Mendoza is well connected by air from Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and other Argentine cities. Mendoza International Airport (MDZ) is conveniently located just 8 km from downtown. Low-cost airlines have made getting here remarkably affordable, with flights from Buenos Aires starting at USD 35.
Getting there at a glance
- Buenos Aires to Mendoza (flight): 2 hours, from USD 35 (low cost)
- Santiago, Chile (flight): 1 hour, from USD 50
- Santiago, Chile (bus): 6-7 hours through the Andes, from USD 20
- Buenos Aires (bus): 14 hours, from USD 25 (semi-cama)
- Airport transfer to downtown: from USD 6 (Civitatis, 9.2/10)
- Taxi from airport: USD 5-8
Flying to Mendoza
From Buenos Aires
The most common route. Multiple daily flights with Aerolineas Argentinas (from Aeroparque, from USD 50-80), Flybondi and JetSmart (from Ezeiza, from USD 35). Flight time: 2 hours. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for the best fares.
From Santiago, Chile
Just 1 hour by air with LATAM or JetSmart. A popular route for international travelers who combine wine regions: Chile's Maipo/Colchagua valleys with Mendoza's Malbec country. Fares from USD 50.
From the US and Europe
There are no direct flights to Mendoza from the US or Europe. The standard routing is to fly into Buenos Aires (Ezeiza, EZE) and then connect to Mendoza domestically. American Airlines, Delta and United fly direct to Buenos Aires from Miami, New York, Houston and Atlanta. From Europe: Iberia, Air France and British Airways serve Buenos Aires from Madrid, Paris and London.
From the airport to the city
- Civitatis private transfer (from USD 6): Driver meets you at arrivals with a sign. Rated 9.2/10 with thousands of reviews. The most stress-free option after a long flight.
- Taxi: USD 5-8 to downtown (15 minutes). Use the official taxi stand.
- Uber/Cabify: USD 3-6. Works well at the airport.
Getting around Mendoza
Getting between wineries is the biggest logistical challenge. Here is what works best for each area:
- Maipu wineries: Rent a bike (USD 10/day). Flat terrain, short distances.
- Lujan de Cuyo wineries: Group tour (USD 36) or hire a remis driver for the day (USD 80-120).
- Valle de Uco wineries: Group tour or remis (USD 100-150). It is 1.5 hours from the city.
- High Mountain (Aconcagua): Organized tour only (USD 59.40 with Civitatis).
- Downtown Mendoza: Walk or use Uber/Cabify (USD 1-4 per ride).
Comparing flight vs bus from Buenos Aires
- Flight (low cost): 2 hours, from USD 35. Fastest, ideal for short weekends.
- Bus cama: 14 hours, from USD 35. Good if you sleep well in transit.
- Driving: 12-13 hours (1,050 km via Route 7). Only worth it for families (4+ people) wanting a vehicle. Fuel: USD 80-100.
After arrival: planning your itinerary
Once in Mendoza, start with a free walking tour to orient yourself, then dive into one of our itineraries: 3-day itinerary, 5-day itinerary, or 7-day itinerary.
