Bariloche Airport Transfers: BRC Complete Guide
Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport (BRC) sits 14 km east of central San Carlos de Bariloche, connected to the city by Avenida Exequiel Bustillo - the long, scenic road that hugs the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi. The transfer is simple and straightforward. In normal traffic the journey takes 20–30 minutes. During ski season peak days (July–August) or the summer holiday rush (January–February), add 10–15 minutes.
Bariloche is one of Argentina’s most-visited cities, and the airport is well-organised for arrivals. You will find taxis, a remise desk, and car hire counters all within the single-terminal building.
Transport Options and Fares from BRC
| Option | Approx. ARS (2026) | Approx. USD | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Taxi | ARS 15,000–22,000 | $10–15 | 20–30 min | Metered; book at arrivals counter |
| Remise (pre-booked) | ARS 13,000–20,000 | $8–13 | 20–30 min | Fixed price; recommended for groups |
| City Bus (Line 72) | ARS 1,200–1,500 | ~$0.80 | 40–50 min | Limited frequency; no SUBE needed - local ticket |
| Hotel Shuttle | ARS 10,000–18,000/person | $6–12 | 25–35 min | Book in advance through your hotel |
| Car Hire | from $30–50 USD/day | - | Own schedule | Desks inside arrivals hall |
| Private Transfer | from $20–35 USD | $20–35 | 20–30 min | Pre-booked; great for families |
All fares approximate as of mid-2026. Exchange rates fluctuate - confirm current ARS/USD before travel.
Official Taxi from BRC
The taxi counter inside BRC arrivals is operated by a local cooperative. Staff record your destination and issue a receipt with an estimated fare. Taxis use a meter plus a zonal surcharge for airport departures - the total to central Bariloche is typically ARS 15,000–22,000 in 2026.
Do not accept offers from individuals outside the terminal - unofficial taxis at BRC are common during peak season and routinely charge double or triple the official rate.
For the Centre Civico area, Calle Mitre (the main commercial street), or beachfront hotels along the lakeshore, a taxi is the fastest and simplest option.
Remise from Bariloche Airport
Remises are pre-arranged private cars with a fixed agreed price. The remise desk is inside the arrivals area and several operators also accept online bookings. Remises are especially popular with families or couples with ski gear or outdoor luggage, where avoiding a meter dispute is worth the slight premium.
For pre-booked options, GetTransfer allows you to compare fixed-rate private transfer quotes before you arrive. The Kiwitaxi widget below also gives instant pricing.
Bus from BRC Airport
Bus Line 72 (operated by 3 de Mayo) departs from a stop on the road outside the terminal. It connects the airport with the Bariloche city centre along Avenida Bustillo, passing the Llao Llao hotel area and several lakeside restaurants. Unlike Buenos Aires, Bariloche’s local bus does not require a SUBE card - you can pay cash on board or purchase a local bus card at the terminal stop.
Frequency is roughly every 45–60 minutes in peak season and less frequent in winter - check the live timetable posted at the stop. If you are travelling light and have time to spare, this is the cheapest option.
Car Hire at Bariloche Airport
Car hire desks at BRC include Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and local Patagonian operators. The counters are in the arrivals hall and are generally well-staffed during peak flight arrivals. Walk-up rates can be expensive during peak season; always pre-book via GetRentacar to lock in better daily rates.
Driving yourself in the Bariloche region opens up routes that are difficult or expensive to access by tour:
- Circuito Chico - the classic 60 km loop past Cerro Campanario, Llao Llao Peninsula, and Punto Panorámico
- Circuito Grande - 240 km loop through Villa La Angostura and the Seven Lakes Road; a full day
- Cerro Tronador - 90 km round trip from Bariloche; reaches the Ventisquero Negro black glacier
- Villa La Angostura - 80 km north-west on Ruta Nacional 231; popular for day trips to Arrayanes National Park
Note: Winter driving (June–September) on mountain roads around Bariloche requires snow chains or winter tyres. Your rental agency will advise - always confirm before heading into the hills.
Hotel Shuttles and Package Transfers
Many hotels and lodges in Bariloche offer arranged airport transfers, particularly:
- Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (32 km west of BRC) - private transfers included for higher room categories
- Nido del Cóndor Hotel & Spa (on Cerro Catedral, 20 km south-west) - ski-season shuttle packages
- Hotel Cacique Inacayal and other centro hotels - remise partnerships, quoted at booking
Always ask your hotel about airport pickup when you make your reservation - rates are often fixed and can be cheaper than booking independently last-minute.
Tips for Arriving at Bariloche Airport
Ski season (July–August) is the busiest. BRC sees a significant surge in flights during the Argentine winter school holidays. Pre-book all transfers - taxis disappear fast when three flights land simultaneously. Remise or pre-booked private transfer is the reliable choice.
Summer (December–February) is equally busy. Hiking, kayaking, and lake-crossing visitors flood the city. The same advice applies: book ahead.
The terminal is small but efficient. One baggage belt, one arrivals exit. Everything is within 50 metres. You will not spend long inside.
Avenida Bustillo is one road. The airport and the city are connected by a single scenic lakeshore highway. Traffic is the main variable - not route complexity.
Cold weather applies year-round. Even in summer, evenings in Bariloche are cool. In winter, temperatures drop well below zero at altitude. Have warm layers in your carry-on, not packed in the hold.
Book Your Transfer
Pre-book a fixed-rate private transfer to avoid peak-season taxi queues. Use GetTransfer to compare quotes for the BRC to city-centre route, or check the Kiwitaxi widget below for instant pricing.
Planning to drive the Circuito Chico or the Seven Lakes Road? GetRentacar lists hire car options from BRC airport with transparent pricing - booking ahead is strongly recommended in July and January.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How far is Bariloche Airport from the city center?
- Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport (BRC) is approximately 14 km east of the Bariloche city centre. A taxi or remise takes 20–30 minutes along Avenida Exequiel Bustillo.
- How much does a taxi from Bariloche Airport cost?
- An official taxi from BRC to central Bariloche costs approximately ARS 15,000–22,000 (around $10–15 USD as of 2026). Book at the official taxi counter inside arrivals - unlicensed drivers outside charge significantly more.
- Is there a bus from Bariloche Airport to the city?
- Bus Line 72 connects BRC airport with the Bariloche city centre and runs along the lakeshore road (Avenida Bustillo). Frequency is limited, especially outside peak season. The fare is under ARS 1,500 as of 2026. Journey time is approximately 40–50 minutes.
- Should I hire a car in Bariloche?
- For many visitors, yes. The Circuito Chico, Cerro Tronador, and Villa La Angostura are 20–80 km from the city and are much easier to explore with your own vehicle. Car hire desks operate at BRC airport. Book via GetRentacar before you fly to secure the best rate.
- Do hotels in Bariloche offer airport shuttles?
- Many mid-range and upscale hotels in Bariloche arrange airport pickups on request. Confirm directly with your hotel when booking - shuttle transfers are often ARS 10,000–18,000 per person and sometimes free for multi-night stays.
Airport Transfers
Book Your Transfer in Advance
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