Mendoza's airport, El Plumerillo (officially Aeropuerto Internacional Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli), sits around 8 km north of the city centre, in the flat plain beneath the Andes. It's a short, uncomplicated transfer, with road transport the only realistic way in — there's no rail link.
Taxi from Mendoza airport
Metered taxis wait outside the terminal and are the most straightforward option. The ride into the city centre takes around 15–20 minutes in normal traffic, and fares are modest given the short distance. Drivers are used to airport runs to the main hotel districts around the Plaza Independencia and along the wide, tree-lined avenues the city is known for.
Remis (pre-booked car)
A remis — a pre-booked car service, common across Argentina — is often preferred over a street-hailed taxi for airport transfers, since the fare is agreed in advance at a counter in the arrivals hall rather than relying on the meter. Journey time is the same as a taxi, around 15–20 minutes, and the price is broadly comparable, sometimes slightly higher for the certainty of a fixed rate. Many hotels can also arrange a remis pickup in advance, which is worth doing if you're arriving late or want one less thing to think about after a long flight.
Local bus
A local city bus route connects the airport to the centre, and is by far the cheapest option. It takes longer than a taxi or remis — allow 30–40 minutes depending on the route and stops — and requires a rechargeable local transport card (often only available in the city rather than at the airport itself), which makes it a less practical choice for a first arrival unless you're already set up with one from a previous visit or a local contact.
App-based ride-hailing
Ride-hailing apps operate in Mendoza and offer another straightforward option, with fares generally similar to a metered taxi and the benefit of an upfront estimate. Pickup arrangements at Argentine airports can vary, so check the app for designated pickup points if using one from the terminal.
Getting around once you're in Mendoza
Central Mendoza is compact and walkable, built around wide avenues and shaded plazas that make it a pleasant city to explore on foot. If you're heading straight out to the wine region — Maipú, Luján de Cuyo or the Uco Valley — most wineries and tour operators can arrange transport directly from your hotel, so there's rarely a need to organise a separate transfer from the airport itself for that leg.
Onward travel from Mendoza
Mendoza is a major stop for travellers crossing between Argentina and Chile, and for those exploring the country's wine regions. If you're arriving from Buenos Aires, see our route guide to Buenos Aires to Mendoza, which covers both the long-distance bus and the flight. Heading over the Andes, Santiago to Mendoza covers the spectacular high-altitude crossing by bus or car. For the wider country, our guides to Argentina by train, driving in Argentina and coaches in Argentina cover the practicalities of getting around, and Andean countries entry requirements is worth checking before you travel.
Practical tips
- Book a remis at the official counter in arrivals rather than accepting offers from unofficial drivers outside the terminal.
- Have Argentine pesos on hand, though cards and, increasingly, transfer apps are accepted by many remis operators.
- If your flight lands very early or late, arrange the remis or taxi in advance through your hotel to avoid any uncertainty.
- Given the short distance to the centre, there's little reason to pay for an expensive private transfer beyond a standard remis or taxi.
Terminal layout and first impressions
El Plumerillo is a single, compact terminal, easy to navigate even on a first visit to Argentina — arrivals, the remis counters and the taxi rank are all within a short walk of each other, with no need for a shuttle bus between terminals. Currency exchange facilities and ATMs are available in the arrivals hall, though rates at the airport are not always the most competitive, so many travellers prefer to withdraw only a small amount there and use a bank ATM in the city centre for the bulk of their cash needs.
Luggage and comfort
Taxis and remis cars comfortably fit two to three passengers with standard-sized luggage in the boot; if travelling as a larger group or with a lot of luggage, mention this when booking a remis so an appropriately sized vehicle is arranged. The short 15–20 minute drive means comfort is rarely an issue regardless of the option chosen, though the local bus can be a squeeze with large suitcases given it is designed primarily for local commuters rather than air travellers.
Seasonal and altitude notes
Mendoza sits in a high desert plain at the foot of the Andes, and conditions can vary sharply by season: summer (December to February) brings intense sun and heat, while winter (June to August) can be crisp and cold, particularly overnight, though snow at the airport itself is rare. The surrounding Andes are visible from the airport approach on a clear day, a striking welcome if you are arriving for the first time. Air quality and visibility can occasionally be affected by the seasonal zonda wind, a warm downslope wind from the mountains, which very occasionally disrupts flight schedules — worth checking if travelling in late winter or spring.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mendoza airport from the city centre?
El Plumerillo airport is about 8 km from central Mendoza, and a taxi or remis takes around 15–20 minutes in normal traffic.
What is a remis and should I use one?
A remis is a pre-booked car service common across Argentina, with the fare agreed in advance rather than metered. It's a popular, reliable choice for airport transfers in Mendoza and can be booked at a counter in arrivals or through your hotel.
Is there a train from Mendoza airport to the city?
No, there is no rail link — road transport (taxi, remis, bus or ride-hailing app) is the only way to reach the centre from the airport.
Is the local bus a good option from the airport?
It's the cheapest option but slower, at 30–40 minutes, and typically requires a rechargeable local transport card that isn't always easy to obtain on arrival, so most first-time visitors find a taxi or remis simpler.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Aeropuerto Internacional Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli (Mendoza) official site.