Bariloche is at the opposite end of the map from Buenos Aires: at the foot of the Andes, on Lake Nahuel Huapi, in Río Negro province in northern Patagonia. Half of Argentina’s plains and steppe lie in between, so the real choice is between flying and giving the journey a full day or two. These are the options and what each one involves.
Plane
This is what the great majority use. There are many daily flights to Bariloche airport, which lies east of the town. Nearly all leave from Aeroparque and some from Ezeiza. July, the height of the ski season, and January and February sell out early. If you travel with skis or boards, check how your airline handles them and tell us the size of your bags when you request the airport transfer.
Bus
Buses leave from Retiro terminal and the ride takes close to a full day, including a night on board. On a trip this long the seat class matters a great deal. The bus is chosen by people with time, a tight budget or a dislike of flying. You arrive at the Bariloche terminal and continue by taxi or city bus.
Train
There is no direct train from Buenos Aires. The Tren Patagónico crosses Río Negro province between Viedma, near the Atlantic coast, and Bariloche, with few departures. It is an outing for travellers with days to spare, not a practical way to arrive from the capital. Confirm that it is running before you build a trip around it.
Car
The usual route crosses Buenos Aires province and La Pampa to the Neuquén area and then follows Ruta Nacional 237 along the Limay river to the mountains. Expect long stretches of steppe with few services and a lot of wind. Fill up whenever you can and avoid driving after dark. Two days is the sensible plan. In winter there may be snow or ice as you approach the Andes, so check road conditions before you set off. Driving pays off if you want to tour the lakes at your own pace afterwards; otherwise hiring a car on arrival is simpler.
Private transfer: when it fits and when it does not
For one or two people, flying is faster and nearly always the logical choice. A road trip with a driver makes sense for a family or group that wants to travel together with all its gear, for someone with a pet, or for someone who cannot fly. It is planned with stops and a night on the way, and availability is confirmed when you book.
The usual pattern is to combine. In Buenos Aires we take you to Aeroparque or Ezeiza with room for winter luggage. In Bariloche we arrange the transfer from the airport to your hotel or to the ski resort. For bulky gear, a minivan is the better fit.