How to Get to Bariloche: Every Option by Plane, Bus, Car and Train

Hey, friend! First of all, HAPPY PATAGONIAN TRIP! I LOVE IT. Now, let’s not get distracted and get your plans organized, starting with: how to get to Bariloche.

Once you know how to get there, I invite you to read: Where to Stay in Bariloche and What to Do in Bariloche.

Luckily, the city is very well connected: it receives flights from many parts of the country, has a bus terminal with long-distance services, has roads in good condition and even offers a train option from the Atlantic coast.

Keep reading to get all the juicy details, with approximate travel times, pros, cons and recommendations so you can choose the option that best fits your budget, your travel season and your style.

How to Get to Bariloche: Overview

San Carlos de Bariloche is in Río Negro Province, on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and at the foot of the Andes. It’s about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Buenos Aires by road, about 420 kilometers (260 miles) from Neuquén and very close to the border with Chile, which also makes it a gateway for travelers coming from the neighboring country.

The main ways to get there are:

By plane, the fastest option.
By long-distance bus, the cheapest for many travelers.
By car, the most flexible way to explore Patagonia.
By train, a scenic alternative from Viedma.

How to Get to Bariloche by Plane

For most travelers, flying is the best answer to the question of how to get to Bariloche, especially if you’re leaving from Buenos Aires or another distant city.

The Airport

Bariloche is served by Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport (code BRC), located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center. It’s a modern terminal with car rental services, currency exchange, cafés and transportation counters.

Flight Time and Connections

The flight from Buenos Aires takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are departures from Aeroparque and Ezeiza, with daily frequencies that increase in high season. There are also direct or connecting flights from cities such as Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Tucumán and other parts of the country, depending on the season.

Tips for Flying to Bariloche

Buy in advance. For winter and summer vacations and long weekends, tickets sell out quickly and prices go up.
Compare airlines and dates. Flying midweek or in low season is usually cheaper.
Watch out for the weather. In winter, snow, wind or fog can cause delays or cancellations, so avoid very tight connections.
Check baggage policies. If you’re traveling to ski, factor in the cost of bringing special equipment.

From the Airport to Downtown

There are several ways to get into the city: taxis and remises (private car services), shared shuttle services, pre-booked transfers, car rental and city buses. If your accommodation is on Avenida Bustillo, in Llao Llao or in Villa Catedral, it’s best to arrange your transfer ahead of time.

Related reading: Where to Stay in El Chalén

How to Get to Bariloche by Long-Distance Bus

The long-distance bus is a very popular option for travelers looking for more affordable prices or who prefer not to fly. There are services connecting Bariloche with Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén, Mar del Plata, Bahía Blanca and other cities.

Travel Time

From Buenos Aires, the trip takes between 20 and 23 hours, depending on the company, the stops and traffic conditions. From Neuquén, the trip is much shorter, between 5 and 6 hours.

Pros and Cons

Pros: lower cost, the option of choosing services with full-recline (cama) or semi-recline (semicama) seats, direct arrival at the downtown terminal and no need to worry about driving.

Cons: it’s a long trip and can be tiring, especially for families with small children.

Tips for Traveling by Bus

Choose full-recline seats if the trip is long.
Bring a jacket: air conditioning and heating can vary.
Pack snacks, water, headphones and a travel pillow.
Buy your ticket early in high season.

The Bariloche bus terminal is close to downtown, next to the train station, which makes it easy to get to your accommodation by taxi, remis or city bus.

How to Get to Bariloche by Car

Driving is ideal if you want to make stops along the way, explore other Patagonian destinations or have total freedom once you arrive.

Route from Buenos Aires

The most common route combines national highways and crosses La Pampa and Neuquén or Río Negro, until joining National Route 237 and then Route 40 on the final stretch to Bariloche. The full trip is usually split into two or three days, with overnight stops in cities such as Santa Rosa, General Roca or Neuquén.

From Other Cities

From Neuquén: approximately 420 km (260 miles) via Route 237 and Route 40, with plateau and lake scenery.
From Mendoza: a long trip of more than 1,000 kilometers (over 620 miles), usually combined with stops in Neuquén or in the Seven Lakes area.
From Villa La Angostura or San Martín de los Andes: a spectacular getaway along the Seven Lakes Road, one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the country.

Tips for Driving to Bariloche

Check your vehicle before leaving: tires, brakes, lights and fluid levels.
Fill up often. There are long stretches between gas stations.
Avoid driving at night. Loose animals, such as guanacos or cows, can appear on the road.
In winter, check road conditions. Snow and ice may require chains or suitable tires.
Prepare your documents: license, vehicle registration or driving authorization, insurance and, if you’re crossing into Chile, the corresponding permits.

How to Get to Bariloche by Train

For those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Tren Patagónico connects Viedma with Bariloche across the Río Negro plateau. It’s a long ride, about a full day, with wide-open landscapes and an experience unlike other modes of transportation.

With this kind of service, it’s best to check frequencies, schedules and availability in advance, since they can vary depending on the season and operating conditions. If you’re planning to combine this stretch with other destinations, it’s an original option, though not the fastest.

How to Get to Bariloche from Chile

Bariloche is very close to the border with Chile, which makes the city an attractive stop for those exploring both sides of the Andes.

The most widely used route is the Cardenal Samoré International Pass, which connects the Villa La Angostura area with the Los Lagos region in Chile. From cities such as Osorno and Puerto Montt you can get there by car or by bus, on a trip that includes immigration procedures at the border.

Recommendations:

Check the status of the pass before traveling, as weather can close it temporarily.
Arrive with your documents in order: a passport or valid ID and, if you’re driving, the vehicle’s papers.
Keep in mind that there are restrictions on bringing in food of animal and plant origin.

Which Option Is Best for Your Trip?

If you’re short on time: flying is the best choice.
If you want to save money: the bus, or a flight bought far in advance.
If you want total freedom or a road trip: the car.
If you prefer a different kind of experience: the train, combined with other legs.
If you’re coming from Chile: crossing at Cardenal Samoré, by car or by bus.

Getting Around Once You Arrive

Once in Bariloche, the city offers several ways to get around: city buses that reach Llao Llao and Cerro Catedral, remises and taxis, organized excursions and car rentals. If your plan includes several excursions, a car can give you more freedom; if you’d rather not drive, excursions with transportation included solve much of the logistics.

Final Tips for Planning Your Arrival

Book tickets and accommodation early. It’s the best way to guarantee availability and good prices.
Check the forecast. Patagonian weather is changeable and can affect flights and roads.
Arrange your final transfer. Especially if you’re staying far from downtown.
Pack warm clothes. Even in summer, nights can be cool.
Leave a buffer in your connections. If you have return flights, avoid very tight schedules.

Conclusion

Knowing how to get to Bariloche is the first step to enjoying a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether by plane, bus, car or train, each option has its charm and its advantages. Choose the one that best fits your time and budget, plan ahead and get ready for an adventure among Patagonian lakes, mountains and forests.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get to Bariloche

How long does it take to get to Bariloche from Buenos Aires? By plane, about 2 hours and 20 minutes; by bus, between 20 and 23 hours; and by car, around 18 to 20 hours of driving, which is best split over several days.

What is the cheapest way to get to Bariloche? It depends on the season. In general, the bus tends to be cheaper, but a plane ticket bought in advance or in low season can match or beat it.

What is the best time to travel? June to September for skiing and December to March for summer activities. Spring and fall offer fewer tourists and beautiful scenery.

How do I get from Bariloche airport to downtown? You can take a taxi, a remis, a transfer or a city bus. If your accommodation is far from downtown, it’s best to arrange your transfer in advance.

Can you get to Bariloche by train? Yes, via the Tren Patagónico from Viedma, although it’s best to check schedules and availability before planning your trip.