Buenos Aires to Mendoza

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

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Buenos Aires and Mendoza are around 1,050 kilometres apart, sitting at opposite ends of the Argentine Pampas with the Andes rising behind the latter. The overnight Cama bus is Argentina's signature long-distance experience and the choice of most travellers; flights are quick; the drive crosses some of the most dramatic Andean scenery on the continent. Here is how each option stacks up.

The classic way: the long-distance Cama bus

Argentina's intercity bus network is excellent by any measure, and the Buenos Aires–Mendoza route is one of the busiest corridors in the country. Services run from Buenos Aires Retiro Bus Terminal — one of the largest bus terminals in South America — to the Mendoza Terminal de Omnibus, taking roughly 12 to 15 hours. Overnight services are the norm: depart in the evening, wake up in Mendoza.

Argentine long-distance buses come in several classes. Cama seats recline to nearly flat and are the most common choice for this distance — wide, comfortable, with blankets and meals often included. Suite or Cama Ejecutivo is even more generous, with larger seats and full flat beds on some operators. Semi-cama is cheaper with more limited recline.

Operators including Andesmar, Chevallier, El Rápido and others run the route, with fares varying by class, operator and how early you book. Prices are reasonable but can spike during Argentine holiday periods (January, July and around national public holidays). Book through the Plataforma 10 or Redbus websites, or at the Retiro terminal directly.

The journey across the Pampas is not especially scenic in itself — long, flat, agricultural, and mostly dark during an overnight crossing. But the Cama experience is comfortable enough that most travellers sleep through it and emerge in Mendoza refreshed. Arriving in the morning gives you the day in wine country, which is the whole point.

The fastest way: flying

Domestic flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, AEP — the city airport, much more convenient than Ezeiza) to Mendoza Airport take about 1 hour 45 minutes. Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM and low-cost carriers including Flybondi and Andes operate the route with multiple daily departures.

Aeroparque is close to downtown Buenos Aires and quick to access; Mendoza airport is a short taxi or remis ride from the city centre. Flying is genuinely faster door-to-door than anything except in very specific circumstances. The downsides: baggage allowances on budget carriers are tight, fares fluctuate significantly, and booking in advance during peak season is important. Argentine aviation has also had periods of reliability issues, so checking operator records before flying is sensible.

Flying is the right choice if you are short on time, travelling light, or find an advance fare that undercuts the bus on cost.

Driving the RN7

The main road from Buenos Aires to Mendoza is Ruta Nacional 7 (RN7), running westward across the Pampas and climbing into the Andes as it approaches Mendoza. The total distance is around 1,050 km, and without stops the drive takes about 10 to 12 hours in good conditions.

The scenic reward comes in the final section: as the road climbs from Mendoza toward the Chilean border via Uspallata, the landscape becomes spectacular — high desert, snow-capped peaks and, in the right season, the first Andean vineyards. If you are driving to Chile (through the Paso Los Libertadores border crossing), this is the main route.

Driving alone from Buenos Aires just to reach Mendoza is rarely worth it compared to the bus. But if you have a group, want to stop along the way (San Luis, Potrerillos reservoir, the Aconcagua viewpoints), or are continuing overland into Chile, it makes much more sense. Check tyre and fuel requirements for the mountain section, and be aware that the border crossing can be lengthy.

Is there a train?

A direct Buenos Aires–Mendoza passenger train existed until the 1990s but no longer operates as a regular long-distance service. Various proposals to restore or upgrade long-distance rail on this corridor have circulated over the years but have not materialised as of 2026. The bus and plane are the practical options.

Which should you choose?

For most visitors, the overnight Cama bus is the answer: it is affordable, comfortable for the distance, saves a night's accommodation and is very much part of the Argentine travel experience. Choose flying if time is genuinely limited or you find a competitive advance fare. Drive if you want freedom to stop, are heading into the Andes or on to Chile, or are travelling as a group. There is no meaningful train option at present.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza take?

Typically 12 to 15 hours, with overnight Cama services being the most popular choice. Departure is usually in the evening from Retiro terminal, arriving in Mendoza the following morning.

What is a Cama bus?

A Cama is the main class on Argentine long-distance coaches — wide seats that recline to near-flat, with leg rests, blankets and sometimes a meal or snack service included. It is a comfortable way to cover long overnight distances.

Which airport serves Buenos Aires for the Mendoza flight?

Most domestic flights to Mendoza depart from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), which is in the city of Buenos Aires itself and easy to reach from central neighbourhoods. Ezeiza international airport is much further out and serves international routes.

Is there a direct train from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?

Not currently. The long-distance passenger train on this corridor was discontinued in the 1990s and has not been restored. Bus and air are the practical options.