Buenos Aires to Ushuaia: Top 3 Travel Routes

If you are wondering how to get from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, there are three ways. Depending on what kind of vacation you are looking for and with whom you are traveling, you can opt to get there by either bus, car, or flight.

By bus

The distance from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is around 3000 kilometers. The journey by bus takes approximately 50 hours. It is not the fastest option to travel, but it is very budget-friendly, as the bus ticket costs only around USD 150 to 200. As there are no direct buses connecting the two cities, you must first go to Rio Gallegos or Chile before taking another bus to Ushuaia. Most buses provide optimal comfort with reclining seats and ample leg room. You will also be rewarded with beautiful views if you decide to take a bus to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires.

• Distance covered: Around 300 kilometers
• Duration: Approximately 50 hours

Pro tips:

• Book your bus seat online via the company website in advance if you do not speak Spanish. But make sure to print it, as some agencies will not allow you onto the bus without a physical copy of your ticket.
• If you are traveling at night, make sure that the seats are "cama" or “semi-cama”, which allow you to recline comfortably enough to get a good night's sleep. If you are making an online reservation, pick your seats carefully, as changing the seat option post-booking could cost you extra.
• Andesmar, Marga Taqsa, Viatac, and El Valle are a few of the popular bus companies you can rely on. Typically, seven buses run each week, but be sure to check the schedule in advance.
• Expect higher airfares and numerous daily departures during the peak travel period, which lasts from late November to early February. Prices decrease as well as the number of departures during the shoulder seasons (September to November and March to May). There will be fewer departures during the low season (from June through August).
• There is a limit to the weight of luggage you can carry. This will instantly be put in the boot, after which you will receive a token number. Make sure to keep this safe to collect your belongings.

By car

Compared to taking a bus from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, driving a car offers much more freedom and flexibility to stop wherever you want. You can rent a car, though it is not entirely a straightforward process. As a rough estimate, the total cost of the journey, accounting for fuel, tolls, and rental fees, could set you back anywhere between USD 500 and USD 1,000 or more. The travel duration between the two destinations also depends on your driving pace and the number of stops you make en route. With decent driving speed and a minimum number of stops, you could cover a distance of roughly 3000 kilometers in 40 hours. But we highly recommend that you take your time during your journey and stop at scenic locations to stretch and relax. Admire the view of the Seven Lakes from Route 40 (La Cuarenta) and Circuito Chico Drive.

• Distance covered: Around 300 kilometers
• Duration: 40 to 50 hours

Pro tips:

• Despite being more expensive, you can find the cheapest rate if you travel during the off-season or book in advance. To be cost-effective, rent a car you can return rather than a "one-way drop-off"’. Also, you can choose a small manual car instead of a luxury one.
• While the distance is long, the good news is that gas is cheap, so you will not have to spend enormous amounts.
• If you intend to drive, you must be older than 21 years and younger than 75 years with a valid driver’s license. You must also produce copies of your passport and proof of insurance. If your driving license is not in Latin, you must get an international one. Make sure to take your credit card, as cash is usually not accepted.
• Driving is also done on the right-hand side in Argentina.
• Beware of scams and corrupt police officers, who tend to demand fines from tourists for no apparent reason. At such times, make sure to request a formal ticket because it is illegal for police officers to do so.

By plane

Taking a flight is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Domestic airlines, notably Aerolíneas Argentinas, offer daily flights from Jorge Newbery Airport, and the travel duration is around 3.5 hours. The one-way air ticket price to fly to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires depends on factors like the time of your booking and the seat class you pick. It could range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

• Distance covered: Around 3000 kilometers
• Duration:  3.5 hours

Pro tips:

• Note that the price for one ticket may vary depending on the month. It is best to book your tickets at least four weeks in advance. The earlier you book your flight, the higher the possibility of getting a below-average price.
• Sunday is usually the cheapest day of the week to fly to Ushuaia, and the cheapest month to fly is May. As January is the high season, tickets are expensive and they usually run out soon.
• It may be cheaper to fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in the evening when the prices are lowered by at least 24 percent.
• Historical data shows that Flybondi and JetSMART offer the lowest one-way and round-trip fares to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires.

A quick overview of traveling from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Transport Mode	Time Taken	Why Choose This
Bus	50 hours	A budget-friendly option with scenic views along the way.
Car	40 to 50 hours	More freedom and flexibility to stop at scenic locations.
Flight	3.5 hours	Fast and comfortabel travel option.

Traveling from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia provides a variety of transportation options. A direct flight is the quickest but most expensive option to travel between the two destinations. A bus trip, on the other hand, is the cheapest way to travel. Though traveling by bus means spending up to 50 hours on the road, it is a great way to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy the scenic views between two places. If you value flexibility and freedom, you can rent a car and enjoy an epic road trip between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

Take our all-inclusive Ushuaia tours starting from Buenos Aires for a seamless and comfortable travel experience. Our thoughtfully curated Ushuaia tours will handle your accommodation, food, and transportation, allowing you to completely enjoy your holiday. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guides, discover Ushuaia's historical significance, exploring its landmarks and cultural heritage.

For those looking for a personalized travel experience, we offer tailored options to customize your Argentina tour that will allow you to explore Ushuaia at your own pace and even include additional destinations in Argentina.

Check out our guide on the top things to do in Argentina for more inspiration. To plan your visit wisely, check out our guides on the best time to visit Argentina. Our article on how many days to spend in Argentina might also come in handy.

FAQs

1. How to get to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires?

You can reach Ushuaia from Buenos Aires by bus, car, or plane. Buses offer budget-friendly travel with scenic views along the way, while driving grants flexibility and adventure. For comfort and speed, book a direct flight service.

2. What airlines fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia?

Several airlines operate flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, with Aerolines, Argentinas being a prominent one. Other options like Latam and occassional offerings from airlines like Flybondi and JetSMART.

3. How long is the flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia?

The flight duration from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is approximately 3.5 hours. But it may vary based on factors such as weather conditions and flight routes.