From Buenos Aires to Ushuaia: A Seamless Guide for Antarctic Bound Travelers

Your journey starts here!

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Congratulations on making the decision to take an expedition to Antarctica! If you’ve found this blog, it’s likely you’ve either booked your trip to Antarctica, or you are still in the research stages. Either way, you’ve come to the right place if you’re unsure about how to get from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to meet your ship that will take you to Antarctica! 

Your adventure begins long before you reach Antarctica - it starts as soon as you arrive in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. This blog will guide you through the process of transitioning from your international flight into Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to your domestic flight to Ushuaia, and finally settling into your accommodation in Ushuaia.

Step 1: Arrival at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE)

Arrival at Ezeiza International Airport

Your journey to the edge of the world starts when you touch down at EZE. After a hopefully comfortable international flight, you'll disembark and follow the signs to immigration and customs. Here, you'll present your passport, have your visa checked (if required), and collect your luggage. Even if you’ve booked a connecting flight on the same itinerary, you must collect your luggage and clear customs. . The time it takes to clear customs can vary depending on how early your flight arrives and what day of the week it is. Customs can take anywhere from 20-180 minutes. Please be sure to account for this time when planning your layover in Buenos Aires.

Step 1.5: “Do you need to transfer airports?”

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery terminal

While your international flight is more than likely to land at EZE, you may have noticed when researching your flights that flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia leave from both EZE and AEP. The need to transfer to AEP can be intimidating at first but follow along below as we walk you through the process.

If you’ve booked your flights already and your flight to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires leaves from EZE, you can skip to Step 6.

Step 2: Transfer to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) – Domestic Airport (If necessary)

Here's where t things can get interesting. Your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia may likely depart from a different airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Don't worry, it's a common practice here, and we've got you covered on how to navigate it.

Airport transfer taxi in Buenos Aires

AEP is in the city center of Buenos Aires whereas EZE sits well outside of downtown Buenos Aires. You'll need to organize ground transportation between EZE and AEP if your flight leaves. Taxis, remis (private cars), or shuttle services are available, and the journey usually takes around 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic. It certainly is possible to pre-arrange this transfer, but this is also easily organized just outside the airport terminal. Direct transfers to AEP from EZE should not cost more than $50-60 USD.

 If booking a connecting flight with Aerolineas on the same itinerary as your international flight; a transport between airports may be provided which will be waiting for you when you . Please check with the airline for confirmation.

For information about hiring a trusted private transportation provider through ATG, please email us info@antarcticatravelgroup.com

The transfer from EZE to AEP usually takes one hour, but can take 2 hours+ with traffic.

Step 3: Double-Check your Timing

Time management is crucial during this transfer process. We strongly recommend a minimum of four hours between your arrival at EZE and your departure from AEP. This accounts for clearing customs at EZE, the transfer time to AEP, and then going through check-in and security at AEP. If relying on public transport, we suggest five hours.

Step 4: Consider an Overnight Stay in Buenos Aires

Busy streets of downtown Buenos Aires

Many travelers find it relaxing to break their journey with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires. This provides a cushion in case of flight delays and gives you a chance to explore the city. AirBnB offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes, from trendy lofts in Palermo to cozy apartments in San Telmo. You can consider hiring on of ATG’s trusted drivers to transport you from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb, and schedule a pickup from your hotel to the Airport to catch your connecting flight to Ushuaia. ATG also has connections with tour guides in Buenos Aires who can arrange a city tour, a tango show or recommend some of the top places to dine in Buenos Aires. 

Step 5: Your Flight to Ushuaia

While AEP is a domestic airport, we still recommend arriving 1.5 hours prior to departure and two hours if you want to play it super safe. Flights to Ushuaia are usually quite full during the busy Antarctica season of November to March, so lines for luggage drop and check in can get quite long. Once you've checked in and passed through security at AEP, you're all set! Board your flight to Ushuaia, settle back, and get ready to begin the next stage of your adventure.

Step 6: Arriving to Ushuaia

View from the airplane flying to Ushuaia

Welcome to the southernmost city in the world! As you exit Ushuaia's Malvinas Argentinas International Airport, it's time to head to your accommodation.

Taxis are the best way to get to your  accommodation in Ushuaia. Taxis are readily available outside of the airport terminal and all accept Argentine pesos and USD. It's important to note that only some taxis accept credit cards, so we advise carrying some cash with when you’re in Ushuaia. The taxi ride from Ushuaia to the main city center; where most hotels and BnB’s are located should take around seven-to-ten-minute minutes. If you’ve booked a hotel outside the city center like the Arakur, you can expect around a 15-minute ride. When you leave the airport, you’ll be greeted with the Andes Mountain Range backdropped on the city of Ushuaia. Depending where your accommodation is located, the taxi ride should be right around $10usd or less.

Step 7: “Welcome to Ushuiaia, you made it!”

Ushuaia's Malvinas Argentinas International Airport exterior

Now that you’ve made it to the end of the world, you’re ready to meet your ship to Antarctica for the adventure of a lifetime. It’s important to make the most out of your time in Ushuaia, as it’s truly an amazing small city with plenty to offer in terms of good eats, outdoor adventures and history. 

Next, head over to our “Welcome to Ushuaia” blog to learn more about where to eat, where to stay, and what to do!