Domestic Flights in Argentina 2025: Which Airline to Choose?

Domestic flights in Argentina are the smartest way to cross a country this vast. In a few hours, you can jump from Buenos Aires to the glaciers of El Calafate or all the way to Ushuaia at the “End of the World.” This guide explains which airports to use (AEP vs EZE), the main domestic airlines (Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSMART, Flybondi), baggage rules, delays, and when it actually makes sense to pick a long-distance bus or a rental car instead.

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✈️ Domestic Flights in Argentina: Smart Ways to Cross a Big Country

I still remember my first domestic flight in Argentina, when I left the noise of Buenos Aires behind and watched the Pampas unfold from the airplane window.

The distances here are vast, so flying is often the only way to see more than one region in a single trip. Aerolíneas Argentinas, the national carrier, covers nearly every corner of the country, from Mendoza’s wine valleys to Patagonia’s glaciers. For budget-friendly options, JetSMART and Flybondi are surprisingly efficient, though they charge extra for baggage.

Most domestic flights depart from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), right in the city, while Ezeiza (EZE) handles some longer domestic and international routes.

A quick hop from Aeroparque takes you to Puerto Iguazú, the gateway to the Iguazú Falls, or to Ushuaia at the world’s southern tip, where you can continue exploring on a Beagle Channel cruise or taste centolla crab fresh from the sea.

The main domestic airlines in Argentina are Aerolíneas Argentinas (full-service) and the low-cost JetSMART and Flybondi. Most internal flights use Aeroparque (AEP) in Buenos Aires; book early for better fares and confirm baggage policies before purchase.

Domestic flights turn Argentina’s impossible distances into two-hour connections, the easiest way to experience its north-to-south contrasts in a single journey.

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✈️ Buenos Aires Airports: Aeroparque vs Ezeiza (AEP vs EZE)

After a few trips across Argentina, I’ve learned that knowing which Buenos Aires airport you’re flying from is almost as important as booking the right flight itself. The city has two major airports: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ezeiza International (EZE), and confusing them is one of the easiest mistakes travelers make.

Aeroparque (AEP) sits right by the Río de la Plata, practically within Buenos Aires itself. It’s small, efficient, and serves as the main hub for domestic flights.

I love it because I can leave my hotel in Recoleta or Palermo and reach the terminal in under twenty minutes. It’s often faster than getting to dinner across town.

Most short-haul flights depart from here, including routes to Mendoza’s vineyards, Bariloche’s lakes, Puerto Iguazú near the waterfalls, and Ushuaia at the southern tip of Patagonia. It’s the airport I always pick when I can. It means easy transfers, shorter queues, and the city skyline right outside the runway.

Ezeiza (EZE), officially Ministro Pistarini International Airport, sits 30 to 60 minutes away, depending on traffic. It handles nearly all international arrivals and some longer domestic connections. If you’re arriving from Europe or North America, this is likely where you’ll land.

Ezeiza is huge, modernized, and full of lounges, restaurants, and rental-car desks. But its distance can catch you off guard, especially if your next flight departs from Aeroparque.

Aeroparque (AEP) vs Ezeiza (EZE): Quick Comparison

• AEP: In-city, handles most domestic routes. Shorter transfers to central Buenos Aires.
• EZE: 30–60+ minutes from the center; mainly international, but some domestic/connection combos route via here.
• Tip: If your tickets involve both airports, allow 4–5 hours between flights: traffic, security, and transfers can eat up time fast.

Outside Buenos Aires, regional airports like Salta, Mendoza, Bariloche, Puerto Iguazú, and Ushuaia make Argentina’s vast distances surprisingly manageable. Most have reliable car-rental options, shuttle buses, and local cafés right in the terminal; a far cry from the remote, chaotic airports I’ve seen elsewhere in South America.

The best advice I can give: double-check your departure airport before booking, and plan your accommodation around it if you have an early flight or a tight connection.

Aeroparque is perfect for domestic hops and fast city access; Ezeiza is your international lifeline. Know which one you’re using before you land. It can save you hours, pesos, and stress.

If you’re still deciding where to base yourself for easy transfers and good food, see my guide on Where to Stay in Buenos Aires.

🚍 Alternative Ways to Travel Around Argentina

After crisscrossing Argentina from the Andes to the Atlantic, I realized that how you move through the country shapes your trip just as much as where you go. Planes save time, buses show you the soul of the land, trains carry nostalgia, and driving puts the map in your own hands.

🚌 Long-Distance Buses: The Scenic Route

Argentina’s long-distance buses are a world of their own, and honestly, one of the most underrated travel experiences here. You can go from Buenos Aires to Mendoza’s wine valleys, Bariloche’s lakes, or even Puerto Iguazú in comfort levels ranging from basic “semi-cama” seats to full “cama suite” recliners with hot meals and Netflix-worthy window views.

When I first tried it, I took an overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Córdoba. It was a smooth, quiet, and unexpectedly elegant experience. But keep the distances in mind: Buenos Aires → Ushuaia takes almost two days by road and ferry versus five hours by plane. Buses are scenic and cozy, but they’re rarely faster or cheaper for very long routes.

Argentina’s intercity buses cover the entire country with comfort classes from semi-cama (reclining) to cama suite (flat bed). They’re ideal for overnight journeys under 15–18 hours, but impractical for extreme distances like Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Take the bus for the views and local feel, but for Patagonia or the far north, you’ll save time, and often money, by flying.

🚆 Trains: Slow but Scenic Classics

Argentina’s train network isn’t vast anymore, but the few remaining routes are pure nostalgia.

The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) in Salta climbs to over 4,000 meters, with llamas grazing below your carriage and clouds curling around the rails.

In Patagonia, the Old Patagonian Express is part ride, part time machine; all wooden seats and wind-swept plains.

These trains are less about getting somewhere fast and more about feeling the landscape move at its own rhythm.

Train travel in Argentina is limited but iconic. Tren a las Nubes (Salta) and the Patagonian Express offer historic scenic routes through the Andes and Patagonia.

Skip trains for logistics, but don’t miss one if you crave an old-world, cinematic ride through the mountains.

🚗 Car Rentals: Freedom on Four Wheels

There’s no better feeling than having the keys in your hand somewhere near Ushuaia or El Calafate, watching the road stretch to the horizon.

Renting a car in Argentina gives you full freedom. You could stop at roadside parrillas, wander into small Andean towns, or chase golden light over the steppe. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for the deposit, and some patience for toll booths and unpredictable drivers.

Road conditions are decent on main highways, but can turn rough in rural areas. And remember: distances here are deceptive. Even “short drives” can take half a day.

Car rental is ideal for exploring Patagonia, Mendoza, or the northwest at your own pace. Bring a credit card for the deposit and plan for tolls and long stretches without gas stations.

Rent a car if you love detours, viewpoints, and independence. Argentina rewards curiosity more than speed.

👉 Book your rental car here

🚇 Local Transportation: Getting Around Buenos Aires

In Buenos Aires itself, public transport is excellent and cheap. The Subte (subway) is the quickest way to cross neighborhoods, and city buses run 24/7. Apps like BA Cómo Llego show exact routes in real time. For short hops, Uber and Cabify work smoothly. They are reliable, cash-free, and often cheaper than official taxis.

When I stayed near Palermo Soho, I used the Subte by day and Uber by night. It was safe, efficient, and felt very local.

Buenos Aires’ public transport includes the Subte (subway), 24-hour bus network, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify. Fares are inexpensive and coverage is city-wide.

Don’t bother renting a car in Buenos Aires. The city’s public transport and ride-share apps make exploring effortless.

🧭 Selecting Your Ideal Travel Mode in Argentina

After trying every possible way to cross Argentina by plane, car, bus, and even one memorable train ride through Salta, I’ve realized there’s no single “best” way to travel here. It all depends on distance, time, and what you want from the journey. Here’s how each option stacks up:

Selecting Your Ideal Travel Mode in Argentina

Flights are fastest for Argentina’s huge distances. Long-distance buses are budget-friendly and surprisingly comfortable for overnight journeys. Car rentals are best for flexibility in regions like Mendoza or Patagonia.

There’s no wrong answer. Just match the transport to your route and travel style. Argentina rewards those who balance efficiency with curiosity.

🧳 Flight Delays, Schedule Changes & Baggage Rules: What to Expect

I learned this one the hard way: in Argentina, low-cost airlines love to change flight times. Sometimes even more than once.

On my first trip to Patagonia, a JetSMART flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia was pushed back twice within 48 hours. It still took off on the right day, but I was grateful I’d left half a day of buffer. That’s the rule here: always allow a margin between connections, especially if you’re switching airports in Buenos Aires (AEP ⇄ EZE).

Delays aside, baggage policies can also catch you off guard. Aerolíneas Argentinas often includes a checked bag on standard domestic fares, but JetSMART and Flybondi strip everything to the bare minimum: no bag, no seat choice, sometimes not even hand luggage unless you add it.
Always read the fare details before booking. What looks cheap at first can quickly cost the same as a regular fare once you add luggage.

Low-cost airlines in Argentina frequently change flight times, and most budget fares exclude checked baggage. Always monitor your booking, confirm airport locations (AEP vs EZE), and add luggage during checkout to avoid higher airport fees.

Domestic flights in Argentina are reliable overall, but a little flexibility and one extra hour in your plan can save you a lot of stress later.

🧭 Practical Tips for Smooth Domestic Flights in Argentina

After dozens of domestic flights across Argentina, I’ve learned that timing, flexibility, and a bit of planning make all the difference.

The cheapest fares usually appear 4–6 weeks ahead, and not always on weekends. I often find great deals by checking Skyscanner early in the week and comparing them with prices on Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSMART, and Flybondi directly. Flying during Argentina’s shoulder seasons, autumn (April–May) and spring (September–October), means fewer crowds, smoother check-ins, and mild weather when you land.

For luggage, remember that low-cost airlines enforce stricter weight limits. A standard carry-on is often capped at 8–10 kg, and checked bags can get pricey if you add them later. Aerolíneas Argentinas is usually the most lenient, but always confirm during booking.

On buses, keep valuables and essentials in a small bag with you. Luggage compartments aren’t always secure at overnight stops.

Safety-wise, Argentina is welcoming and easy to navigate. I’ve taken countless taxis and rideshares in Buenos Aires and never had issues, but I always stick to trusted apps like Uber or Cabify, and keep valuables zipped inside a small crossbody bag.

If you’re driving, make sure your rental includes GPS or offline maps. Signal drops fast in rural Patagonia.

Language barriers aren’t as scary as they sound. A few basic Spanish phrases, like “gracias,” “buenos días,” or “¿cuánto cuesta?” go a long way, and apps like Google Translate work offline. Locals appreciate the effort, and you’ll get friendlier service almost everywhere.

Lastly, always travel insured. Argentina is safe, but flight delays and lost baggage happen. I use Ekta Travel Insurance. It covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and even delayed luggage for a fraction of the cost of bigger brands.

To fly smoothly in Argentina, book 4–6 weeks ahead, compare prices across airlines and Skyscanner, check baggage limits carefully, and travel light. Choose the shoulder seasons (April–May or September–October) for fewer crowds and better fares.

Argentina rewards travelers who plan just enough to stay flexible. Pack light, book smart, and leave a little space for the unexpected.

✈️ How to Choose Between Domestic Flight Carriers in Argentina

After many internal flights across Argentina, I can say there’s no one “best” airline. It depends on your route, timing, and how much patience you have for schedule changes. The three main carriers are:

• Aerolíneas Argentinas – the national airline, largest network, and the only one flying directly between some major cities.
• JetSMART – low-cost, efficient, and great if you travel light.
• Flybondi – Argentina’s pioneer in budget flights, usually the cheapest, sometimes the quirkiest.

🇦🇷 Aerolíneas Argentinas

If you value reliability and direct routes, Aerolíneas Argentinas is still the best choice for getting around Argentina. Most fares include a 15 kg checked bag and seat selection, unless you’re booking one of the cheapest Promo or Base tickets. It’s also the only airline with direct flights between cities like Ushuaia and El Calafate, or Mendoza and Bariloche, without the detour through Buenos Aires.

A few years ago, booking could get messy because the site automatically redirected foreign users to the international version, pricing tickets in USD at the official exchange rate, which was far worse than Argentina’s blue-dollar market rate. That’s no longer the case, but it’s still cheaper to buy on the Argentine peso page.

Here’s why: on October 18, 2025, the same flight shows 159,466 ARS on the local site. If you pay with a foreign card billed at the MEP rate (about 1,535 ARS = 1 USD), it comes out to roughly USD 103.89. The exact same flight on the international site is USD 124. So if you can, book in pesos, even if you need to run the page through Google Translate, and you’ll often save around 15–20%.

💡 Confused by all those rates: official, blue, and MEP? I’ve broken them down with examples in my post Money in Argentina: How to Get the Best Exchange Rate.

Most Aerolíneas Argentinas fares include a 15 kg checked bag and seat selection. Booking through the Argentine peso site is usually cheaper than the international page, since foreign cards use the MEP exchange rate, which is significantly better than the official rate.

Aerolíneas is pricier than budget airlines upfront, but when booked in pesos, it can actually be the best value once you factor in Argentina’s unique exchange system.

💸 Low-Cost Carriers: JetSMART & Flybondi

I’ve flown both JetSMART and Flybondi, and both are perfect examples of “you get what you pay for.” Their base fares can be ridiculously low, sometimes under $30, but that’s before adding seat selection or checked bags.

Both airlines offer paid memberships that actually make sense if you’re flying multiple times in a year. JetSMART’s “Club JetSMART” and Flybondi’s “Club Flybondi” give you discounted fares for you and a companion (Flybondi even extends it to kids). I joined Flybondi’s club for a trip covering Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Bariloche, and by the second flight, the membership had already paid for itself.

Still, manage your expectations: departure times often change. I’ve had delays, gate switches, and even full reschedules within days of flying. Always double-check your reservation 24 hours before departure, and don’t plan anything tight around travel days.

JetSMART and Flybondi are Argentina’s main low-cost airlines. They offer cheap base fares but charge for luggage and seats. Both have membership programs with yearly discounts; however, flight schedules often change.

If you’re flexible and traveling light, low-cost carriers can save you money. Just keep an eye on last-minute changes.

🔁 Changing Planes in Buenos Aires

Here’s where travelers get tripped up: if your flights connect in Buenos Aires, you might land at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and depart from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), and they’re not close.

Ezeiza handles most international flights and sits about 30 km from the city, while Aeroparque handles domestic routes within city limits.

I’ve made that transfer several times. Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere between 40 minutes and over an hour. Give yourself at least four hours between flights, or stay overnight near one of the airports.

Buenos Aires has two main airports: Ezeiza (EZE) for international flights and Aeroparque (AEP) for domestic routes. Transfers between them take 40–70 minutes, so allow several hours between connections.

Always check which Buenos Aires airport you’re landing at. AEP and EZE can easily eat up your layover if you plan too tightly.

✈️ Tip for comparing airlines: Before booking, I always double-check fares on Skyscanner. It lists Aerolíneas, JetSMART, and Flybondi together so you can see which routes are direct and how prices shift between AEP and EZE.

💡 Quick takeaway: Aerolíneas wins for coverage and reliability, JetSMART for efficiency, and Flybondi for price. Choose based on what you value most: comfort, time, or savings.

Need help planning your trip to Argentina? I offer personalized tips and travel planning — even if it’s just to find the perfect hotel or tour. You pay what you want, even if it’s nothing. Get your custom plan here.

FAQ: Domestic Flights in Argentina

Conclusion

Pick flights for the long hauls, buses for slow travel, and a rental car when you want freedom between small towns.

Start by comparing domestic flight prices, then plan your time in Buenos Aires and your side trips to Iguazú Falls or Ushuaia. If you want a stress-free plan tailored to your route, I can help. It’s pay-what-you-want.

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