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How to Get to Puerto Natales

How to Get to Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales Southern Patagonia, Chile Travel Guide

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 plus get 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 regular services directly from A City in southern chile airport to Puerto Natales bus terminal (approx. 3 hours). Book Flights with Dollar Flight Club.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

PNT flights are most regular 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 are highest in Patagonian summer. PUQ is the most dependable 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 quick, 10-15 minute ride into town.
  • Shared Shuttle Vans: Economical. Book upon arrival; takes passengers to lodging.
  • Rental Cars: Desks outside the the station 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 affordable. Buses Fernandez, Bus Sur, Buses Pacheco run from airport to Puerto Natales bus terminal. The trip is about 3 hours.
  • Shared Shuttles: Door-to-delivery service, higher cost than bus.
  • Rental Cars: Available at PUQ for self-driving, offering maximum flexibility. Find alternatives at DiscoverCars.com.
  • Book bus tickets in advance, especially during high season.

Seasonal Flight Availability

PNT Flights

Most regular and generally more affordable in the peak season (November-March). Book well ahead for direct flights.

PUQ Flights

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

International Travel

All foreign 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., A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field or El Chaltén), border crossings belong to 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 local travel in Patagonia and are an easy way to get to The harbor Natales.

Routes & Companies

  • To/From A City in southern chile: Most common route. Buses Fernandez, Bus Sur, Buses Pacheco operate frequently (approx. 3 hours). Purchase online ahead.
  • To/From A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field (Argentina): Seasonal services by Bus Sur, Turismo Zaahj, Cootra. Approx. 5-A six-hour period 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 A Port city in chilean patagonia, wider choice at A City in the south of chile Airport (DiscoverCars.com). Book 4x4s ahead in high season.
  • Cross-Border Travel: Special pre-arranged authorization from the hire company.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving in Patagonia

  • Road Conditions: Ruta 9 (A City in the southern part of chile to A Port city in chilean patagonia) 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

  • Stay on the right of the road.
  • Everyone must wear a seatbelt.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 100-120 km/h on highways.
  • Always respect traffic signs.
  • Fuel stations are limited outside of The harbor Natales and Punta Arenas. Fill your tank before remote areas.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is not mandatory for the roads within the park 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 city and Puerto Natales. It sails through Chile's fjords, with views of glaciers, islands, and ocean animals.
  • 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 serves 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 public 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 typically part of 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 Visitor Card (TUM) to immigration officials on departing 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 (A City in southern chile Airport): Offers more extensive facilities, including restaurants, shops, and nice waiting rooms.
  • A Port city in chilean patagonia Bus Terminal: Contains a couple of 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

Be THERE two-3 hours before domestic flight departure.

Bus Terminal

Arrive 30 minutes before bus departure.

Final Reminder

Be certain to surrender your Visitor Card (TUM) upon leaving Chile.

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