Exploring Argentina: Travel Tips For Your Next Adventure

Argentina is a large country with a range of transport options for travellers. You can travel by bus, plane, car or train, with the most popular option being the bus. Buses in Argentina are called micros and they can take you all over the country. There are several kinds of buses, with varying levels of comfort and luxury. If you're looking to travel long distances, you might want to consider flying, as it can be more time-efficient. Renting a car is also an option, but it can be expensive.

Getting around by bus, plane, car or train

Argentina is a massive country, so you'll need to plan your route carefully. Buses are a great way to get around Argentina; they're cost-effective, comfortable, and the road network is in good condition. In Argentina, buses are called 'micros' or 'colectivos' and you can travel the whole country using medium- and long-distance services. There are several kinds of buses, especially those travelling long-distance routes. Some have partially reclining seats (sold as 'semi cama'), reclining seats ('cama') and luxury seats ('cama ejecutivo' or 'suite'). The latter offers a hot meal service on board. However, buses can be intimidating if you don't know what to expect and can be hard to navigate if you're not used to the city or don't speak Spanish.

If you want to cover large distances, particularly to and around Patagonia, travelling by plane can often save a day or more.

Train services are run-down and limited and not generally a viable method of getting around, although the train system in Buenos Aires is a great way to get around. You can use it to reach Tigre, one of the most popular day trips from Buenos Aires.

Finally, you could consider travelling by car. This is a good option if you want to travel to remote areas where bus services can be poor and infrequent.

Renting a car vs. hiring a taxi

Renting a car is a great way to explore Argentina, but it is more expensive than in Europe or North America. Most travellers stick to regions for their road trips, flying between regions. If you're travelling from Buenos Aires, you can rent a car and drive to the Iguazú Falls, which are on the border between Argentina and Brazil.

Hiring a taxi is another option for getting around Argentina. Taxis are readily available in most cities and can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you don't want to drive yourself. However, taxis can be more expensive than renting a car, especially for longer trips.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services. Buses, called micros, are a common way to get around Argentina and offer a range of comfort options, from partially reclining seats to luxury seats with hot meal service.

Ultimately, the decision between renting a car and hiring a taxi depends on your budget, how much flexibility you want, and your personal preferences for transportation.

Getting from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls

If you're travelling from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls, your best bet is to fly. The town of Iguazú is right on the border between Argentina and Brazil, and the city of Puerto Iguazú is only 12 miles away from the Iguazú National Park and its famous waterfalls.

Aerolineas Argentinas offers some of the cheapest flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú, with fares starting at $58. JetSMART also offers one-way flights from $29. Flights depart from Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport and arrive at Cataratas del Iguazu Intl. Airport (IGR).

You can also travel around Argentina by bus, car or train. Buses are called 'micros' and you can travel the whole country using medium- and long-distance services. Long-distance buses have restrooms, reclining seats and air conditioning, and some companies even have on-board wi-fi and USB ports. However, renting a car in Argentina is more expensive than in Europe or North America.

Recommended routes and travel times

You can travel around Argentina by bus, plane, car or train.

If you're travelling from Buenos Aires, make sure your belongings are secure before you arrive at Retiro bus terminal. You can travel the whole country by bus, and these are called 'micros'. There are several kinds of buses, especially for long-distance routes. Some have partially reclining seats (sold as semi cama), reclining seats (cama) and luxury seats (cama ejecutivo or suite). The latter offers a hot meal service on board. All long-distance buses have restrooms, reclining seats, and air conditioning (sometimes, they overdo it, so bring a coat). Some companies even have on-board wi-fi and USB ports, although you can't rely on them enough to schedule a business meetings.

Renting a car and setting off on a road trip is also a great way to explore Argentina. Most travellers stick to regions for their road trips, and fly between regions. However, renting a car in Argentina is more expensive than in Europe or North America.

If you want to travel between Ushuaia, the gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park, and El Calafate, 545 miles (877 km) away, the best way is by plane, a 1.5-hour flight. The most practical way to get from Bariloche to El Calafate, 640 miles (1,030 km) away, is to book a flight. Aerolineas Argentinas operates a daily nonstop flight between the two destinations.

The best way to travel between Ushuaia and El Calafate

There are several ways to travel around Argentina, including by bus, plane, car or train.

If you don't want to fly, you can take a bus and ferry, which takes around 13.5 hours and costs $55-$140. There are no direct buses between the two places.

Renting a car is also an option, but it is not recommended due to the hassle of crossing the border several times and returning the car to its point of departure. This journey takes around 14 hours.

Frequently asked questions