El Bolsón is about 120 km south of Bariloche, and it’s the most common first stop for travelers heading into the Comarca Andina. The trip takes roughly 2 and a half hours, a little more in high season or winter. The real decision is whether you want the flexibility of a car, the low cost of the bus, or the convenience of a tour.
This guide breaks down all three options.
Bariloche to El Bolsón: Bus
The bus is the standard way to get to El Bolsón if you don’t want to rent a car, and it’s a reasonable option even if you’re planning to explore the wider Comarca Andina, since local buses also connect El Bolsón to all the smaller towns.
How it works: Buses leave from Bariloche’s main bus terminal (Terminal de Ómnibus, next to the train station on the east side of town) several times a day. The trip takes about 2 and a half hours on a paved road. You can also take a bus directly from the Bariloche airport, but it has less frecuency.
Bus Confort Level
You will find diferent confort levels for the bus ride, from “Estandar” (the seat reclines 120 degrees), “Semi-cama” (the seat reclines 130 degrees), and “Ejecutivo” (the seat reclines 160 degrees). It’s not a long ride, and the views are stuning. First few miles from Bariloche are winding mountain roads, so, if you tend to feel a little dizzy, you might feel some discomfort.
Estandar
Semi-cama
Ejecutivo
- Tickets can usually be bought the same day, but buying a day ot two ahead is safer in January and February
- Buses drop you at El Bolsón’s own bus terminal, a short walk or taxi ride from the town center
Bariloche to El Bolsón: Renting a Car
Renting a car in Bariloche and driving yourself is the most flexible option, and it’s worth the extra cost if you have the budget and you’re planning to visit more than one Comarca Andina town.
The route: From Bariloche, the drive follows Route 40 south, mostly through forest, lakes and along the Río Azul valley. A few miles outside of Bariloche, you’ll find stretches of road with no shoulder, with mountain slopes on one side and cliffs overlooking the lakes on the other. The road is paved and not particularly difficult to drive on, but keep this in mind, as you won’t be able to stop or pass other vehicles on long stretches of the road.
Renting a car gives you a freedom you won’t have on a bus. While it’s perfectly possible to visit all the towns in the Comarca Andina by bus, a car allows you to do so at your own pace without having to worry about tickets or schedules.
Practical notes:
- Rental agencies are concentrated in Bariloche, including options at the airport and downtown
- Fuel stations are available in El Bolsón, and all other smaller towns, fuel availability is not a problem in the region, but you might find a line to fill up in summer. Booking ahead in high season (December–February) is alwas a good idea, since rental cars in Bariloche get scarce.
Bariloche to El Bolsón: Guided Tour or Private Transfer
Some operators run day trips from Bariloche to El Bolsón, usually combined with a stop at the craft market and sometimes a short hike or a visit to Lago Puelo.
Who it’s for: Travelers with limited time who want to see El Bolsón without committing to an overnight stay, or anyone who prefers not to deal with bus schedules or driving.
Trade-off: A day tour gets you a taste of El Bolsón, but the town rewards spending at least one night — the craft market, breweries, and surrounding hikes are hard to fit into a single day trip from Bariloche.
A private transfer (a driver who takes you one-way or round-trip without the tour stops) is a middle option if you have the budget and want to skip the bus but don’t need a rental car for the rest of your trip.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Staying only in El Bolsón, budget-conscious: Bus.
- Planning to visit multiple Comarca Andina towns: Rental car or Bus
- Short on time, want to see El Bolsón as a day trip from Bariloche: Guided tour.
- Want convenience without driving yourself, staying multiple nights: Private transfer.
Practical Tips
- The trip is scenic — if you have flexibility, morning departures give you better light for photos along the Río Azul valley.
- You’ll have cell service for most of the trip, but you’ll lose it on a few short stretches along this route.
- If traveling by bus in January or February, buy your ticket at least a day in advance; seats can sell out.
- El Bolsón’s bus terminal is not on the city center, but is not so far either. You can walk to the town center or take a “remis” (a kind of private taxi) for a small price.
Continuing Into the Comarca Andina
Once in El Bolsón, most of the other towns in the region are a short additional drive away: Lago Puelo (15 minutes), El Hoyo (20 minutes), and Epuyén (about 50 minutes). Cholila and El Maitén are further and usually visited as separate legs of a longer trip.
For an overview of the whole region and how the towns connect, see our Comarca Andina: Complete Guide.
