Tucumán Airport (TUC) lies east of San Miguel de Tucumán, the provincial capital, on the far side of the Salí river and outside the city proper. The ride to the centre is short, with one bridge on the way. It gets longer, and worth planning, when you are bound for Yerba Buena or the mountains.
Centre, Yerba Buena or the hills
- City centre. Around Plaza Independencia and the Casa Histórica, where Argentine independence was declared. Narrow one-way streets, busy during shopping hours.
- Yerba Buena. A residential suburb with hotels and restaurants at the foot of the San Javier hills. It is on the west side, opposite the airport, so the trip crosses the whole city.
- Tafí del Valle. A mountain village reached by a winding road that climbs through subtropical forest.
- Termas de Río Hondo. A spa town in the neighbouring province of Santiago del Estero, along Ruta 9.
Options at the terminal
- Taxi and remis. Both are at the terminal. A remis is a car with a driver booked at a desk for an agreed fare. For trips out of the city, agree the fare before you get in.
- Bus. Check on arrival whether a line runs to the centre. It is not the easiest choice with luggage.
- Apps and car hire. Check on the spot whether they operate and whether cars are available.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your group, with the driver waiting in arrivals.
The road up to Tafí del Valle
This is the leg that most needs planning. It is a mountain climb with tight bends, and fog and rain are frequent, above all in summer. After dark you see little and the driving calls for more care, so if your flight lands late, consider a night in the city and an early start. Beyond Tafí the road goes over a high pass towards Amaicha del Valle, the Quilmes ruins and Cafayate. More on the route Tucumán – Tafí del Valle.
Heat, rain and busy dates
Summer here is hot, humid and stormy, which affects the mountain roads; conditions are checked before setting off. The city fills up around 9 July, Independence Day, and during the July school holidays. Book ahead for those dates.
Where a private transfer fits
For Yerba Buena with luggage, for going straight to Tafí or Río Hondo, and for groups who want to travel together. The price is per vehicle and agreed beforehand. Availability in Tucumán is confirmed when you book. See also the page on Tucumán Airport.