How to go from El Calafate to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine (and viceversa)?
Location Map
Two of the most amazing destinations in the southern portion of Patagonia, are El Calafate with the Perito Moreno and other glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park and Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park. These two attractions are usually linked in most tours visiting Patagonia, and of course the connection is by land, via the bus companies available in the area or by car.
Distance From El Calafate to Torres Del Paine
The path between El Calafate and Torres Del Paine spans approximately 270 kilometers (167 miles) of awe-inspiring Patagonian terrain. As you traverse this picturesque route, you’ll witness the ever-changing landscape that transitions from the rugged beauty of El Calafate to the iconic vistas of Torres Del Paine.
How to go from El Calafate to Puerto Natales?
The travel time by bus between El Calafate and Puerto Natales is around 5:45 hours and covers an approximate distance of 273 km. The fastest bus, normally takes 5h 30m. The services are operated by Turismo Zaahj, Cootra Cooperativa de trabajo Río Turbio Ltda and Bus-Sur. Usually 10 buses run weekly, although the schedules on weekends and holidays may vary, so check in advance.
Buses depart from the El Calafate bus terminal located on Antoine de Saint Exsupery. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance and you must arrive at the station a half-hour prior to departure. Buses are comfortable and have air conditioning and bathrooms onboard. The views are scenic, but don’t offer much variety—make sure to bring a book or have some other entertainment on hand.
You also can arrive by car, driving from El Calafate to Puerto Natales. This option offers you the most flexibility and costs slightly more than the bus. But it´s better if you´re looking for a flexible trip. You can rent car in any of the rent a car companies available in the city. The drive is safe and mostly smooth, you will encounter some gravel roads as you get closer to Puerto Natales. It’s recommended you fill up on gas in Argentina, where it’s significantly cheaper than in Chile.
How to arrive from El Calafate to Torres del Paine?
And what about private services? Well, private transfers are also available but it is expensive. Anyway, if you want to avoid Puerto Natales and go directly to Torres del Paine, there are private shuttles that will take you straight there without stopping in the city. Again, it´s expensive but you can save time by booking a private service.
How to get Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales?
What´s the best way to go from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine? Well, you could hire a private car, or book a private transfer… but catching the bus is by far the most economical option. The national park is about a 2-hour journey from Puerto Natales: Anyway, it’s very important to bear in mind the timetable is more limited during the low season, it´s from March/April to September/October. There are two companies that ruun the routes to the Torres del Paine: Buses Gomez and Buses Maria Jose.
Do you want to book a transfer from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales? Contact us!
How to get Torres del Paine from El Calafate and Puerto Natales
Location Map
Check our map, and see how to reach Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine from El Calafate
Do you want to book a transfer from Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales to El Calafate in Argentina? Contact us!
Patagonia Tours: From El Calafate to Torres del Paine and other amazing destinations
Check my favorite first, but then a list of other suggested programs to visit southern Patagonia. My favorite is Incredible Patagonia with Australis Cruise, a Patagonia tour starting in Buenos Aires and visiting Ushuaia, the Australis Cruise to Cape Horn, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, and Santiago de Chile.
Suggested Patagonia Tours that goes from El Calafate to Torres del Paine or viceversa
We have a complete list of tours including Patagonia. Take a look to our complete list of tours to visit Argentina and Chile and enjoy the incredible region of Patagonia!
