Getting There & Away: Puerto Madryn

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Two airports serve the Puerto Madryn region:

Airport Details

El Tehuelche Airport (PMY): Directly in Puerto Madryn. Smaller, limited domestic flights.
Almirante Marcos A. Zar Airport (TRW): In Trelew, 60-70 km south. Main airport for the region, more frequent flights.
Airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas is the main carrier for both PMY (direct to AEP) and TRW (frequent to AEP).

International Connections & Booking

No direct international flights operate to PMY or TRW. All international travelers connect through Buenos Aires.

Flight Information

Connection Hub: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) in Buenos Aires for domestic flights.
Price Fluctuations: Prices increase significantly during peak whale watching season (Sep-Dec) and Argentine summer (Jan-Feb).
Booking: Book flights well in advance for peak periods (3-6 months ahead recommended).

TRW to Puerto Madryn

Shared minivans are the most common and convenient transfer option. They operate regularly and drop you at your accommodation. Taxis/remises are also available. Rental car desks are at TRW.

PMY to City Center

From El Tehuelche Airport (PMY), a short, inexpensive taxi or remis ride connects to the city center (approx. 15-20 minutes). Some hotels offer shuttle services.

Airport Facilities

Both PMY and TRW are relatively small. TRW has car rental desks, cafes, basic shops, and ATMs. PMY offers more limited facilities.

Land Transportation Overview

Long-Distance Buses

Main inter-city travel method. Comfortable and reliable.
Companies: Andesmar, Via Bariloche, Don Otto, Taqsa.
Routes: Direct to Buenos Aires (18-20 hrs), Bahía Blanca, Mar del Plata, southern Patagonia.
Classes: Semi-Cama (reclining), Cama (almost flat, meals), Ejecutivo/Suite (premium).

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP for non-Spanish), major credit card (deposit). Min age 21/23.
Roads: RN3 (paved, good condition). Valdés Peninsula roads (mostly unpaved gravel - Ripio). Drive slowly.
Safety: Wildlife on roads (guanacos, rheas). Vast distances, limited gas stations in Valdés. Strong crosswinds.
Cell Service: Limited in remote Valdés areas. Inform someone of your route.

Sea Arrivals & Departures

Cruise Port

Puerto Madryn is a popular cruise ship port of call (Luis Piedra Buena Pier). No regular passenger ferry services operate.

Immigration at Pier

Cruise lines typically handle immigration. Officials board the ship or set up pier processing. Seamless disembarkation.

Pier Connections

Pier is walkable to city center. Taxis available. Cruise-arranged excursions have designated pickup points.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

Argentina has no separate exit fees for air travel; taxes are included in ticket price. No additional airport fees.

Departure Guidelines

Airports (PMY/TRW): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure.
Bus Terminal: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure for check-in.
Reconfirm flight/bus times 24-48 hours before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers, offering basic services for comfort.

Amenities

PMY/TRW Airports: Waiting areas, restrooms, small cafe/kiosk for snacks.
Bus Terminal: Waiting areas, restrooms, small kiosks for snacks, drinks, magazines.
ATMs may be available, but handle last-minute cash needs in the city.

Border Crossing If Applicable

Puerto Madryn is not a border town. Overland travel from neighboring countries typically involves other Patagonia crossings.

Examples: Paso Fronterizo Samoré for Lake District.
Procedures: Immigration and customs checks apply at border points.
Driving: Required vehicle documentation if driving across a border.

Train Services: No passenger train services connect to Puerto Madryn.
Historic railway to Trelew no longer for passengers.
Argentina's passenger train network is limited, mostly around Buenos Aires.

Travel Insight

Book domestic flights within Argentina, especially during peak season, well in advance. Aeroparque (AEP) in Buenos Aires is the gateway for most flights to Patagonia.

Getting There & Away