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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina

Air Travel

Airport & Flights

Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) is the main airport, located 4 km south of the city. It mainly handles domestic flights. No direct international flights originate from outside South America; travelers connect via Buenos Aires.

Airlines & Routes

  • Domestic: Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires (AEP).
  • Other options: Flybondi and JetSmart from Buenos Aires.
  • Antarctic hub: Major airport for cruise charter flights.

Airport Services & Transfers

Ushuaia Airport is modern, with currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free, and car rental desks. Wi-Fi is generally available. Transfer options to the city include taxis, remises, and a public bus service.

Transfer Information

  • Taxis/Remises: Convenient, fixed or metered fares, 15-20 min to city.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer this service.
  • Public Bus (Line A): Connects airport to city, requires SUBE card.

Price Fluctuations

Flights are most frequent and expensive in high season (Dec-Mar). Book several months in advance.

Shoulder Season Benefits

Lower prices and good availability in shoulder season (Oct-Nov, Apr-May) for flight deals.

Low Season Trends

Fewer flights and lower prices in low season (Jun-Sep), unless during ski events.

Flight Booking Resources

Flight Deal Alerts

  • Dollar Flight Club for cheap flight alerts.
  • Compare prices and explore options for your flights.
  • Book international flights to Buenos Aires (EZE).
  • Plan ample time for transfer to Aeroparque (AEP) for domestic flight to Ushuaia.

Comparison Tools

  • Skyscanner for comprehensive flight searches.
  • Monitor price trends for best deals.
  • No direct international flights to Ushuaia from outside South America.
  • Departure taxes are usually included in ticket prices.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

Departure taxes usually include in airline ticket prices; no separate exit fee.

Airport Arrival Time

For domestic flights, arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.

Cruise Departure

Follow instructions from your cruise line for check-out and transfers.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

Land travel to mainland Argentina involves briefly crossing into Chile via Paso San Sebastián and a ferry across the Strait of Magellan. A valid passport, vehicle registration, and insurance are needed for border crossings.

Border & Train Details

  • Documentation: Valid passport, vehicle registration, insurance.
  • Rental Car Cross-border: Inform company for specific documentation (additional fee).
  • End of the World Train: Scenic tourist route to Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses connect Ushuaia with Río Grande and Tolhuin. Direct long-distance buses to cities like Punta Arenas (Chile) or Río Gallegos (Argentina) are available, involving border crossings and long journeys.

Bus Routes & Companies

  • To/From Río Grande/Tolhuin: Lider and Tecni-Austral.
  • To Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales: Bus-Sur.
  • To Río Gallegos: Marga.

Self-Driving

Rental cars are available from the airport and city center (Hertz, Avis, local agencies). A valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are highly recommended. A credit card for deposit is also needed.

Driving Requirements & Tips

  • Required: Valid driver's license, IDP.
  • Book in advance, especially high season (DiscoverCars.com).
  • Cross-border: Inform rental company for required documentation.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads within Ushuaia and to Tierra del Fuego National Park are generally paved and in good condition. Roads to other towns are mostly paved. For off-piste or winter travel, a 4x4 vehicle may be advisable.

Safety on the Road

  • Winter: Roads can be icy or snow-covered; winter tires or snow chains (Amazon) may be needed.
  • Wildlife: Watch for guanacos on rural roads, especially at dusk/dawn.
  • Fog/Wind: Can occur in mountainous areas, reducing visibility.

Important Driving Laws

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Headlights must remain on at all times on national routes.
  • Speed limits are enforced.
  • Border crossings can take time; prepare for queues.
  • Plan fuel stops carefully on longer drives.

Sea Arrivals

Cruise Port & Ferries

Ushuaia is a major port for cruises to Antarctica and Patagonian fjords. The city’s main pier (Muelle Turístico) is centrally located. Smaller catamarans operate tourist excursions in the Beagle Channel, focusing on sightseeing to islands and lighthouses, not regular passenger ferry services.

Port Information

  • Cruise Port: Muelle Turístico, centrally located.
  • Beagle Channel: Tourist excursions, no public ferry service.
  • No significant river transportation options.

Immigration & Connections

Immigration procedures at the seaport are similar to those at the airport; present your passport. Cruise ship operators typically streamline much of the paperwork. The port's central location makes it easy to connect to land transportation.

Arrival & Transfers

  • Immigration: Passport and migratory card needed.
  • Port location: Walking distance to many attractions.
  • Transfers: Taxis and remises available at the port.

Cruise Ship Hub

Ushuaia is a main gateway for Antarctic and Patagonian fjord cruises.

Beagle Channel Tours

Small boats for sightseeing to islands and famous lighthouses.

Central Port Access

Port location allows easy access to city amenities upon arrival.

Departure Logistics

Planning Your Exit

Departure taxes are typically included in airline ticket prices for flights originating from Argentina. No separate exit fee applies for tourists. Plan to arrive at Ushuaia Airport at least 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled domestic flight departure. For international connections via Buenos Aires, allot ample time for the transfer between airports.

Departure Summary

  • Exit fees included in airline tickets.
  • Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight.
  • For cruises, follow cruise line's instructions.
  • Ushuaia Airport has check-in, security, shops, and dining.

Departure Checklist

Confirm flight status. Have all necessary travel documents accessible. Plan airport transfer well in advance.