Bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén: companies, how long it takes and buying tickets
It is the only road between the two towns and almost everyone takes the bus. The practical part: companies, schedules, the airport and the way back.
· Booking Directo, El Chaltén
There is no train or flight between El Calafate and El Chaltén: almost everyone does the trip by bus. It is easy and the scenery is part of the journey, but there are a couple of things worth knowing so you do not get stranded, especially on the way back with a flight to catch.
The basics
- Distance: about 215 km, all paved.
- Duration: between 2 h 40 and 3 h.
- Where it leaves from: the El Calafate bus terminal, and some companies also from the airport.
- Where it arrives: the El Chaltén bus terminal, at the entrance to town.
The companies
From the El Calafate terminal, Taqsa-Marga, Chaltén Travel and Cal Tur, among others. From the airport, Taqsa-Marga and Don Atilio. Schedules and prices change with the season, so we do not put them here to avoid giving you old information: check them on each company's website or at the terminal before you buy.
In winter, from May to September, there are far fewer departures. If you travel then, make sure there is a service on the day you arrive.
Straight from the airport
If your flight lands early, you can take the bus at the airport itself and sleep in El Chaltén that night, without going through El Calafate. It is the easiest option, but there is a risk: if your flight is delayed, you miss the bus. Buy your ticket with a margin or have a plan B to sleep in El Calafate.
The way back: do not cut it close
The most common mistake is coming back from El Chaltén on the day of your flight with a tight schedule. It is three hours on the road plus the transfer to the airport. If your flight leaves early, go back to El Calafate the day before; that extra day works for Perito Moreno glacier. How to split your days is in how many days to spend in El Calafate and El Chaltén.
Tips
- Buy a return ticket in high season: the January and February buses fill up.
- Keep a warm layer handy: the wind is strong at the stops.
- Look out of the window as you get close to El Chaltén: on a clear day Fitz Roy appears straight ahead over the end of Lago Viedma.
Every way to get there, including from Buenos Aires or Chile, in how to get to El Chaltén.
Questions
How long is the bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén?
Between two hours forty minutes and three hours, depending on the company and the stops. It is about 215 km of paved road.
Which companies run El Calafate to El Chaltén?
From the El Calafate bus terminal, Taqsa-Marga, Chaltén Travel and Cal Tur, among others. From the airport, Taqsa-Marga and Don Atilio.
Do I need to buy the ticket in advance?
In January, February and on long weekends, yes: buy it as soon as you have your flight. In low season there are fewer departures, so it is also worth checking the schedule.
Can I go straight from the airport to El Chaltén?
Yes, some companies leave from the airport. If your flight is delayed you can miss the bus: leave a margin or be ready to sleep in El Calafate.
