Mendoza Airport Transfers: MDZ Complete Guide

· 6 min read Practical
Purple wildflowers in the foreground with the snow-capped Andes mountains behind, near Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza’s Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) sits 8 km east of the city centre, a short and straightforward transfer along Acceso Este - the main highway linking the airport to the urban grid. For most visitors, the journey into Mendoza takes 15–20 minutes in light traffic. During weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9am and 5–7pm) add 10–15 minutes.

Unlike Buenos Aires, Mendoza is compact and easy to navigate. The transfer is uncomplicated, costs are reasonable, and you have several good options depending on whether you are heading to the city or going straight into wine country.


Transport Options and Fares from MDZ

OptionApprox. ARS (2026)Approx. USDJourney TimeNotes
Official TaxiARS 8,000–12,000$5–815–20 minMetered; book at arrivals counter
Remise (pre-booked)ARS 7,000–10,000$4–715–20 minFixed price; preferred for groups
City Bus (Line 60 / 200)ARS 800–1,000~$0.5030–45 minSUBE card required; limited luggage
Uber / CabifyARS 7,000–11,000$4–715–25 minAvailable; pick-up from kerb
Car Hirefrom $25–40 USD/day-Own scheduleDesks in arrivals hall
Private Transferfrom $18–30 USD$18–3015–20 minPre-booked; meet and greet

All fares approximate as of mid-2026. Argentina’s exchange rate moves frequently - verify current ARS/USD rates before travel.


Official Taxi from MDZ

The official taxi desk is located inside the MDZ arrivals hall, directly past the baggage reclaim exit. Staff assign you a registered vehicle and issue a fare receipt. Taxis are metered, so the exact amount depends on traffic, but the 8 km journey to central Mendoza rarely exceeds ARS 12,000 in 2026.

Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you at the exit doors - these are a common occurrence at Argentine provincial airports and frequently overcharge.

For the central hotel zone along San Martín and Arístides Villanueva, a taxi is the easiest grab-and-go option. For the wine districts of Luján de Cuyo or Maipú, consider a remise or rental car instead.


Remise from Mendoza Airport

A remise is a pre-booked private car with an agreed fixed fare - no meter, no surprises mid-journey. Mendoza has several reputable remise operators, including Andesmar Transfers and various hotel-connected services. You can pre-book online, via your hotel, or at the remise counter in arrivals.

For fixed-rate pre-booked private transfers, GetTransfer lets you compare quotes before you land. The Kiwitaxi widget below also provides instant quotes.

Remises are particularly useful for groups of three or four splitting the cost, or for late-night arrivals when negotiating taxi fares is less appealing.


City Bus from Mendoza Airport

Mendoza’s city bus network extends to the airport, though it is less straightforward than the airport shuttle services in larger hubs. Bus Line 60 (Expreso Uspallata) and Bus Line 200 (Maipú) pass near the terminal road.

You will need a SUBE card - the national transit card valid in Mendoza and other Argentine cities. Fares are under ARS 1,000 as of 2026. Journey time to the city centre is 30–45 minutes. This is the right choice for budget travellers already carrying a SUBE card from a previous Buenos Aires stop; it is too slow and unwieldy with heavy luggage for a first-time arrival.


Uber and Cabify in Mendoza

Both Uber and Cabify operate in Mendoza city and accept international payment methods. Pick-up is from the kerb outside arrivals. Fares are broadly comparable to metered taxis. Note that Uber availability can vary depending on local driver coverage - have a backup option in mind if no cars appear nearby.


Car Hire at MDZ

Mendoza Airport has rental desks in the arrivals hall, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Localiza, and several local operators. No shuttle or off-site pickup is needed.

Hiring a car in Mendoza makes a lot of sense:

  • Luján de Cuyo wineries - 20–30 km south on Ruta Nacional 40; drive takes 25–35 minutes
  • Maipú wineries - 18 km south-east; popular cycle-between-wineries route but a car gives more flexibility
  • Aconcagua viewpoint at Punta de Vacas - 165 km west on Ruta 7; a full-day mountain drive
  • Potrerillos reservoir - 65 km west; popular half-day excursion

Use GetRentacar to compare hire car rates and book online before you land - airport desks often charge a premium for walk-ups.

Important: Argentine car hire requires a valid driving licence from your home country. Some operators also accept an International Driving Permit. You will need a credit card (not debit) for the deposit.


Tips for Arriving at Mendoza Airport

Time your arrival against peak wine tourism. March–April is harvest season and February–March is peak summer. Taxis can be in short supply during these months on busy flight days - pre-book a remise or transfer to avoid queuing.

The airport has a single terminal. Arrivals and departures share the same building. The taxi counter, remise desk, and car hire counters are all within 50 metres of each other past the baggage belts - you will not need to search.

Nights can be cold in Mendoza. Even in summer, evening temperatures drop significantly at altitude. If your flight arrives at night and you plan to drive to a mountain lodge, confirm road conditions with your accommodation - Ruta 7 towards the Andes can be icy in autumn and winter.

Pre-book for harvest season. If travelling in late February through April for the Vendimia harvest festival, note that the city fills up rapidly. Pre-booked transfers and rental cars sell out fast - lock these in when you book your flights.


Heading into Wine Country Directly

If your plan is to go straight from the airport to a wine lodge in Luján de Cuyo rather than checking in to a city hotel, tell the remise operator or car hire desk your exact destination. Many wine lodges - including Cavas Wine Lodge (Luján de Cuyo) and The Vines Resort (Tunuyán, 100 km south) - offer direct transfers from MDZ. Confirm this when making your accommodation booking.


Book Your Transfer

For a stress-free arrival, a pre-booked private transfer removes all the hassle of finding a taxi after a long flight. Use GetTransfer to compare fixed-rate quotes for the MDZ to city-centre route. Alternatively, use the Kiwitaxi widget below for instant pricing and booking.

Planning to explore the wine regions? GetRentacar offers competitive rates from Mendoza Airport with no hidden fees.


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Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Mendoza Airport from the city center?
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) is approximately 8 km east of central Mendoza. A taxi or remise takes 15–20 minutes in normal traffic, or up to 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.
How much does a taxi from Mendoza Airport cost?
An official taxi from MDZ to central Mendoza costs approximately ARS 8,000–12,000 (around $5–8 USD as of 2026). Book at the official taxi desk inside the arrivals hall to get a registered vehicle with a fixed or metered fare.
Is there a bus from Mendoza Airport to the city?
Yes - Mendoza city buses serve the airport, though with less frequency than Buenos Aires services. Bus 60 (Expreso Uspallata) and Bus 200 (Maipú) pass near the terminal and connect to the city centre. A SUBE card is required; fares are under ARS 1,000. Journey time is 30–45 minutes.
Can I hire a car at Mendoza Airport?
Yes. All major rental desks - including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local operators - have counters in the arrivals hall. Car hire is highly recommended for Mendoza as the best wineries are spread 20–60 km south and east of the city in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.
What is the best transfer option for wine tours in Mendoza?
For wine touring, a hire car gives maximum flexibility. Alternatively, a remise driver can be hired for a full day (typically ARS 60,000–90,000 as of 2026, negotiated in advance) to cover multiple wineries. Uber is also active in Mendoza city and nearby wine districts.

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