Planning your domestic flights in Argentina? Nothing that difficult to find the right domestic flight in Argentina. For example, Skyscanner, Google Flights, offer a lot of options. But, I give you some tips about where to start your trip, domestic flight connections in Argentina, what about the Argentina air pass, and are the low-cost airlines reliable?
Read also: can you take domestic flights at residents’ fare?
Domestic flights in Argentina
Following airlines are operating domestic flights in Argentina: Aerolineas Argentinas, and Austral are both national airlines with an extensive network. LATAM sadly left Argentina in June 2020. Andes Lineas is a mid-price range airline with a limited domestic network. Then we have low-cost airlines active in Argentina: FlyBondi and JetSmart.
Read also: why LATAM suspends all activities in Argentina
Buenos Aires domestic airport
All the airlines mentioned above do have a hub in Buenos Aires’ domestic airport. All the national airlines have their domestic hub in Aeroparque Jorge Newbery(AEP) in Buenos Aires. AEP is just located on the edge of River de la Plata. I will take you 20 min with a taxi if you depart from Obelisco.
AEP is the Buenos Aires domestic airport.
Are low-cost airlines in Argentina reliable?
In one word: yes! In general, they are less sensible for strikes. JetSmart does provide the same service as in other countries where they operate. FlyBondi is an Argentinian founded company with reliable status. All low-cost airlines have domestic flights in Argentina. From the North to the South.
What about the visit Argentina air pass?
A frequently asked question: what is the domestic flights pass of Aerolineas Argentina? In the first place, if you want to get the pass you need to fly in or out Argentina with Aerolineas Argentinas.
Secondly, rarely you make a profit by using the visit Argentina pass. The prices mentioned are without airport taxes. In addition especially now with all the low-cost and competition on the airline market. That makes it cheaper to get a domestic ticket in Argentina.
Thirdly, you need to go to an Aerolineas Argentina sale office nearby in your country to buy the visit Argentina air pass.
Secrets of a domestic flight in Argentina
The national carrier Aerolineas Argentinas has an extensive route network. However, standardly not all destinations are connected with direct flights. This can result in unpleasant stop-overs in the Buenos Aires hub.
But, there is a secret. From September until March Aerolineas Argentinas does provide special seasonal flights. For example, normally there is no direct flight between Trelew (whale spotting) and Ushuaia.
From September until March, there are seasonal connections.
- Trelew <-> Ushuaia
- Ushuaia -> El Calafate
- Bariloche -> El Calafate
- Cordoba -> El Calafate
- Cordoba -> Trelew
25 Comments
Hi Glen
Is it possible to pay for Aerolinas Argentinas flights in cash whilst in Argentina? If so, how?
Rob
You can try at any travel agency but I’m not sure. Another option is making a reservation and pay by Rapipago. But you need to make the reservation the day that you are able to pay in cash there.
Hi Glenn, I arrive Ezeiza at 20:40pm and catch a 13:20pm flight to Ushuaia the next day.
Wondering on whether to stay at the airport, book a hotel near the airport or do you have any recommendations for that time between flights?
Also, is the train to ‘the end of the world’ from Ushuaia worthwhile?
Love your site, you do a great job and help many with your insight.
Louie.
Hi Louie, there is a hotel nearby the airport. I think that’s a good solution if you want some comfort. 🙂
Hey Glenn,
Thanks for all the great information.
Looks like you might be suggesting there is, or maybe was, a direct flight from El Calafate to Bariloche seasonally that kicks off in September? I am heading to El Calafate in November and after some time here, I would ideally like to start heading north and take a direct flight from El Calafate to Bariloche, but it looks like this direct service only starts in December? Do you know if and when these options will start to appear?
Nick
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Hi Nick, I’m looking forward to an official update and answer of Aerolineas Argentinas. As soon I have more info, I will update the post 🙂
Hello!
I have a flight from BA to iguazu, going and back on the same day. Trying to maximise time outside of the airport, how long before the flight do I need to be at the airport? No check in and flying with FlyBondi?
Thank you
Hi Liam, best that the flight departs from AEP airport. EZE is too far. I took the earliest flight. I did the check-in all online. The security takes around 15-30min. Can be longer depending how many flights are departing. I would suggest to be there 1h -1h30 before boarding time.
Hi Glenn:
I’m traveling to Ushuaia for an Antarctica cruise in January 2023 (I loved this experience so much after traveling there January 2020, I’m going back!). My flight arrives into EZE at 7:15 AM and then we depart from AEP at 4:55 PM to Ushuaia. I’m thinking about booking a transfer with a 4 hour tour of Buenos Aires. Considering customs, baggage, etc., is this enough time?
(Last time I flew into and out of EZE to Ushuaia but Aerolinas hasn’t published that flight, so we’re doing it this way this time. Honestly, it will probably be easier. EZE seemed difficult to maneuver for a smooth and timely transfer).
That will be possible. AEP airport is not that far from the city center. Probably you will arrive around 9AM in the city and enough time to get on the flight to Ushuaia.
Glenn, recent experience (April 2022) with Aerolineas was horrible. If you are dead certain about dates and flights, then book. If not, use one of the “discount” carriers. Why? Zero customer service, refunds never are credited and a general, “we don’t care” attitude. I finally got a credit on Visa card for a premium economy ticket that was fully refundable. LATAM got the business to Santiago and included a nice lunch. Sadly, they are not an option for domestic flights.
Hi there. When is the best time to book internal flights? I have a trip in Dec/January, and not sure if it’s too early to book.
Hi Jennifer, booking now is just fine. In my personal experience, the best prices are around 3 month before.
Is it cheaper to buy the interal flights once we arrive in Argentina?
Hi Jamie, in my personal experience, the flights were cheaper some weeks before flying. Buying a ticket there can eb a hassle. The service of Aerolíneas Argentinas is not the best and with FlyBondi you can pay in a kiosk but you need to know the system. Probably no English help there.
Great info, thanks. I’m looking at a trip next spring and would like to spend time in BA and in bariloche. I’m concerned about the reliability of flights within Argentina based on what I’ve read, can you recommend a way to reduce the risk of not being able to travel? I would likely book 1-2 days in BA prior to our international flights.
Hi Collin, most airlines are reliable. Aerolineas Argentinas is a bit more sensitive to strikes. FlyBondi and SmartJet are certainly good options as well.
hola sensai… do you know if a neg covid test is required to fly domestic on aerolinas arg (san luis to basa), or are the vacunas sufficient?
Unable to contact anyone at Aerolineas Argentinas, phone or e-mail. Perhaps you can supply a contact. I do have one question you could also help with. Flying in to EZE from Dallas do I have enough time to go through customs after getting my bags and boarding a flight to USH all with two hours?
Hi Ernest, it can be possible if the passport control goes smooth. Sometimes it can take up to one hour. Also, you probably need to change to another terminal. That’s about 10min walking.
Hey Glenn,
Do you know where we can find travel restrictions between provinces? I am going to Buenos Aires and planning to visit Cordoba this coming January. Do you know of any travel restrictions that exists because of cvoid?
Thanks again for your help. I love your blog!
Alex
Hi Alex, there are no restrictions anymore for traveling around in the country. When you arrive in Argentina and pass all the controls, then you are good to go.
How much time do I need to allow to transfer from AEP airport to EZE airport with some comfort? I am likely to be travelling on a Saturday either in the morning or early afternoon. Connecting flight at EZE departs either at 14:20 hrs or 23:10 hrs. Thank you for your help.
Hi Lee, I should calculate 1 hour of driving from AEP to EZE. Saturday is mostly calm on the roads in the morning. Cheers
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