Getting There & Away: El Calafate

Air Travel Insights

Airport & Main Carriers

Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) serves El Calafate, located about 20 km (12 miles) east of town. It's a small, modern airport.

Airlines & Routes

Aerolíneas Argentinas: Main carrier from Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE) and other Patagonian cities.
Flybondi & JetSMART: Low-cost options, mainly from Buenos Aires (EZE). Check baggage fees.
No direct international flights to FTE. All connections via Buenos Aires.

Seasonal Flight Patterns

Flight frequency and prices go up during high season (Dec-Feb). Booking domestic flights well ahead of time is a good idea for this period.

Airport Services & Transfers

FTE has basic services: cafes, souvenir shops, car rental desks, ATMs.
Shared shuttles (Ves Patagonia, Remis Calafate) are cost-effective transfers to town.
Taxis/remises are available for direct, private transfers to town.

Flight Deals

Find competitive fares via Dollar Flight Club for great savings.

Compare Flights

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Car Rental Search

Find the best car rental deals with DiscoverCars.com.

Land Travel & Border Crossings

Border Crossing to Chile

Main crossing to Torres del Paine is Paso Fronterizo Río Don Guillermo (Argentina).
Disembark for Argentine and Chilean immigration/customs checks.
Be ready to declare food items.
The process can take time, especially during peak season.

Long-Distance Bus Options

El Calafate's bus terminal is a hub for regional connections.
Daily routes to El Chaltén (3 hrs), Puerto Natales (Chile, 5-6 hrs including border).
No direct buses to Ushuaia, often a transfer in Río Gallegos.
Booking in advance for high season is a good idea.

Self-Driving & Road Information

Rental Needs

Valid driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed. Passport and credit card for deposit. Minimum age usually 21-25.

Road Conditions

Main routes (Perito Moreno, El Chaltén) are paved. Secondary roads are often gravel ("ripio"); drive carefully and use a higher-clearance vehicle.

Safety Notes

Fuel up often, distances are long. Strong Patagonian winds can affect vehicle control. Watch for wildlife. Check weather before long drives.

Water-Based Journeys

Ferry & Cruise Ports

El Calafate is not a coastal city. No sea or river ferry services serve as a main way to arrive or depart.

Lake Tours

Boat tours are popular on Lago Argentino for glacier viewing.
Popular tours: "Classic" to Perito Moreno and "Todos los Glaciares" for others.
These tours include bus transfer to Puerto Bandera, the boat departure point.

River Transportation

River transport is not a main way to arrive or depart for El Calafate.

Connections & Procedures

The region focuses on lake and land-based travel.
No immigration procedures at seaports, as there are none for international arrivals.
Boat tours link with land transport via organized bus transfers.

Departure Checklist

Exit Information

No specific exit fees for tourists departing by air or land.
Charges are usually part of your ticket price.
For FTE domestic flights, arrive 2-3 hours early (peak season).

Terminal Facilities

The airport and bus terminal have simple services for departing travelers.

Airport & Bus Terminal

FTE has cafes, souvenir shops, restrooms.
Bus terminal has small cafes and waiting areas.
Have local currency for last-minute purchases.

Departure Reminders

Smooth Exit Strategies

For bus departures, especially international ones, be at the terminal 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure for luggage loading and ticket confirmation.

Getting There & Away