest range of domestic routes, serving everywhere from Salta in the northwest and Puerto Iguazú in the northeast to Ushuaia in the far south. Across the board, flights are generally a bit more expensive than in Europe or North America, and much more expensive than taking the train or the bus.

LATAM , the biggest airline in South America, has flights to cities across Argentina and to neighboring countries, while LADE , which is operated by the air force, connects Buenos Aires with cities in the Lake District, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, notably tourist hubs such as Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia. There are also a few budget airlines with more limited routes, including JetSmart Argentina and Flybondi .

Ferries are useful for crossing into neighboring countries

There are relatively few opportunities for traveling by boat in Argentina. Daily ferries and catamarans sail across the La Plata River between Buenos Aires and Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay . From nearby Tigre, regular boats travel through the meandering waterways of the Paraná Delta, calling in at island settlements. Boats also travel into the delta from the city of Rosario. And if you’re traveling by bus or car between Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, you’ll need to cross into Chile and catch a ferry across the Strait of Magellan en route.

It's best to get around Buenos Aires by subway

Launched in 1913, the Subte in Buenos Aires was the first subway system in Latin America and it remains the only one in Argentina. This is the quickest and cheapest way to get around the capital, with six main lines and frequent services.

To use the Subte, you need to buy a contactless and rechargeable SUBE card. Trains can get uncomfortably packed during rush hour, and can be uncomfortably hot during the summer. Keep a firm grip on your bags, phones and wallets, as pickpockets operate in stations and on trains.

Buenos Aires also has a vast – and sometimes bewildering – network of routes for local buses (known as colectivos ), which operate on dedicated bus lanes, reducing congestion. Other cities and towns, including Córdoba and Rosario, also have useful local bus networks.

Taxis are commonplace in Buenos Aires and the bigger cities; if you hail one on the street, make sure the driver uses the meter. Minicabs or radio taxis are known as remises , and have fixed rates for routes. If you are part of a group, it can be cost-effective to hire a remís for a day trip . Uber also operates in Buenos Aires.

Cycling is an excellent way to explore Argentina

Buenos Aires has more than 250km (155 miles) of bike lanes ( bicisendas ) and the local authorities are planning to expand the network over the coming years. The city also has a free bike-sharing scheme called EcoBici . Other cities are also improving their cycling infrastructure and bike hire and cycle tours are commonplace.

If you fancy a long-distance or multi-day ride, there are plenty of options, too, from the epic RN-40 (Argentina’s answer to Route 66) to the easygoing Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) in the Lake District.

Accessible travel is slowly improving in Argentina

Unfortunately, Argentina is not the most accessible destination for travelers with disabilities. But the situation is slowly improving in parts of the country, particularly Buenos Aires, where most local buses, some Subte stations and many hotels (especially those built recently) are wheelchair accessible, and pavement curb ramps are increasingly common.

There have also been improvements at key attractions such as Parque Nacional Iguazú, whose main trails are now largely wheelchair accessible. For more information, check out Lonely Planet’s free  Accessible Travel Online Resources .

This article was first published October 2021 and updated November 2022

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Mar 2, 2024 • 8 min read

There’s more to Argentinian cuisine than steak and malbec (though those are both great). Here’s our guide to Argentina’s best food and drink experiences.

Jan 31, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 23, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 8, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 6, 2023 • 8 min read

• Station locator

Argentina by bus

Traveling by bus in Argentina is definitely one of the safest and cheapest ways of traveling while ensuring at the same time that you don't miss out on the beautiful natural landscapes around the country. Thanks to the well connected bus network between Argentina cities it is easy to reach the majority of the most popular destinations within the country in a day.

Table Of Contents

Intercity buses in argentina.

In Argentina intercity buses are available on more than 2607 travel combinations, while traveling with an average speed of 61 km/h . Of course, intercity bus routes via highway have a higher average speed. The majority of the Argentina intercity buses are comfortable long distance coaches, but older vehicles might be used on busier travel days.

The timetable for popular intercity bus routes like Buenos Aires - Mar del Plata or Mar del Plata - Buenos Aires can be found online, but for some shorter intercity bus routes you might have to go to the bus station. Tickets are sold both online and on the spot, but after the COVID-19 pandemic an increasing number of travellers prefer buying their tickets online.

Domestic routes

As mentioned above there are more than 2607 domestic intercity bus travel combinations in Argentina . Below you will find some of the most popular Argentina travel routes with minimal or no stops along the way:

Travel Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata

Travel Mar del Plata to Buenos Aires

Travel Buenos Aires to Rosario

Travel Puerto Iguazu to Buenos Aires

Travel Buenos Aires to Mendoza

Travel Rosario to Buenos Aires

Travel Mendoza to Buenos Aires

Travel Villa Carlos Paz to Cordoba

Travel Buenos Aires to Cordoba

Travel Cordoba to Alta Gracia

Travel Cordoba to Buenos Aires

Travel Cordoba to Villa Carlos Paz

Travel Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu

Travel Puerto Iguazu to Posadas

Travel Cordoba to Agua de Oro

Airport buses in Argentina

If you are flying to Argentina you will land in one of 23 airports located throughout the country. From the majority of Argentina airports you have a bus shuttle to the nearest largest city and in some cases even intercity buses to other cities in the region. Click on the airport name below and read more about getting to and from the airport.

International airports:

Jorge Newbery (Airport)

Buenos Aires Ezeiza (Airport)

Bariloche (Airport)

Catamarca (Airport)

Cordoba (Airport)

Comodoro Rivadavia (Airport)

Corrientes (Airport)

El Calafate (Airport)

Mar del Plata (Airport)

Domestic airports:

Bahia Blanca (Airport)

Concordia (Airport)

Cutral Co (Airport)

El Bolson (Airport)

Esquel (Airport)

San Martín de los Andes (Airport)

La Rioja (Airport)

Posadas (Airport)

Puerto Madryn (Airport)

Bus companies in Argentina

There are over 102 bus companies operating in Argentina . 92 companies offer intercity bus lines , 1 companies drive airport shuttles , 5 companies operate regional and local lines , 28 bus companies offer bus rental and 5 companies offer bus tours . The bus companies are located in 34 cities throughout the country. The majority of companies can be found in Buenos Aires and Cordoba .

92 intercity bus companies operating in Argentina are very different in size. The largest Argentina company Via Tac connects more than 222 cities , whereas the smallest intercity bus company AeroAngostura only has service to 2 cities . Below we have listed some of the most popular bus companies in Argentina . Full list of bus companies in Argentina can be found here .

Bus stations in Argentina

In most cities there is a dedicated bus station, in smaller cities the bus station might be a parking lot with a shelter or a section on the road marked for multiple buses. In some cities buses also stop at public road bus stops or at gas stations and hotel parking lots. In larger cities you will find bus stations with amenities like toilets, luggage storage, kiosks, fast food restaurants and other useful services for travellers. In Argentina there is a total of 555 bus stations , below we have listed 15 of the most popular bus stations, for a full list of bus stations in Argentina click here .

Buenos Aires

Gualeguaychu

Pico Truncado

Bahia Blanca

Comodoro Rivadavia

Hire a coach in Argentina

Argentina bus rental companies offer coaches for any kind of group trip, whether it’s a transfer from the airport to your hotel, or single and multi day excursions to the many sights in Argentina . Rest assured you will be able to find a suitable partner. If you are travelling during the high season, it is advisable to book your bus in advance to secure one of the best vehicles for your group. Here you can see a list of some companies offering bus rental in Argentina :

• PCA Turismo
• Travel Tango

Public transportation in Argentina

In the majority of larger Argentina cities , public transportation is available, in the cities like Cordoba or Rosario you have an extensive network of buses connecting all suburbs to the centre of the town.

Buying tickets for public transportation varies from city to city, sometimes they are bought at dedicated sales points and other times they are bought on the bus for example, so be sure to check which options are available for the city you are travelling in.

Here is a list of some Argentina companies operating both local and suburban bus lines.

• TAMSE Cordoba
• Infobus Rosario
• El Cacique Ros
• Fuerte Barragan
• Capital Del Monte
• Union Platense

What to see in Argentina

As a visitor of Argentina, you have lots of great Argentina sights to visit. Some of the most popular sights are Obelisco de Buenos Aires ( Buenos Aires ), Costa Park ( Buenos Aires ), and Aconcagua . That said, there are a lot of other sights in Argentina worth visiting! Some of the sights do not have an entrance fee, whilst others charge for entrance. Below you will find a list of the most popular sights in Argentina:

Obelisco de Buenos Aires

La Plata Museum

Iguazú National Park

Plaza de Mayo

FAQ about buses in Argentina

To have all the information in the palm of your hand download our mobile app for free!

Latest tickets bought

Getbybus guides, latest blog posts, latest reviews, you can pay your tickets using credit cards.

Traveling to Argentina

Getting to Argentina

• Visa Requirements
• Customs Regulations

Transportation

• Public Transportation

Long Distance Buses

Money Related

• Getting Money
• Paying for Things

Safety & Health

• Large Cities
• Smaller Cities
• Vaccinations

Practical Matters

• Calling Home
• Internet Access
• Holidays & Business Hours
• Electricity

Destination Guides

• The North & Northwest Central

The long distance bus service in Argentina is top notch. You will find direct routes from the Retiro Station in Buenos Aires to just about any city in the country and the level of comfort and service is equivalent to a 1st class seat on an airplane.

When in Buenos Aires, tickets can be purchased either directly at the Retiro Micro Station in Buenos Aires or online using one of the wholesaler websites such as Plataforma 10:

www.plataforma10.com

If you are in any other city in the country, you can also purchase tickets at the city’s bus station.

Costs will vary depending on distances between destinations, but as a guide, you can plan on the bus ticket costing about 1/2 of what the fare is when flying.

Connect with Argentina Adventure:

Contact us:, toll free +1.336.338.3300, [email protected], detailed itinerary download.

Please provide us with the following information to immediately access this trip’s detailed itinerary.

Thank you for your interest in this private luxury adventure. Please check your email inbox for the detailed itinerary we have automatically sent you.

Quote This Trip

Transportation quote request.

Please take a moment to complete the following information so that we can provide you with a quote for the Transportation adventure you are interested in. You will receive a detailed quoted within 1 business day of your submission.

1. When would you like to start your adventure? (1st day in South America )

2. how many travelers will there be.

18-30 —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 31-50 —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 51-64 —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

6-9 —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 10-14 —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15-17 —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

65+ —Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Preschoolers:

—Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

3. How many rooms will you need each night?

—Please choose an option— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4. Is there any additional information you'd like to share with us?

5. please provide us with your contact information.

Phone (optional)

We thank you for considering using our expertise at Argentina Adventure! We are currently reviewing the details you passed along to us & will be providing you with your personalized quote within one business day.

Customize This Trip

Customize transportation trip request.

Please take a moment to let us know how you'd like to customize the Transportation adventure you are interested in. We will respond to your request within within 1 business day of your submission.

4. How would you like to customize this adventure?

We thank you for considering using our expertise at Argentina Adventure! We are currently reviewing the details you passed along to us & will be contacting you within one business day. We are confident that you’ll absolutely love what the region has to offer & look forward to creating your personalized adventure!

Long-distance bus travel from Buenos Aires to rest of Argentina

Long-distance buses were unknown to me until I moved to Argentina. They are immensely popular in Buenos Aires. You really get everywhere in Argentina from the capital. Although it took a while to find where your journey starts with long-distance bus travel from Buenos Aires.

Read also: the best 20 things to do in Buenos Aires

Long-distance bus travel from Buenos Aires

Argentines are used to spending a long time on the bus. For me, I need to get used to the idea of traveling by bus for 6-7 hours. You can even travel to Iguazu all at once. The trip will then last 17 hours. In other words, you can travel from Buenos Aires to all ends of Argentina by long-distance bus. On top of that, it’s an excellent and cheaper way to get around in the country.

Safety of long-distance buses

The roads in Argentina are in good condition. There are some parts that are a challenge to drive over. The buses almost always use the motorways. There is a difference in maintenance between different bus companies. You don’t actually know in advance what condition the bus is in. In Argentina, buses are limited to driving a max of 90km/u (55mph). I don’t hear often news of severe bus accidents.

My three major journeys with long-distance buses have always been good and safe. My friends and my favorite bus companies are Via Bariloche or Andesmar.

Comfort onboard

The comfort on the buses clearly differs from company to company. For shorter distances there are fewer facilities, but certainly for longer trips you have several options. Usually, you have three options: a standard bus seat with a footrest (semi cama) half reclining seat (cama ejectivo) and fully reclining seat (cama suite). I definitely recommend a fully reclining seat option for trips longer than 6 hours. It looks like a business-class seat on a plane.

The seat configuration is mostly 2 seats on the right and 1 seat on the left. If you are a single traveler I would recommend booking your tickets in advance and selecting the left seat.

During the journey, the bus regularly stops at a gas station. When booking your tickets, be sure to check what is included in the price. Only snacks are provided for shorter distances. With longer distances there is dinner. Again, check during the booking if it is included. Dinner is mostly around 20h (8 p.m.) but don’t expect a restaurant dinner. I take always some extra snacks or fruits with me.

Where booking your long-distance bus tickets?

For long-distance travel from Buenos Aires to the rest of Argentina I use Plataforma10 or Omnilineas . It’s pretty easy to make a seat reservation. Some routes are very popular and I  recommend booking in advance. If you want to decide on the day itself? No problem, just go to the bus station and buy your ticket there.

Where are the long-distance bus terminals?

The biggest long-distance bus terminal in Buenos Aires is near the train station Retiro. It is a coming and going of buses there. A busy location but well organized. You will find large signs in the hall with your bus and destination and associated platform mentioned. Afterward, step outside and step towards the platform.

The other bus terminal is near Puerto Madero. Is a bit smaller and newer. Type “Retiro” when booking your tickets as the departure location.

My roots in Buenos Aires started as a tourist. After some great adventures in Argentina, I moved in 2017 to the metropolitan city of Buenos Aires. I felt a need for correct and honest information for tourists. That's why I love to write to you. Sharing my discoveries in Buenos Aires. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do! Buenos Aires ❤️

Related Posts

Is Argentina expensive to travel in 2024?

How get from Ezeiza (EZE) airport to Buenos Aires city

Hop on Hop off bus Buenos Aires: worth the money?

The new Buenos Aires city bikes. For tourists too?

I was traveling in South America last summer and had the pleasure of visiting Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina, as well as other countries, including Brazil. Bus trips are the easiest way to get around these countries and I ended up finding a website option that brings together all the options of the various companies and agencies in one place, which made it possible for me to choose the times that best suited me, to my itinerary and also allowing me to choose the best and cheapest fares. Here’s the tip: http://www.checkmybus.com.ar

The last time I took a long haul bus in Argentina, the service was excellent–comfy seats, hot dinner, unlimited beverages and even cognac! When checking schedules for an upcoming trip, I noticed that Rio Uruguay is reporting the suspension of all meal/blanket services in adherence to government Covid guidelines. Can any recent travelers confirm this? I just want to be well prepared for the 18 hour drive to Iguazu. I’ve reached out to Omnilineas and Rio Urugay, but have not received a reply.

Hello Glenn. What about flies and trains travelling in Argentina? Thank you

Flying in Argentina is easy. You have the national carrier and some low-cost airlines. Train is also possible but is not that easy to book a ticket in advance and the traveling with train takes longer. Often not faster than a bus.

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Airport Transfer
• Book Tango Show
• Follow Instagram

• Top Attractions
• See a Tango Show
• Best Day Trips
• Food and Drinks
• Hidden Secrets
• Itineraries and Walks
• Football Match tickets
• Travel Checklist
• Airports and airlines
• Exchange money
• Best Time to Visit
• Get a Sim Card
• Best Hotels
• Where to Stay
• Public transport and taxi
• History and Facts
• Cycling in Buenos Aires
• Christmas and New Year
• Patagonia travel tips

About Argentina

• Introduction to Argentina
• Why Visit Argentina?
• Food and Drink
• Photo Gallery

Travel Information

• Travel and Transportation
• Accommodation
• Learn Spanish
• Summer Language Camps
• Embassies & Visas
• Safety & Emergencies

Argentina by Region

• Las Pampas and Buenos Aires
• Northwest Argentina
• West Argentina
• Lake District

Culture and the Arts

• Architecture
• Music and Dance

Places to Visit

• National Parks

Things to Do

Other guides.

• Guanajuato Guide
• Oaxaca Guide
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta
• More Cities...

Bus Travel in Argentina

Travelling by bus often forces travellers to weigh up the importance of economic travel and comfortable travel, the two things rarely being possible at the same time. However, in Argentina all our preconceptions of hellish overnight journeys across unpaved roads can finally be laid to rest. Argentina bus travel is one of the most desireable methods of transport and successfully fuses reclining seats, friendly staff and refreshments with cheap, affordable tickets. Nightbuses no longer need to mean a sleepless night, instead they are the best way to maximise your time and see as much of Argentina as possible.

If you are offered the choice between 'common' and 'differential' services, always opt for the latter - it may cost you a bit more but the difference in facilities will be well worth the extra pennies. Take a look at the following list of reputable Argentina bus companies which offer daily services and operate all over the country:

Andesmar www.andesmar.com

Nueva Chevallier www.nuevachevallier.com

Río Paraná S.A www.rioparanasa.com.ar

Solo Bus www.solobus.com.ar

Vía Bariloche www.viabariloche.com.ar

The main bus terminal in the City of Buenos Aires is Terminal de Ómnibus de Retiro, which is found at Avenida Antártida Argentina y Calle 10 (www-tebasa.com.ar). This enormous station is where the majority of buses arrive at and leave from, so you are likely to visit it at least once during your Argentine adventure.

Most of Argentina's key cities , main beaches and national parks are easily reachable by bus. The following chart outlines journey duration for popular destinations from Buenos Aires Retiro Bus Terminal:

Argentine Patagonia is harder to reach by bus due to the extreme weather conditions and the Tierra del Fuego can only be entered through Chile. Check out our guide to Argentina Air Travel for more information.

What Argentina

What Argentina is part of our collection of our "What" travel guides to countries and / or cities of Spain and Latin America. We offer practical, tourist and cultural information, which helps you organize your stay. Enjoy the ride and come back with tons of precious memories and experiences!

© 2011 whatargentina.com All rights reserved

Argentina City Guide | Contact us | Site Map

Our What travel guide collection

• Latin America Guide
• Argentina Guide
• Costa Rica Guide
• Mexico Guide
• Chile Guide
• Spain Guide
• Paris Guide
• New York Guide

Bus Tickets in Argentina

Buy online your bus tickets here! Short and long distance bus tickets in Argentina. Secure payment with your credit card. All bus companies. All destinations. Standard and premium services.

>" onClick="window.open('https://tangol.plataforma10.com.ar','_blank');" />

Traveling by bus in Argentina is another recommended option for tourists, there are several companies that offer excellent service and all destinations in the country. The buses becomes cheaper, safer and the routes in Argentina are 100% recommended. The terminals are located in central points and excellent access for passengers.

Retiro Station in Buenos Aires

It is the long-distance bus terminal of the City of Buenos Aires and became the most important in Argentina with 75 platforms, where transport companies carry out daily arrivals and departures of their services around the country and to bordering destinations. The Retiro station is organized in three levels, in the second are the exit and arrival platforms of buses and shops. In the third level are the ticket offices of transport companies. The terminal is open 24 hours and has several gastronomic services, luggage, parking, reporting and security sector.

The Retiro bus platform is located in the heart of the city, on Avenue Antártida Argentina and Calle 10. Arriving is simple, it has several accesses and you can arrive via subways, taxis, trains and different bus lines.

Transportation companies

In a day around 40,000 people use the different bus companies that are offered in the Retiro terminal. The lines that offer their services around the country are varied and the most chosen destinations are usually: Cordoba, El Calafate, Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Puerto Iguazú, Puerto Madryn, Salta, Santa Fe, Bariloche, San Luis, San Juan, San Martin de los Andes and Ushuaia.

We recommend the different companies according to the region: - Northwest: Andesmar - Nuevo Expreso. - Northeast: Vía Bariloche - El Rápido. - Pampeana: Chevallier - El Rápido - El Rosarino - Plusmar - Sierras de Córdoba - La Estrella. - Cuyo: Vía Tac- Nuevo Expreso - El Mendocino - Cata. - Patagonia: Andesmar - Flecha Bus - Vía Bariloche - Cata. - International (Brasil - Paraguay - Perú - Bolivia): El Rápido Internacional - Chevallier Paraguaya - Cata.

Seat categories

There are different categories of buses according to the services they provide and costs: - Semicama: It offers basic services, heating, refrigeration, bathrooms and self-service drinks. The seats you can find are individual and reclining. - Cama: It has the amenities of semicama service, the difference is that it has three rows of seats, individual and reclining. They are usually wide seats that allow greater comfort. You can count on an auxiliary service or waitress, among other things like headphones, bluetooth or wifi. - Ejecutivo o Cama Suite: It offers the same services as the bed but the seats recline so that the passenger is completely horizontal and have some sort of separation (curtains) between the seats.

How to buy your bus ticket?

Tangol offers all the companies recommended to choose your next destination. We recommend you to have your passport when you buy online or at our points of sale. When having travel tickets check name and surname, nationality, type of document, date and destination. At the time of travel you must have the ticket and your original document or passport. The allowed luggage is a handbag and a package that does not exceed 15 kilos.

How to Take a Bus in Buenos Aires

Here are the steps to take a bus in Buenos Aires:

Table of Contents

1. Figure out your route

First you’ll need to figure out which bus you need using an internet site such as Buenos Aires’ interactive map , for which there is also a phone app.

There are other phone apps available that can help you figure out which bus you need, such as Moovit or Cualbondi.

2. Find the bus stop

Once you know which bus you want to take, another challenge can be figuring out where the bus stop actually is located.

On major streets such as Corrientes and 9 de Julio they are well marked. The bus stops are every two-and-half to three blocks, and usually marked with the numbers of the lines that stop there as well as a list of major stops. Just walk along the avenue or street until you see a stop.

Sometimes the bus stops are not well marked in residential areas and you will need to ask someone: ‘ ¿Dónde está la parada para el 24? ’(Where is the stop for the 24?)

Store and newsstand owners are accustomed to answering questions about the buses because no one knows where the bus stops are if they are not familiar the area.

During the day there will often be a line of people waiting for the bus, you can ask them as well. If you don’t speak Spanish well you can also point to your bus number on your phone and offer a perplexed look to be pointed in the right direction.

3. Make sure you have a Sube smart card to pay the fare

Before getting on any bus in Buenos Aires or other cities, you need a Sube smart card , to pay the fare because the buses no longer take change or bills.

The city finally delivered on its promise to install card readers a few years ago, which has greatly reduced the need to hoard coins to pay for the bus as citizens had to do before. It was a big problem, oh the good old days!

The basic fare for the general population costs under US$0.25 (in the peso equivalent).  Today the smart card, which costs around AR$200 itself is the only way to ride public transportation.

4. Get on line at the bus stop

Get in the back of the line.

When you see your bus coming along, identified by its number above the windshield, put out your hand to indicate that you would like to get on the bus – each stop handles several buses, so if no one on line flags the bus, it will speed on by.

Sometimes it will speed on by regardless – chalk it up to the inner complexities of the quintessential Buenos Aires bus driver.

5. Tell the bus driver where you are going

Once you are on the bus you need to tell the conductor where you are going so he or she can charge you the appropriate fare.

Simply name the cross street or location where you plan to get off, for example: ‘ hasta Cordoba, por favor.’

Many passengers, accustomed to taking the same route everyday, just tell the conductor how much to charge them. Most fares for shorter distances around the city, from three to six kilometers, cost less than US$0.20 and they go up from there.

If you prefer you can make like a local and also just tell the driver, ‘ treinta, por favor .’

6. Pay your bus fare

After you’ve indicated your stop to the driver, hold up your SUBE smart card to the card reader next to the driver.

7. Hold on tight!

Once on board, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with kids obviously has priority seating so if you don’t have the good fortune to get a seat take a steady stance and hold on tight for a herky jerky ride!

8. Getting off the bus

When you are ready to exit the bus, push the button located on the pole by the back door.

Be careful exiting the bus — sometimes they don’t quite get to the curb and barely stop.

If you are let off into the street, be careful to look backward toward the oncoming traffic before jumping off to make sure there are no bicycles or motorbikes speeding up from behind.

Our Services

Privacy Policy

Airport Pickup

Attend a Soccer Game

Book Accommodation

Driving & Car Rental

©Wander Argentina 2024

All rights reserved.

As Amazon Associates, Wander Argentina earns from qualifying purchases

• Travel Tips

Comfort classes

Bus services in Argentina are available in a variety of comfort classes, each with its distinct characteristics. The classification is prescribed by law (Decreto 2407/2002 Annexo II) in an attempt to improve the comparability of the services. Every service is assigned by the bus company to one of five comfort classes and has to comply with the minimum requirements of this class. Below we present a summary of the available classes to give you an impression of the respective levels of comfort.

For quick and easy reference we have introduced a numbering of the categories and assigned the number one to the best comfort level ("first class"), while the most basic service is number five.

Class 5: Común

This is the lowest category with no additional requirements other than the basic technical standards for bus transportation.

Class 4: Común con aire

Class 3: semicama.

• distance between armrests: 45 cm
• distance between seats: 75 cm
• maximum reclining angle: 40 degrees
• depth of the seats: 45 cm
• width of armrests: 4 cm

After all, the comfort level of the semicama class is thus slightly better or about equal to typical bus services in Europe and North America, and similar to the economy class on a flight.

Class 2: Cama-Ejecutivo

• distance between armrests: 50 cm
• distance between seats: 86 cm
• maximum reclining angle: 55 degrees
• depth of the seats: 46 cm
• width of armrests: 6 cm

Class 1: Cama Suite

Limitations.

In principle these categories provide useful orientation about the various comfort levels, and give you some idea of how much space you will have and how far the seats are reclining. In fact the actual law is more detailed than our summary (for example it even specifies minimum dimensions for the footrests).

Nevertheless services of the same category may still differ a lot from each other, and comparing prices is not as straightforward as it seems. This is not only because in reality services may surpass the minimum requirements to a varying degree, but also because many important aspects are not included in the classification. Services differ significantly in quality and quantity of meals, maintenance and age of the buses, background noise, reliability and timeliness, responsibility of drivers, selection of movies, friendliness of attendants, and in many more relevant aspects.

Also, the exact specifications of dimensions and features of the seats will not always tell you much about how comfortable the seat actually feels . At the end of the day, it all boils down to the question of whether or not you will get a good night's sleep and enjoy your trip.

The quality of services obviously depends on policies and investments of the respective companies, so it is essential to choose the right ones. And even within the same company a certain category may be recommendable while others are not. Although we do not publish ratings and only display the official comfort class in our information system, we regularly do receive and ask for feedback from our clients. When you book your tickets with us we will be happy to give recommendations and share our views on the quality of a specific service.

In general the companies comply with their responsibility to label the services according to the official classification, although other labels are often used in parallel. So a Semicama service may be called "Dorado", or Cama-Ejecutivos may be called "Cama" or "Ejecutivo" depending on whether an attendant is on board or not. Other companies use "Ejecutivo" to denominate the services that are officially called Cama-Suite. You may also find these first-class services with names like "Tutto Leto", "Cama Total", "Super Cama" or "Salon Real". With regard to the confusing variety of marketing designations, you will surely appreciate the general validity of the official classification.

• Travel with Andesmar
• Customer Service

Andesmar Group

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Argentina Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 19, 2024

Argentina is one of the most popular countries to visit in South America. Whether you’re backpacking the entire country or just visiting on a short holiday looking to drink wine, eat steak, and do some hiking, Argentina will not disappoint you. I love the place to death.

From the relaxed café culture of Buenos Aires to the natural beauty of the massive Iguazu Waterfalls, the stunning Perito Moreno glacier to the charming vineyards of Mendoza , Argentina is a wonderfully beautiful country with world-class landscapes to match the delicious steaks, award-winning wine, and lively and welcoming people you’ll find here.

Argentina blew away all of my expectations.

This travel guide to Argentina can help you plan your trip, stay safe, stay on a budget, and ensure you make the most of your visit here.

Note : Argentina suffers from incredible inflation and prices vary widely and increase without notice. The prices here might be accurate as of the day we publish but could be dramatically different by the time you get there. Keep that in mind as you plan your expenses.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Argentina

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in argentina.

1. Enjoy the culture of Buenos Aires

Nicknamed the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is an amazing and fun city with a lot of culture, fantastic nightlife, food, and shopping. Stay in the trendy Palermo neighborhood and walk the tree-lined streets, visit the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires (aka MALBA), and explore Palermo Soho which has a more youthful vibe and is crammed with cool shops and boutiques.

Additionally, on the southern border of Palermo is La Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most atmospheric graveyards on the planet and home to several famous Argentines, including Eva Peron, several past presidents, patriots, poets, and other VIPs of Argentine history. El Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National Museum of Fine Arts, is nearby as well. Opened in 1895, the museum houses works by Goya, Monet, Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many other masters.

2. Marvel at Iguazu Falls

With 450,000 cubic feet of water thundering down the 275 cascades every second, it’s easy to see why this massive waterfall is so popular. The water plunges below in a powerful and sensational flurry of white water and mist with rainbows stretching above it all. The uneven cascades are also some of the tallest in the world, as they measure between 62-85 meters (210-269 feet). A sturdy wooden walkway allows visitors to wander out to get a closer, face-to-face look at the falling water. Some might remember the falls played a supporting role in the films Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Captain America: Civil War, and The Mission, among many others.

You can find several types of guided trips leaving from Buenos Aires or just go on the local bus yourself. Stay in Argentina and get drenched on a boat ride around the falls or spring for a tour that includes Brazil on the opposite shore. The view from Brazil is arguably better, since you’re on a narrow ridge surrounded by the falls in Argentina. The entry fee for Iguazú Falls National Park on the Argentine side is 20,000 ARS.

3. Wander Salta

Located in the northwest of the country, Salta is a small city with outstanding museums, plaza-side cafes, and a lively folk music tradition. The colonial architecture of the city is well preserved here too. The most popular museum is Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña (MAAM), opened in 2004 for the mummies of three children sacrificed by the Inca and discovered in 1999. Don’t miss the Teleférico San Bernardo, a cable car that glides through the air to a hilltop with a gorgeous view of the whole city. A round-trip ticket for San Bernardo is 8,000 ARS.

4. Learn the tango

Argentina is famous for its national dance, the tango. You’re bound to run into it everywhere you go with people quite literally practicing in the streets. Throughout the country there are studios that offer lessons if you want to learn and free public places to watch the locals dance away. In Buenos Aires, splurge on a tango show at the historic Teatro Tabarís or Gala Tango. A more budget option is the outdoor shows in Plaza Dorrego, where the best dancers can be found every Sunday afternoon.

5. Explore Mendoza

Other things to see and do in argentina, 1. take the train to the clouds.

Sure, it’s a train built for tourists and super overpriced, but taking this train through the clouds and lush forest is so breathtaking I don’t mind. This is a 400-kilometer (250-mile), 16-hour round trip into the Andes from the town of San Antonio de los Cobres. You can buy the train ticket with the bus ride between Salta and San Antonio de los Cobres included, or via just the train. Consider buying just the train ticket so you can spend a little time checking out the Andean culture (and llamas) in San Antonio. As the train climbs to 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views overlooking mountains, forests, and valleys. It only operates seasonally and on specific days of the week, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. The website only shows prices once you pick a date for the reservation.

2. Climb Cerro Aconcagua

At almost 7,000 meters tall (23,000 feet), Cerro Aconcagua is not only the country’s highest mountain but also the highest in the Western Hemisphere. This climb isn’t for the faint-hearted as it’s estimated to take a couple of weeks to acclimatize to the altitude and reach the summit. However, it’s a challenging hike, not a technical climb. Many hikers set their sights on part of the mountain, without risking the dangers of oxygen deprivation near the summit. If you love a challenge and are a practiced hiker, it’s an adventure worth considering! Due to the instability of the peso, many trekking companies post prices in USD. Guided summit hikes cost around $5,000 USD while an 8-day trek around the mountain (not to the summit but around the various camps) costs around $2,000 USD. The most popular option is a 4-day hike around the mountain, which costs $700 USD per person. Not into hiking? Nearby Los Horcones Lake is only 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level and a popular fishing destination.

3. Explore Valle de la Luna

Translated as “Valley of the Moon,” this dramatic landscape dates to the Triassic period. Winds and rain have carved the rocks into strange formations that give this place the look of a lunar landscape. Despite the arid conditions, the area is great for wildlife spotting as it’s home to foxes, owls, armadillos, condors, and guanacos. A wild cousin of the llama, guanacos will give your landscape photos a decidedly South American flair. The unique geological formations and fossil beds have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Museo de Sitio William Sill, built over impressive dinosaur fossils where you can watch archeologists at work.

The best way to explore the park is via a rental car. Once you have that, you can take the 25-mile circuit tour, stopping at five different points along the way, each one offering stunning sights and views of the park. The circuit should take approximately three hours. There are also hikes through the park. One of the most popular is the trek up to Cerro Morado, the tallest mountain in the park at nearly 1,900 meters (6,000 feet). The walk takes about three hours and, once at the top, offers wow-inducing views of the natural landscape below. Admission to the park is 5,000 ARS.

4. Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier

Located within the expansive Los Glaciares National Park is the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. At almost 4,570 meters (15,000 feet) wide and 61 meters (200 feet) tall, it’s one of the coolest sights I’ve ever seen. You can hike on the glacier (which is an epic experience) or walk on the metal platforms constructed a stone’s throw from the massive wall of ice. You’ll need a licensed guide, ropes, and crampons to hike on the glacier but you can take the bus from El Calafate and do the platform walk on your own. Boat rides to Perito Moreno get you even closer and can include other nearby glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala. Depending on the season, a full-day tour including a boat ride costs around 99,000 ARS. Austral summer, from December to February, has higher prices.

5. Day trip to San Rafael

Located a few hours from Mendoza, this tiny little town is a wonderful place to see wineries. Try the local Malbecs and other reds that go perfectly with an Argentine asado. Like Mendoza, this is a great place to go on a bike ride through the picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss out on the nearby stunning Atuel Canyon, where you can go whitewater rafting in the summer. San Rafael is a charming little place to relax and slow down to enjoy the local pace of life. A bus from Mendoza to San Rafael costs 2,500 ARS for a one-way ticket.

6. Visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the most southerly city in the world and the largest city in Tierra del Fuego. This is a very popular town for travelers coming to the end of their South American journey, or for those traveling to Antarctica. This is the launch point for all Antarctica cruises, as the continent is only 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) away. Plan at least three days here to go hiking in the national park, walk among the penguins on Hammer Island, and try one of the local tea houses. The most popular is La Cabaña, at the foot of the Martial Glacier ski resort. If you’re there in winter, visit one of the three local ski resorts or go on a dog-sledding tour. Overall, it’s an adventure travel hub that deserves a few days before or after your other adventures.

7. Go whale watching

From June to December, whale watching season in Patagonia is at its peak as the whales make their way to the coast to mate. Whale watching is an expensive excursion, but it’s well worth it during migration time as you’re guaranteed to spot a few whales. The Valdes Peninsula is the best place to go on a tour. Only six companies are allowed to operate here so as not to disturb and overwhelm the whales. Expect to see orca, humpback, southern right whales, and blue whales. This is a remote area of Patagonia and the best place to stay nearby is Puerto Madryn. Due to the instability of the Argentine peso, most tour agencies post prices in US dollars. A full day wildlife and whale watching tour costs $145 USD.

8. Discover Quebrada de Humahuaca

The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a 155-kilometer-long (96 mile) valley carved out by the Rio Grande. The deep valley is covered in unique rock formations and has been populated for at least 10,000 years, making the area rich in ancient Incan history and culture. Visit the ancient Inca ruins at Tilcara and see just how much Andean culture still permeates the area. Explore the colonial streets and architecture of the tiny town of Humahuaca, with its bright orange mountain backdrop or walk around behind the mountain on an easy one-hour hike to see dramatic red and purple cliffs.

9. Visit Cajon del Azul

Located in El Bolson, a bohemian town near the Andes Mountains, The Blue Canyon boasts beautiful translucent turquoise waters flanked by rustic suspension bridges, alcoves, and cliffs. It’s a little more deserted than other nature reserves in Argentina, though it’s growing in popularity amongst climbers and fly fishers. If you go, it’s worth spending at least a few days in this area taking advantage of all the outdoor activities.

If you want to hike, there are a myriad of trails you can take, all of varying degrees of difficulty and length. The trails also have the most amount of refugios, or huts, than anywhere else in South America. This means you can plan a single-day trek or a multi-day hike, going from one hut to another for several days until you want to trek back to El Bolson. Before you head out on a hike, though, make sure you stop into the Mountaineering Information Office, or Oficina de Informes de Montañas, to get information about the hike you’re doing. It’s the best way to prepare for a trek here. There’s also a Tourist Information Office that should be helpful too.

10. See Casa Rosada

Dominating the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires is Casa Rosada, the Office of the President and arguably the city’s most notable landmark. The distinctive pink color is said to be due to the mixing of cows’ blood into the paint, to preserve the building. First Lady and labor activist Eva Perón (aka Evita) famously addressed crowds of workers from the building’s balcony (there’s a 1996 film starring Madonna based on her life).

Easily accessible on the city’s Subte metro system, the area around the Casa Rosada is worth visiting for its colonial architecture and famed masterpiece mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros in the Casa Rosada Museum. There are, in all, 11,000 pieces of art in the museum. Admission is free but you must register and pick a time and date for your visit.

11. Stroll La Recoleta Cemetery

It might seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery for pleasure, but Recoleta is one of the city’s most visited attractions. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s most notable citizens, including Eva Perón and the Paz family. Also worth seeing is the tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, who was tragically buried alive according to legends. It’s open daily from 8am-6pm. Afterwards, walk along Calle Vicente Lopez on the southwest side of the cemetery. It has become one of the hotspots in Buenos Aires for micro-breweries and is a great place to rest your feet after all the walking through the cemetery.

12. Discover San Ignacio Miní

Located in San Ignacio, these 17th-century mission ruins are the most complete in Argentina, with a significant amount of carved ornamentation still visible. Constructed in the Spanish Baroque style and heavily influenced by indigenous designs, the ruins are a beautiful and distinctive reddish color. The visitor center has a lot of background information on the fascinating history of the old mission, and the ruins have interactive panels for more information as well. San Ignacio is the perfect place to stop on your way to or from Iguazú, which is only four hours away. The town is on the Paraná River, near Posadas, where you can easily hop the border to Encarnación in Paraguay. Admission is 1,000 ARS.

13. Take a dip in the Termas de Colón

Located north of Buenos Aires not far from the border with Uruguay, the hot springs here have been a hot secret with in-the-know Porteños (people from BA), for many years. There are 10 different pools to choose from, each one a different temperature and health benefits. If you have kids the Termas de Colón also features kiddie pools and various water slides. The drive from Buenos Aires takes about four hours, making this either a very long day trip or a multi-day trip to the north to relax in the charming town of Colón.

14. Attend a fútbol match at La Bombonera

Visiting the legendary soccer stadium of Boca Junior, one of Buenos Aires’ two professional teams, in the La Boca district is a local experience you won’t want to miss. If they’re playing cross-town rivals, River Plate, even better, but if you’re in town during the soccer season, go to see La Boca playing any team. It’s a lively and sometimes crazy experience. Expect to spend a couple hundred dollars on tickets if you want to see a match. There are also tours of the stadium available too, though those also aren’t cheap at around 82,000 ARS.

15. Browse for books at a world-class bookstore

In Buenos Aires’ Barrio Norte, you’ll find El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Housed in an old theater from 1919, this bookshop has plenty of remnants left over from its days in the performing arts, such as murals on the walls and ceilings, and even balconies. The books on the shelves are mostly in Spanish, though there’s a small English-language section. That said, shopping for a good read here is not really the point. Just stroll around and admire the high ceilings and ornate design of the place. It’s one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

  For more information on specific cities in Argentina, check out these guides:

• Mendoza Travel Guide
• Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Argentina Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels are widespread throughout the country. Expect to pay 15,000-30,000 ARS for a 6-8-bed dorm room in Buenos Aires, depending on the neighborhood. In smaller towns like Mendoza, expect to pay 8,000-20,000 ARS depending on amenities. Private rooms in a hostel with a shared bath are generally double the price of dorm rooms, costing 20,000-50,000 ARS per night.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Hotels cost 40,000-60,000 ARS and always include free Wi-Fi, though other perks are generally pretty limited. At a two- or three-star hotel in Argentina you can expect TV (sometimes with international channels), daily housekeeping, bathroom toiletries, and, in some cases, an in-house restaurant, to varying degrees of quality.

Airbnb no longer posts prices in Argentine pesos, but averages $20-$50 USD per night for a private room and $30-$80 for an entire apartment.

Camping is widespread all around the country (including the world-famous Patagonia region), especially near the national parks. Expect to pay around 12,000 ARS for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Argentine food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: first from Spanish colonizers, and later European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially from Italy and Spain. Empanadas, pizza, polenta, and pasta all heavily feature in Argentine cuisine.

Argentines are famous for their asado (barbeque) and tremendous consumption of beef, especially steak and ribs. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, eggplants, squashes, and zucchini are the most common vegetables. Dulce de leche , a caramel sauce made from condensed milk, is a popular sweet.

Yerba mate is the favorite national drink. It’s a caffeinated herbal drink that is prepared in a traditional gourd. It is consumed in social settings by passing around the gourd and its accompanying metal straw.

Overall, food is fairly expensive in Argentina, especially in popular resort and outdoor adventure towns. Take advantage of eating breakfast and lunch specials to get the most out of your money. Breakfast deals go for 1,000-2,000 and usually consist of a coffee and two media lunas, which are like a bready croissant.

Lunch specials vary greatly but are generally around 3,500-4,000 ARS. Meals at a cheap cafe begin at around 2,000-3,000 ARS for a light lunch of a sandwich or salad.

In terms of street food, empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are economical and tasty. Empanadas go for around 700 ARS each, choripán for 1000 ARS, and fast food pizza or burgers for around 1500-2000 ARS. Fast food (think Mcdonald’s) is around 2,000 ARS for a combo meal.

In major cities, a dish at a Chinese takeout restaurant is around 8,000 ARS, while a dish at a sit-down Indian restaurant is around 8,000-12,000.

At a nice traditional Argentinian steakhouse, expect to pay 20,000-25,000 ARS for a good steak and wine. At more casual restaurants, steaks cost around 10,000-15,000 ARS, while vegetable-based pasta dishes cost 7,000-8,000 ARS.

In terms of drinks, beer is around 3,000 ARS while a glass of wine is also 3,000 ARS. A cocktail is around 4,000-5,000 ARS and a cappuccino is 3,000 ARS.

If you’re going to grocery shop, expect to spend about 25,000-35,000 ARS per week for groceries, including bottles of wine. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Argentina Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget, expect to spend at least 31,500 ARS per day. On this suggested budget, you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating out at the cheap food stalls, cooking most of your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of at least 70,000 ARS per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks and eat out more, take the occasional taxi, and do whatever tours and activities you want, such as wine tours and dance lessons.

On an upscale budget of at least 135,000 ARS per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, go hiking in Patagonia, fly between cities, and do whatever else you want to do. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ARS.

Argentina Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Argentina’s hyperinflation works in most travelers’ favor, it makes certain things in this country more expensive. Tours, food, and alcohol add up quite a bit. There’s a lot of price instability in the country. Here are a few hacks to cut down your costs and not let inflation ruin your fun:

• Use discount cards – Student and teacher discounts can get you incredible savings. You can also use the La Nacion Club and La Nacion Premium Club Cards, associated with La Nacion Newspaper, for discounts. Every week, the La Nacion Club Card website lists participating establishments that give discounts to cardmembers. This is good for travelers spending a long time in the country as you have to sign up for the newspaper.
• Hitchhike – While not common in the north of the country, if you’re in Patagonia, you’ll see many locals and tourists alike hitchhiking, as long-distance buses in that part of the country can be very expensive and infrequent. It’s simply more convenient to hitchhike. This common way to get around is highly recommended.
• Travel off-season – March-June and September-November are the low season when you can find cheaper accommodations and enjoy fewer crowds at attractions.
• Find the cheap eats – Empanada, choripán (sausage on bread) stands, and local hole-in-the-wall burger and pizza shops are your best options for cheap eats. It’s not the healthiest food, but it’s economical and tasty!
• Rent a bike – You can rent bicycles from hostels and rental shops for around 12,00 ARS per day in most major cities. This is especially useful when you’re in Mendoza’s wine country and you’re trying to get from winery to winery.
• Bring a tent – As you start to travel south to Patagonia, accommodation costs get expensive. Hostels are often 20,000 ARS or more a night here (as opposed to as cheap as 10,000 ARS a night in Buenos Aires). Look for camping opportunities as often as possible. When you aren’t in the national parks (where you can obviously camp), many hostels let you pitch your tent for a small fee.
• Stick to wine – 2,000 ARS bottles of wine in the supermarket is a phenomenal deal. Grab a bottle, drink it up. It’s really good too!
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Explore the outdoors – Hiking is free, and throughout the country, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this and other outdoor activities since Argentina is blessed with many city parks and nature reserves where you can spend the day wandering around and relaxing. (And, of course, there are a plethora of national parks where you can do multi-day treks!).
• Don’t fly domestically – Thanks to a tax on foreigners, airfare in Argentina for non-residents is quite expensive. Unless you are in a rush, don’t fly. Take the overnight buses. It’s slower but affordable (and often a lot more comfortable).
• Dance for free – If you find yourself in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, you can find free tango events in San Telmo. (On Monday nights, there’s the famous La Bomba de Tiempo, a music and dance event that is well worth the minimal price for admission.)
• Take a free walking tour – There are a number of free walking tours in major cities. They are the best way to get the lay of the land on a budget and connect with a local guide. Just remember to tip your guide at the end. Two companies to try out in the capital city are Buenos Aires Free Tour and Free Walks Buenos Aires.

Where to Stay in Argentina

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Argentina:

• Milhouse Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Up Viamonte Hotel (Buenos Aires)
• Sabatico Travelers Hostel (Buenos Aires)
• Villaggio Hotel Boutique (Mendoza)
• Gorilla Hostel (Mendoza)
• Alto Andino Hotel (Ushuaia)
• Cruz del Sur Hostel (Ushuaia)
• Antarctica Hostel (Ushuaia)

How to Get Around Argentina

Public transportation – Buenos Aires is the only city in Argentina with a subway system (the Subte). The subway runs from 5:30am-11:30pm on weekdays, 6am-midnight on Saturdays, and 8am-10:30pm on Sundays.

Public buses are the most common way to travel within the cities. In Buenos Aires, a one-way fare is around 1,000 ARS per trip. In Mendoza, fares start at 800 ARS.

In Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Mar del Plata you need a transit card to use the public transit, while smaller areas take cash. You can find these cards at kiosks all over the place.

Taxis – Taxis are very affordable in Argentina. Prices start around 500 ARS and go up by around 300 ARS per kilometer. That said, public transportation can usually get you anywhere you need to be so you can likely skip the taxis here.

Buses – Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. It is common to have food served on board as well as Wi-Fi and alcohol on long-distance buses. For example, the ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes about 14.5 hours and tickets begin at 10,000 ARS. A 10-hour trip from Bariloche to El Calafate (in Patagonia) starts from 20,000 ARS, while the bus from Buenos Aires to El Calafate is 50,000 ARS.

A “shorter” journey like Mendoza to Salta in 7 hours costs about 35,000 ARS. You can take the overnight bus and then save on accommodation since you’ll be sleeping on the bus.

Flying – Flying around South America isn’t very cheap, and Argentina is no exception as fares are taxed highly for foreigners (it subsidizes cheap fares for residents). However, it might be worth it for you if you’re short on time as those 14-hour bus rides are not an efficient way to travel. Argentina’s two most popular airlines are Aerolíneas Argentinas (the domestic carrier) and LATAM.

You can fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate for 340,000 ARS return, or Buenos Aires to Bariloche for 190,000 ARS return. You’ll get better deals the further out that you book your tickets.

Train – Argentina’s rail system only goes to three places: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. The train from Buenos Aires to Cordoba costs about 28,400 ARS. There are also train journeys aimed specifically at travelers, like the epic Train to the Clouds that begins in Salta and passes through the Andres. It’s one of the highest railways in the world. There’s also La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express between Esquel and El Maiten for 30,000 ARS.

Hitchhike – Argentina is easy and safe for hitchhikers. You can find rides throughout the country, and Argentines are naturally curious about foreigners. There’s a good chance you’ll end up crammed into a car with an entire family! Hitchwiki has information on hitchhiking in Argentina if you want to give it a try.

When to Go to Argentina

Argentina is enormous. The best time of year to visit entirely depends on what regions you plan on traveling around.

Argentina’s spring is from September to November. This is one of the best times to visit overall (although it’s still very cold in Patagonia). Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in the center, 8-14°C (46-57°F) in Patagonia, and about 20°C (68°F) in the north.

Summer is from December to February. This is the best season for spending time in the Andean mountains. It’s also the best time to travel to Tierra del Fuego, although there still might be snow. The north is a lot warmer, and Buenos Aires can get hot and sticky. Temperatures can get as high as 26°C (79°F).

Autumn (March-April) is another great time to visit, especially in the San Juan and Mendoza regions for the wine harvests. Temperatures here are 6-14°C (42-58°F). Patagonia is stunning this time of year with its bright autumn colors as well.

Winter is from June to August when temperatures dip to 8–13°C (46–55°F). This is the ideal time to visit if you’re a skier hoping to hit up the ski resorts. It’s not a great time for visiting Patagonia, however; bad weather can leave you stranded, and a lot of places are closed from Easter to October.

How to Stay Safe in Argentina

Argentina is a safe place to backpack and travel. While violent crime here is rare, petty theft and pickpocketing is on the rise so you’ll need to be vigilant. Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or belongings while you’re out and about and always keep your wallet secure and out of reach. Cell phone theft is incredibly common and thieves sometimes literally snatch the phone right from your hand in broad daylight so be on guard and never bring your phone out in public. If you need to use it, step inside a shop just to be safe.

If taking an overnight bus, lock your bag and make sure your valuables are secure. If you rent a car, always keep it locked and never store anything in it overnight as break-ins can occur.

Female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (don’t walk around at night intoxicated, never leave your drink unattended at the bar, etc.). Whenever possible, avoid walking around at night (especially if you’re alone). Even during the day, it’s best to walk around in groups when you can as you’ll be less of a target that way. If you’re carrying a purse, wear it across your chest so it can’t easily be snatched (a backpack is a better/safer choice, though).

When taking out money from an ATM, make sure to use a machine inside the bank so that you can safely access your money without prying eyes or people ready to rob you.

Scams here are rare, but they can occur. To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Always check the weather before you go hiking and make sure you dress appropriately and bring enough water.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Argentina Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Argentina Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Argentina travel and continue planning your trip:

18 of the Best Spots in Patagonia

Patagonia: Thoughts on Getting Offline and Trying to Camp

12 Ways to Save Money in Argentina

16 Amazing Photos from My Visit to Torres Del Paine

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Find cheap bus tickets from Buenos Aires to Mendoza

Easily compare and book your next trip with Busbud

Cheap buses leaving Monday

One passenger / one way

Bus Buenos Aires to Mendoza: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies.

According to 37 reviews, Via Tac received a 3.5-star rating for this journey. Travelers were especially satisfied with the timeliness and the staff, but some complained about the wifi. Via Tac ticket prices on this trip start at $23.00

Via Tac Buenos Aires Mendoza recent customer reviews

It was difficult to find the platform in Buenos Aires. Very confusing! The ticket said 55 or 27. The worker said 68. The electronic display said 26. Then it was Bus Bar, but we were looking for Via Tex, which was in the side f the bus. All that said, each and every person we talked with from the company was very polite and helpful.

Awful. They didn’t offer any food, drink or Wi-Fi. The bus was freezing and they didn’t put the heating on. They showed one movie but nowhere to plug in and not load enough. The USB cord didn’t work so was bored for 14 hours. The bathroom had period blood on it and no soap. Awful experience

The bus did not show up before an 1 later than scheduled. And arrived over 2 hours later at arrival. Booked a direkte bus in the hope that it would go straight, but No, several stoppes on the way. The staff woke me up during the night several time just to tell which stop er were at now, even i had told them that i was going all the way to the final destination. So it is litterly imposible to get some sleep. The staff also expected tips for loading and giving back my backpacking, so rude, handling the bags MUST be includes in the price. The bus was not compy, the seats were hard to seat on, and only declined a bit, nothing semi cama over that. The snacks provided was good.

According to 31 reviews, Via Bariloche received a 4.6-star rating for this journey. Travelers were especially satisfied with the staff and the timeliness, but some complained about the wifi. Via Bariloche ticket prices on this trip start at $27.00

Via Bariloche Buenos Aires Mendoza recent customer reviews

The trip was uneventful and stress free. Gate agents were extremely patient with my poor use of Spanish and went out of their way to make sure I understood the exact procedure.

Night bus from BA TO Mendoza. A lot more comfortable than expected big seats lots of legroom. Thought we may get a snack and a drink but got 2 full meals. Bus even arrived in Mendoza an hour ahead of schedule. Would definitely be happy to use this company/route again.

Probably we should have known, but we didn't know the dinner was included (even departure was after 21:00). But everything was very good!

According to customer reviews, the staff is friendly. However, there are complaints about a terrible bus ride and the worst design in public transportation ever experienced. Some customers were promised a hot meal and a television but didn't receive any food or allow them to buy their own. The television also didn't work.

20 de Junio Buenos Aires Mendoza recent customer reviews

We were promised a hot meal and a television. They didn’t give us any food nor did they allow us to get off the bus to buy our own food. The television also didn’t work.

Nice staff, terrible bus ride. Worst design in public transportation I’ve ever experienced.

According to multiple reviews, customers express their satisfaction with Chevallier services. They mention that the 15-hour drive was painless and comfortable, with seats that leaned back and had leg rests. Some customers also appreciate the efficiency of the service in terms of punctuality. However, it is worth noting that there have been reports of items being stolen from bags during overnight trips. Overall, Chevallier has received positive feedback for its services but should address security concerns regarding thefts during journeys.

Chevallier Buenos Aires Mendoza recent customer reviews

It was a painless 15 hour drive: the seats leaned back and had leg rests. I really can't complain.

Very efficient and got us in on time however no blanket or pillow provided so come prepared

Seats comfortable with plenty of room but this was first long bus trip in Argentina so unaware there were no scheduled food stops - only stopping to pick up/drop passengers. Occasional vendors but not every stop.

According to multiple positive reviews, customers appreciate the comfortable seats and spacious legroom provided by this bus company. They also mention that there were no delays and the drivers were friendly. However, some negative feedback has been given regarding an old bus, unfriendly staff, and a subpar toilet compared to other companies.

Andesmar/Tramat/El Rápido Internacional Buenos Aires Mendoza recent customer reviews

The driver and assistant were great. However, they did not turn on the electricity to use the USB ports or turn o the lights on the upper deck. We asked. The driver said he would, and he did not.

This isn't a great company to travel with. The bus was old, unfriendly staff and toilet was bad compared to other bus companies.

Comfy seats and enough space for legs. No delay , we arrived perfect on time. Friendly drivers!

Buenos Aires to Mendoza Buses

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make sure you can find a bus service from Buenos Aires to Mendoza from the most reliable bus companies operating this trip.

Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Mendoza from Buenos Aires, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

Information on this bus route

Where are the popular bus stations and stops in buenos aires and mendoza.

Terminal de Ómnibus de Buenos Aires, Av. Antártida Argentina, Calle 10 &, CABA, Argentina

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery

Donovan, 1300, B1770AHJ Tapiales, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Av. Callao 401, C1022AAE CABA, Argentina

Au Panamericana & RN9 & Colectora General Paz & RN A001, Villa Martelli Buenos Aires, Argentina

Av. Gdor. Ricardo Videla, Mendoza, Argentina

ANDESMAR, Av. Gdor. Ricardo Videla, M5519 Mendoza, Argentina

Acceso A Aeropuerto Internacional Gabrielli F. J., Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina

Huarpes 3124, Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina

Nogoli 699, M5501HVC Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina

Vistalba 3020, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina

Frequently asked questions for your trip Buenos Aires - Mendoza

How do i get from buenos aires to mendoza without flying.

Taking the bus is the best way to travel to Mendoza without flying. The bus provides a cost-effective, safe, and easy way to travel between the two cities. Taking a ride with other travelers through carpool services is an additional option to consider.

How long is the bus trip from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?

On average, the trip from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 14h 45m, but you can get there in as little as 13h 30m with the quickest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 612 miles (986 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is Buenos Aires from Mendoza?

The distance separating Buenos Aires and Mendoza is 612 miles (986 km).

How many buses travel between Buenos Aires and Mendoza daily?

About 10 buses travel this route daily, provided by Via Tac, Via Bariloche and 20 de Junio. Depending on the day of the week, the number of buses available from Buenos Aires to Mendoza may vary. Want to make your bus journey from Buenos Aires to Mendoza as smooth as possible? Busbud has got you covered! Browse schedules, pick the perfect bus for your travel style and budget - all in one place.

What time are the first and last bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?

The bus service operates between 1:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?

Most of the buses traveling from Buenos Aires to Mendoza leave from Terminal de Retiro and arrive at Terminal de Ómnibus. These are the most popular pick-up and drop-off locations on this route, but you could find others that could be a better fit for your travel plans.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?

Go for the bus if you want the most cost-effective way to travel this route. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $23.

How much does a bus ticket from Buenos Aires to Mendoza cost?

You can expect to pay around $30 for a bus ticket. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $23 and $516, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Can I take an overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?

Certainly! You can indeed opt for an overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza. Remember to bring along essentials like a blanket and some snacks to ensure a cozy and convenient journey.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $42 to $98 for a bus ticket from Buenos Aires to Mendoza based on the last 1 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $42 which is on 2024-04-28.

Usually Andesmar/Tramat/El Rápido Internacional, Via Bariloche will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

About Bus Travel

Bus travel tips.

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Start sightseeing the minute your bus leaves the station. If you're on the night bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, get comfy and count the stars.

Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza.

Did you know?

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

Did you know that 80% of the buses in North America are equipped with WiFi and power outlets ? And 60% of bus travelers have used their electronic device on board during 2014.

9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.

Will you be returning to Buenos Aires by bus?

Top traveled bus routes.

Why choose Busbud?

The best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Popular Buses Connecting Buenos Aires

Buses leaving from buenos aires.

• Bus from Buenos Aires to San Martín
• Bus Buenos Aires - Junín
• Buenos Aires - Salta
• Bus from Buenos Aires to Lima
• Bus Buenos Aires - Suipacha
• Buenos Aires - Puerto Madryn
• Bus from Buenos Aires to Pinamar
• Bus Buenos Aires - Posadas
• Buenos Aires - El Calafate
• Bus from Buenos Aires to Santa Fe
• Bus Buenos Aires - San Antonio de Areco
• Buenos Aires - La Paz
• Bus from Buenos Aires to Tandil
• Bus Buenos Aires - La Plata
• Buenos Aires - Neuquén

Buses Going to Buenos Aires

• Bus from Salto to Buenos Aires
• Bus Rosario - Buenos Aires
• Bahía Blanca - Buenos Aires
• Bus from Baradero to Buenos Aires
• Bus Balcarce - Buenos Aires
• Santiago - Buenos Aires
• Bus from Salta to Buenos Aires
• Bus Villa Gesell - Buenos Aires
• Mar del Plata - Buenos Aires
• Bus from Bariloche to Buenos Aires
• Bus Puerto Madryn - Buenos Aires
• Santa Fe - Buenos Aires
• Bus from El Calafate to Buenos Aires
• Bus Tandil - Buenos Aires
• La Paz - Buenos Aires

Popular Buses Connecting Mendoza

Buses leaving from mendoza.

• Bus from Mendoza to San Rafael
• Bus Mendoza - Merlo
• Mendoza - Valparaiso
• Bus from Mendoza to San Juan
• Bus Mendoza - Potrerillos
• Mendoza - Rosario
• Bus from Mendoza to Cacheuta Spa
• Bus Mendoza - Puerto Iguazú
• Mendoza - Uspallata
• Bus from Mendoza to Malargüe
• Bus Mendoza - Las Leñas
• Mendoza - Neuquén
• Bus from Mendoza to La Paz
• Bus Mendoza - San Miguel de Tucumán
• Mendoza - San Luis

Buses Going to Mendoza

• Bus from General Alvear to Mendoza
• Bus Santiago - Mendoza
• Río Cuarto - Mendoza
• Bus from Santa Fe to Mendoza
• Bus San Rafael - Mendoza
• General San Martin - Mendoza
• Bus from Salta to Mendoza
• Bus Malargüe - Mendoza
• San Juan - Mendoza
• Bus from Puerto Iguazú to Mendoza
• Bus San Miguel de Tucumán - Mendoza
• Potrerillos - Mendoza
• Bus from San Luis to Mendoza
• Bus Rosario - Mendoza
• Uspallata - Mendoza

Popular routes in this country

• Bus from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú
• Bus El Calafate - Perito Moreno
• Puerto Iguazú - Buenos Aires
• Bus from Bariloche to Mendoza
• Bus El Calafate - Bariloche
• Mendoza - Buenos Aires
• Bus from Buenos Aires to Rosario
• Bus Bariloche - El Calafate
• Córdoba - Mendoza
• Bus from El Calafate to Ushuaia
• Bus Buenos Aires - Bariloche
• Mendoza - Salta
• Bus from Mendoza to Córdoba
• Bus Bariloche - El Chaltén
• Mendoza - Bariloche

Popular airport transfers

• Buenos Aires to Ezeiza Airport

Popular international trips

• Bus from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo
• Bus Rio de Janeiro - Armação dos Búzios
• Armação dos Búzios - Rio de Janeiro
• Bus from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro
• Bus Cartagena - Santa Marta

Interested in more? Receive travel deals, trip reminders and other updates by email!

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Coach / Bus Tours in Argentina 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Argentina. There are 5 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 5 days up to 12 days. The most popular month for these tours is July.

5 Coach / Bus trips around Argentina with 49 reviews

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Argentina: Buenos Aires & Bariloche or Viceversa - 5 days

We toured Argentina and Tzilla on a trip organized by Gabriel on a trip was exemplary organized and was one of the most successful trips we had in our lives

• In-depth Cultural

Buenos Aires and Iguazu on a Budget (7 Nights)

The Best of Brazil & Argentina

We enjoyed every moment but were a little disappointed with accomodation

Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled

Good tour overall; tour director was outstanding.

South America Samba (9 Days)

Everything was very well organized and according to the tour planning. Moreover, our tour guide, Gionia, was excellent, very knowledgeable and attentive! Thank you and look forward for our next tours with tourradar!

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)
• Argentina Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Buenos Dias, Buenos Aires? Bus Travel in Argentina

A rainy morning in Buenos Aires

We rolled into Buenos Aires’ Retiro bus terminal on a damp, grey morning, after nearly 24 full hours on a bus from Puerto Iguazu. Buenos Aires was the last stop on the South American leg of our world tour, and definitely one of the most anticipated. I couldn’t wait to start exploring the city, and truthfully, to get off the damn bus.

While in South America, we traveled by bus A LOT. On such a huge continent, flights are definitely the best option, if you plan in advance. We didn’t, and had we flown, the cost of the flights would’ve blown our budget completely out of the water. Flights in South America are seriously EXPENSIVE.

Fortunately, buses are abundant and can be booked just days or hours before the date of intended travel. It helped that online accounts of bus travel in Argentina were glowing and included mentions of wine, steak and other undreamed of luxuries.

We’d already experienced the impressive bus transits across Peru and were totally stoked to get ourselves onto an Argentinian bus. Argentina is more developed than Peru, right? That means, bus travel in Argentina should be even better than bus travel in Peru, right? RIGHT?!

Wrong. An uncomfortable, long, sleepless, steeply-priced, vinegary wine and tasteless meals wrong.

Of course, we didn’t take every single bus route in Argentina, nor did we travel with every single company. But out of the 4 long-distance trips we did take, not a single one matched the service or quality of the trips we took in Peru…and were 4 times the price!

Our bus from Cordoba to Salta on Andesmar cost $170. This was in the highest class of service (cama class), and included meals (no wine), but forget about blankets or pillows. Not to mention that it took almost 20 hours to travel a mere 861 kilometres. The bus stopped and started so many times, it was virtually impossible to get even 1 hour of continuous sleep.

Our second journey, again on Andesmar, from Salta to Puerto Iguazu, required not 1 bus, but 2, because no direct route existed between the 2 cities. There was wine though. Cheap, vinegary wine. And lukewarm chicken milanesa and packaged mashed potatoes. Oh and did I mention that the bus attendant stole my Apple iTouch when I left the bus for 5 minutes. Was it worth the $325 we had to pay for the tickets? I think not!

ully flat beds on Crucero del Norte will cost you $162.50 each!

Our last trip on Crucero del Norte between Puerto Iguazu and Buenos Aires was the only journey that came close to the standard set by Cruz del Sur in Peru. For $296, we had fully flat seats, individual television screens, warm blankets, pillows and decent meals. The voyage still wasn’t very restful because like I said before, there’s no such thing as a non-stop trip in Argentina, and I’m sure the bus must’ve stopped at least 300 times.

Tips for Argentinian Bus Travel

Understand Argentinian bus classes There are 5 different classes of seats available on Argentinian buses, with characteristics that are prescribed by law. For long distance travel, Semicama (half-bed), Cama-Ejecutivo (executive bed) and Cama Suite (bed suite) are the best options. Each class increases in comfort, and of course price. Semicama will be 4 across, have seats that recline partially, and may or may not include meals and amenities. Cama Suite will have much wider seats that recline flat, a bit of privacy with curtains, blankets, pillows and meals. Cama-Ejecutivo will fall somewhere in the middle of these.

Omnilineas has a summary of these classes on it’s website.

If you can afford it, book at least Cama-Ejecutivo class for long-distance journeys. You’ll survive a night in Semicama for sure, but you certainly won’t be comfortable or too well-rested.

Book in advance Most of the time, you can show up at the city’s main bus terminal and get a ticket to your destination right away, especially if you’re booking in Semicama. There are a lot of bus companies and many different schedules available. Sometimes it’s even better to follow this strategy, because it allows you the opportunity to check out the different buses in person.

If you’re booking in one of the higher classes, it’s safer to book at least 1 day in advance. If you’re traveling on a popular route, like Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, the earlier you book, the better. That way you’ll have the most choice of buses and seats available, and the seats do sell out.

We mostly used Plataforma 10 to book our bus travel in Argentina. The website compiles bus services from all over the country, is easy to search and accepts foreign credit cards.

The Andesmar bus counter in Salta

Do your research Not all buses in Argentina are created equal, with some having a better reputation than others. Some of the major bus companies are: Via Bariloche, Crucero del Norte, Andesmar and Flechabus.

It’s wise to research the different bus routes before you plan your Argentina itinerary. We learned this the hard way, when we tried to travel from Salta to Puerto Iguazu. It’s not impossible to do it, it’s that there’s no direct route. Bad planning cost us both time and money.

We ended up taking Andesmar for most of our trips simply because it was the only company that serviced a lot of the routes, but honestly, I would’ve preferred not to. The price to quality ratio of Andesmar’s buses and services were nowhere close to Crucero del Norte’s.

Be prepared Amenities and services vary greatly from bus to bus and from route to route. Even when you are booking in higher classes of service, don’t assume that blankets or meals will be provided. The best strategy is to ask in advance…something we really wish we’d done before our first ride.

On our first trip from Cordoba to Salta, there were no blankets provided, even though we were riding in Cama Ejecutivo class. A minor problem since the air conditioning standard on South American buses is ice-cold. Thank goodness I had a pashmina with me, or it would definitely have been a long and teeth-chattering journey.

Another quirk of bus travel in Argentina is the late dinner time. Argentinians eat late, and a meal likely won’t be served until 9:30 or 10pm. Bring snacks if you can’t make it till then.

And finally, bring something to entertain yourself with. There are usually televisions and movies on the buses, but on all our trips, the movies weren’t worth watching. I get nauseous reading in moving vehicles, but if you don’t, bring a book. You’ll definitely make good headway.

An iPod is my trusted travel companion, with music really helping to pass the time…just don’t get it stolen.

Watch your belongings Being in the highest class of service, with only 6 other passengers and the bus attendant, didn’t protect me from theft. Argentina is going through a huge financial crisis, with 30% inflation and its citizens tapped out , and Apple products are major thief attractors.

I stupidly abandoned my iPod on my seat for 5 minutes and left the bus, with only 1 other passenger and the bus attendant in the cabin, and when I came back, my iPod was gone. At the time it didn’t occur to me that the bus attendant would’ve been the culprit, but given that the other passenger allowed me to search his bag, guess who was left?

Point being, watch your stuff.

And my final tip? If you can, fly 😉

previous post

Related Posts

Floralis Genérica | 5 Amazing Things to Know about the Giant Steel Flower in Buenos Aires

La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is the Most Beautiful Graveyard in the World

The Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu AKA “Dead Woman in the Pass at 4200 Metres”

busandiegans

I took the bus from Buenos Aires to Iguazu and had the misfortune of getting sick on the bus, it was one of the worst 20 hours of my life haha. But Iguazu was beautiful, and I love Argentina, just not their buses.

Shelley @Travel-Stained

That sounds horrible! Those long bus rides are hard enough already without being sick. I was so disappointed with Argentinian buses…good thing Iguazu made the trip worth it, eh? 🙂

Totally worth it but the bus was so brutal haha… This was about 4 years ago so maybe there has been some improvement but I doubt it 😉

I’m booking flights now for a trip next January-March, so thank you very much for your insight. I was thinking of taking a bus from Cordoba to Salta, but now I think I’m gonna fly for a RT fare of $377 (or about $190 each way) from Buenos Aires. As for belongings, I’m getting special luggage for my side trips from Buenos Aires which consists of a carry-on-sized backpack with wheels and an attached daypack which can be separated (which would be my personal item on a plane or bus and have anything valuable in it). It was also suggested to me to travel with a plain plastic bag (especially on the subway in Buenos Aires) so thieves don’t assume it’s something valuable inside. I plan to travel while a bit paranoid!

That sounds like a great plan. Honestly, there wasn’t so much to see in Cordoba, so I don’t think you’d miss much by skipping it and just flying straight into Salta from BA. That area of Argentina was definitely our favourite! Make sure you check out Cafayate!! We loved it there! 🙂

I’m from Argentina. Quick tip for visitors. Don’t leave things unattended, specifically electronic “devices”(I don’t know how you call ’em), things like laptops, phones, cameras. Just be careful. PS. Did you go to Mendoza as well? (I’m from Mendoza )

Lol…I wish I’d read your message before I traveled by bus in Argentina!! But I honestly thought it was safe in a compartment with only 6 people in it!!! So frustrating! Unfortunately, we didn’t go to Mendoza. We wanted to, but we were there just as winter was beginning and we figured there wouldn’t be too much wine action going on at the time. I do hope we can go there one day. 🙂

gmanuelpinto

Mhhm you’re right about Mendoza in winter. The best time to come here is in october (spring time 🙂 ) because summer can be too hot (even for me) if you’re not used to the climate. Espero que puedas venir, saludos!

Susan Beverley

Reblogged this on Volunteer Work in Argentina .

Hey there! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for your great information you have right here on this post. I am coming back to your website for more soon.

Thank you so much for that wonderful feedback. I’m so happy that the information was useful to you. Enjoy your trip!! 🙂

strollingsouthamerica

Oh, sorry about your iPod! We met a Czech couple who had their entire backpacks stolen from the bus in Argentina. When they stopped at a crossroads, the driver saw someone grabbing bags from the storage under the bus – apparently, someone ‘forgot’ to lock it.

We had a good experience traveling on the buses in Argentina, so I’m looking forward to it if Peru is meant to be even better.

That is crazy! I’m glad THAT didn’t happen to us. Wow!

Honestly, the buses were not that bad, but I think the price to quality ratio was what we were having trouble with. It’s one thing when you pay $60 for a trip and quite another when you pay $150 for it…and see a lapse in quality. Enjoy your time in Peru! 🙂

post a comment cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory August 18, 2023

Argentina - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise normal precautions in Argentina. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• City of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Argentina.

If you decide to travel to Argentina: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Argentina.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.   

City of Rosario – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal and narcotics trafficking elements are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province) resulting in increased crime and violence.

U.S. Embassy personnel are required to give advance notice before traveling to Rosario.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays of 90 days or less, unless traveling on an emergency passport.

Up to $10,000 USD or equivalent undeclared for those over age 16; up to $5,000 USD or equivalent undeclared for those under 16

Up to US$10,000 or equivalent undeclared for those over age 16; up to US$5,000 or equivalent undeclared for those under 16

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires

Av. Colombia 4300 (C1425GMN) Buenos Aires Argentina Telephone: +(54)(11) 5777-4533 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(54)(11) 5777-4354 Fax: +(54)(11) 5777-4240 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens:   U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business, unless traveling on an emergency passport. (Please see below.) Diplomatic or official passport holders must obtain visas prior to arrival. 

The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan, or other visas. U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise ship from Argentina that includes other countries, should verify if they need visas for those countries before boarding the ship. For more information, see the Country Specific Information for the country you plan to visit. 

Visit the Embassy of Argentina’s website for visa information at https://eeeuu.cancilleria.gob.ar/en . For information about customs rules, please read our Customs Information page and the Argentine Customs page. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Citizens traveling with Emergency Passports: U.S. citizens traveling on an emergency passport are required to have a visa for entry or re-entry into Argentina. Emergency passport holders cannot apply for a visa upon arrival to Argentina. You must apply at the nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate. Find you nearest Argentine Consulate in the U.S. here .

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals:   Different rules may apply to dual U.S.-Argentine citizens, depending on when they became U.S. citizens. Visit the Argentine Immigration website for the most current information. Generally, Argentine citizens are required to depart Argentina using an Argentine passport, including children of U.S. citizens who may be born in Argentina. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors:  A parent or guardian traveling alone with a child under 18 who resides in Argentina must present to Argentine authorities a legalized permission letter in Spanish ( Autorización de Viaje ) from the nonaccompanying parent upon departure from Argentina. Either parent may prepare an authorizing letter for the other parent to travel abroad with the child in case of emergency. (Please see the Argentine immigration website for more information). A local notary public (called an  escribano  in Argentina) may prepare the  autorización de viaje  letter. If this notarized authorization is prepared in the United States, Argentine authorities will require an apostille from the United States in addition to the notarized authorization. Please see this link for more information about an apostille:  Apostille Requirements.  For children born in the United States and are residents in Argentina, Argentine Authorities will require the U.S. birth certificate to be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State does not know of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for foreign visitors or residents of Argentina. 

More Information:  Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Demonstrations occur frequently in Buenos Aires and take place in other cities as well.  Protesters often block streets and highways.  Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but always have the potential to turn confrontational.  Avoid demonstrations if possible.

Crime:   Street crime is a problem in most urban areas including Buenos Aires City (San Telmo, La Boca, Retiro, Florida Street), Buenos Aires province, Rosario, and Mendoza. Areas with higher levels of violent crime include Rosario, and the Buenos Aires suburbs of Lomas de Zamora, Quilmes, and Moreno. Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, cellphone and purse-snatchers who work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, in public transportation, and in cruise ship ports.

Robberies occur often, and violence is more likely to occur when victims resist. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. Frequent robberies of luggage and handbags occur at Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires and the bus station in Mendoza, and when leaving a handbag in the overhead compartment on the bus.

Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities. These thieves normally operate in pairs:  one to jump off and take the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians, and another to operate the bike. The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items.

Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, there have been violent robberies in the daytime as well as nighttime. Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone and use radio taxis to and from the neighborhood.

Avoid “villas” or shanty towns in Buenos Aires, other major cities, and provinces, even if they are in tourist zones.

Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires. Pre-arrange a ride or select one of the flat-rate “remise” services (private car with driver) from the airport service counters. In town, use radio taxis from places like a hotel when possible.  See the  Department of State  and the FBI  Financial Crime I  pages for information on scams.  A few common scenarios follow:

Drivers pretend to help tourists with money while trading good bills for counterfeit ones.

A “handler” at the airport accepts payment for the ride, but then the driver also demands money at the end of the ride.

The taxi “breaks down” on the road, and a second taxi comes to get the passenger.  Both drivers demand payment.

Spraying mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance.  An accomplice robs the victim while pretending to help clean the stain.

Protestors (‘piqueteros’) sometimes block major roads during large protests and can cause significant traffic delays.

Climbing, Hiking, and Trekking: Do not trek alone.  The U.S. Embassy in Argentina  strongly   discourages  U.S. citizens from hiking alone or even separating from larger traveling parties while on a trail. In recent years, U.S. citizens and other foreigners have disappeared or been seriously injured while solo climbing/hiking and trekking. Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile.  Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings. Follow Park Ranger and Search and Rescue Team advice and instructions.

Update your SOS or GPS emergency locator information. Make sure your device is enabled to function in the park and your provider has the correct information for authorities. Add local rescue teams as your first emergency contact (see recourses below) and add the U.S. Embassy’s emergency contact phone number as an alternative: +54-11 5777-4354.

Before your trip you can check the following resources for reliable information about trail conditions and potential hazards in the most popular climbing, hiking and trekking regions in Argentina:

·         Mendoza: Mendoza, Aconcagua

·         Bariloche: Club Andino

·         El Chalten: El Chaltén

We strongly recommend that before you travel you purchase supplemental travel and evacuation insurance, provide family or friends with a detailed itinerary prior to climbing, trekking, and hiking, and  Register your itinerary  through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the entities on the weblink list above. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. The information on the links is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information

Precautions include: Do not place handbags on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant.  Keep them in your lap.

Do not leave your drink unattended.

Do not leave cellphones on tables at restaurants.

Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile.  Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings.

Robberies also occur where victims are grabbed and forced to take out as much money as possible from ATMs.  Family or co-workers are contacted and told to bring all the cash they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours.  Once the ransom is paid, the victim is usually released unharmed.  There have been some foreign victims of these robberies. Fake telephone kidnappings are also common. Learning important phone numbers and, if robbed, immediately finding a phone and letting family members know you are alright are important steps in stopping this crime.

Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags.

The U.S. Embassy receives many reports of stolen passports.  Passports and other valuables should be locked in a hotel safe.  Carry a photocopy of your passport with you.  In addition, U.S. citizen residents and visitors should safeguard personal information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, banking and other information, to protect against identity theft.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at the numbers below and contact the  U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires :

Dial 911 to report emergencies, call the police, an ambulance, or the fire department.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.  If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 911.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, hospitals are able to provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation.  U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

• Dual Nationals : U.S.-Argentine dual nationals may have to follow special rules that apply to Argentine citizens. In some cases, the U.S. government may have trouble providing protection abroad to dual citizens.
• Foreign Credit Card Usage : On November 3, 2022, the Argentine Central Bank issued a regulation allowing credit card issuers to implement an alternate, more favorable exchange rate for tourists utilizing foreign (i.e., non-Argentine) credit cards. This is a legal, safe method to pay for goods and services in Argentina at a more favorable rate. The regulation does not apply to withdrawals of pesos from ATMs. Please contact your credit card issuer to confirm whether they are implementing this program. For more information on this new regulation, you may read the Argentine Central Bank’s announcement at https://bcra.gob.ar/Pdfs/comytexord/A7630.pdf
• Currency Exchange and Access :  You must show your passport to exchange money. Keep all receipts related to buying pesos.  Be careful if you are offered illegal exchange rates. and do not exchange money on the street. The Embassy does not exchange money.
• Some U.S. citizens report problems using their ATM cards issued by U.S. banks at certain ATMs. There is no set list of ATMs or banks where you can use U.S. cards. If your ATM card does not work at one ATM, try another one or use a reputable bank or exchange house. Daily withdrawal limits may also be lower than in the U.S.
• Hunting and Fishing/Transporting Firearms : If you plan to hunt or fish, follow all gun and game laws. Some U.S. citizens report problems bringing guns into and out of Argentina. More information can be found here .
• Adventure Travel : For local authorities,Local resources are limited for helping visitors lost or injured in remote areas can be hard. Travelers visiting isolated and wilderness areas mustshould learn about local conditions and give their itinerary to park or police officials.
• Argentina has the highest mountain outside ofin the HimalayasAmericas, Mount Aconcagua.  Several U.S. citizens, including expert climbers, have died while climbing the mountain.  Rescue missions are often impossible.
• Antarctica Travel : Many cruises to Antarctica depart from the port of Ushuaia, near the southern tip of Argentina.  The greatest threats to travelers to Antarctica are environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services.  Among the more common threats are frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from reflected glare, overexposure to the sun, and maritime accidents.  There have been accidental deaths on Antarctic cruises due to rough sea conditions, including rogue waves.  For additional information on travel to the Antarctic please see the country Information page for Antarctica: Antarctica International Travel Information (state.gov)

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report   – see country reports
• Human Rights Report   – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Argentina. 

See   our  LGBTI travel information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  People with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States.  The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but while the federal government has protective laws, many provinces do not.

Students :  See our Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Medical evacuation is extremely costly.

Medications:  If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of Argentina  to ensure the medication is legal in Argentina.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Health Concerns:  The following diseases are prevelant either throughout Argentina or in certain areas:

• Hepatitis A
• Yellow Fever

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and CDC recommendations for travel to Argentina .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is more dangerous than in the United States. Drivers in Argentina tend to be aggressive, especially in Buenos Aires, and often ignore traffic regulations. Drivers should prepare in advance when taking long road trips and make sure to have adequate insurance coverage. Gas stations are often far apart and not always easily identified from the main roadway. You need an Argentine or international driver’s license to drive, but verify with local authorities for the most current information.

See our Road Safety page  and the website of Argentina's national tourist office for more information. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Argentina’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Argentina’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

MARITIME TRAVEL: Mariners planning travel to Argentina should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Argentina was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Argentina.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, argentina map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Meet the happiest bus driver of Argentina

ADVERTISEMENT