How to Get from El Calafate to El Chaltén
Published in Travel
Last updated: 07-13-2025
view page of Santa Cruz
share this post
IMPORTANT: Some data, image or video may be from 2018 or before.
El Calafate and El Chaltén are two tourist destinations located in the province of Santa Cruz, separated by a distance of 215 km. For this reason, travellers often include both in their itineraries, and need to travel from one town to the other.
There are different means of transport to connect both destinations:
— Bus: several companies offer services from the bus terminal in El Calafate to the terminal in El Chaltén, and vice versa. Tickets can be bought in advance online using a credit card, which usually includes an additional fee. There are also buses that go directly from El Calafate airport to El Chaltén.
— Private transfers: available through agencies and some accommodations. Prices may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the amenities offered.
— Car: the distance between both towns is connected by a fully paved road. It is ideal for those who prefer to drive at their own pace.
Along the way you can contemplate the vast Patagonian landscapes, characterised by their steppes. In particular, if travelling by car, it is possible to stop at viewpoints such as those at Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Upon arriving in El Chaltén, the panoramic view of Mount Fitz Roy in the background offers an unforgettable welcome.
If you want to make the most of the day, it's worth paying attention to your departure time. If you leave early in the morning, you'll still have time around midday to visit the center of El Calafate or go for a short hike around El Chaltén, depending on the direction of your trip.
There are different means of transport to connect both destinations:
— Bus: several companies offer services from the bus terminal in El Calafate to the terminal in El Chaltén, and vice versa. Tickets can be bought in advance online using a credit card, which usually includes an additional fee. There are also buses that go directly from El Calafate airport to El Chaltén.
— Private transfers: available through agencies and some accommodations. Prices may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the amenities offered.
— Car: the distance between both towns is connected by a fully paved road. It is ideal for those who prefer to drive at their own pace.
Along the way you can contemplate the vast Patagonian landscapes, characterised by their steppes. In particular, if travelling by car, it is possible to stop at viewpoints such as those at Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Upon arriving in El Chaltén, the panoramic view of Mount Fitz Roy in the background offers an unforgettable welcome.
If you want to make the most of the day, it's worth paying attention to your departure time. If you leave early in the morning, you'll still have time around midday to visit the center of El Calafate or go for a short hike around El Chaltén, depending on the direction of your trip.