How to Get to Puerto Montt. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Logistics

Airport & Airlines

El Tepual International Airport (PMC) is the main airport serving Puerto Montt and the surrounding Chilean Lakes District. It handles domestic flights.

Flight Carriers

LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart are main domestic carriers.
Flights mainly connect directly from Santiago (SCL).
No direct international flights operate to PMC; connections occur via Santiago.

Flight Seasons & Facilities

During high season (Dec-Feb), flights are more frequent and expensive. Shoulder season (Sep-Nov, Mar-Apr) offers fewer flights but better prices. Low season (May-Aug) flights are least frequent and cheapest.

Airport Amenities

Car rental agencies (DiscoverCars.com, Avis, Hertz) are on-site.
ATMs and currency exchange services are present.
Duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi are available.

Taxi Transfer

Official taxis outside the terminal. Fares to downtown Puerto Montt are typically CLP 10,000 - 15,000.

Shared Shuttle

Cost-effective option. CLP 4,000 - 6,000 per person to Puerto Montt. Desks are inside the arrival hall.

Rental Car Pick-up

Rental car is advisable for independent Lakes District exploration. Desks are in the arrivals hall.

Land Journey Insights

Bus Travel Hub

The main bus terminal connects the city to Santiago and other Chilean cities.
Major companies: TurBus, Pullman Bus, Cruz del Sur, Bus Norte.
Daily services operate to Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción, and regional towns.
Book tickets in advance during high season or for popular routes.

Self-Driving & Roads

A valid domestic driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are necessary for non-Chilean residents.
Minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 25, depending on the company.
A credit card in the main driver's name is necessary for a security deposit.
Driving standards vary. Be aware of local driving habits and livestock on rural roads.

Road Network Overview

Main Highways

Major routes, like Ruta 5 (Pan-American Highway) and highways connecting towns in the Lakes District, are generally paved and in good condition.

Rural Roads

Rural roads and those leading to national parks can be gravel or dirt. These sometimes call for a 4x4 vehicle, especially during wet seasons.

Driving Conditions

Roads can be slippery when wet, so drive with caution. Always check local road conditions, specifically after heavy rain or during winter.

Sea & River Crossings

Ferry Adventures

Puerto Montt's role as a port city brings unique sea travel options.

Main Ferry Services

Navimag Ferry (Puerto Montt - Puerto Natales) for multi-day journeys through Patagonian fjords.
Transmarchilay (Pargua - Chacao) is the main gateway to Chiloé Island.
Navimag operates seasonally, usually from September/October to April.

Cruise & Port Protocols

Puerto Montt serves as a significant port of call for international cruise ships, mainly during the Austral summer (October-April).

Port Entry

Cruise ships dock at the main port, disembarking passengers into the city.
For international cruise passengers, immigration procedures often occur on board.
Connections to land transportation are readily available at the port.

Cruise Ship Disembarkation

Passengers disembark directly into the city center, offering easy access to transport and tours.

Navimag Terminal Connections

The Navimag terminal is within Puerto Montt, with taxis or local buses connecting to the city center.

Chiloé Ferry Pargua

From Pargua (Chiloé ferry), local buses connect to Puerto Montt's main bus terminal.

Seamless Departure

Departure Checklist

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for tourists leaving Chile, as these are typically part of airline ticket prices.

Timing & Procedures

Airport (PMC): Arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights.
Bus Terminal: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure for long-distance routes.
Navimag Ferry: Follow specific check-in times provided by Navimag.

Departure Facilities

El Tepual Airport (PMC) offers check-in counters, baggage drop, security screening, cafes, shops, and restrooms.

Terminal Amenities

Bus Terminal: Features numerous bus company offices.
Bus Terminal: Offers comfortable waiting areas, restrooms, small shops, and food stalls.
Airport: Cafes and shops are available for last-minute purchases.

Final Travel Tips

Confirm All Bookings

Double-check flight, accommodation, and tour reservations before your final day.

Passport Ready

Keep your passport and any other necessary travel documents easily accessible.

Allow Extra Time

Factor in potential delays for security, traffic, or unexpected events, especially at the airport.

Smooth Departure Advice

Consider online check-in for your flight to save time at the airport. This often speeds up the process.

How to Get to Puerto Montt