1map logoGo to main page

San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate from $25: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
to
El Calafate, Argentina

How to Get from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$25 by busBest price
640.7 kmDistance
3h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Plane
Average Duration
3h  40m
Estimated price
$142-603
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
30h  35m
Estimated price
$25-179
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 640.7 km
Duration: 3h 40m

See more options

Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
21h  34m
Estimated price
$110-140
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
21h  34m
Estimated price
$130-190
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate

The journey from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate offers you breathtaking landscapes that transition from the vibrant lakes and mountains of Patagonia's wilderness to the vast, icy terrain of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Best Neighbourhoods in El Calafate

El Calafate offers vibrant neighborhoods that showcase its charm and accessibility.

Centro
• Lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
• Easy access to local attractions.
El Calafate Hills
• Stunning views of Lago Argentino.
• Peaceful environment away from the hustle.
Barrio 2 de Abril
• Authentic local culture and architecture.
• Close to nature trails and parks.

Best Times To Visit El Calafate's Attractions

Planning your visit to El Calafate's attractions can enrich your experience and help you avoid the crowds.

Perito Moreno Glacier
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer visitors and stunning lighting.
Los Glaciares National Park
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall reveal beautiful scenery with lighter crowds.
El Calafate Lago Argentino
Sunset visits offer breathtaking views, especially from late spring to early summer.

El Calafate Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

El Calafate experiences a cold desert climate with strong winds, making summers mild and winters chilly. The best times to visit are during the warmer months from November to March, when favorable weather conditions enhance outdoor adventures and exploration.

Dining Recommendations in El Calafate

In El Calafate, try the lamb asado at La Tablita, where the tender meat is cooked on an open flame, offering a distinct flavor profile that contrasts with the rich chocolate and fondue specialties of San Carlos de Bariloche. The inviting atmosphere and focus on local ingredients create a unique dining experience that celebrates Patagonia's culinary heritage.

San Carlos de Bariloche - El Calafate operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Carlos de Bariloche and El Calafate, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
aerolineas.com.ar

Plane from San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) to El Calafate (FTE)

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$160-650
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
0800-3331188
Website
taqsa.com.ar

Bus from Terminal de Omnibus Bariloche to El Chaltén

Average Duration
26h 55m
Estimated price
$13-170

Bus from El Chaltén to El Calafate

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$13-0
Contact phone
+5411 2150 3372
Website
chaltentravel.com

Bus from El Chaltén to El Calafate

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$13-0
Contact phone
+54 02902 491-368
Website
caltur.com.ar

Bus from El Chaltén to El Calafate

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$14-0
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+54 2944 433-100

Other from Bariloche to El Calafate

Average Duration
21h 34m
Estimated price
$110-140

Other from Bariloche to El Calafate

Average Duration
21h 34m
Estimated price
$130-190

San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Carlos de Bariloche and El Calafate offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate by car, covering a vast distance of 1488.6 km. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $130 to $190 for the road trip adventure between these captivating Argentine destinations. 🏞️ Traverse approximately 21 hours and 34 minutes through picturesque landscapes, discovering the beauty of Patagonia as you make your way from Bariloche to El Calafate.
Average price
$130 - $190
🛫 The quickest flight from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport to El Calafate Airport is a direct one with a duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to save time. 🌄 Travelers can expect a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes when flying from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate, with flight prices ranging from $142 to $603, offering options for different budget preferences.
Departure Point
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport
Arrival Point
El Calafate Airport
🚌 The journey from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate by bus is an adventure through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, with a total travel time of approximately 30 hours and 35 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus ride between these two destinations can range from as low as $25 to a maximum of $179, offering different options to suit various budgets for this extended but rewarding trip.
Departure Point
Terminal de Omnibus Bariloche station
Arrival Point
El Calafate station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Considering that there is no direct bus from Bariloche to El Calafate, plan for your journey with the Marga Taqsa and Chalten Travel companies; Marga Taqsa operates the route from Bariloche to El Chaltén, while Chalten Travel takes you from El Chaltén to El Calafate — be sure to check their schedules to optimize your transfer time. For Marga Taqsa, visit their website at margataqsa.com.ar, and for Chalten Travel, check chaltentravel.com
• The scenic route between Bariloche and El Calafate offers stunning views of the lakes and mountains, so charge your camera and download a playlist or audiobook for the long journey, as it can take up to 30 hours and 35 minutes depending on transfers and delays.
• Upon arriving at the El Calafate bus station (Terminal de Ómnibus El Calafate), be prepared for a bustling environment; there are local taxis available just outside the terminal and shared shuttles that can take you to your accommodation or directly to the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, so have your itinerary and accommodation details ready for smooth navigation.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Carlos de Bariloche and El Calafate is 1031.6 km, with a road distance of 1488.6 km. The typical travel time by plane is 3 hours and 26 minutes, while by car it takes approximately 21 hours and 34 minutes. If traveling by bus, the journey can take around 27 hours and 28 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate is by bus, which costs between $35 and $120 and takes approximately 27 hours and 28 minutes. However, if you're looking for a more time-efficient option, flying is the quickest way to reach El Calafate, taking only 3 hours and 26 minutes and costing between $150 and $650.
The prices of a bus ticket between El Calafate and San Carlos de Bariloche can vary depending on the company and the type of service chosen. On average, prices range from $38 to $117.
To get from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate without using public transportation, you can opt for a self-drive option. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1488.6 km, and it takes around 21 hours and 34 minutes to drive from Bariloche to El Calafate. You can either rent a car or hire a private driver for convenience and flexibility. The prices for renting a car vary from $130 to $190, depending on the rental company and the type of car chosen.
To travel from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 27 hours and 28 minutes, and the cost ranges from $35 to $120.
The flight between San Carlos de Bariloche and El Calafate typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary between $154 and $606, depending on various factors such as the airline and the time of booking.
There are numerous accommodation options available near El Calafate. With over 338 hotels to choose from, visitors have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for these hotels start at $51 per night.