Arriving by air is always faster unless you are coming from someplace other than Buenos Aires or Santiago in Chile. From Buenos Aires it takes approximately 3 hours to travel to Bariloche, with several flights a day from the Jorge Newberry Aeroparque downtown.
The bus ride from Buenos Aires is about 20 hours, and several "classes" are offered including the "coche cama" (full bed), "semi cama" (half bed), and standard. The coche cama is definitely recommended! On board there are movies, a bathroom, and food. There are several competing companies and over 10 departures daily, and there is not much difference between them. Via Bariloche has been recommended as being very consistent, safe, and comfortable.
