When you make the journey from Bariloche to Mendoza, it’s almost like going from one country to another. You’re transitioning between two of Argentina’s best and most unique regions: Patagonia, and the wine region. When I was travelling in Argentina last year, I took the overnight bus from Bariloche to Mendoza. It was quite a long journey but, by that point, I was totally used to marathon bus rides in South America and (spoiler alert), this is probably the only reasonable way to make this journey (but I have included other options in this article, in case you’re a real anti-fan of long distance bus rides).
Bariloche is pure mountain magic. It almost feels like a slice of Switzerland transplanted into Argentina, complete with chalet-style architecture and crystal-clear lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It was my first taste of Patagonia, and it really didn’t disappoint, even though by this time it was autumn and the weather was turning cold.
Mendoza, on the other hand, is Argentina’s wine capital, surrounded by desert. It’s a unique and interesting city, mostly visited for its landscapes and many, many vineyards, olive groves and hot springs. Mendoza is known worldwide for its Malbec (and you’ll get to taste plenty of it while you’re there) stunning mountains, and a completely different, laid-back side of Argentina that you don’t really get to experience in Patagonia.
Travelling from Bariloche to Mendoza by Bus
Taking the bus from Bariloche to Mendoza was how I made the trip, and it was how most other travellers that I met in Mendoza had arrived, too. Of course there are more ways to get from Bariloche to Mendoza that I’ll cover below, but this overnight bus route is the most common way to make the journey. It takes 18 hours, which was actually a shorter ride for me compared to other journeys I’d made on my trip through South America.
Two main companies operate this route: AndesMar and Cata Internacional. A regular seat costs around AR$108,000 (€54), whilst the upgraded seat is only a little extra at AR$124,000 (€62). Honestly, I’d absolutely recommend splashing out for the upgrade – the extra comfort is completely worth it (I did the upgrade on all of my bus trips in Argentina, even the more expensive ones).
Both bus companies depart around the same time in the afternoon (roughly 1pm) and arrive the following morning at 7am. I actually think this schedule works brilliantly – you don’t lose a full day, and you arrive refreshed and ready to explore Mendoza (well, that depends on how well you sleep on the bus, but I slept pretty well in my big upgraded seat!)
Mobile signal is very patchy on this route. On most intercity bus journeys I did lose signal every now and then, but on this route in particular I remember spending several hours at a time with absolutely no connection as we wound through genuine wilderness.
The scenery as you leave Patagonia is really stunning (although there wasn’t much to see after the sun set, of course). While long bus rides might feel like lost time, there’s actually a lot to see as Argentina’s dramatic landscape transforms from lakes and forests to rolling hills and deserts.
How to survive the 18-hour bus ride from Bariloche to Mendoza
Upgrade your seat. I went for what locals call “cama ejecutiva” or some variation of these words. They’re the luxury, upgraded seats that I mentioned before, and they’re an absolute game changer for overnight travel. Regular seats are fine for shorter bus rides (they’re similar to the seats you’d expect on coaches in Europe), but these upgraded seats are basically massive armchairs that recline almost flat. I wish I’d taken more pictures so I could show you properly! For just €8 extra on this route, it’s honestly a no-brainer.
Embrace the journey mentally. Accept that this bus becomes your home for the night, and don’t spend the wholel time wishing you could get off (even though you might). Fighting the duration will make it a miserable experience, so if you can just accept it for what it is you’ll end up much more comfortable. Load up on entertainment, practice some self-care, catch up on reading, and plan to sleep early.
Pack a lot a lot of food! You want a serious snack strategy for a bus ride of this length. This route makes zero stops (though luckily for everyone there was a fully functional onboard toilet), mainly because there are very few places to stop in the wilderness between Bariloche and Mendoza. By this stage of my trip, I’d become an expert in bus rides, so I packed everything: dinner, breakfast, and enough snacks to feed a small army.
Flying from Bariloche to Mendoza
Here’s where things get a bit bizarre – there are no direct flights between Bariloche and Mendoza! To me it doesn’t make sense as it’s quite a long way and it’s quite a popular route for travellers, but I guess it’s just not a popular enough route to warrant a direct flight. If you want to fly, you need to connect through Buenos Aires, even though Buenos Aires is further from both destinations than they are from each other.
Despite the hassle of making a connection, prices aren’t terrible and the flight timings are okay, too. You can find flights starting around AR$100,000 (€50), making it a fairy reasonable option if you really want to avoid another epic bus journey. Although, these prices are with budget airlines which means you probably have to pay extra for your bag. Including the Buenos Aires connection, the total travel time is roughly 6 hours – still significantly faster than taking the bus (even factoring waiting times and travel to and from the airport). Airlines serving this route include Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart, and Flybondi.
Driving from Bariloche to Mendoza
Car rental in Argentina is generally safe, though I’d only recommend it for confident drivers who are comfortable adapting to local traffic culture. Interestingly, it’s quite uncommon for travellers to drive this particular section. I talked to many, many travellers in the hostels I stayed in around Argentina and did some research online before writing this article, of course! Most people prefer renting cars locally in each destination and using buses or planes for travelling between the two cities. Most of drive itself after you leave Patagonia isn’t particularly scenic or interesting, and the vast emptiness means very limited services along the way.
FAQs About Travelling from Bariloche to Mendoza
How do I get to Mendoza from Bariloche?
Your main options are an 18-hour overnight bus (most popular with backpackers), flights via Buenos Aires connection (about 6 hours total), or driving (uncommon due to the remote location). The bus offers the best value and scenery, whilst flying saves time but often costs more (and making a connection can often be a hassle).
What is better, Bariloche or Mendoza?
Both destinations offer completely different experiences! In Bariloche you’ll find mountain adventures, lots of chocolate, and Alpine houses with much cooler weather (although that depends on what time of day you go). In Mendoza you’ll find wine tourism, deserts, and warmer climates. Both places deserve to be on any Argentina itinerary, so go to both if at all possible!
Is it worth going to Mendoza, Argentina?
Absolutely! Mendoza is a world-class destination with incredible vineyards, stunning mountains, and lots of things to do. It’s perfect for wine lovers,, especially for those seeking luxury travel experiences, as well as anyone wanting to explore Argentina beyond the typical tourist trail.
Conclusion
Your journey from Bariloche to Mendoza goes through one of Argentina’s most dramatic regional transitions – through the Patagonian wilderness, right through to the desert and wine region. While the 18-hour bus adventure is memorable, budget-friendly, and definitely not as uncomfortable as you might imagine, the route choice depends entirely on your travel style and schedule. Time-conscious travellers might prefer to fly despite the longer distances and the hassle of connecting in Buenos Aires. Regardless of your chosen transport, you’re in for a treat when you go to Mendoza!
