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Last Updated on 5 June, 2026 by Daniel Silvente
El Calafate Santa Cruz Province is one of the must-visit destinations in Argentine Patagonia. Located on the shores of Lake Argentino and close to Los Glaciares National Park. This town is the perfect base for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, sailing among glaciers, and connecting with other iconic places such as El Chaltén, Puerto Natales or Torres del Paine.
Before booking your tours and dreaming about endless ice landscapes, there’s one key question to answer: how do you get to El Calafate? Although it is located in a remote area of southern Argentina, there are several ways to reach the town depending on your route, budget, and available time.
You can fly into El Calafate Airport, travel by bus from other Patagonian destinations, or cross by road from Chile if you’re coming from Puerto Natales or Torres del Paine. If you look at El Calafate on a map, you’ll see that its location makes it a strategic base for exploring southern Patagonia.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to get to El Calafate, what options you have from Argentina and Chile, how to move around the area, and the easiest way to organize your trip.
Where Is El Calafate, Santa Cruz Province?
El Calafate is located in Santa Cruz Province, in Argentine Patagonia. The town sits on the shores of Lake Argentino and is best known as the main gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
If you search for El Calafate on a map, you’ll see that it is located in southwestern Argentina, relatively close to other major Patagonian destinations such as Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine in Chile. This makes it a very useful base for exploring glaciers, mountains, lakes, and scenic routes in the southern part of the continent.
Besides its strategic location, El Calafate Santa Cruz Province stands out for the number of outdoor activities available nearby. From ice trekking and glacier cruises to 4×4 routes, Patagonian estancias, and Perito Moreno tours, it is one of the most complete destinations for experiencing Argentine Patagonia.
It is common to reach El Calafate from different cities in Argentina and also from Chile. Below, we’ll go through the most common routes and which option may fit your trip best.
How to Get to El Calafate Santa Cruz Province
Although El Calafate is located in a remote area of Patagonia, getting there is fairly easy if you plan your route in advance. You can arrive by plane, by bus, or by road from other destinations in Argentina and Chile.
The best option will depend on where you’re traveling from, how much time you have, and whether you want to prioritize comfort, price, or flexibility.
How to Get to El Calafate by Plane
The fastest and most common way to reach the town is by flying into El Calafate Airport, also known as Comandante Armando Tola International Airport. The airport mainly receives domestic flights from Buenos Aires, although depending on the season, there may also be connections from other Argentine cities such as Bariloche, Córdoba, Trelew, or Ushuaia.
If you’re flying from Buenos Aires, the flight takes around 3 hours, making it the most convenient option for most travelers. Once you land, you’ll only need to transfer from the airport to downtown El Calafate, which is a short drive away and the same process on the return.
Regular international direct flights to El Calafate are not common, so if you’re coming from another South American country, you’ll usually need to connect through Buenos Aires or another Argentine city.
If you’re already in Chilean Patagonia, flying directly to El Calafate is usually not the most practical option. In that case, it is normally easier to cross by road, either by bus or private transfer.
Getting to El Calafate Santa Cruz by Bus
If flying is not an option or doesn’t fit your itinerary, you can also reach El Calafate by bus from different points in Patagonia. This option is usually more affordable than flying, although travel times can be long depending on where you start.
El Calafate Bus Terminal connects the town with destinations such as Puerto Natales, Río Gallegos, and other towns in the region. If you’re traveling during high season, it’s a good idea to check schedules and book in advance, as some routes can sell out quickly.
Traveling by bus is a good alternative if you’re following a longer Patagonia itinerary and want to enjoy the landscapes along the way.
How to Get to El Calafate from Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the main connection point for travelers arriving in El Calafate from other parts of Argentina or from abroad. From there, the easiest option is to take a domestic flight to El Calafate Airport, which takes around 3 hours.
You can also travel by long-distance bus, but the journey is very long and not practical for most travelers. If you only have a few days, flying will almost always be the best option.
How to Get to El Calafate from Puerto Natales
If you’re coming from Puerto Natales in Chile, traveling by road to El Calafate is a very common route, especially for travelers combining Torres del Paine with Argentine Patagonia.
You can take a bus from Puerto Natales to El Calafate. The journey usually takes around 5 hours, although it can vary depending on the border crossing and immigration controls between Chile and Argentina. Make sure to check schedules in advance, especially during high season, and bring all the required documents for the border crossing.
You can also choose a private transfer if you prefer more comfort, flexible timing, or if you’re traveling with extra luggage.
How to Get to El Calafate from Torres del Paine
If you’re in Torres del Paine, you can reach El Calafate by bus or private transfer, usually through Puerto Natales or nearby departure points. Travel time is typically around 4 hours, depending on where you start and how long the border crossing takes.
This route is very useful if you’re combining Chile and Argentina in one trip. And if you want to do the reverse route, you can also visit Torres del Paine from El Calafate on an organized tour, without having to arrange transportation, food, guides, and logistics on your own.
How to Get Around El Calafate and the Surrounding Area
Getting around El Calafate is fairly easy, especially if you stay close to the town center. The town is not very large, and many areas can be explored on foot, including the main avenue, restaurants, shops, agencies, and some nearby points of interest.
For the main attractions outside town, such as Perito Moreno Glacier, glacier cruises on Lake Argentino, Patagonian estancias, or 4×4 routes, the easiest option is usually to book a tour with transportation included. This way, you won’t need to worry about schedules, access, entrance tickets, or logistics, especially if you’re not renting a car.
How to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier is located inside Los Glaciares National Park, about 50 miles (80 km) from El Calafate.
The easiest way to get there is to book a Perito Moreno tour from El Calafate. This usually includes round-trip transportation, a guide, and time to walk along the glacier walkways. Depending on the tour, you can also add a boat ride in front of the glacier or choose a more complete activity such as Minitrekking or Big Ice.
You can also get there by rental car or bus, but you’ll need to organize the schedule, park entrance, and visit times on your own. If it’s your first time in the area, an organized tour is usually the most practical option.
If your main goal is to see the glacier, walk along the viewpoints, or enjoy a special ice experience, we recommend checking the Perito Moreno tours available with Howlanders and choosing the option that best fits your trip.
So, What Is the Best Way to Get to El Calafate Santa Cruz Province?
The best way to get to El Calafate Santa Cruz Province will depend on your Patagonia itinerary. If you’re traveling from Buenos Aires or another Argentine city, flying into El Calafate Airport is usually the fastest and most comfortable option. If you’re coming from Chile, especially from Puerto Natales or Torres del Paine, crossing by road by bus or private transfer will usually be more practical.
Once you arrive, El Calafate is the perfect base for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, sailing across Lake Argentino, exploring Los Glaciares National Park, and connecting with other must-see destinations in southern Patagonia.
Now that you know how to get to El Calafate and how to move around the area, it’s time to plan your adventure. Check out the tours and transfers available with Howlanders. Choose the option that best fits your trip, and get ready to discover one of the most impressive landscapes in Argentine Patagonia.
