How to get to Argentina

By | May 4, 2022

Overview

Deep in the south of South America lies Argentina with its enchanting landscapes: the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, the dusty plains of Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego – Tierra del Fuego. The land of endless adventure invites you to explore the verdant rainforests of Misiones, horseback ride in the sun-baked mountains of Salta, hike along turquoise lakes and through evergreen forests in the Lake District or play gaucho in the fertile pampas. At the heart of it all is Buenos Aires, a smart, modern city, bursting with life and energy. Today’s Argentina, despite its tango and gaucho heritage, both of which are hugely important to the nation’s identity, a cosmopolitan-oriented nation. Despite the dark period of military dictatorship and a series of economic crises, the resilient Argentine is full of life and warmth. His passion is reflected in the great collective love for football, gastronomy and partying. Visitors will not find it difficult to embrace this way of life and will long remember the fine local wines, huge steaks and extraordinary scenery. See other countries in South America on constructmaterials.

Getting there

Arriving by plane

The national Argentinian airline Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) offers non-stop flights to Buenos Aires from Rome and Madrid, among others. Buenos Aires is also served by the following airlines, among others: – Lufthansa (LH), direct flight from Frankfurt/M.; – Iberia (IB) – from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich via Madrid; – Austrian (OS) and Swiss (LX) each in cooperation with Lufthansa (LH) from Vienna or Zurich via Frankfurt/M.; – Edelweiss Air (WK) from Zurich; – Air Europa (UX) from Frankfurt/M. and Zurich via Madrid.

Flight times

Frankfurt – Buenos Aires (direct flight): 13 hours 50 minutes; Vienna – Buenos Aires: 16 hrs 35 (via Madrid); Zurich – Buenos Aires: 16 hours 35 minutes (via Madrid).

airpasses

The Visit Argentina Pass is valid on Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) and Austral (AU) routes within Argentina. It can only be purchased in connection with a long-haul flight operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR). The pass is valid for a maximum of 12 flight segments for 90 days from the date of the first flight coupon. Booking and ticketing must be completed no later than 21 days before departure.

Departure fee

None.

Arrival by car

Argentina can be reached via trunk roads from all neighboring countries. The border crossings to Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil are open 24 hours a day. To Chile and Bolivia, opening hours depend on local latitude; they are usually between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. In the winter months, border crossings on the Andean pass roads to Chile and Bolivia may be closed. Bus: There are numerous daily international bus connections between Argentina and neighboring countries. Coming from Peru and Bolivia, travelers must change trains at the border town after crossing the border on foot or by taxi. Toll: Many stretches of motorway are subject to tolls. Payment can be made either in cash or with an electronic card that is attached to the windscreen. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient; however, it is advisable to also carry the international driver’s license with you.

Arrival by train

There is no rail service between Argentina and its neighboring countries.

Arrival by ship

Buenos Aires has the largest and most important port in the country. All ships from Europe arrive here. A crossing from Hamburg to Buenos Aires is possible with both cruise and cargo ships. Ferries connect Buenos Aires with ports in Uruguay.

Cruise ships

The shipping companies AIDA and Cunard call at Buenos Aires on their cruises departing from Hamburg. MSC and Phoenix serve Buenos Aires from other European cities. Among other things, cruises within South America can also be undertaken with MSC, Costa and Holland America Line, coming from Rio de Janeiro, for example, with a stopover in Buenos Aires or ending here.

Ferry provider

Buquebus and Colonia Express ferries run regularly between Buenos Aires and the ports of Montevideo (journey time: 2 hr 15 min) and Colonia del Sacramento (journey time: 1 hr 15 min) in Uruguay.

Transportation

Traveling by plane

Aerolineas Argentina (AR) offers numerous domestic regional flights. There is also a LAN (4M) with numerous connections within Argentina. Córdoba, San Juan or Ushuaia are best reached from the Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. Jorge Newbury National Airport (AEP) in Buenos Aires offers connections to Mendosa, Bariloche, El Calafate and a number of other smaller towns in the country.

Traveling by car/bus

Argentina’s extensive road network covers around 230,000 km. Tolls: The country’s mainly privately operated motorways are subject to tolls. The toll can be paid either in cash or by purchasing an electronic card that is attached to the windscreen. Petrol stations are usually open around the clock in larger cities and on motorways. When driving through Patagonia, however, because of the thin network of gas stations, every available gas station should be used.

Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic

Right

Condition of the roads

The Argentine road network is partially in good condition. Roads and paths in and around the cities are well developed. Away from busy routes, on the other hand, there are often only gravel roads, for which vehicles with all-wheel drive are most suitable.

Road classification

In Argentina there are some highways marked with an A and a number, as well as numbered national and provincial roads, some of which have four lanes, almost all of which are paved. Only a small part consists of paved gravel roads and unpaved dirt tracks.

Car rental

Car rental companies can be found in all major cities. A driver must generally be at least 21 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least a year. Some car rental companies charge drivers under the age of 25 a young driver fee or state a maximum age of 75 years.

Taxi

Taxis (recognizable by the yellow roof) are available in all cities and larger towns. They stand at taxi ranks, but can also be hailed on the street.

Bicycle

In Buenos Aires, bicycles can be rented for free all day through Ecobici. However, caution is required on the road. Rosario has a very well developed network of cycle paths. Mi Bici Tu Bici is the city’s bicycle sharing system with automated stations.

Coach

Buses are the most popular means of transport for long-distance travel. There are numerous bus connections between almost all cities, which are served several times a day.

Regulations

– Seatbelts are compulsory. – 2 warning triangles and a fire extinguisher must be carried. – The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 ‰, for motorcyclists 0.2 ‰. – Children under 12 years old must be carried in the back seat, under 4 years old in child seats. Speed ​​limits: – Urban: 40-60 km/h; – on rural roads: 110 km/h; – on expressways: 120 km/h; – on motorways: 130 km/h.

Roadside Assistance

The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (89) 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Argentina is the Automovil Club Argentino (ACA) in Buenos Aires, Tel. +54-11 48 08 40 00.

Documentation

The national driving license is sufficient. However, it is advisable to carry an international driver’s license in conjunction with the national driver’s license. Proof of vehicle insurance and registration documents must always be carried.

Traveling in the city

Buenos Aires: The subway system in Buenos Aires (“subte”) is served by the Metrovias transport company and consists of six lines (A to E and H). In addition, Buenos Aires has a first class bus system (colectivo). Some lines run 24 hours a day. Subway and buses are paid for with the so-called SUBE card, a rechargeable prepaid card that is available at kiosks and subway stations. There is an extensive bus network in most cities in Argentina. Trolleybuses operate in Rosario, Córdoba and Mendoza.

Locally on the way by train

The Argentinian state railway company, Nuevos Ferrocarriles Argentinos, has the largest railway network in South America, but it is in a very poor condition. Operations have been discontinued on many routes or the routes are only relevant for the transport of goods. The rail network is mainly used for passenger transport in the greater Buenos Aires area. However, a relatively new network of suburban trains has been established around Resistencia, in the northeast of the country, and one is planned in Mendoza. Long-distance trains run between Buenos Aires and some major cities, including Rosario and Córdoba, as well as some smaller towns in the province. In Patagonia, the Viedma – Ingeniero and Jacobacci – Bariloche routes are also served. With the exception of trains serving places on the Atlantic coast such as Mar Del Plata, Pinamar and Miramar, most trains are in relatively poor condition. For travelers, the following tourist trains are recommended: – The Tren a las Nubes (“the cloud train”) in the northern province of Salta offers an exciting and fun train ride. He crosses several viaducts and climbs up to 4,200 meters in altitude. – The Tren del Fin del Mundo (“Train from the End of the World”) in the southern province of Tierra del Fuego still runs with a steam locomotive. – The Old Patagonia Express, “La Trochita”, runs one or more times a week from Esquel to Nahuel Pán and from El Maitén to Desvío Thomaé most of the year.

How to get to Argentina