How to get to Patagonia from Buenos Aires

Patagonia is one of the most beautiful places in South America. So, if you’re visiting Buenos Aires, maybe you are planning to travel to this wide land, full of captivating lakes, mountains, and unique nature. How to get to Patagonia from Buenos Aires? Let’s check the options.

While you plan your trip to Patagonia, keep in mind that this region has 1.768.000 km2 and the area is shared by 2 countries (90% belongs to Argentina and 10% to Chile). At the same time, Argentinian Patagonia is shared by 5 provinces: Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego.

Getting from Buenos Aires to Patagonia: distance

If you want to rent a car, remember that you will be at least 17 hours driving to Bariloche, Patagonia’s city closest to Buenos Aires. Does it worth it? I don’t think so, since two-third of the trip is plain.

Would you save money if you take a bus? No. Taking a bus might sound like the cheapest way to get to Patagonia from Buenos Aires, but if you check the fares, you’ll see that a bus ticket is more expensive than a flight. The bus ticket can cost twice! And you will spend 24 hours traveling…

As a local, I don’t even consider the train. The rail system in Argentina is not quite modern. And, on the other hand, there’s no train from Buenos Aires City to Patagonia. You might read about “Tren patagónico” but it works only 2 days a week and I’m sorry to say that the comments are not the best.

So, the first question is: Which area do you want to visit? Let me guide you through the main cities of Patagonia Argentina.

Get to Bariloche by plane

Bariloche is situated in the North West of Patagonia, in Río Negro Province. It’s one of the most tourist cities in Argentina. Locals and foreigners choose this city for its breathtaking landscapes, the delicious chocolate, and the excellent infrastructure. So, yes, Bariloche is a great place to start your trip!

The city is located at 1550 km from Buenos Aires city. The best way to get to Patagonia from Buenos Aires is by plane. Low-cost and regular airlines fly to Bariloche daily. The trip takes 2 hours. Domestic airlines fly to Bariloche from three airports:

• El Palomar Airport (Lowcost airlines JetSmart and FlyBondi).
• Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSmart).
• Ezeiza International Airport (Aerolíneas Argentinas).

Read more: 5 reasons why you should visit Bariloche, Argentina

Whales in Peninsula Valdés: How to get there?

Tourists travel to Puerto Madryn to see the whales mating and giving birth between May and December in Peninsula Valdés. How to get there from Buenos Aires? The distance is 1300 km. Regular flights arrive at Trelew Airport (Chubut Province); a city situated 65 km from Peninsula Valdés. You can get to your final destination taking a cab or a van (the cheapest option).

FlyBondi and Aerolineas Argentinas fly to Trelew. There are no flights to Puerto Madryn. Also, you can connect with other Patagonian cities by plane, like Ushuaia and El Calafate.

If you want to rent a car in Bariloche or take a bus, it’s an 11 hours trip, around 1000 km.

El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is the reason why many people travel to El Calafate. While the city is not as charming as other towns in Patagonia, the magnificent view of the glacier is a good reason to visit this city. Situated at 2800 km from Buenos Aires and 1400 km from Bariloche, El Calafate is the most tourist city in Santa Cruz Province.

You can travel to El Calafate with Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM, from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque or Ezeiza Airport), Ushuaia, Bariloche, and Trelew.

How to get to the end of the world: Ushuaia

Ushuaia is what we call “the end of the world” and if you already saw the map you know I’m telling the truth. In the extreme south of Patagonia, this charming city is the most important of Tierra del Fuego Province.

This island is situated 3100 km from Buenos Aires. You can take a 3.30 hours flight to get to Ushuaia. JetSmart, Aerolíneas Argentina and LATAM fly to the city.

Find here the best accommodation in PATAGONIA