You're standing in the middle of a sweltering Buenos Aires afternoon, humidity thick enough to chew on, and all you can think about is the cold, crisp air of the Andes. You want the mountains. You want the chocolate. You basically want to be in San Carlos de Bariloche five minutes ago.
But here’s the thing about booking flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche: it is deceptively tricky.
On paper, it looks like a simple two-hour hop. In reality, choosing the wrong airport or the wrong airline can turn your "relaxed mountain getaway" into a logistical nightmare involving three-hour traffic jams or a canceled flight that leaves you stranded at the gate while the plane you were supposed to be on sits on the tarmac. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.
If you’re planning this trip in 2026, the landscape has changed a bit. Prices are actually down about 20% compared to last year, which is wild given how much everything else costs these days. But you still have to navigate the quirks of Argentine aviation to get the deal you actually want.
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The Two-Airport Trap: Aeroparque vs. Ezeiza
Most travelers assume "Buenos Aires" means one airport. Big mistake.
The city has two main hubs: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ministro Pistarini (EZE), commonly known as Ezeiza.
Aeroparque is the gold standard for domestic travel. It’s located right on the river in the Palermo neighborhood. If you’re staying in the city, you can basically roll out of bed, grab a medialuna, and be at the check-in counter in 15 minutes. It’s fast, convenient, and saves you a fortune in taxi fares.
Ezeiza, on the other hand, is nearly 20 miles (30km) outside the city. Depending on the legendary Buenos Aires traffic, getting there can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. Honestly, unless you are connecting directly from an international flight arriving from the US or Europe, avoid flying to Bariloche from Ezeiza.
Pro Tip: If you do have to switch airports, give yourself at least five hours. I’m not kidding. Between immigration, luggage, and the cross-town trek, three hours is a recipe for a heart attack.
Choosing Your Airline (And Avoiding the "Failbondi" Curse)
You’ve got three main players on this route. They are not created equal.
Aerolíneas Argentinas
The flag carrier. They have the most frequencies—sometimes 10+ flights a day. They usually fly out of Aeroparque. They are the most reliable when it comes to not canceling your flight, but they are the "king of rescheduling." You might book a 10:00 AM flight and find out two weeks later it’s now a 1:00 PM flight.
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JetSMART
The "smart" low-cost option. They use newer Airbus A320s and have a shockingly low cancellation rate (around 0.7% in recent data). The seats are a bit tighter, and you’ll pay for everything from water to a carry-on bag, but they are punctual. If you're on a budget but value your time, this is usually the winner.
Flybondi
The "ultra" low-cost. Look, people have a love-hate relationship with Flybondi. In early 2026, they had some rough patches with high cancellation rates (hence the local nickname "Failbondi"). However, they are often the cheapest. If you’re a backpacker with zero schedule constraints, go for it. If you have a non-refundable hotel waiting in Bariloche? Maybe think twice.
What it Costs and When to Book
Forget the old "book 6 months out" rule for Argentina. The sweet spot for flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche is usually 2 to 4 months before your trip.
Current 2026 data shows prices starting as low as $41 one-way on JetSMART or Flybondi if you catch a sale. Aerolíneas Argentinas usually hovers closer to $80-$120 for the same leg, though that often includes a checked bag which the others don't.
- Cheapest Month: September. The snow is still there, but the "Ski Season" crowds have thinned out.
- Most Expensive: July. This is winter break. Every family in Argentina is trying to get to Bariloche. Prices triple, and the airport becomes a zoo.
- Best Day to Fly: Wednesday. Data shows mid-week departures are consistently $30-$50 cheaper than Sunday flights.
The Reality of the Flight Experience
The flight itself is about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a beautiful route. If you can, snag a window seat on the right side of the plane (Seat F) when flying south. As you approach Bariloche, you’ll get a stunning view of the Andes and the Nahuel Huapi Lake. It’s worth the extra few bucks they charge for seat selection.
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Don't expect a meal. Even Aerolíneas Argentinas has cut back significantly on onboard service. You might get a tiny cup of water or a coffee if you’re lucky, but usually, it's "buy-on-board" or nothing. Grab a sandwich at the terminal before you board.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Airport Code Twice: Ensure your ticket says AEP to BRC unless you specifically need Ezeiza (EZE).
- Download the App: Especially for Aerolíneas. They push schedule changes to the app way faster than they send emails.
- Pay for Bags Online: If you’re flying a low-cost carrier, paying for your bag at the airport check-in counter can cost 3x more than doing it on the website beforehand.
- The "Club" Trick: JetSMART has a "Membership Club" that costs about $20-$30. If you are traveling as a couple or group, the discount on just one round-trip flight usually pays for the membership immediately.
- Bariloche Arrival: When you land at BRC, the airport is small. Taxis and "Remis" (private cars) are lined up outside. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for the ride into the city center. There’s also a public bus (Line 72), but you need a SUBE card (the same one used in Buenos Aires) to ride it.
Log into your airline's website right now and double-check your departure terminal—it’s the one detail that trips up even the most seasoned travelers in Buenos Aires.