How to Get from Buenos Aires to Mendoza
Flight or overnight bus? The honest comparison — times, prices, airlines, bus classes and which option suits your wine trip.
Mendoza sits roughly 1,000 km / 620 miles west of Buenos Aires — too far to drive comfortably, too close to ignore. Almost every wine trip in Argentina includes this leg, and the choice between flying and the overnight bus shapes the first day of your journey more than you’d think. Here is the honest comparison.
Once you arrive: the best wineries in Mendoza and all wine tours in Argentina.
Buenos Aires to Mendoza at a glance (2026)
Three ways to make the trip. For a wine trip, flying wins on time; the bus wins on experience and budget; a private transfer wins on door-to-door ease.
| Option | Time | Typical cost (one-way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (AEP–MDZ) | ~1h 55m in the air (3–4h door-to-door) | USD 40–90 booked early; 90–150 last-minute | Most wine travelers — fast and simple |
| Overnight bus | 14–16h, overnight | USD 100–130 “Cama Suite” | Budget, scenery and the classic Argentine bus experience |
| Private transfer / car | ~12–13h driving (not recommended in one go) | Varies — book via a tour operator | Door-to-door comfort, groups, no airport hassle |
The short answer for most people: fly. You trade a few dollars for most of a day, and arrive ready to taste. The chapters below break down each option in detail.
What's inside
01By plane
About 1 hour 55 minutes in the air. The fastest, most practical option — fares, airlines and which airport to use.
Read Step 1 →By bus
The famous 14–16 hour overnight ride — “Cama Suite” flat-beds, operators and what the journey is really like.
Read Step 2 →By car
Let someone handle the transfers and the timing.
Read Step 3 →What to pack
Altitude, sun and big temperature swings — the short, practical packing list for a Mendoza wine trip.
Read Step 4 →Quick answers
How long does it take to fly from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?
About 1 hour 55 minutes in the air, plus airport time on both ends. Plan for 3–4 hours door-to-door. Three airlines fly the route — Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSMART and Flybondi — with around 95 flights per week.
Which Buenos Aires airport flies to Mendoza?
Most Mendoza flights leave from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), the city-centre airport — easier and faster than Ezeiza (EZE). If you’re connecting from an international arrival at EZE, allow at least three hours to transfer between the two airports.
How much does a flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza cost?
One-way fares typically range from USD 40 to 90 if you book at least four weeks in advance, USD 90–150 closer to departure, and USD 200+ during peak times like Vendimia in March. Booking early saves around 30% on average.
Is the overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza worth it?
It’s a great experience if you want it — Argentina has one of the world’s best long-distance bus cultures, and “Cama Suite” service includes a flat-bed seat, dinner and breakfast. The trip takes 14–16 hours overnight. For most travelers on a wine trip, flying is more practical.
How long is the bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza?
About 14–16 hours, usually overnight. Buses leave Buenos Aires in the evening (7–9 PM) and arrive in Mendoza early morning. The major operators include Andesmar, Cata Internacional, Flecha Bus and Chevallier. Top-tier “Cama Suite” tickets cost around USD 100–130.