Getting to Argentine Patagonia requires some planning, as distances are enormous. The good news is that all three gateway cities — Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia — have airports with regular flights from Buenos Aires and, in some cases, direct connections between them. This guide explains every option with 2026 prices and practical money-saving tips.
Flights to Bariloche (BRC)
Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport is 15 km from the centre. Aerolineas Argentinas flies daily from Aeroparque (2 hours, from USD 90-180). Flybondi and JetSMART fly from Ezeiza (from USD 55-120). Airport transfer: USD 12-18 by taxi, USD 8-10 by shared shuttle.
Flights to El Calafate (FTE)
Comandante Armando Tola Airport is 23 km from town. Aerolineas daily (3 hours, from USD 120-250). Low-cost options from USD 75-180. Direct connection to Ushuaia (1 hour). Transfer: USD 15-20 shared, USD 25-30 private.
Flights to Ushuaia (USH)
Malvinas Argentinas Airport features one of the world's most spectacular landings, surrounded by snowy mountains and the Beagle Channel. Just 5 km from town. Aerolineas daily (3.5 hours, from USD 130-280). Low-cost from USD 85-200. Transfer: 10 minutes by taxi (USD 8-12).
Flying between Patagonian cities
- Bariloche to El Calafate: 2 hours, Aerolineas Argentinas, from USD 100-200.
- El Calafate to Ushuaia: 1 hour, Aerolineas Argentinas, from USD 80-150.
- Bariloche to Ushuaia: no regular direct flights; connect via Buenos Aires or El Calafate.
Overland: bus from Buenos Aires
Long-distance buses to Bariloche take 22-24 hours (from USD 50 semi-cama, USD 90 cama suite). Companies: Via Bariloche, Andesmar. There are no practical bus services to El Calafate or Ushuaia from Buenos Aires. Within Patagonia, buses run between nearby cities: El Calafate-El Chalten (3h, USD 15-25), Bariloche-San Martin de los Andes (4h, USD 10-15).
Ruta 40: the epic road trip
Argentina's longest highway (5,224 km) traverses all of Patagonia. The Bariloche-El Calafate stretch (1,600 km) is 5-7 days of gravel roads, enormous skies and no cell signal. Essential: 4x4 vehicle, extra fuel (300+ km between petrol stations), spare tyres and supplies. It is one of South America's greatest road trips but demands serious preparation.
From neighbouring countries
- Santiago, Chile to Bariloche: fly to Puerto Montt + Andean Lake Crossing (12 hours, from USD 317).
- Punta Arenas, Chile to El Calafate: direct bus (5-6 hours, USD 20-30).
- Punta Arenas to Ushuaia: bus via Porvenir and Strait of Magellan crossing (12 hours).
