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Air Travel

Air Travel

Central Argentina, Argentina

Airport & Airlines

Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), also known as El Plumerillo Airport, serves Mendoza. It is a compact yet modern facility.

Domestic & International Routes

  • Domestic flights operate frequently with Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM, Flybondi, and JetSMART.
  • The most frequent domestic route is between Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE) and Mendoza (MDZ).
  • International connections are mainly to Santiago, Chile (SCL), via LATAM or Sky Airline.

Flight Planning

Awareness of seasonal price changes and booking strategies optimizes travel costs.

Seasonal & Pricing Insights

  • Flight prices generally rise during Argentine summer holidays (Jan-Feb), Easter, and long weekends.
  • High season for Mendoza (Feb-Apr, Sep-Nov) also sees increased demand and prices for flights.
  • Travelers find better rates by booking flights well in advance, especially for peak seasons. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Taxi Services

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Use only licensed taxis. Confirm the price or ensure the meter is active.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber, Cabify, and Didi operate in Mendoza. Pick-up spots might be discreetly outside the main terminal. Often a more affordable option.

Public Bus Link

Línea 600 connects the airport to the city center, the cheapest option. A SUBE card is necessary for this service.

Airport Transfers

Taxi & Remise Options

  • Licensed taxis are available outside the terminal; use only official vehicles.
  • Remises (private car services) can be pre-booked or arranged at airport desks.
  • Confirm the fare or ensure the taxi meter is running before beginning your journey.
  • Fares are either fixed to certain zones or metered.

Rental Cars & Buses

  • Car rental desks for major companies are at the airport; useful for extensive exploration. Consider DiscoverCars.com.
  • The public bus (Línea 600) connects the airport to the city center.
  • A SUBE card is necessary to use the public bus service.
  • For ride-sharing apps, pick-up spots might be discreetly outside the main terminal to avoid conflict.

Airport Facilities

Terminal Services

MDZ is a modern, compact airport. It provides basic services, including ATMs, duty-free shops, cafes, and some retail stores.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the terminal, allowing for connectivity upon arrival or before departure.

Rental Desks

Desks for major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) and local agencies are present at the airport.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing

Paso Los Libertadores is the main land border crossing between Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile. It involves crossing the Andes Mountains via Ruta Nacional 7 (Argentina) and Ruta 60 (Chile).

Crossing Procedures

  • The drive is scenic, featuring winding roads and stunning mountain vistas.
  • Immigration and customs for both countries are typically handled at an unified complex.
  • Long-distance buses (e.g., Andesmar, Cata Internacional) are a convenient way to cross.

Long-Distance Buses

Mendoza Bus Terminal is the main hub for long-distance bus travel, located east of the city center. It is a large, well-organized terminal with numerous bus companies.

Bus Companies & Routes

  • Reputable companies include Andesmar, Cata Internacional, Flecha Bus, Vía Bariloche, Chevallier, and San Juan Mar del Plata.
  • An extensive network connects Mendoza to Buenos Aires (12-14 hours), Córdoba, Santiago (Chile), San Juan, Salta, and Bariloche.
  • Buses offer various levels of comfort: Semi-cama, Cama, and Ejecutiv/Suite/Cama Suite.

Self-Driving

Driving yourself offers flexibility for exploring wine regions and scenic routes.

Requirements & Conditions

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country's driver's license is important.
  • Major national routes are generally paved and in good condition. Rural roads can be unpaved.
  • Argentine drivers can be aggressive; defensive driving is a good idea.

Train Services

Currently, regular long-distance passenger train services to Mendoza from Buenos Aires or other major Argentine cities are not available.

Train Options

  • Intercity passenger service is limited across Argentina.
  • There is a "Tren a la Montaña" tourist train, but it serves scenic local routes for tourism, not long-distance travel.
  • Bus travel is the main land transport for long distances.

Driving Safety Advisories

  • Defensive driving is a good idea, as Argentine drivers can be aggressive.
  • Animal crossings are common in rural areas; be watchful.
  • It is mandatory to drive with headlights on at all times, even during the day, on national routes.
  • Be aware of speed limits; they are often lower than in other countries.
  • Alcohol limits for drivers are strict.
  • Check road conditions before driving, especially in mountain areas.

Sea/River Arrivals

This section is not applicable to Mendoza, as it is a landlocked province in central Argentina, without direct access to the sea or major navigable rivers for passenger transport.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Fees & Timing

  • International departure taxes for flights are generally included in the ticket price.
  • For international flights (via Santiago), arrive at MDZ at least 2-3 hours before departure.
  • For domestic flights, plan to arrive at MDZ at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.

Terminal Services

MDZ Airport and Mendoza Bus Terminal offer various facilities for departing travelers.

Airport & Bus Station Amenities

  • MDZ Airport offers limited duty-free shopping, cafes, and seating areas.
  • Mendoza Bus Terminal is a larger facility with numerous shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas.
  • Arrive at the Bus Terminal at least 30-45 minutes before departure to find your platform and board.

Final Check

Double-check your flight or bus status before heading to the airport or terminal to account for any delays or changes in schedule.

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