Both Aerolineas Argentinas and the local lowcost airline company jetSMART offer several direct flights each week between Mendoza and Salta, which is 600 miles (965 km) to the north.

Driving is also a possibility and the more scenic—and longer—route through the Valle de La Luna and Cafayate offers you a chance to see more of the region. Car rental companies charge a premium for one-way trips, so make sure to plan ahead. 

This 6-day road trip itinerary gives you all the details you need to plan your drive from Mendoza to Salta, and this 10-day itinerary can give you more ideas for what to do in each city. 

By Plane

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes, plus travel to/from airports

The Mendoza Airport (MDZ) is only 5.5 miles (9 km) away from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or private transfer. Once you land at the Salta Airport (SLA), taking a taxi or private transfer into the city is easy and takes about 20 minutes. You can also take the 8A bus from the airport into the city. 

By Car

Duration: 17 hours, plus sightseeing stops

Another option is to turn the journey from Mendoza to Salta into a road-trip and stop to see the sights on the way, like the Talampaya Natural Park and Cafayate. 

Head north from Mendoza on RN40 to Villa San Agustín, your first stop, about 5 hours (235 miles/375 km) away from Mendoza. From there you can visit the Valle de la Luna and the Talampaya National Park, both known for their otherworldly geological formations. 

You can continue straight on from Talampaya and spend the night in La Rioja, which is about 2.5-hour drive. Then continue on to Cafayate the next day, which is 315 miles (510 km) away and takes about 7 hours to reach. 

Finally, you'll drive another couple hours through the Quebrada de las Conchas (Conchas Gorge) and its famous red rock landscapes to reach Salta, your destination.

Map

Map of How to Get from Mendoza to Salta
Map of How to Get from Mendoza to Salta