Aerolíneas Argentinas operates the primary domestic network, connecting approximately 40 airports within the country. The airline was founded in 1950, nationalized in 2008 after previous privatization, and maintains hubs at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires and Ezeiza International Airport. Flybondi began low-cost operations in 2018, followed by JetSmart Argentina in 2019, both operating from El Palomar Airport approximately 18 kilometers west of Buenos Aires until regulatory changes restricted El Palomar operations in 2020, forcing relocation to Ezeiza. These budget carriers typically charge separately for checked baggage and seat selection, with base fares sometimes 30-40% below Aerolíneas Argentinas on competitive routes.
The Buenos Aires to Mendoza route covers approximately 1,037 kilometers with flight times near 1 hour 50 minutes. Buenos Aires to Bariloche spans roughly 1,430 kilometers with flights lasting approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Buenos Aires to Ushuaia extends roughly 2,430 kilometers, requiring 3 hours 20 minutes direct. Buenos Aires to Salta measures approximately 1,420 kilometers with flight times near 2 hours 10 minutes. Buenos Aires to El Calafate covers roughly 2,140 kilometers in approximately 3 hours 5 minutes. Iguazú from Buenos Aires requires approximately 1 hour 40 minutes for the roughly 1,100 kilometer distance. These routes see multiple daily frequencies during peak seasons, with Aerolíneas Argentinas typically offering 3-6 flights daily on major trunk routes.
Domestic fares fluctuate significantly based on advance purchase and season. Buenos Aires to Bariloche tickets purchased 60 days in advance may range from 25,000 to 45,000 Argentine pesos in economy during low season, rising to 60,000-100,000 pesos during July-August ski season or December-February peak summer. Buenos Aires to Ushuaia advance-purchase economy fares typically range from 35,000 to 70,000 pesos low season, increasing to 80,000-140,000 pesos during December-January peak. Budget carriers when operating competitive routes may offer promotional fares 20-35% below these figures, though availability is limited. Argentina residents holding DNI identity documents sometimes access domestic tourist promotional fares not available to foreign passport holders, creating price disparities on identical flights.
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery handles predominantly domestic traffic plus some regional international flights to Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. The airport sits approximately 2 kilometers north of downtown Buenos Aires along the Río de la Plata shoreline. Ezeiza International Airport, located roughly 22 kilometers south of Buenos Aires center, handles long-haul international traffic plus increasing domestic volume following El Palomar restrictions. Ground transport between Buenos Aires city center and Ezeiza typically requires 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, using taxi, private transfer, or Manuel Tienda León bus service operating from terminals near Aeroparque and major hotels. Aeroparque's proximity allows 20-30 minute taxi rides from most central Buenos Aires neighborhoods.
Regional airports maintain varying infrastructure standards. Ushuaia's Malvinas Argentinas Airport sits approximately 4 kilometers from city center, limited to aircraft smaller than Boeing 767 due to runway length restrictions until runway extension completed in 2017 allowed larger aircraft. El Calafate's Comandante Armando Tola International Airport lies roughly 20 kilometers from town, expanded significantly in 2000 to accommodate increased tourism to Perito Moreno Glacier. Bariloche's Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport operates approximately 15 kilometers from city center with single runway limiting operations during strong crosswinds common in the region. Iguazú's Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport sits roughly 20 kilometers from Puerto Iguazú town and approximately 17 kilometers from park entrance.
Weather causes significant seasonal disruption. Patagonian airports including Bariloche, Ushuaia, and El Calafate experience frequent wind-related delays and cancellations, particularly May through September. Ushuaia airport can close entirely for days during winter storms, with no surface alternative requiring less than 30 hours travel. Mendoza airport occasionally closes due to zonda wind conditions bringing gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, most common July through October. Fog affects Buenos Aires airports primarily June through August, sometimes diverting flights to Rosario or Córdoba located 300 and 700 kilometers northwest respectively.
Argentina's long-distance bus network ranks among South America's most extensive, connecting nearly every population center through private companies operating from shared terminals. Buenos Aires operates from Retiro Bus Terminal, officially Terminal de Ómnibus de Retiro, a four-story structure handling approximately 2,400 daily departures to destinations throughout Argentina and neighboring countries. The terminal was constructed in 1981, replacing several scattered departure points. Approximately 150 bus companies operate from Retiro, with platforms organized numerically across ground and lower levels while ticketing and services occupy upper floors.
Bus service classes differ substantially. Cama ejecutivo provides fully reclining seats converting to near-flat beds at approximately 160-180 degree angle, typically configured 3 seats per row with 1-2 configuration. Cama suite offers similar recline in 2-1 or 1-1 configuration with wider seats and additional legroom. Semi-cama provides partial recline to approximately 130-140 degrees in standard 4-across seating. Común offers minimal recline in standard coach seating, least expensive option. Premium services on major routes include meal service, sometimes wine with dinner on overnight departures, individual entertainment screens, and attendant service. Companies operating premium services include Andesmar, Via Bariloche, Crucero del Norte, and Chevallier.
Buenos Aires to Mendoza covers approximately 1,050 kilometers requiring 13-15 hours depending on route and stops. Direct services via Ruta Nacional 7 operate nightly, with premium cama services departing evening hours around 19:00-21:00 to arrive morning 08:00-11:00. Fares range approximately 15,000-35,000 pesos for semi-cama, 25,000-50,000 pesos for cama ejecutivo depending on company and advance purchase. Buenos Aires to Bariloche spans roughly 1,600 kilometers requiring 19-22 hours. Major operators include Via Bariloche, Andesmar, and El Valle, with multiple daily departures. Cama ejecutivo fares typically range 30,000-60,000 pesos. The route follows Ruta Nacional 237 through northern Patagonia, passing through or near Neuquén and San Martín de los Andes on some services.
Buenos Aires to Córdoba measures approximately 700 kilometers with travel time 9-11 hours. Frequent departures throughout day and night reflect high demand, with intervals sometimes under one hour during peak periods. Companies include Chevallier, Sierras de Córdoba, and Ciudad de Córdoba. Semi-cama fares range approximately 8,000-18,000 pesos. Buenos Aires to Salta covers roughly 1,600 kilometers requiring 18-21 hours via Ruta Nacional 34. Premium overnight services from companies including Flecha Bus and Andesmar provide cama suite options ranging 25,000-55,000 pesos. Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn spans approximately 1,300 kilometers with journey times 16-19 hours, operated by companies including Don Otto, Mar y Valle, and Andesmar.
The Buenos Aires to Ushuaia bus route extends approximately 3,100 kilometers requiring 40-48 hours including Chilean transit, as no continuous Argentine road exists through the entire distance. Passengers must cross into Chile near Osorno, continue south through Chilean territory, then re-enter Argentina north of Punta Arenas before continuing to Ushuaia. This requires valid passport and sometimes Chilean visa depending on passenger nationality. Multiple operators provide this service with required overnight stops, total cost typically 60,000-100,000 pesos. Alternative involves shorter bus segments with overnight accommodation purchased separately.
Provincial capitals maintain central bus terminals similar to Retiro. Córdoba's Terminal de Ómnibus de Córdoba operates approximately 9 kilometers from city center on Boulevard Juan Domingo Perón. Mendoza's terminal sits roughly 5 kilometers from downtown at Avenida Gobernador Ricardo Videla and Acceso Este. Salta's terminal occupies central location on Avenida Hipólito Yrigoyen. Bariloche's terminal operates from downtown location on Avenida 12 de Octubre. Infrastructure quality varies, with major terminals offering luggage storage, food services, shops, and waiting areas, while smaller terminals may provide minimal facilities.
Road conditions significantly impact journey times and comfort. Major routes including Ruta Nacional 7 to Mendoza, Ruta Nacional 9 to Córdoba and northwest, and Ruta Nacional 3 along Atlantic coast maintain generally good asphalt surfaces with regular maintenance. Secondary routes in provinces including Chaco, Formosa, and rural areas of Salta and Jujuy may include unpaved sections. Patagonian routes face harsh conditions including high winds, ice during winter months May through September, and occasional closures. Ruta Nacional 40, running approximately 5,000 kilometers along the Andes from La Quiaca on Bolivian border to southern tip near Río Gallegos, remains partially unpaved in northern sections despite ongoing improvement projects.
Weather disruptions affect schedules. Snow closes Andean passes including Paso Internacional Los Libertadores on the Buenos Aires-Mendoza-Santiago route, typically June through August with individual closures lasting hours to days. Heavy rain causes flooding across Pampas and Mesopotamia regions, sometimes cutting routes for days. Summer heat occasionally damages asphalt surfaces, creating rough conditions. Winter fog particularly affects routes in Buenos Aires province and along Paraná River.
Booking options include terminal purchase, online through company websites, and through Plataforma10.com aggregating multiple carriers. Advance purchase recommended for peak travel periods including July winter vacation, December-January summer holidays, and long weekends surrounding national holidays. Some promotional fares require Argentine DNI, excluding foreign tourists. Most companies allow limited schedule changes with fees, varying by fare class purchased.
Argentina's passenger rail network has contracted dramatically from its 1950s peak of approximately 47,000 kilometers to roughly 2,500 kilometers of operational passenger service as of 2024. British companies constructed most trackage between 1860 and 1916 during Argentina's agricultural export boom. Nationalization occurred in 1948 under Perón's government. Subsequent decades saw declining investment, track abandonment, and privatization attempts during the 1990s that prioritized freight over passengers. Recent years brought gradual service restoration on select routes through government investment.
Buenos Aires commuter rail operates six primary lines radiating from downtown termini. Línea Roca serves southern suburbs from Constitución station to destinations including La Plata, Chascomús, and Bosques. Línea Sarmiento runs west from Once station through Caballito, Flores, and westward approximately 180 kilometers to Mercedes and Lobos. Línea Mitre extends northwest from Retiro station to suburbs including San Isidro, Tigre, and continuing to Capilla del Señor. Línea San Martín operates from Retiro northwest to Pilar. Línea Belgrano Norte runs from Retiro north through suburbs including Villa Rosa and reaches Capilla del Señor via different route than Mitre. Línea Tren de la Costa connects to Mitre line at Olivos, running along the river through affluent northern suburbs to Tigre delta.
These commuter services carry approximately 1.4 million passengers daily across the network according to 2023 operational statistics. Infrastructure varies substantially. Some lines operate modern Chinese-manufactured CSR electric multiple units introduced from 2014, while others use refurbished equipment dating from 1960s-1980s. Frequencies range from 10-20 minute intervals during peak hours on central sections to 40-60 minute headways on outer branches. Fares for residents with SUBE contactless payment card cost approximately 25-70 pesos for most journeys as of early 2024, subsidized by federal and provincial governments. Tourists without SUBE must purchase paper tickets at higher rates or obtain SUBE cards, available at kiosks and stations with approximately 200 peso deposit.
Long-distance passenger service remains limited. The Tren a las Nubes operates from Salta climbing to 4,220 meters at La Polvorilla viaduct on the former Salta-Antofagasta line. The service covers approximately 220 kilometers with partial journey by bus following infrastructure limitations and safety concerns. Departures operate April through November, skipping December-March rainy season, running typically once or twice weekly. The complete excursion requires approximately 15-17 hours. Fares range approximately 85,000-120,000 pesos depending on season and class.
Tren Patagónico La Trochita, also called Old Patagonian Express, operates narrow-gauge tourist service near Esquel in Chubut province on section of former extensive Patagonian network. The 750-millimeter gauge railway uses steam locomotives built by Henschel in Germany between 1922 and 1956. Service typically operates short excursions approximately 20 kilometers from Esquel to Nahuel Pan on weekend schedules, weather permitting. Charter operations for longer sections sometimes available. Paul Theroux documented this line in "The Old Patagonian Express" published 1979, though regular passenger service had already ceased by his journey.
Tren del Fin del Mundo operates from Ushuaia approximately 7 kilometers to Tierra del Fuego National Park boundary. This 500-millimeter gauge tourist railway follows partial route of original prison railway that operated 1910-1952. Modern tourist service began 1994 using replica steam locomotives. Journey duration approximately 1 hour 40 minutes round trip with park stop. Fares range approximately 35,000-70,000 pesos depending on class, with premium options including enclosed heated carriages versus open-air summer cars.
The Tren a Mar del Plata service resumed seasonal operation in 2015 after years of suspension. Diesel locomotive-hauled consists depart from Constitución station covering approximately 400 kilometers in roughly 6 hours. Service operates primarily December-March summer season with reduced frequency remainder of year. Rolling stock includes refurbished coaches from various decades. Fares approximately 5,000-12,000 pesos depending on class and purchase timing remain competitive with bus service at 8,000-15,000 pesos for comparable journey, though buses offer better frequencies and sometimes shorter travel times near 5 hours on direct motorcoach services.
Restoration plans announced periodically propose resuming service on routes including Buenos Aires to Córdoba, Buenos Aires to Rosario, and Buenos Aires to Bahía Blanca. Implementation timelines remain uncertain, contingent on infrastructure rehabilitation requiring substantial capital investment. Freight operations continue on many routes unused for passengers, complicating shared-use restoration given different infrastructure standards and priorities.
Argentina recognizes international driving permits issued per 1949 Geneva Convention alongside valid foreign licenses for tourists staying under 90 days. Minimum rental age typically 21 years, sometimes 23-25 for certain vehicle categories, with young driver surcharges common under age 25. Major international rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Localiza operate at main airports and cities. Local companies like Al Rent a Car and Flex Rent a Car sometimes offer competitive rates.
Buenos Aires rental rates for compact vehicles like Volkswagen Gol or Chevrolet Onix range approximately 12,000-25,000 pesos daily for short-term rentals decreasing to 8,000-18,000 pesos daily for weekly rental, based on season and advance booking. Medium SUVs like Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4 cost approximately 20,000-40,000 pesos daily short-term, 15,000-30,000 weekly. These rates exclude insurance beyond basic third-party coverage typically included. Supplemental collision damage waiver adds approximately 30-50% to base rate. Companies require credit card deposit hold ranging 40,000-150,000 pesos depending on vehicle category.
One-way rentals between major cities like Buenos Aires to Mendoza or Buenos Aires to Bariloche incur drop fees typically 50,000-150,000 pesos depending on distance and company policy. Some companies prohibit one-way rentals to Patagonian destinations or charge fees approaching rental cost itself. International one-way from Argentina to Chile requires special authorization and substantial additional fees when permitted, with many companies prohibiting cross-border entirely due to insurance complications.
Fuel costs as of early 2024 range approximately 500-700 pesos per liter for premium gasoline and 450-650 pesos for diesel, with regional variations. YPF operates the largest station network with approximately 1,600 locations nationwide, supplemented by Shell, Axion, and Puma among others. Patagonian stations may charge 10-20% premiums, with most isolated stretches like Ruta 40 between Perito Moreno and Tres Lagos requiring carrying reserve fuel. Station spacing along major routes like Ruta 7 and Ruta 9 remains adequate with typical intervals 100-150 kilometers.