Rio Cuarto

Rio Cuarto Airport, also known as Las Higueras Airport, serves as the air gateway to the city of the same name in the province of Cordoba, Argentina. Located in the picturesque Pampas region, it acts as an important transport hub for business travellers and tourists wishing to explore the southern part of the province. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in connecting the region with the rest of the country, offering passengers basic amenities and reasonably efficient service.

The main advantage of Rio Cuarto Airport is its compactness and ease of navigation. Passengers do not have to spend much time passing through security and check-in, which for domestic flights is usually completed 40 minutes before departure. The small terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: a waiting lounge, a café, and a few shops. The airport mainly serves flights to Buenos Aires, making it a convenient starting point for further travel across Argentina and beyond.

To ensure your trip runs smoothly, save the contact information for Rio Cuarto Airport. Here are the essential details for communication.

• Official Website: www.aa2000.com.ar/rio-cuarto. On the website of the operator, Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, you will find the current flight schedule, information about services, and airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: +54 (358) 497-0925.
• Address: Ruta Nacional 8, Km 601, X5800 Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina.
• Email: The airport does not provide a direct email address for communication. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow general news and updates on the official pages of the operating company, Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, the first step is to contact your airline representative in the arrivals area. For items left within the terminal premises, please contact the airport information service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries related to terminal operations, you can contact the information desk by phone: +54 (358) 497-0925.

Rio Cuarto Airport (IATA: RCU) is conveniently located just 7 kilometres from the centre of the eponymous city in Argentina. Thanks to this proximity, the journey to the terminal does not take much time: a car ride from the centre of Rio Cuarto usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The most comfortable and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. This is the ideal option for travellers with bulky luggage, families with children, and those departing early in the morning or late at night. A taxi ride from the city centre will cost approximately 6000-9000 Argentine Pesos (ARS). It is recommended to use official taxi services or agree on the price with the driver in advance to avoid overcharging.

For budget-conscious travellers, public transport is suitable. Local buses (colectivos) operate throughout the city, some of which head in the direction of the airport. However, please note that there may not be a direct route to the terminal entrance, and a short walk may be required. The bus fare is nominal — about 700-1000 ARS. This method requires more time and prior study of the schedule but is excellent for tourists travelling light.

If you value freedom of movement and plan to explore the surroundings, the optimal solution would be car rental. Several rental company offices operate in the city. The cost of renting a compact car starts from approximately 40,000 ARS per day. For those driving to the airport in their own or rented car, there is paid parking at the terminal where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods. Rates depend on the duration of parking.

Rio Cuarto Airport (RCU) is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is extremely simple and easy for travellers to understand. There is one passenger terminal operating here, serving all domestic flights. Thanks to its compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost in the airport, making it very convenient for passengers who value speed and a lack of hassle.

The terminal is divided into several functional zones. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the public area where the check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, followed by a small departure lounge. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building but has a separate exit so that the flows of departing and arriving passengers do not cross. The airport layout is intuitive, and all key points — from check-in to the boarding gate — are within walking distance of each other.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Rio Cuarto Airport usually takes minimal time. Due to low passenger traffic, queues for check-in and security are generally non-existent or move very quickly. The entire process from entering the terminal to reaching the departure zone rarely takes more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs. Since there is only one terminal and it is small, you will easily find everything you need. Transitions between zones take no more than a minute. This is the ideal airport for those who dislike long walks through huge terminals and prefer everything to be quick and simple.

The history of Rio Cuarto Airport (RCU), officially known as Área de Material Río Cuarto, is unique as it is closely intertwined with the development of the Argentine Air Force. Its key feature is the combination of functions as a civil air terminal and one of the country's most important Air Force bases, which has defined its entire development path.

A foundational moment in the airport's history was the establishment of the "Área de Material Río Cuarto" air base here in 1944. This event predetermined its primary role as a strategic centre for the maintenance, repair, and modernization of Air Force aircraft. Parallel to military activities, civil infrastructure also developed, which was necessary to ensure air connectivity for the city of Rio Cuarto and the entire agricultural region of Cordoba province.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization aimed at maintaining both military and civil functionality. Although priority was always given to military needs, the civil sector gradually improved. Significant improvements were made to the runway and navigation equipment. The passenger terminal received a new round of development after coming under the management of the operator Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, which allowed for improved service quality and comfort for travellers.

Interesting Fact: For most passengers, it comes as a real discovery that behind the modest façade of the civil terminal lies a large and historically significant military-industrial facility. Thus, RCU Airport is not just a point of departure and arrival, but a living part of Argentina's aviation history, continuing to play its dual role today.

Rio Cuarto Airport (RCU) is a compact regional hub providing passengers with all basic services for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal, you will find a café where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, as well as a small shop with travel essentials and souvenirs. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and power outlets for charging mobile devices are provided in the waiting lounge.

Financial services are represented by an ATM where you can withdraw cash pesos. It is worth noting that there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport, so it is better to arrange currency exchange in advance in the city of Rio Cuarto. A medical point operates in the building to provide first aid. Specialized VIP lounges or business lounges are not available at the airport.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and accessible restrooms. To receive personal assistance with boarding and moving through the terminal, it is recommended to contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Families travelling with small children can use the baby changing tables in the restrooms.

There are no hotels within the airport grounds, but many accommodation options are located in the city of Rio Cuarto itself, just a few minutes' drive away. You can reach them by taxi. Conference room rental or business centre services are not provided at the airport; for these purposes, you can use the infrastructure of city hotels and business centres in Argentina.

Rio Cuarto Airport (RCU) is a compact regional hub, so dining options here are quite modest and primarily designed for a quick snack before departure. Passengers should not expect a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

Typically, a small cafeteria operates in the main and only terminal of the airport. It is located in the public area before security control (landside), making it accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. This is the main place where you can pass the time with a cup of coffee or a soft drink.

The cafeteria menu usually includes a standard set of snacks: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and sweets. Here you can try traditional Argentine croissants called medialunas, which are excellent for a light snack. You are unlikely to find options for a full hot lunch or dinner here. The price range is usually moderate, typical for small regional airports.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals) will find it extremely difficult to find suitable options. Therefore, if you require a full meal or a special menu, it is strongly recommended to eat beforehand at one of the cafés or restaurants in the city of Rio Cuarto. It is also worth considering that the opening hours of the establishment at the airport depend directly on the flight schedule, and it may be closed during intervals between flights.

Planning a trip through the airport of Rio Cuarto is the first step to your journey through the heart of Argentina. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips to save time, money, and stress.

Arrival time at the airport. Rio Cuarto Airport (RCU) is a small regional hub, so there are rarely large crowds here. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security control without rushing. Nevertheless, always check the recommendations of your airline.

Check-in and Control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline offers this facility. Security checkpoints at small airports usually work quickly. The procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, liquids, and metal objects from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. Flights from Rio Cuarto often offer picturesque views of the endless Pampa plains. If you want to enjoy the scenery, choose a window seat. For those who value comfort, seats with extra legroom near the emergency exits are suitable, and for those wishing to leave the aircraft quickly — seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand Luggage. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard for most airlines. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, explosives, and flammable substances are prohibited. Be sure to check with your carrier regarding the allowable weight and dimensions of hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers. Rio Cuarto Airport is generally not a transit hub. Most connections are made in major airports, for example, in Buenos Aires. If you have a connecting flight, allow sufficient time for the transfer at the next airport, especially if a change of terminal or even airport is involved (for example, transferring from Aeroparque to Ezeiza in Buenos Aires).

Customs Control. Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, customs control for passengers arriving from other cities in Argentina is not required. You will not have to declare personal items or undergo additional checks.

Saving Time and Money.

• Book tickets in advance, especially during the high season.
• Use online check-in to avoid standing in queues.
• Take a light snack and a water bottle with you (it can be filled after security check) — the selection at the airport may be limited and expensive.
• Travel light with only hand luggage to save on baggage fees and avoid waiting for luggage delivery.

Flight Delays. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative at the check-in counter. Inquire about your rights to beverages, meals, or hotel accommodation in case of a long delay. Since the waiting area in the airport is small, just in case, have a book, a charged power bank, and films or music downloaded to your device with you.