Planning your escape from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Patagonia? You’re in for a treat when you arrive, I can assure you, Patagonia is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been! That being said, travelling around Argentina itself isn’t the easiest (not only is Argentina practically the size of Europe, but it also isn’t yet blessed with a high-speed train service). During my Argentina adventure last year, I made this epic journey from Buenos Aiores to Bariloche by bus, and wow, what a marathon that was. Below I’ll go through all of the options I had for this journey, why I chose to take the (spoiler alert) 24 hour bus, and my survival tips for making it through such a crazy journey in one piece.
Bariloche is absolutely magical and should be very close to the top of your bucket list for Argentina. It’s a small city of around 150,000 residents on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by snow-capped Andean mountains. It’s Argentina’s “chocolate capital” but better known for being one of the most northern towns in the Patagonia region, making it the most accessible for tourists who are just making a flying visit and a stop that almost everybody visits when they head to the south of Argentina. The charming Swiss-Alpine architecture and artisanal chocolate shops create a uniquely European atmosphere that feels worlds away from the buzz of Buenos Aires.
You might be heading to Bariloche for various exciting reasons. Perhaps you’re kicking off an incredible Patagonian adventure (seriously, I’m so jealous!), or maybe you’re planning to cross into Chile through the spectacular Lake District. Bariloche also makes an excellent base for exploring the northern region of Patagonia before venturing further south to glaciers and fjords, or heading back north to wine country.
Getting from Buenos Aires to Bariloche by Bus
I went from Buenos Aires to Bariloche by bus primarily because my backpacker budget demanded I take the most affordable option. I was booking everything VERY last minute right at the end of Patagonia’s summer/autumn season, so everything (including flights) were quite expensive. Looking back, I’m honestly torn about whether I’d do it again. It’s a very solid 24-hour commitment that really tests your patience, but the views from the window as I woke up winding my way through Patagonia for the first time are something I’ll never forget.
Regular seats on this route cost around AR$70,000 (€35), while the premium reclining seats run about AR$130,000 (€65). Pricing fluctuates based on booking timing, season, and which company you choose. I’m a big proponent of upgrading to the fully reclining seats (this is how I did the journey and, boy, was it worth it).
For me, the timing of the bus I took was just about perfect. It was 1pm to 1pm, so I leisurely checked out of my Airbnb, went to see one last museum, then headed to the bus station. We made one stop for an early dinner at around 6pm, but I already had my many meals and snacks prepared (I was a master at taking long-distance buses by this point). For a few more hours after the stop I was listening to podcasts, snacking, watching Tiktoks and gazing out of the window as the sunset. Then I slept, woke up in the morning, and did the same for a few hours before I arrived in Patagonia.
Mastering the Marathon: Your 24-Hour Bus Survival Guide
Invest in comfort. For all of my long-distance bus rides in Argentina I splashed out on what locals often call “cama” seats or “ejecutiva”. In my head I call them “downstairs seats” because you usually find them downstairs on the bus (but you can often find them on the top deck, too, especially on longer intercity journeys). Standard seats are fine for shorter trips, but for 24 hours, the extra space and recline capability are worth every peso. Expect to pay 30-50% more, but your back will thank you.
Embrace early bedtime. I went to sleep at around 9pm, partly because I was bored and partly because the quality of sleep you get on these buses is quite bad, so you probably want to get more of it. Little did I know, the guy I was dating who I WAS ON MY WAY TO MEET UP WITH was shagging another girl behind my back while I was sleeping, but fingers crossed that doesn’t happen to you 🙃
Master the mentality. Constantly checking the time will drive you mad, and make the journey feel ten times longer. Don’t spend the whole trip counting down the hours until you get off the bus. If you’re in a downstairs seat, treat it as a relaxation day. That might be a little more difficult over 24 hours in a normal seat, but you can still get pretty comfortable on these buses. Load up on books, podcasts, films, and face masks – whatever helps you zone out and forget you’re on a bus.
Pack like you’re going to get stranded in the wild. I’m talking serious snack game here. throw healthy eating out the window for survival mode! As I mentioned already, we only made one stop during the whole trip (fear not, there was a decent, working toilet onboard), which was early evening (so about 6 hours in). The driver let us know that we wouldn’t be stopping again but he didn’t explain why, although I assume it’s because there isn’t really anywhere to stop in these really remote areas of Argentina. Every bus company will be a bit different and some trips don’t stop at all, so make sure you come prepared.
Flying from Buenos Aires to Bariloche
The flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche takes around 2.5 hours (which in itself is a true testament to how long that bus ride was!). Of course, this is the clear winner in terms of speed and convenience, especially when you take into account that this is an internal flight so there’s no passport control to worry about.
If you book in advance and aren’t picky about the time or date of your flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, you can snag one for as little as AR$80,000 (€40). The sly amongst you might notice that that’s even cheaper than taking the bus that I took, but unfortunately as I learned, last-minute or peak-season tickets can soar past AR$400,000 (€200). Don’t forget to budget for the time and cost it will take you to get to and from the airport, and to add a bag if you’re travelling with a suitcase or a larger backpack. Those budget airline extras add up faster than you’d expect!
Airline options include JetSmart, Aerolineas Argentinas, and Flybondi, with departures from either Jorge Newbery Airport or Ministro Pistarini International Airport (yeah, Buenos Aires has two airports, so make sure you go to the right one – I almost made this mistake when I was in Medellin and JUST made my flight in time), landing at San Carlos de Bariloche Airport.
Honestly, this is my top recommendation if your budget (or organisation) allows. You’ll arrive refreshed and ready to tackle Patagonia’s adventures instead of recovering from an overnight bus marathon.
Road Tripping from Buenos Aires to Bariloche
Argentina is generally safe for self-drive adventures, but I’d only suggest this for experienced drivers who are comfortable adapting to local traffic culture. Given that they drive on the “wrong” side for me, I’d probably pass! 😀 (Yes, I do live in mainland Europe now, but I learned to drive in the UK and the left side will always feel like the correct side for me to drive on.)
Be aware that on there are LONG stretches where you will find nothing in between – it’s not like Europe where the nearest city is only ever a couple of hours away! (I assume this is why my bus made a stop so early into the journey – I don’t think there was anywhere else to stop the whole way there.) If you are going to make this drive, I’d recommend going with two drivers so that one can drive whilst the other is resting.
Rental costs are reasonable, especially split among multiple travellers, and of course they vary by duration and vehicle type.
FAQs About Travelling from Buenos Aires to Bariloche
How do I go from Bariloche to Buenos Aires?
You can travel from Bariloche to Buenos Aires using the same methods: by bus (24 hours), plane (2.5 hours), or rental car (18-20 hours of driving spread over multiple days). The plane is the fastest option, and it can also be the most budget-friendly choice if you book in advance or travel off-season. In some cases, taking the bus can be much cheaper (as it was for me).
Is it worth going to Bariloche?
Absolutely! Bariloche is one of Argentina’s most stunning destinations and is often your first stop in Patagonia which just makes it feel even more magical. It’s perfect for hikers, chocolate lovers, and anyone wanting to experience the unique Alpine atmosphere in South America.
Is there a train from Buenos Aires to Patagonia?
There is no passenger train service from Buenos Aires to Bariloche or other destinations in Patagonian. Your main options are bus, plane, or hiring a rental car. Argentina’s long-distance train network is quite limited compared to other countries, and doesnt stretch to Patagonia at all.
What is better, Mendoza or Bariloche?
Both are incredible but offer completely different experiences! Mendoza is famous for its wine regions and desert landscapes, whilst Bariloche has lakes, mountains, and Alpine architecture. If you love wine and warmer weather, choose Mendoza. If you prefer cooler climates, the outdoors, and mountains, Bariloche is your destination. Ideally, visit both!
Conclusion
Your journey from Buenos Aires to Bariloche marks the beginning of a seriously incredible adventure in Patagonia. While my bus odyssey created lasting memories (and taught me valuable lessons about long-distance relationships), I’d lean towards flying for future trips. However, budget-conscious travellers willing to embrace the overland experience will find the gradual landscape transformation truly spectacular. Regardless of how you get there, Bariloche’s mountain magic and lakeside beauty make every journey worthwhile.
