Buenos Aires to Bariloche

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Planning this trip? Currency converter · Jet-lag calculator · Trip budget · Compare routes

Bariloche, on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake in Argentine Patagonia, is one of the country's most popular destinations — and one of its furthest from the capital. Buenos Aires to Bariloche covers roughly 1,600 km, and travellers usually choose between a short flight and one of South America's great long-distance bus journeys. A limited scenic train also covers part of the route.

The quickest way: flying

Several flights a day connect Buenos Aires (mostly from the domestic Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, with some services from Ezeiza) to Bariloche's small airport, with an air time of around 2 hours. It is by far the fastest option and the one most visitors choose, especially given how far south Bariloche sits. Book ahead where you can — fares rise sharply close to Argentina's summer holiday season (December–February) and around the ski season in the Andes (July–August), both of which draw heavy domestic demand for this route.

Cable car crossing over a lake and mountains near Bariloche" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="900">

The classic way: the overnight cama bus

Argentina's long-distance buses are among the most comfortable in the world, and the Buenos Aires–Bariloche run is a proving ground for the top-tier cama and cama suite classes, with seats that recline close to flat, meals served on board, and onboard service that would not embarrass a short-haul business class seat. The journey takes around 20 hours, departing from Buenos Aires' vast Retiro terminal and usually spanning two nights or a very long single day and night, depending on the departure.

Fares are a fraction of the flight and the comfort level on a good cama service is genuinely high, but this is still a full day (or more) given over entirely to travel. For a detailed look at the different seat classes and what to expect from Argentine operators, see our guide to coaches in South America.

The scenic option: Tren Patagónico

Argentina's long-distance rail network has shrunk dramatically since its mid-20th-century heyday, but one notable survivor is the Tren Patagónico, which runs between the coastal town of Viedma and Bariloche — not from Buenos Aires itself. Reaching Viedma requires a separate bus or flight from the capital, and the train journey itself takes roughly two days across the empty Patagonian steppe, with basic sleeper accommodation. It runs on a limited schedule, sometimes just once or twice a week, so it needs booking well in advance and is best treated as a slow-travel experience in its own right rather than a practical way to save time or money getting to Bariloche.

What the bus journey is actually like

The route runs south-west out of Buenos Aires across the flat pampas, through provincial cities such as Bahía Blanca, before the landscape gradually turns to the drier scrubland of the Patagonian steppe and finally climbs into the foothills of the Andes around Bariloche. It is a long haul across genuinely empty country — hours can pass with little more than grassland and the occasional estancia in view — but the top-tier cama services make it a comfortable, almost restful way to watch Argentina's geography change. Onboard meals, a steward and a proper seat-back screen are standard on the better companies, and the fold-flat recline means most passengers get real sleep on the overnight legs. Buses stop periodically for meal breaks and driver changes, which also gives a chance to stretch your legs.

Booking tips

Book cama and cama suite seats a few days ahead where possible, especially for travel in the Southern Hemisphere summer and around Argentine national holidays, when the best classes sell out first. Retiro terminal in Buenos Aires has ticket counters for dozens of operators, so if you have not booked online it is easy to compare same-day departure times and prices on arrival. Fares vary noticeably between the standard semi-cama tier and the top cama suite class — for a 20-hour journey, most travellers find the extra cost of the better seat well worth it.

Which should you choose?

For most travellers, flying is the practical choice given the sheer distance involved — nearly the length of Argentina itself. Choose the cama bus if you have a spare day, want to save money, or simply enjoy long-distance travel through changing landscapes, from the pampas to the Patagonian steppe and finally the lakes and mountains around Bariloche. The Tren Patagónico is for train enthusiasts and slow travellers with time to spare, not a practical transport option for getting from the capital to the Lake District quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche?

Around 2 hours in the air, with several flights a day. Fares rise significantly during Argentina's summer holidays and the winter ski season.

How long does the bus take?

Around 20 hours from Buenos Aires' Retiro terminal, usually on a premium cama or cama suite service with reclining seats and meals.

Can I take a train from Buenos Aires to Bariloche?

Not directly. The Tren Patagónico runs only between Viedma and Bariloche, so you would need a separate bus or flight to Viedma first, and the train itself takes about two days with limited weekly departures.

Which airport does Bariloche use?

Bariloche has its own airport a short distance from the town centre, served by direct flights mainly from Buenos Aires' Aeroparque, with some seasonal services from other Argentine cities.

What class of bus seat should I book for such a long journey?

For a 20-hour trip, the cama or cama suite classes are worth the extra cost over standard semi-cama seating — the near-flat recline makes a real difference to how rested you feel on arrival.