La Rioja airport (IRJ)

Capitán Vicente Almandos Almonacid Airport, opened on October 11, 1948, serves the province of La Rioja. It operates scheduled domestic flights connecting with Buenos Aires.

Official Website: aeropuertosargentina.com/en/IRJ

Phone: +54 11 3987 4150

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport features a single single-story passenger terminal. The building does not operate 24 hours continuously; it opens according to scheduled flights, prior to each departure or arrival, and closes after the last commercial flight of the day.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 74,000 passengers.

Information Points

Information and airline service counters are located in the central hall of the terminal.

 Location

The airport is located on Provincial Route 5, 6 km (4 miles) northeast of downtown La Rioja.

What services does La Rioja airport (IRJ) offer?

Services available to passengers in the terminal building:

Finance and Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: free wireless internet service provided throughout the terminal by the operator.
• ATMs and currency exchange: there are no automated teller machines (ATMs) or currency exchange booths in the terminal.

Food and Drinks

A cafeteria operates in the main hall, offering coffee, drinks, and snacks during flight departure and arrival times.

Baggage

Luggage carts are available free of charge in the arrivals and departures areas. The terminal has no luggage storage lockers or luggage wrapping services. For delayed or damaged checked baggage, contact the airline counter or the Airport Security Police (e-mail: [email protected]).

Other Services

Drinking water refill stations and emergency medical first aid assistance.

Accommodation near La Rioja airport (IRJ)

There are no hotels or sleep pods within the airport premises.

Nearby hotels

The closest lodging options are located in downtown La Rioja and its surroundings:

• Complejo Paradise (4.5 km / 2.8 miles)
• Hotel Andino (5.9 km / 3.7 miles)
• Complejo Llay (5.9 km / 3.7 miles)
• Hotel Avenida (6.6 km / 4.1 miles)
• Naindo Park Hotel (6.7 km / 4.2 miles)
• Hotel Plaza (7 km / 4.3 miles)

Public and private transportation

The airport is connected to the city of La Rioja via Provincial Route 5, with an estimated travel time of 10 to 15 minutes to downtown.

Taxis and remises

Vehicles from Remisses La Rioja and official taxis are stationed immediately outside the terminal exit. For security reasons, passengers are advised not to accept transportation services offered inside the building.

Buses

There are no regular public bus lines entering the airport grounds. Public buses only operate along external roads and avenues.

Ride-hailing apps

Vehicle availability through ride-hailing apps in the area is limited and irregular; the most reliable option is using authorized remises and taxis.

Car rental agencies

The airport does not have car rental agency desks or offices inside the terminal building.

Passengers requiring a rental car are advised to arrange a booking in advance with agencies based in the city of La Rioja, coordinating delivery and drop-off in the outdoor parking area.

Parking services at La Rioja airport (IRJ)

The airport features an outdoor open-air parking lot located directly in front of the terminal building.

Areas and features

The open-air parking facility is situated just steps from the terminal entrance, providing immediate pedestrian access without the need for transfers.

Important considerations

Grace period: the first 15 minutes of stay are free of charge.

Reference rates:

• Cars: AR$ 6,000 per hour / AR$ 24,000 per daily stay.
• Pickups/SUVs: AR$ 7,000 per hour / AR$ 28,000 per daily stay.
• Motorcycles: AR$ 3,500 per hour / AR$ 14,000 per daily stay.
• Minibuses and buses: AR$ 7,500 per hour / AR$ 30,000 per daily stay.

After the first hour, charges are billed in 30-minute increments (with a 5-minute tolerance). Cash (pesos and US dollars) as well as debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cabal) are accepted.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

The airport is equipped with accessible infrastructure to accommodate passengers with special needs or reduced mobility.

Special assistance request

Passengers requiring wheelchairs or personalized assistance must request the service directly from their airline at least 48 hours prior to the flight.

Infrastructure and accessibility

The terminal building is set on a single ground level, facilitating step-free movement. It features access ramps, adapted restrooms, and designated parking spaces in the parking lot.

Hidden disabilities

The airport is part of the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program network, providing support and priority attention to people with invisible disabilities through sunflower lanyards.