Getting Around Mendoza: An Overview
Central Mendoza is relatively compact and walkable, but the wider area — including the vineyards to the south — is spread out enough that you'll want to use public transport, taxis, or a bicycle for longer trips. The city's public transport system was radically transformed in early 2019 with the introduction of Mendotran, which organises services into two different transport "webs": one that takes you into and out of the city proper, and one that connects the different areas of the periphery.
Walking
Central Mendoza is compact enough to explore on foot. As a rough guide, it's a 20- to 30-minute walk from Plaza Independencia to Parque San Martin. Walking is not recommended, however, for reaching the bodegas (vineyards) to the south, which are at least 10 km away. If you arrive at the bus terminal, the city centre is about a 15-minute walk away, but this route is not recommended at night, as the area between the terminal and the centre borders on the red light district.
Buses and the Mendotran System
Buses are plentiful, but a little confusing at first. Under the Mendotran system, the network relies heavily on changing buses to reach your destination, so it's common for map apps to suggest a transfer. Depending on how long your first journey is, you may not have to pay for your second one: after touching in, there is a 90-minute period during which it is free to board another bus.
Practical points for visitors:
- You cannot pay cash for your fare.
- You can pay with a SUBE card — the same card used in Buenos Aires and some other cities — or with your international contactless debit or credit card when boarding.
- NFC payments are also accepted as of 2026.
- SUBE cards can be bought from some kioskos near a bus stop, and charged up at the same place.
- Bus stop signs may still be missing, so you may need to rely on the Mendotran website, Google Maps, or the knowledge of local people — particularly store-keepers — to find your stop.
- An interactive map of city bus routes is available on the city's website, and Google Maps or other map apps can help you plan the best way to get somewhere.
As of May 2026 the system is being expanded to travel north, up to the airport, and also south, to Luján de Cuyo.
Metrotranvía (Tram-Train)
The Metrotranvía (MTM) is a modern electric tram-train system. The Green Line connects the city centre with the south-eastern suburb of Gutiérrez in Maipú district, and it is being extended to Las Heras in the north of the metro area. It uses the same prepaid-card system as the buses, and combinations with buses can be made at no cost.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful, use meters, and are fairly cheap — costing about the same as in Buenos Aires. Mendoza is one of the few cities in Argentina where Uber has a presence, and most times it's more convenient to use Uber than regular taxis. Remis (private taxis) are also available, notably at the bus terminal, where they are readily on hand for the trip to the centre.
Cycling
Mendoza benefits from an impressive cycle lane network — probably the best in the country after Buenos Aires and Córdoba. You can hire bicycles in town, and most hostels can put you in touch with a bicycle hire outfit. Prices are negotiable (they will charge as much as they think you are willing to pay), but you shouldn't pay more than AR$15,000–20,000 per day. You will need some form of ID to leave as a deposit. Ask to see the bike before handing over your money, as many are old clunkers.
Arriving by Bus
The large bus terminal, Estación Terminal Mendoza, is about 2 km east of the city centre on Av. Gdor. Ricardo Videla, and operates 24 hours. It is a large, modern station served by several companies with routes to all major destinations in Argentina, plus some international routes to Chile. There are places to buy food and drinks. From the terminal, taxis and remis are readily available for the trip to the centre, or it's a 15-minute walk (not recommended at night).
Getting from the Airport into the City
Mendoza's airport is El Plumerillo (MDZ). It is a small airport with flights to Buenos Aires and Santiago, among other destinations. From the airport you have two main options for reaching the city:
- Remis (private taxi): available at fixed posted prices.
- City bus (colectivo): takes you downtown, but it comes only every 40 minutes and takes an hour to make its way downtown. Note that you need to buy a bus card, which is not available at the airport — so if you plan to use the bus, sort out your card in advance.