Neuquén is the largest city in Argentine Patagonia and the service base for the Vaca Muerta oil and gas fields. Its airport (NQN) is on the west side of the city, towards Plottier and inside the urban area. Most passengers are travelling for work, and for many of them the city centre is not the final stop.
Where people go from here
- Central Neuquén. An urban ride to the east, short outside peak hours.
- Cipolletti. The neighbouring city in Río Negro province, across the Neuquén river. It is at the opposite end from the airport: you cross the city and then the bridges, which are congested in the morning and late afternoon.
- Añelo and Vaca Muerta. To the north-west, on a road with heavy lorry and pick-up traffic.
- Centenario and Plottier. Neighbouring towns to the north and west.
Leaving the terminal
- Taxi and remis. Both work from the terminal. A remis is a car with a driver booked at a desk for an agreed fare. For trips outside the city, agree the fare first.
- City bus. Ask on arrival whether a line passes the airport and how you pay.
- Ride-hailing apps. Check on the spot whether they operate and where they pick up.
- Hire car. There are rental desks. In weeks of intense oil-field activity cars run short, so reserve ahead.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for you or your team, with the driver in arrivals holding a sign with your name.
Work trips to Añelo
Early-morning and late-afternoon flights coincide with shift changes, and at those times both the terminal and the road are crowded. If you must be at a field or a base at a fixed hour, give the exact point and time when you ask for a quote. Entry requirements for each site are set by the operating company; check them with your host. Invoices for companies are available. More on the route Neuquén – Añelo and Vaca Muerta.
If you are here on holiday
Neuquén is also a starting point by road for the Andes. Villa El Chocón, with its reservoir and dinosaur museum, is to the south-west. Villa Pehuenia and Caviahue are much further, up in the mountains, with snow in winter. These are long drives across the steppe, windy and with few services, and road conditions are checked before leaving.
Where a private transfer fits
When there is a schedule to keep, when a team travels with work bags, or when the destination is far from the city. The price is per vehicle and agreed before the trip. Availability in Neuquén is confirmed when you book. See also the page on Neuquén Airport.