The distance between Chile's capital city, Santiago de Chile, and Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is 890 miles (1,435 km). There are many transit options, but the best option is to take a direct flight.
Another option is to rent a car and take a multiday road trip, but make sure you let your Chilean rental company know that you'll be crossing the border and returning your car to Argentina. This can be a little complicated, so consider asking a local specialist for assistance with booking.
If you'd rather not drive yourself, you can hire a private driver for the 16-hour journey. However, make sure to arrange any stops you'd like to make on the way ahead of time.
There's also the option of traveling by bus, but the journey can take more than 21 hours.
For a seven-day tour that takes you from Santiago to Buenos Aires, check out this itinerary that includes transfers, tickets to a tango performance, an excursion to Tigre, and more.
By Plane
Duration: 3-5 hours, more depending on layover
Multiple direct flights leave from Santiago International Airport (SCL) to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) each day, and the journey takes two hours. From the airport, you'll need to take a private transfer, which takes about one hour, or a two-hour bus ride into the city center.
You can also fly from Santiago to Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP), but these flights will usually have a longer layover and a total travel time of about four hours. This airport is much closer to the city center, and it should only take you about 20 minutes via private transfer.
There are also buses running every 10 minutes from the airport to the city center, and it only takes about 45 minutes.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 16 hours, more depending on stops
Although not as efficient as taking a flight, renting a car or booking a private transfer can make for a unique road trip, and this can be a good option for those wanting to add an overnight stay. Without any stops, the whole trip takes approximately 16 hours on RN7.
We recommend planning for a two-day journey with stops in Mendoza and San Luis. Mendoza is home to famous wines, and wine lovers will want to take time to tour the local vineyards and spend a few hours in the beautiful countryside. Driving from Santiago to Mendoza takes around five hours.
You'll then continue on to San Luis, which will take about three hours. This is a great city for an overnight stay, and you can discover the natural paradise of Potrero de Los Funes. The next day, you'll be able to reach Buenos Aires in about nine hours.
By Bus
Duration: 21-24 hours
Buses take the longest, but there are direct lines between Santiago and Buenos Aires. These buses are comfortable and well-equipped with air-conditioning, restrooms, and entertainment options.
You'll take the bus from Terminal Los Heroes, and with only two stops along the way (no need for transfer), you'll reach Buenos Aires in approximately 21 hours. While there are two main bus companies driving this route, Cata International is the one with the 21-hour travel time. The other one is Pullman del Sur, which also travels directly, but the route takes 24 hours.
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