Getting There & Away: Punta Arenas

Air Travel Information

Main Airport & Routes

Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) is the main airport, located 20 km north of the city.

Airlines & Connections

Domestic flights: LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART offer daily flights from Santiago (SCL), taking 3.5-4 hours.
International flights: Direct international flights to PUQ are uncommon; most travelers connect through Santiago (SCL).
Seasonal charters: Some international charters operate for Antarctic expeditions.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

PUQ airport offers basic services and various transfer options.

Services & Transport

Facilities: Car rental agencies, small cafes, ATMs, duty-free shops.
Shared Minivans: Most common and cost-effective; ~ $10-20 USD per person.
Taxis: Readily available, more private; ~ $25-40 USD to city center.

High Season Prices

December-February: Flights are most frequent and most expensive. Book 3-6 months in advance for better rates. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Shoulder Season Prices

October-November, March-April: Good flight availability, moderate prices. Offers a balance between reasonable costs and pleasant weather. Use Skyscanner for comparisons.

Low Season Prices

May-September: Fewer flights operate, but prices are often lower. If traveling in winter, book in advance if dates fall around local holidays.

Land Travel Considerations

Border Crossings to Argentina

Cancha Carrera / Cerro Castillo: Main crossing for El Calafate, Argentina.
Integración Austral: For Río Gallegos/Ushuaia via ferry across the Strait of Magellan.
Procedures: Prepare passport for Chilean and Argentine authorities, expect queues.
Vehicle Documents: If self-driving, arrange border permits and insurance extensions with rental company in advance.

Long-Distance Buses

Puerto Natales: Frequent buses (2.5-3 hrs) by Bus Sur, Buses Fernández, Pacheco.
El Calafate (Argentina): Daily buses (6-7 hrs including border) by Bus Sur, Turismo Zaahj.
Ushuaia (Argentina): Less frequent (10-12+ hrs, includes ferry) by Bus Sur.
Terminals: Buses use various private terminals in city center; confirm location when booking.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Rental Requirements

Minimum age typically 21-25. Valid driver's license. DiscoverCars.com for rental options. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-Spanish licenses. Major credit card for deposit.

Road Network

Main highways (e.g., Ruta 9 to Puerto Natales) are paved and well-maintained. Secondary roads, especially to national parks, can be gravel ("ripio"). Drive carefully on gravel roads, expect dust and loose stones.

Driving Safety

Strong Patagonian winds make driving challenging. Watch for wildlife (guanacos, sheep). Fuel stops are limited in remote areas. Carry a spare tire, water, and an Emergency kit. Headlights on at all times on interurban roads.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services from Punta Arenas

Maritime connections to various destinations.

Local Ferries

Porvenir (Tierra del Fuego): Daily ferry by Transbordadora Austral Broom (2.5 hrs).
Puerto Williams (Isla Navarino): Less frequent ferry by Transbordadora Austral Broom (30 hrs), mainly freight but accommodates passengers.
Navimag Ferry: Connects Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (not directly to Punta Arenas); requires bus transfer to Punta Arenas.

Cruise Ship Information

Punta Arenas is a common port of call for various cruises.

Cruises & Port Access

Cruise Port: Serves Antarctic cruises and Chilean fjord explorations.
Docking: Ships dock at piers near the city center, offering easy access to attractions.
Immigration: Procedures usually handled onboard or at the first port of entry into Chile.

Airport Departure

Arrive at PUQ 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights, 2.5-3 hours for international connections (cleared in Santiago). Airport has cafes, shops, duty-free.

Bus Departure

Arrive at the bus terminal 30 minutes before domestic departure, 60 minutes for international routes (for border procedures). Terminals have basic waiting areas and kiosks.

Exit Fees

Chile does not charge specific exit fees or taxes for air or land travel. Flight tickets generally include all required airport taxes.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Ensure a smooth exit from Punta Arenas.

Timings & Check-ins

For domestic flights: Arrive at PUQ airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
For international connections: Allow 2.5-3 hours at PUQ, as customs and immigration are cleared in Santiago.
For bus travel (domestic): Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.

Departure Facilities

Last-minute services for departing travelers.

Airport & Bus Amenities

PUQ Airport: Offers cafes, souvenir shops, and duty-free stores for last-minute purchases.
Bus Terminals: Provide basic waiting areas and small kiosks for snacks and drinks.
Luggage: Ensure all luggage meets airline or bus company size and weight restrictions.

Airport Compensation

Flight Delays

If your flight is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation.

Cancellations

Get compensated for canceled flights under certain conditions.

AirHelp

Consider using AirHelp to claim up to €600 for eligible delayed or canceled flights.

Final Departure Note

Always double-check your departure details, including terminal and gate information, well in advance.

Getting There & Away