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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Southern Patagonia, Chile

Air Travel

Airports Serving Puerto Natales

Two main airports serve the region. Your choice impacts convenience and flight availability.

Local and Regional Hubs

  • Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT), Puerto Natales: Conveniently located, seasonal flights to Santiago (SCL) and sometimes Punta Arenas (PUQ). Operations increase in high season (Nov-Mar).
  • Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), Punta Arenas: About 250 km south. Main airport for Chilean Patagonia, more frequent flights from Santiago and other Chilean cities. Most travelers arrive here and take a bus to Puerto Natales.
  • No direct international flights from major global hubs to PNT or PUQ. Connections are via Santiago (SCL).

Airlines & Transfers

Flight Details & Ground Transport

  • Airlines to PNT: LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline offer seasonal direct flights from Santiago.
  • Airlines to PUQ: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSMART offer frequent flights from Santiago.
  • Transfers from PNT: Taxis or shared shuttle vans are outside the terminal.
  • Transfers from PUQ: Buses Fernandez, Bus Sur, and Buses Pacheco offer frequent services directly from Punta Arenas airport to Puerto Natales bus terminal (approx. 3 hours). Book Flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

PNT flights are most frequent and generally more affordable during high season (Nov-Mar). Prices peak from Dec-Feb. Book ahead.

PUQ Flight Consistency

Flights to PUQ are consistent year-round, but prices peak in Patagonian summer. PUQ is the most reliable air access point during low season.

Airport Facilities

PNT is small with basic facilities. PUQ is larger with more amenities, including restaurants and duty-free shops.

Transfer Options from Airports

From PNT Puerto Natales Airport

  • Taxis: Readily available for a short, 10-15 minute ride to town.
  • Shared Shuttle Vans: Economical. Book upon arrival; takes passengers to lodging.
  • Rental Cars: Desks outside the terminal for self-driving.
  • Consider booking shuttle or bus tickets approximately 1-2 hours after your flight's landing time at PUQ to allow for baggage claim.

From PUQ Punta Arenas Airport

  • Bus Services: Most common and economical. Buses Fernandez, Bus Sur, Buses Pacheco run from airport to Puerto Natales bus terminal. Journey is about 3 hours.
  • Shared Shuttles: Door-to-door service, higher cost than bus.
  • Rental Cars: Available at PUQ for self-driving, offering maximum flexibility. Find options at DiscoverCars.com.
  • Book bus tickets in advance, especially during high season.

Seasonal Flight Availability

PNT Flights

Most frequent and generally more affordable during the high season (November-March). Book well ahead for direct flights.

PUQ Flights

More consistent year-round. Prices still peak in summer. PUQ is the most reliable air access point in low season.

International Travel

All international travelers will connect via Santiago (SCL) for flights south to PNT or PUQ.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing to Argentina

For journeys between Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia (e.g., El Calafate or El Chaltén), border crossings are part of the trip. The main crossing is Paso Fronterizo Dorotea.

Border Procedures

  • Buses stop at both Chilean and Argentinian immigration checkpoints.
  • Disembark with all luggage for inspection. Present valid passport and Chilean Tourist Card (TUM) for exit.
  • This includes paperwork and often an extra fee. Arrange this well in advance.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses form the backbone of regional travel in Patagonia and are a convenient way to get to Puerto Natales.

Routes & Companies

  • To/From Punta Arenas: Most common route. Buses Fernandez, Bus Sur, Buses Pacheco operate frequently (approx. 3 hours). Book online ahead.
  • To/From El Calafate (Argentina): Seasonal services by Bus Sur, Turismo Zaahj, Cootra. Approx. 5-6 hours including border crossing. Popular route for Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Train services: No passenger train services to Puerto Natales.

Self-Driving Essentials

Considerations for renting a car and driving in Patagonia.

What to Know

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license from home country. International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended. Major credit card for deposit. Minimum age (21 or 23, with surcharge for under 25).
  • Rental Car Availability: Local agencies in Puerto Natales, wider choice at Punta Arenas Airport (DiscoverCars.com). Book 4x4s ahead in high season.
  • Cross-Border Travel: Special pre-arranged authorization from rental company.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving in Patagonia

  • Road Conditions: Ruta 9 (Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales) is paved. Torres del Paine roads are mostly gravel, can be rough. Drive slowly.
  • Patagonian Winds: Strong winds challenge driving. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
  • Wildlife: Guanacos and ñandus cross roads; be aware, especially at dawn/dusk. Drive defensively.

Important Driving Laws

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100-120 km/h on highways.
  • Always respect road signs.
  • Fuel stations are limited outside of Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Fill your tank before remote areas.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is not mandatory for park roads but improves comfort on rougher sections.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

While less common for general tourist arrivals, sea transport offers unique scenic trips to Puerto Natales.

Waterborne Journeys

  • Navimag Ferry: A scenic multi-day (approx. 4 days/3 nights) ferry service between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales. It sails through Chile's fjords, with views of glaciers, islands, and marine wildlife.
  • This is more a cruise experience than simple transport, designed for those with time to see Patagonian channels. Book well ahead.
  • Cruise Ports: Puerto Natales acts as a stop for some smaller expedition cruises exploring Patagonian fjords and glaciers. These cruises typically start and end in Punta Arenas or Ushuaia (Argentina).

River Transport & Procedures

Within national parks, specific water transport options exist. Immigration procedures apply at seaports.

Internal & Arrival Info

  • River Transportation: Catamarans operate on Lago Pehoé and Lago Grey within Torres del Paine, connecting trekking sectors or offering glacier views. These are park transports, not arrival methods to Puerto Natales.
  • Immigration at Seaports: For international arrivals by ferry or cruise, standard immigration procedures apply in Puerto Natales. Present your passport and receive your Chilean Tourist Card (TUM).
  • Connections to Land: Taxis and local buses are available at the port for transfers to town.

No Exit Fees

Chile has no specific exit fees or taxes upon departure. Any applicable taxes are usually included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Procedures

For PNT, arrive 1.5-2 hours before. For PUQ, arrive 2-3 hours before. For bus, 30 minutes before.

Tourist Card Return

Remember to surrender your Tourist Card (TUM) to immigration officials upon departure from Chile, whether by air, land, or sea. If lost, a police report is needed.

Departure Information

Airport Facilities

Understand the amenities available at the airports for your departure.

Departure Points

  • PNT (Puerto Natales Airport): Has basic waiting areas and a small cafe.
  • PUQ (Punta Arenas Airport): Offers more extensive facilities, including restaurants, shops, and comfortable waiting areas.
  • Puerto Natales Bus Terminal: Has a few small shops, cafes, and waiting areas.

Departure Tips

Helpful advice for a smooth departure.

Final Checks

  • Confirm your flight or bus schedule the day before your departure.
  • Patagonian weather sometimes causes delays or cancellations, especially for flights.
  • Allow ample time for check-in and procedures at the airport.

Summary of Departure Timings

PNT Airport

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure.

PUQ Airport

Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flight departure.

Bus Terminal

Arrive 30 minutes before bus departure.

Final Reminder

Remember to surrender your Tourist Card (TUM) upon leaving Chile.

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