New Payment System on the public buses in Bariloche

There are two bus companies in Bariloche, but the only one you will use as a tourist the is the '3 de Mayo' company with the red, red/orange buses.

As of October 2011 cash is no longer accepted on the public buses (except the bus to Cerro Catedral which is AR$8 one way).

You can either pay by using a a Magnetic Card (called a 'Cospel' in spanish) with sufficient credit for your journey or by purchasing a ticket ‘boleto eventual ‘ in advance at the bus office on Moreno street no. 476 or at the Bus Terminal. Note: The ticket costs more than using the magnet card.

Journey prices with the Magnetic Card (‘Cospel’):

Example rates:

All prices are one way – you can’t purchase returns tickets.

Where to buy a Magnet Card ('Cospel')

The ONLY place to purchase a Magnetic bus pass is at the Bus Office - on the corner of Moreno & Beschtedt streets (6 blocks from the civic centre) - Monday to Friday 7.30am - 8.30pm & Saturday 8am - 4pm. The Card costs AR$14 and requires at least AR$3 credit added at time of purchase

Where to recharge your Magnet Card ('Cospel')

You can recharge your card in the centre of Bariloche at the following locations (ask when purchasing your card for the full list or recharge points):

• Kiosco ‘Kiosco 86’ on Moreno 86 (opposite the main bus stop by the Centro Civico) - open till late
• Bus office: corner of Moreno & Beschtedt streets - Monday to Friday 7.30am - 8.30pm & Saturday 8am - 4pm
• Bus Terminal - 9am 7pm
• Uno Supermarket on Moreno street

How to use the magnet card ('Cospel')

Tell the bus driver where you want to go, wait while he types the rate into the machine, then place your magnetic card flat on the top of the machine until it beeps.  You can use the card for up to 10 people at a time.

Journey prices with a ticket 'Boleto Eventual'
(only available with advance purchase from Bus office and Bus Terminal)

Example rates:

All prices are one way – you can’t purchase returns tickets.

Where to buy a Ticket ' Boleto Eventual'

• Bus office: corner of Moreno & Beschtedt streets - Monday to Friday 7.30am - 8.30pm & Saturday 8am - 4pm
• Bus Terminal - 9am - 7pm

Note: If you arrive in Bariloche at the bus terminal after 7pm it is not possible to purchase a ticket as the office is closed, your only option is to take a Taxi to the centre of Bariloche costing around AR$20.

If you find yourself without a ticket or bus card and need to use the Bus consider offering to pay another passenger for use of their card.