Distance from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes
Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes are about 200 km apart, roughly 4 h by car
The distance from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes is about 200 km by road, and the trip takes roughly 4 hours by car — approximate, depending on the route you choose, weather conditions and traffic. This makes it one of the most popular day trips or one-way drives in Argentine Patagonia, mainly because of the road that connects both towns: the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route), part of the legendary Ruta 40.
Driving route and distance from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes on Google Maps.
Let someone else do the driving. We run private, door-to-door transfers between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes — travel relaxed and arrive fresh.
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Whether you’re planning to drive yourself, hop on a long-distance bus, or arrange a private transfer, here’s everything you need to know about covering the distance between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes.
What’s included
- Private door-to-door transfer from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Hotel or address pickup
- Comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle
- Flexible departure time
Not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Meals and entrance fees
Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes: Distance and Route Details
The 200 km separating these two Patagonian towns can be covered via two main routes:
- Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Ruta 40 / Route 40): The scenic option, passing by seven (actually more) turquoise lakes, dense forests and lookout points. This route is partially unpaved in some stretches (though most of it is now paved), and it’s the one most travelers choose for the views alone.
- Ruta 237 and Ruta 40 (the faster, mostly paved alternative): A quicker route that skips most of the lake detours, useful if you’re short on time or the Seven Lakes Route is closed due to snow.
Most private transfers and day-tour vehicles use the Seven Lakes Route whenever conditions allow, since it turns the drive itself into part of the experience rather than just a way to get from point A to point B.
How Long Does It Take to Get There?
| Transport | Approx. Distance / Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private car / transfer | ~200 km, ~4 h | Includes short photo stops along the Seven Lakes Route; door-to-door service |
| Long-distance bus | ~200 km, ~4-5 h | Scheduled departures, fixed stops, shared with other passengers |
| Domestic flight | Not a direct route | No commercial flights connect these two towns directly; flying isn’t practical for this distance |
Car, Bus or Plane: What’s the Best Way to Travel?
Driving (private car or transfer)
For a distance of around 200 km, driving is by far the most common and practical choice. It allows you to stop at the lake viewpoints, take photos, grab a coffee in Villa La Angostura, and enjoy the landscape at your own pace. A private transfer is especially convenient if you’d rather relax and enjoy the scenery instead of focusing on the road.
Long-distance bus
Buses connect Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes on a regular basis and are a budget-friendly option, though schedules are fixed and the route taken may prioritize speed over scenery.
Flying
There is no direct commercial flight between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, and for a 200 km distance, flying wouldn’t make sense anyway — by the time you factor in airport transfers and check-in, driving is faster and far more scenic. Flying only becomes relevant if you’re arriving from much farther away (e.g., Buenos Aires) and connecting onward by road from either airport.
Practical Tips for the Drive
- Tolls: There are a couple of toll booths along the main routes; keep some cash or card handy.
- Fuel and rest stops: Fill up the tank before leaving, as gas stations are spaced out along the Seven Lakes Route. Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful are good points to stretch your legs, eat, or refuel.
- Best time to travel: Late spring through early autumn (November to April) offers the best road conditions and full access to viewpoints. In winter, sections of the Seven Lakes Route may close due to snow, and the alternative paved route is used instead.
- Is driving worth it vs. flying? Since there’s no direct flight option for this specific leg, driving (or being driven) is really the only practical way to go — and given the scenery, most travelers agree it’s a highlight of the trip rather than a chore.
Make the Drive Easy: Book a Private Transfer
If you’d rather skip the logistics of renting a car, checking road conditions, or catching a bus at a fixed time, a private transfer between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes takes care of everything. You travel door-to-door, choose your departure time, and can ask your driver to stop at the main viewpoints along the Seven Lakes Route.
How many kilometers is it from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes?
How long does it take to drive from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes?
What is the distance from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes in miles?
Are there direct flights between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes?
Is the Seven Lakes Route the fastest way to get there?
Is the road between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes paved?
Can I do the Seven Lakes Route as a day trip from Bariloche?
What’s the best time of year to drive this route?
Are there tolls on the way from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes?
Is it better to rent a car or book a private transfer for this route?
How long is the bus ride from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes?
Does the Seven Lakes Route close in winter?
What towns can I stop at along the way?
Is the distance from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes worth driving instead of flying?
Can I book a one-way private transfer instead of a round trip?
Ready to cover the distance between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes in comfort? Book your private door-to-door transfer by WhatsApp and let us handle the drive while you enjoy the lakes, forests and mountain views along the way.