Buenos Aires to Ushuaia: How to Travel

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 almost 2800 miles. 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 160. 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.

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. Fuel will also set you back around USD 346 on your road trip to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires. The approximate driving distance between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia is 1913 miles, which means spending around 37 hours on the road. While long-distance driving can be tiring, you do always have the option to stop at a scenic location for rest. Admire the view of the Seven Lakes from Route 40 (La Cuarenta) and Circuito Chico Drive.

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

The best and fastest way to get from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is by flight. It is also the most comfortable travel option. There are 29 direct flights offered by local airlines in Argentina. The Aerolineas Argentinas operates five to ten flights daily between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. There are other airlines you can choose from, such as Latam, though they may not always be available. It only takes 3.5 hours to get to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires on a plane. The most accessible airport is Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires.

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.

Sometimes, planning your transportation from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia can be a hassle. Not only will you have to make your accommodation plans, but you will also have to make a list of spots you want to visit during your time in Ushuaia. Instead, you can choose an all-inclusive tour to Ushuaia, departing from Buenos Aires.

• Join a 10-day vacation that combines two magnificent locations in Argentina apart from Ushuaia: the capital city, Buenos Aires, and El Calafate, a town close to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
• Join a breathtaking 15-day journey to Argentina's top attractions from the "End of the World" in Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls, the glaciers of Patagonia, and Mendoza vineyards.

There are many ways to explore and experience Ushuaia. Whether you go by bus, car, plane, or organized tour, if you are on a trip to Argentina, you must make time to see one of South America's biggest attractions. For detailed information on a customized tour of Argentina, get in touch with our local travel experts in Argentina. Get a tailor-made tour from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia based on your Argentina itinerary.

If you are looking to explore more, there are other destinations in Argentina with abundant opportunities to venture out. You can check out the guide on things to do in Argentina to find activities that best suit you. For a seasonal overview of the country, you can read our guide on the best time to visit Argentina.