How to Get From Buenos Aires to Bariloche for a Ski Trip
Flying, driving, or busing from Buenos Aires to Bariloche? Here is every option, what each one costs, and the route our guides recommend for international skiers.
Most international skiers flying into Argentina will land at Ezeiza (EZE), Buenos Aires' main international airport. Bariloche â the gateway to Cerro Catedral and the heart of Patagonian skiing â is another 1,600 kilometres south. That sounds like a lot, but getting there is straightforward once you know your options.
Here is every way to make the journey, what each costs, and which one we recommend.
Option 1: Fly direct (the one we recommend)
AerolĂneas Argentinas and FlyBondi both operate direct flights from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC). The flight takes roughly two hours. During ski season (June through September), there are multiple daily departures.
Expect to pay between USD 80 and USD 200 for a one-way domestic ticket, depending on how far in advance you book and which airline you choose. AerolĂneas Argentinas is the full-service carrier with better baggage allowances â important if you are bringing your own skis. FlyBondi is the budget option but charges extra for checked bags and seat selection.
From Bariloche airport, the transfer to town takes 15 minutes. The transfer to Cerro Catedral's base area takes about 30 minutes. We include airport transfers in all our trip packages, so you will not need to arrange this yourself.
This is the option we recommend for every international skier. It is fast, affordable, and gets you on the mountain the same day you land.
Option 2: Connect through Aeroparque
If your international flight lands at Ezeiza (EZE), you will need to transfer to Aeroparque (AEP) for most domestic departures to Bariloche. The two airports are about 45 minutes apart by car or taxi, depending on traffic.
Some travellers prefer to spend a night in Buenos Aires to break up the journey â and honestly, the city deserves at least a day. The San Telmo neighbourhood, the Recoleta area, and the steak restaurants along the waterfront are all worth your time. But if you are eager to get to the snow, you can connect same-day with a buffer of at least three hours between flights.
A remise (private car) between Ezeiza and Aeroparque costs around USD 30â50. Taxis are cheaper but less reliable with ski bags.
Option 3: The overnight bus
Argentina has an excellent long-distance bus network, and the overnight service from Buenos Aires to Bariloche is a legitimate option if you have time and want the experience. The journey takes approximately 20 to 22 hours.
The top-tier service â called "cama suite" â offers fully flat beds, meals, wine, and a surprisingly comfortable ride through the Patagonian steppe. It costs between USD 60 and USD 120 one way. Companies to look for include VĂa Bariloche and Andesmar.
The bus is not faster or cheaper than flying when you factor in the time cost. But it is a genuine Argentine travel experience, and the dawn arrival into the lake district â when you see the Andes appear on the horizon â is something you do not get from a plane window.
Option 4: Drive it yourself
Renting a car and driving from Buenos Aires to Bariloche is possible but not recommended for a ski trip. The drive is roughly 1,600 km on Ruta 40 and Ruta 22, takes a minimum of 17 hours, and passes through long stretches of empty steppe with limited services.
If you want a car once you arrive in Bariloche â useful for visiting multiple resorts like Cerro Bayo in Villa La Angostura or Chapelco in San MartĂn de los Andes â rent one locally at Bariloche airport instead. That way you fly south and have wheels waiting.
What about flying into other airports?
If you are heading to Cerro Castor in Ushuaia, you fly Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (USH) direct â about 3.5 hours. For Las Leñas in Mendoza, fly to Mendoza (MDZ) and drive 5 hours south, or fly to MalargĂŒe (LGS) when seasonal flights operate.
For the BarilocheâSan MartĂnâVilla La Angostura corridor, which covers most of our trips, Bariloche (BRC) is always the right airport.
Our recommendation
Fly. Book AerolĂneas Argentinas if you are bringing ski gear, FlyBondi if you are packing light. Connect through Aeroparque same-day or spend a night in Buenos Aires first. Either way, you will be on the mountain within hours of landing in Bariloche.
If you are booking a trip with us, we handle the Bariloche side completely â airport transfers, resort transport, and all logistics between your arrival and departure. You just need to get yourself to Bariloche. We will take it from there.