Getting from El Calafate to Torres del Paine is a common transfer between Argentina’s beautiful Patagonia landscape and Chile’s famous national park. The most popular route is by arriving in El Calafate and visiting Perito Moreno and the next day departing to Torres del Paine. Here I explain the best way to get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine.
Read also: Patagonia train: how to take the Tren Patagonico
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The options to get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine
You have three options available: private transfer, a bus transfer, or with your rental car. And if you really want a fast transfer, then take a helicopter from El Calafate. A trip from El Calafate to Torres del Paine takes about 5 hours with a direct transfer in private or with your rental car. Let’s explain every possibility.
Private transfer to Torres del Paine
One of the most comfortable—but also one of the priciest—ways to reach Torres del Paine is by booking a private transfer. The main advantage is flexibility: you can schedule the transfer at the time that suits you best, and it goes directly from your hotel to your destination without any stops along the way.
Departures from El Calafate or Torres del Paine are usually scheduled between 7 AM and 9 AM. This timing ensures the driver has enough time to return to the country of departure and cross the border on schedule.
The price is generally calculated per vehicle, so it can become more economical if more people share the ride. A private transfer typically costs around 1000 USD (€860) per car for a one-way trip.
It is also possible to first go to Puerto Natales, which usually makes the transfer slightly cheaper while remaining very convenient.
For the latest prices, schedules, and available destinations, check the page here: click here
Bus transfer to Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine)
If you are planning the overland journey from Argentina to Chile, there is a daily bus service between El Calafate and Puerto Natales. The ride takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes, including the border crossing. It is a comfortable and safe option that many travelers choose when heading towards Torres del Paine.
Once in Puerto Natales, you can continue the next day by bus to Laguna Amarga, the most common entry point to Torres del Paine National Park. From there, it is only a short 16-minute ride to the Welcome Center. Most hotels and campsites within the park also provide shuttle services from Laguna Amarga, which makes the transfer smooth and easy.
Expect to pay around 60 USD per person for the journey. Tickets can be booked online in advance or directly at the bus terminal, but I recommend securing them early during high season to avoid disappointment.
At the moment, there are no direct bus services from El Calafate to Laguna Amarga. This means you always have to make a stop in Puerto Natales, which is actually a nice opportunity to stock up on supplies, enjoy a good meal, and get the last bits of information at the visitor centers before heading into the park.
Check out the schedule of the bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales
Rent a car to the national park
Do you want some more freedom to move around? Then renting a car is one of the best options for getting to the national park in Chile.
You can easily rent a car in El Calafate and drive around in Chile. However, there is something very important. If you start your car rental in El Calafate (Argentina) then the drop-off needs to be in Argentina too. That can be El Calafate, Ushuaia, or another city that you prefer as an end destination.
Border crossing permit
Also, don’t forget to ask for the border crossing permit. This is a permit for the car to cross the border with you. The car rental agency needs to provide this. Therefore, it’s important to say that you want to drive to Torres del Paine. They will ask for your passport to arrange the border crossing permit for Chile.
When to book the rental car?
There are many car rental agencies available in El Calafate. But be aware that during high season the cars are very popular to rent. Be on time to make your reservation. Two or three months before is fine.
Car rental agencies that we recommend
Hertz is one of the most popular car rentals in El Calafate. It was a good service and pick-up was available at El Calafate airport. Also, Avis and Budget are operating in El Calafate.
Try to negotiate a price in Argentinian peso. It will save some money.
6 Comments
Thanks for all the great info.
I am hiring a car from El Calafate airport to drive to TdP in November so I have contacted Hertz to get the necessary permit. They asked for my documentation to do this but then mentioned that the border is currently closed. I can’t immediately find any reference to this online so wondered whether you knew about this and had any further details.
Thanks in anticipation
Hey Glenn – thanks for that great info. I’m travelling from El Calafate to Torres on 16 nov by bus, but cant seem to find any afternoon bus services that link with the 1.00pm arrival into Puerto Natales. The latest service is Bus Sur departing an hour earlier, so no way to link the two into Torres! Surely we don’t all have to stay a night in Puerto Natales just to travel to it the next morning! Have tried most companies on line but no luck yet, any ideas?
Hi Glen, I wonder if you can provide some advice. We are driving (rental car) from El Calafate to Torres del Paine later this month. What is the best route, taking into account the scarcity of gasoline stations? With a saloon car, is the Cerro Castillo border crossing OK – I understand it is a gravel road and with the need to drive slowly it may better to go to Puerto Natales. Also, where is the nearest point in Argentina to the border crossing that we can fill the car with fuel? Many thanks in anticipation. Ian
Who are the provides of direct bus services between El Calafate and Torres del Paine ? Do you have any links ?
Great info. How do you go back from Torres del Paine to El Calafate/El Chalten, in order to fly back to Buenos Aires? Is there a direct bus as well?
Hi Glenn, thanks for the article! Looking to have a bus transfer from El Calafate to Pudeto, to take the boat from there on. A few days later, after completing the W-trek, we’d like to take the bus back to El Calafate, from Hotel Las Torres (or Laguna Amarga). Where could I find information on the departure times, and where could I book in advance?
Have looked all over the internet, but cannot find.. Hope this is all possible? Would be very thankful!!!!
Thanks Hugo