Distance 156 km (97.5 miles) | |
Price range US$39-US$1,166 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h 30m-6h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 11:10 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 5h 40m
Cheapest bus: US$39
Nestled in the rugged terrain of Patagonia, El Calafate is a small town on the banks of Lago Argentino.
However, visitors don't make the long journey this far south to admire the spot's charm. It's also the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park, which houses the iconic ice-blue Perito Moreno Glacier. You won't forget seeing this jaw-dropping natural wonder in the flesh.
But you've come so far, don't end the journey here. Continue your adventure through the Patagonia region and the Andes Mountains with a stop in Puerto Natales — another iconic town across the border in Chile.
Puerto Natales is a port town located on the Senoret Channel. It's home to stunning mountain views, distinct buildings with colorful roofs, and access to the Torres del Paine National Park. Whether you plan to hike the circuit or see the craggy mountains by tour, this town is the best place to base yourself.
The main ways to travel from El Calafate to Puerto Natales are by bus, minivan, and car.
Depending on your ride, the journey takes three and a half to six hours and covers 270 km (167 miles).
Hiking boots at the ready! Let's get to it!
Don't visit without a plan! Here are the best things to do and see in Puerto Natales.
Torres del Paine National Park: If you're visiting Puerto Natales, you're almost certainly in the area to visit the Torres del Paine National Park. This park is home to mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, and untouched nature. You can hike the iconic trails or visit for a day.
Monumento al Viento: Puerto Natales is a quiet town with some cool art! The Monumento al Viento is a modern sculpture dedicated to the wind.
Milodon Cave Tours: Take a half-day tour to a giant natural cave known for the 1895 discovery of the skin and bones of an ancient giant ground sloth. Most hostels and hotels can help you book this trip.
Admire the ocean views: Puerto Natales might not be warm, but you can still enjoy the ocean. A stroll down Ave. Pedro Montt is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of hiking.
Glacier Boat Tours: Grab your sea legs and book a glacier boat tour! These take you from Puerto Natales to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. You'll want a half-day for this trip.
Yes. The route from El Calafate to Puerto Natales crosses the Argentina-Chile border.
You'll need your travel documents, such as your passport and visa paperwork. Most travelers will need an exit and entrance stamp, and you can't get this if you don't have your documents!
Read more about this process via our Chile/Argentina land border crossing blog.
Your main journey options include bus, minivan, and car. Here's the lowdown on each!
Buses from El Calafate to Puerto Natales are the most affordable option, but they also take longer to bridge the gap. The average travel time is six hours, and tickets cost $32 per person.
Most buses leave from Terminal Calafate or Terminal de Omnibus El Calafate. You’ll arrive in Terminal Rodoviario (Estación de Autobuses).
Standard amenities on these buses include A/C, reclining seats, toilets, and large luggage storage. Some also offer chargers and TV screens.
Minivans from El Calafate to Puerto Natales are a great option for a private transfer for a group of travelers (max four).
These also arrive in only 3.5 hours, making them a direct way to get from A to B.
Minivans cost much more than buses, though. A minivan booking costs $1,166. When divided by four guests, this costs $291 each. This is an expensive but relaxed and fast way to reach Puerto Natales.
Minivans also provide A/C, English-speaking staff, up to 23 kg (50 lbs) of luggage and a handbag per passenger.
Your minivan will pick you up at any time you choose and drop you off at your hotel. With this ride, you won't have to navigate to and from bus stations — it's door-to-door service.
Cars to Puerto Natales are another excellent private transfer option. However, these are better for solo travelers or groups of two, as the maximum capacity is two passengers.
Like minivans, cars are more expensive than buses. Prices start at $787 per hire, costing $393.50 each if you split it between two people.
The average journey time via car is 3.5 hours. Again, this is fantastic to minimize your time on the road.
Typical car amenities include A/C, English-speaking staff, up to 23 kg (50 lbs) of luggage, and one handbag per passenger.
Cars pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Plus, you get to choose your departure time.
The ride from El Calafate to Puerto Natales takes you 270 km (167 miles) south through the Patagonian region. On the journey, you'll cross the border from Argentina to Chile.
This journey is safe for passengers of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Tourists routinely travel the route, and Patagonia is a very safe region overall.
On the journey, expect views of the unique terrain. From far-off views of the Andes Mountains to peaceful lakes and sprawling plains, the highways through this region don't scrimp when it comes to views. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views on this ride.
Psst… remember this is a border crossing route. Bring your passport and any visa documents.
Head to Puerto Natales from December to March. These months have the driest weather, meaning you can sightsee without an umbrella.
The average temperature at this time of year is 14°C/57°F — you're in the mountains, after all.
From April to November, the temperature drops, and there's more wind and rain. Most hostels and tour guides close during this period, as the weather is too harsh.
The coldest months are June and July, where the average temperature is 4°C/39°F.
There's an endless list of places to visit in Patagonia, but Punta Arenas should be on your list.
Punta Arenas is another popular town located even further south than Puerto Natales. Here, you can explore the area's maritime past, gawk at beautiful scenery, and embark on the town's famous penguin tours!
Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas takes three to four hours by bus and minivan.
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