How to get from Santiago to Patagonia (Puerto Natales)
Santiago to Patagonia’s gateway, Puerto Natales, is easiest by air—either direct seasonal flights to Puerto Natales (PNT) or year-round flights to Punta Arenas (PUQ) plus a scenic 3-hour bus. You can also arrive by the classic Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt, or stitch together overland buses via Argentina for an adventure. Choose based on season, time, and budget—details and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Santiago to Patagonia (Puerto Natales))
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (SCL → PNT, seasonal) + Short Transfer | ~3h15 flight + ~15–20m into town | Fastest in peak season |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CLP 65,000–180,000+ one-way (season/date) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🛫🚌 Flight (SCL → PUQ) + Bus to Puerto Natales | ~3h35 flight + ~3h bus | Year-round reliability & price |
| 🏷️ Cost: Flight ~CLP 45,000–130,000 + bus ~CLP 10,000–18,000 » check flights | ||
| ⛴️ Fly/Bus to Puerto Montt + Navimag Ferry → Puerto Natales | 1–2d to Puerto Montt + 3–4 nights ferry | Iconic fjords, slow travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~CLP 250,000–600,000+ (cabin class/season) | ||
| 🧭🚌 Overland Buses via Argentina (Multi-leg) | ~36–48h+ with transfers | Shoestring, off-season when flights pricey |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CLP 70,000–150,000 total (legs & dates vary) | ||
| ✈️🚌 Flight (SCL → FTE, Argentina) + Border Bus to PN | ~2h45 flight + ~5–6h bus (border) | If visiting Perito Moreno first |
| 🏷️ Cost: Varies widely (intl. flight + cross-border bus). » compare flights | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & simplest (Nov–Mar): Direct flight to Puerto Natales (PNT) if operating on your dates.
- Most reliable year-round & often best value: Fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ) + 3h bus.
- Most scenic journey: Navimag ferry through Patagonian channels.
- Cheapest without flying (adventurous): Overland buses via Argentina with multiple transfers.
- Combining Argentina highlights: Fly to El Calafate + bus to Puerto Natales.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Peak season (Dec–Feb): Book flights and buses early. Compare airfares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
- Airport/terminal transfers: In Santiago and Punta Arenas, use local taxis or request fixed quotes on GetTransfer. (Ride-hailing availability varies.)
- Luggage storage: If you have time before connections, stash bags via Radical Storage Santiago (check locations/hours).
- Weather & delays: Patagonia is windy—allow buffer days before/after Torres del Paine treks.
- Car rental for day trips: Consider short-term rentals in Puerto Natales for flexibility—compare deals on Booking.com Car Rental.
✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight to Puerto Natales (PNT, Seasonal) + Short Transfer
Fastest in season Few transfers Seasonal schedule
- Overview: Seasonal nonstops from Santiago (SCL) to Puerto Natales (PNT) cut out the long overland leg. From PNT airport it’s ~15–20 minutes by taxi/shuttle into town.
- How to book (with price): From ~CLP 65,000–180,000+ one-way. Compare dates and carriers on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com (Santiago→Puerto Natales). Official schedules are published by airlines each spring.
- Pros: Least travel time; perfect for tight itineraries. Cons: Operates only certain months/days; limited seats.
Step-by-step: Direct Flight to PNT
- Get to SCL (Santiago Airport) by taxi or request a fixed-price ride via GetTransfer.
- Book and check in online (compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com).
- Fly SCL→PNT; on arrival, take airport taxi/shuttle to Puerto Natales town or your hotel (many properties offer pickup).
- Settle in and plan your Torres del Paine transfers/tours for the next day.
Getting to the main embarking points (SCL & PNT Airport)
- Santiago (SCL): Allow 2–3 hours pre-flight; domestic terminals are well signed.
- PNT Airport → town: 15–20 minutes by taxi/shuttle; confirm late-evening arrivals with your hotel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫🚌 Option #2 — Fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ) + 3h Bus to Puerto Natales (Year-Round Workhorse)
Reliable Many daily flights Simple transfer
- Overview: SCL→PUQ flights run year-round. From PUQ, frequent buses (e.g., Bus-Sur, Buses Fernández) cover the ~250 km to Puerto Natales in ~3 hours.
- How to book (with price): Flights from ~CLP 45,000–130,000 each way (Booking.com Flights / Trip.com). Bus seats ~CLP 10,000–18,000; check schedules on the official operators’ sites (e.g., Bus-Sur, Buses Fernández).
- Pros: Most departures & lowest fares outside peak. Cons: Adds a bus leg vs. PNT direct.
Step-by-step: Fly to PUQ + Bus
- Reach SCL by taxi/transfer (get a quote on GetTransfer), then fly SCL→PUQ (compare times on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com).
- Exit PUQ arrivals and proceed to the city bus terminal (short taxi) or meet airport pickup buses if your operator offers it (some do on certain departures).
- Board a PUQ→Puerto Natales bus (reserve a seat on the operator’s official website the day before in high season).
- Arrive at Puerto Natales Bus Terminal; walk or taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (SCL / PUQ / Puerto Natales Terminal)
- PUQ arrivals: Taxis stand outside; allow 30–45 minutes to connect with downtown buses if needed.
- Natales terminal: Central and walkable; many lodgings 5–15 minutes away on foot.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
⛴️ Option #3 — Puerto Montt → Puerto Natales on the Navimag Ferry (Iconic Fjord Route)
Scenic Slow travel Weather-dependent
- Overview: Sail through remote channels and glaciers from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (3–4 nights). Cabins from shared to private; meals usually included.
- How to book (with price): Check sailing dates/cabin classes and buy tickets on the official Navimag website. To reach Puerto Montt, fly or bus from Santiago (compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com).
- Pros: Unforgettable landscapes; no overland haul. Cons: Limited departures; seas can be rough; takes several days.
Step-by-step: Navimag Ferry
- Fly or bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt (PMC). Stay a night if needed (downtown hotels on Booking.com).
- Check in at the Navimag terminal per your ticket instructions (arrive early for baggage formalities).
- Sail 3–4 nights to Puerto Natales. Weather may affect timing—keep flexible plans.
- Disembark in Natales and taxi/walk to your lodging.
Getting to the main embarking points (Puerto Montt & Puerto Natales Piers)
- Puerto Montt: Ferry terminal is a short ride from the center; confirm exact pier and check-in time from your e-ticket.
- Puerto Natales: Ferry dock is close to town; accommodations are 5–15 minutes by taxi.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🧭🚌 Option #4 — Overland Buses via Argentina (Budget & Adventurous)
Cheapest Year-round Multi-leg
- Overview: Because of Chile’s fragmented southern road network, most overlanders route via Argentina. Common chains include Santiago → Mendoza/Bariloche → El Calafate → Puerto Natales (via Cerro Castillo border).
- How to book (with price): Buy each leg separately at stations or online with regional operators. Expect ~CLP 70,000–150,000 total depending on season and seat class.
- Pros: Cheapest path; flexible stopovers. Cons: 36–48h+ travel, border formalities, seasonal schedules.
Step-by-step: Overland via Argentina
- From Santiago, take an international bus over the Andes to Mendoza or continue south within Argentina to Bariloche.
- Continue by long-distance bus to El Calafate.
- Take a cross-border bus El Calafate → Puerto Natales (via Cerro Castillo). Carry passport and any required visas.
- Arrive at Puerto Natales Bus Terminal and connect locally.
Getting to the main embarking points (Santiago Terminal & PN Bus Terminal)
- Santiago: Departures from major terminals (Alameda, Sur). Use local taxi/metro to reach your bay; keep valuables close.
- Puerto Natales: Central terminal with taxis and walkable streets.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️🚌 Option #5 — Fly to El Calafate (FTE, Argentina) + Cross-Border Bus to Puerto Natales
Great if visiting Argentina Perito Moreno combo International border
- Overview: Combine Perito Moreno Glacier with Torres del Paine: fly SCL→FTE, then take a 5–6h bus to Puerto Natales via the Cerro Castillo crossing.
- How to book (with price): Check fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For transfers/tours, browse GetYourGuide or local bus companies.
- Pros: Efficient for bi-national itineraries. Cons: Border time; fewer weekly buses shoulder season.
Step-by-step: FTE → Puerto Natales
- Fly SCL→FTE (compare times on Trip.com or Booking.com Flights).
- Transfer from El Calafate Airport to the bus terminal (shuttle/taxi).
- Board a cross-border bus to Puerto Natales (carry passport/immigration forms; keep snacks/water).
- Arrive in Puerto Natales and walk/taxi to your lodging.
Getting to the main embarking points (FTE & PN Bus Terminals)
- El Calafate: Airport shuttles run to the terminal; confirm the day prior in high season.
- Puerto Natales: Central terminal is walkable; taxis available curbside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Santiago to Patagonia (Puerto Natales))
How far in advance should I book?
For Dec–Feb, book flights/buses 4–8 weeks ahead; ferries even earlier. Shoulder seasons are more forgiving.
Is the direct PNT flight reliable?
It’s seasonal with a limited schedule. If your dates don’t align, flying to PUQ + bus is the safest bet.
How long is PUQ→Puerto Natales by bus?
Roughly 3 hours with one comfort stop; roads are paved and scenic.
Can I rent gear in Puerto Natales?
Yes—plenty of shops rent tents, stoves, and trekking poles. Consider reserving lodgings near the bus terminal on Booking.com for easy logistics.
Do I need cash?
Cards are widely accepted, but carry some Chilean pesos for small shops and tips. ATMs exist in Puerto Natales, but can run low in peak weeks.
What’s the best buffer before a Torres del Paine trek?
Arrive in Puerto Natales at least one full day before your trek to shop, rent gear, and attend park briefings or tour pick-ups (see GetYourGuide Torres del Paine options).