Navigating Argentina: Prepare for some unforgettable adventures

Argentina is expansive, featuring considerable distances between its key tourist destinations.

Covering over 3.7 million sq km (1.42 million sq miles) and home to 46 million people, Argentina is sparsely populated relative to its size. It holds the title of the largest Spanish-speaking nation, the second-largest in Latin America, and ranks eighth globally in area.

When organizing your journey, you'll find multiple options to explore the country. Here’s our comprehensive guide to traveling in Argentina by bus, plane, car, or train.

Buses are the ideal choice for discovering every part of the nation.

In Argentina, buses are referred to as micros, allowing you to traverse the entire country with medium- and long-distance services.

For comfort, there are various types of buses on long routes. Options include partially reclining seats (marketed as semi cama), fully reclining seats (cama), and luxury seating (cama ejecutivo or suite), the latter providing hot meals on board.

All long-distance buses feature restrooms, reclining seats, and air conditioning (sometimes excessively, so pack a jacket). Some companies even offer on-board Wi-Fi and USB ports, though they're not reliable enough for important meetings.

When traveling from Buenos Aires, ensure your belongings are secure before reaching the Retiro bus terminal, and stay alert with your personal items, particularly your phone.

While renting a car can be pricey, it allows for the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path routes.

Car rentals in Argentina tend to be more costly than in Europe or North America. Nonetheless, the opportunity to discover roads beyond the usual tourist spots justifies the added expense.

It's also a fantastic way to visit smaller towns in the northwest, like Salta, Jujuy, and Patagonia, which often have limited bus services.

When renting a vehicle, choose the unlimited mileage option. Basic third-party liability insurance is included in the rental agreement. If you're planning to cross into a neighboring country, confirm that your rental contract covers it. National roads are typically well-maintained, but rural routes can be unpaved and filled with potholes.

Planning to hit the road? Check out our favorite road trip routes in Argentina

Trains offer a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery without the rush.

Argentina once boasted one of the largest railway networks in the world, serving as a model for Latin America. However, in the 1990s, these networks were dismantled and privatized.

Many intercity train services have ceased, leading to a decline in service quality. Nonetheless, trains still connect to popular cities like Mar del Plata, Córdoba, Rosario, and Tucumán.

While train travel is slower and less frequent compared to buses, it is more affordable. Certain routes offer breathtaking views, such as El Tren del Fin del Mundo (Train to the End of the World) in Ushuaia, Tren Ecológico de la Selva (Rainforest Ecological Train) in Puerto Iguazú, and Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) in Salta.

Air travel has seen improvements in pricing and connectivity.

Aerolíneas Argentinas is the leading airline in the country, offering a broad range of domestic, regional, and international flights.

In 2018, the government welcomed low-cost airlines into the market. JetSmart and Flybondi, the two low-cost carriers operating in Argentina, have ramped up competition, leading to better prices and increased flight options, especially to tourist destinations like Bariloche, Puerto Iguazú, and Mendoza.

Book your ticket early to secure a price lower than a bus fare. Flight costs surge in December and January as Argentines prepare for their summer holidays.

Catch the ferry to Uruguay

Opportunities for boat travel within Argentina are limited, but it's a fantastic way to swiftly reach the cities of Colonia, Montevideo, and Punta del Este in Uruguay.

The two main companies providing this service are Colonia Express and Buquebus, with regular trips running from Tigre through the Paraná Delta. Additionally, Sturla offers river tours from Puerto Madero to explore the Río de la Plata and Tigre. To reach Ushuaia by bus or car, you will need to cross into Chile and take a ferry across the Magellan Strait.

Excited to visit Argentina? Find the perfect time with our seasonal guide

In Buenos Aires, the Subte (subway) provides the quickest means of transportation.

Buenos Aires is unique in Argentina for its subway network, consisting of six lines and 56 km (35 miles) of track.

To access the subway, buses, and suburban trains, you need to purchase a SUBE card. While obtaining one can be tricky, subway stations and certain kiosks usually sell them.

The vast bus network is numbered, similar to other major cities like Córdoba and Rosario. Certain areas of Buenos Aires feature dedicated bus lanes, which can help expedite your travel. Initially, finding the stops may be a bit confusing.

Moovit and Mapa Interactivo Buenos Aires are two helpful apps that guide you through the city without the risk of getting lost. Be sure to keep your phone and belongings safe from pickpockets at train, subway, and bus stations.

Recently, the number of taxis in Buenos Aires has declined due to intense competition from ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, and DiDi.

Planning to explore BA? Check out our guide to local transportation

Cycling is a great option in various locations.

In 2009, Buenos Aires developed an extensive network of bike lanes to encourage cycling. Today, the city boasts over 300 km (186 miles) of bike paths, making it an excellent way to navigate this flat, densely populated area. Ecobici is Buenos Aires' bike-sharing program.

With 340 stations and more than 3,600 bicycles available across the neighborhoods, foreigners can easily access the service using just a valid passport and an international credit card to download the app. Cities like Cordoba and Rosario have also expanded their bike lanes and introduced public bike systems.

For the adventurous, the multi-day Seven Lakes Route is a spectacular bike ride. Spanning 110 km (68 miles), it connects Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes in Patagonia, offering stunning views of lakes, mountains, and forests.

Another great choice is the Calchaquíes Valleys, a 300 km (186-mile) journey through northern Argentina (Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca), showcasing stunning mountains, traditional mud structures, and villages rich in indigenous heritage.

Accessible transportation options are limited in Argentina.

The country still has significant challenges regarding accessibility. In major cities, broken sidewalks and buildings that are not wheelchair-friendly are common. However, Buenos Aires is actively working to enhance wheelchair access in hotels, bus stations, and subway facilities.

The National Parks administration, which oversees some of the most popular parks like Iguazú, Los Glaciares, and Nahuel Huapi, is making commendable strides in accessibility by providing adapted chairs in natural areas, accessible trails, ramps, and other necessary infrastructure.