Argentina is a vast and diverse country, with thousands of kilometers of roads connecting unique cities and regions. Buses travel throughout the country, allowing passengers to reach almost any destination, sometimes requiring transfers in key cities.
However, on some routes, the number of travel options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to understand the differences between bus companies. Many companies offer the same trips at competitive prices and with excellent comfort levels, as well as different seat categories depending on the journey.
So, how do you choose the best company to travel with? We’ve put together this guide to introduce you to the top bus companies in Argentina, making it easier for you to plan your next trip.
The top bus companies in Argentina
Traveling by bus is one of the most comfortable and accessible ways to explore the country, reach nearby international destinations, and enjoy Argentina’s natural beauty. Buses also allow travelers to make transfers in key cities to continue their journeys to other parts of the country or neighboring countries such as Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Some of the main bus companies include:
Flecha Bus
Flecha BusEstablished in 1959, Flecha Bus is one of Argentina’s largest bus companies, serving over 400 destinations nationwide. Their fleet is known for offering a range of service classes catering to different comfort levels:
- Suite 1st Class: Seats recline 180 degrees with privacy curtains, blankets, pillows, meal options, air conditioning, heating, and entertainment systems.
- Cama Ejecutivo: Seats recline 150 degrees with footrests, breakfast service, blankets, pillows, air conditioning, heating, and entertainment.
- Semi-Cama: Seats recline 120 degrees with footrests, air conditioning, heating, and basic entertainment.
Passengers appreciate the network coverage and service variety, though quality can vary.
- Routes: Buenos Aires to Córdoba, Rosario, Santa Fe, and international destinations like Asunción, Florianópolis and Montevideo.
- Amenities: Cama and semi-cama seats, air conditioning, and onboard entertainment.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National and international, including Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay.
Chevallier
A well-established company with a fleet of around 300 buses, Chevallier provides multiple service classes:
- 1st Class Suite: Leather seats recline 180 degrees, with privacy curtains, blankets, pillows, meal options, air conditioning, heating, and entertainment.
- Executive Cama: Leather or cloth seats recline 150 degrees, with footrests, breakfast service, blankets, pillows, air conditioning, heating, and entertainment.
- Semi-Cama: Seats recline 120 degrees with footrests, air conditioning, heating, and basic entertainment.
Passengers often commend the comfort and service variety, though experiences may vary.
- Routes: Connects Buenos Aires with Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Córdoba, Tucumán, and Salta, as well as Santiago de Chile and Montevideo.
- Amenities: Cama and semi-cama seats, air conditioning, and onboard entertainment.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National and international.
Andesmar
Andesmar specializes in extensive coverage, particularly in the northwest and Patagonia. They offer Executive and Semi-Cama services, featuring reclining seats, air conditioning, heating, and onboard entertainment. The company emphasizes safety and ease of booking.
- Routes: Mendoza to Bariloche, San Juan, and Santiago de Chile.
- Amenities: Executive service, air conditioning, and entertainment.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National and international, focusing on the Cuyo region.
Via Bariloche
Via Bariloche is one of the most reputable bus companies in Argentina, particularly for travelers heading to Patagonia. They provide various service levels for passenger comfort:
- Ejecutivo: Reclining seats up to 160° with shared and individual seating options.
- Semi-Cama: Seats reclining up to 130° with footrests and onboard entertainment.
The company is often praised for its punctuality, well-maintained buses, and friendly staff.
- Routes: Connects Buenos Aires with Patagonia, including San Martín de los Andes, Puerto Madryn, and Bariloche.
- Amenities: Cama and semi-cama seats, heating, and entertainment.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National, primarily Patagonia.
El Rápido Internacional
With over 70 years of experience, this company serves 60+ cities in Buenos Aires Province and international destinations like Chile, Uruguay, and Peru.
- Cama Ejecutivo: Seats with significant recline, footrests, air conditioning, heating, and entertainment.
- Semi-Cama: Reclining seats, footrests, air conditioning, heating, and basic entertainment.
The company is known for its extensive network, though some passengers report variability in bus maintenance and punctuality.
- Routes: central and northern Argentina, and international destinations.
- Amenities: Comfortable seats, air conditioning, and onboard services.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: International, focusing on neighboring countries.
Empresa Argentina
Founded in the 1940s, Empresa Argentina began with routes in Santa Fe and later expanded to major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Tucumán. They provide semi-cama and cama seating, offering reclining seats, air conditioning, and basic onboard amenities. The company’s coverage is extensive, especially in the Litoral region.
- Routes: Rosario to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Tucumán.
- Amenities: Comfortable seats and heating.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National, especially in the Litoral region.
CATA Internacional
Founded in 1993 and based in Mendoza, CATA Internacional has a strong presence in both Argentina and Chile. The company’s buses are equipped with air conditioning, entertainment systems, and comfortable reclining seats. CATA Internacional emphasizes passenger comfort and safety, providing amenities like onboard entertainment and climate control. Their semi-cama and cama services offer air conditioning, entertainment, and comfortable reclining seats.
- Routes: Mendoza to San Rafael, San Juan, and Santiago de Chile.
- Amenities: Cama and semi-cama seats, air conditioning, and entertainment.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National and international.
Chaltén Travel
Specializing in Patagonia routes, Chaltén Travel focuses on connecting travelers to destinations like El Calafate and El Chaltén. Their modern fleet is designed for long-distance travel, offering comfortable, reclining seats and climate-controlled environments. Passengers often commend the company for its punctuality and knowledgeable staff, making it a preferred choice for exploring Patagonia’s scenic landscapes.
- Routes: Transfers between El Calafate, El Chaltén, and key Patagonia destinations.
- Amenities: Modern buses with comfortable seats and climate control.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: Regional, focused on Patagonia.
Marga
Marga connects Patagonia cities and offers international routes to Chile, such as Bariloche – Puerto Montt. They provide semi-cama and cama seating with reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard entertainment. Travelers often find their services reliable, especially for routes in the southern regions.
- Routes: Patagonia and international connections.
- Amenities: Comfortable seats and air conditioning.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: Regional and international.
Caltur
Caltur provides bus services across different regions, offering various seating classes to accommodate passenger preferences. Their fleet includes modern buses equipped with comfortable, climate-controlled seats suitable for long journeys. While specific details about their amenities are limited, they are part of Argentina’s extensive bus network.
- Routes: El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Perito Moreno.
- Amenities: Comfortable, climate-controlled seats.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: Regional, focused on Patagonia.
General Urquiza
A recognized company with extensive routes, General Urquiza offers semi-cama and cama options, providing reclining seats, air conditioning, and entertainment systems. Passengers often commend their extensive network and service quality, though experiences can vary. General Urquiza’s coverage is national, with a significant presence in the Litoral region, connecting major cities and offering reliable transportation options.
- Routes: Buenos Aires to Entre Ríos, Corrientes, and Misiones.
- Amenities: Semi-cama and cama seats with climate control.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National, especially in the Litoral region.
La 20 de Junio
Connecting Buenos Aires with northern Argentina, La 20 de Junio provides semi-cama and cama seating with climate control. Specific details about their amenities and seat types are limited, so it’s advisable to check recent reviews or contact the company directly for detailed information.
- Routes: Buenos Aires to various northern cities.
- Amenities: Cama and semi-cama seats with climate control.
- Boarding Requirements: Printed or digital ticket and a photo ID.
- Coverage: National, focused on the NOA region.
Refund policies in Argentinian bus travel
One of the advantages of bus travel in Argentina is that refund and ticket cancellation policies are regulated by law. This means they are the same for all bus companies, so you don’t have to worry about understanding the specifics of each company.
Across the country, the same refund policy applies to bus tickets:
- Up to 24 hours before departure: 30% refund.
- Up to 48 hours before departure: 20% refund.
- Up to 72 hours before departure: 10% refund.
But if you’re looking for even more flexibility, Busbud’s Refund for Any Reason feature has you covered. It makes refunds easier and gives you extra peace of mind when booking your trip. Plans change? No problem—RFAR helps you get a refund quickly and hassle-free. It’s just one of the ways Busbud makes bus travel simpler and more convenient, whether you’re traveling in Argentina or anywhere else. Just select the add-on when booking your ticket and you’ll be able to cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before the departure time.
Book your tickets with Busbud
When choosing a bus ticket, you can consider not only the departure and arrival locations but also the amenities, prices, and refund options that each company offers. Get on board and discover Argentina by bus! 🚍