Traveling to Patagonia is relatively straightforward, but there are some crucial details to know about the Patagonia flights connections in Argentina and Chile. In this article, I’ll explain that you can’t fly directly from southern Argentina to southern Chile. I’ll also provide information on the available flight routes.
Read more: top 20 things to do in Patagonia
Patagonia Flights: How to get there?
For flights to Patagonia, it’s best to depart from one of the capital cities: Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile. If you plan to visit the Chilean side, it’s best to book your international flight to Santiago. Conversely, if you’re starting in Argentine Patagonia, Buenos Aires is the ideal starting point.
If you’re traveling from the northern regions of either country, such as from Iguazu or Salta to Patagonia, there’s a 99% chance you’ll have a layover in Buenos Aires. Direct flights between the northern and southern parts of both countries are extremely rare.
Tip: When departing from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, I recommend booking your ticket from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). It is closer to the city and offers more available flights.
Argentina Domestic Flights
At this moment there are four airlines active in Argentina: Aerolineas Argentinas, FlyBondi, JetSmart, and Andes. Flying to Patagonia for example El Calafate, Ushuaia or San Carlos de Bariloche will probably be from Buenos Aires. If you are wondering which airline is the best? Read this article here.
During peak tourism season there are connections between Patagonia cities. You can even make a circle flying from one to the other city. I made a map below.
You can skip Trelew (for Whale Watching) and fly directly to Ushuaia or El Calafate. Also, you can skip Bariloche and fly directly back to Buenos Aires from those airports.
The most popular route for travelers is flying to Ushuaia and from there to El Calafate and back to Buenos Aires.
Traveling to the North of Argentina from Patagonia
This can be done with a layover in Buenos Aires or an extra stop in Mendoza. From Mendoza, there are direct flights to Salta. You can reach Mendoza by flying from Bariloche or Neuquén.
It’s a bit complicated, but I hope this map clarifies it. But the conclusion is that you will have in 99% of the cases a lay-over in Buenos Aires.
Watch out with a layover in Buenos Aires!
A layover or transit stop in Buenos Aires is likely when you are traveling from North to South or the other way around.
But watch out for the airports! There are 2 airports in Buenos Aires. Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE). If you arrive in AEP and depart from EZE with the other flight, then you need to calculate a travel time of 1h30 between the two airports. On top of that, count the check-in time, etc.
I can help you with airport transfers on my other website Secrets of Buenos Aires: click here.
Chile Domestic Flights
Puerto Montt is regarded as the primary airport for flights to Patagonia in Chile. It serves as the gateway to the stunning Patagonian landscape.
Three major airlines operate in Chile: LATAM, JetSmart, and SKY Airline.
The best way to reach Puerto Montt is through Santiago de Chile (SCL), with daily direct flights available from all three airlines.
For direct access to Torres del Paine, it is best to fly to Puerto Natales, which also has a direct connection with Santiago de Chile. Be aware that you need to take a bus to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. The same applies to the southernmost airport, Punta Arenas with a direct connection to Santiago de Chile.
Patagonia Flights between Argentina and Chile
That is more difficult as there are almost no connections between the two Patagonian sides unless you travel more upward North to Mendoza or San Carlos de Bariloche. Then you have a direct flight to Santiago de Chile and later you need to travel back South.
I suggest renting a car and crossing the border.
Have a lovely Patagonia travel and you can contact me if you have questions about the Patagonia Flights and the connections.
