Travel Guide: Airports Near El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén, located in the province of Santa Cruz in the Argentine Republic, is a popular destination for hiking in Patagonia. The nearest airport to El Chaltén is El Calafate Airport, about 75-125 miles away. It takes around 2-3 hours to get from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport. From El Calafate, travellers can reach El Chaltén by bus, private transfer, rental car, or private tour.

El Chaltén's closest airport

El Chaltén is a small town in the southern region of Patagonia, in the province of Santa Cruz in the Argentine Republic. It is known for its hiking trails and water activities. The town does not have its own airport, but there are several options for nearby airports.

The closest airport to El Chaltén is El Calafate International Airport (FTE), which is 75.8 miles away. It takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to get from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport. The airport is served by Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral and LATAM Airlines, with flights mainly arriving from Buenos Aires. The bus from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén takes 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Another option is the International Airport Cte. Armando Tola, which is 125 miles from El Chaltén. This airport also has direct flights from Buenos Aires, which take approximately 3 hours.

There is also an airport located in the city of Río Gallegos, the capital of Santa Cruz, which is about 280 miles from El Chaltén. However, there are no direct buses from Río Gallegos to El Chaltén.

Transport options from the airport

El Chaltén does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is El Calafate (FTE) Airport, 75.8 miles (125km) away from El Chaltén. The closest major airport is Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE/SAWC), which is also in El Calafate.

By Bus

You can take a bus from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén, which takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes. There are several bus companies that offer this route, including Bus Sur, CalTur, Chaltén Travel, and Taqsa. The bus will cost a minimum of $34.

By Car

You can also take a private transfer or rent a car from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén. The drive takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes via a paved route in excellent condition. You can also take a shuttle bus or taxi to El Calafate city, which takes 20 minutes, and then travel to El Chaltén by bus, private transfer, or rental car.

By Plane

If you are travelling from Buenos Aires, you can take a direct flight to El Calafate Airport, which takes around 3 hours. From the airport, you can then travel to El Chaltén by bus, private transfer, rental car, or private tour.

Transport costs

El Chaltén does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is El Calafate (FTE) Airport, which is 75.8 miles (approximately 125-130km) away. The closest international airport is 125 miles away.

By Air

Flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate take around 3 hours. The airlines that operate flights to El Calafate are Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, and LATAM Airlines. From El Calafate, it takes around 2 hours to get to El Chaltén.

By Land

The cheapest way to get from El Calafate to El Chaltén costs $34. The daily bus service between El Calafate and El Chaltén operates all year round, with at least two daily frequencies (departure and return) in the morning and afternoon. During the tourist season (from October to April) several additional frequencies are added. The trip takes around 3 hours.

There are several options for travelling between El Calafate and El Chaltén, including private transfer, rental car, bus, or private tour. A private shuttle service for up to 11 passengers is also available.

Other Nearby Airports

Other nearby airports include Puerto Natales (PNT), Río Gallegos Airport (RGL), and Ushuaia.

Transport times

El Chaltén does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is El Calafate (FTE) Airport, which is 75.8 miles (125km) away. It takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to get from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport by bus.

From El Calafate, you can fly to Buenos Aires in around 3 hours and 15 minutes. The airlines that operate flights to and from El Calafate are Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, and LATAM Airlines.

There are several ways to get from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén, including by private transfer, rental car, bus, or taxi. The journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes by private transfer, and around 3 hours by bus or rental car.

If you are travelling from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport, there are several bus companies that offer direct routes to the airport, including Bus Sur and Bus Bud.

Other nearby airports

El Chaltén, located in the province of Santa Cruz in the Argentine Republic, is a popular destination for hiking in Patagonia. The nearest airport to El Chaltén is the El Calafate International Airport, about 75 miles away. The closest airport is the International Airport Cte. Armando Tola, 125 miles from El Chaltén. The usual way to arrive at El Chaltén is by plane to El Calafate and then by land for the last 125 miles.

• Puerto Natales (PNT): This airport is located in Chile and is a popular gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Traveling from Puerto Natales to El Chaltén involves crossing the Chilean-Argentine border, which can cause unpredictable delays.
• Ushuaia: This is one of the southernmost cities in Argentina, and the best way to travel to and from here is usually by flight. Aerolineas Argentinas offers flights between Ushuaia and El Calafate, which take around one hour and 20 minutes.
• Bariloche: Bariloche is 885 miles away from El Chaltén. The easiest way to travel between these two cities is to fly to El Calafate and then take a private transfer, rental car, or bus.
• Río Gallegos: There is another airport located in the city of Río Gallegos, the capital of Santa Cruz, about 280 miles from El Chaltén. From here, you can take a bus to El Calafate and then travel to El Chaltén.

Frequently asked questions