The journey from lakeside El Calafate to the quiet mountain village of El Chaltén is easy via multiple transit options: bus, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
The most popular option is the bus, with three bus companies each offering 2-5 departure times a day. The trip takes about three hours and is affordable and comfortable. If you prefer a more flexible trip, you can pay a little more for a private shuttle that would allow you to make stops so you can take full advantage of the panoramic views. A more expensive option is to take a taxi, or you can rent a car for peak flexibility.
Day-trippers have the option of a semi-private shuttle tour which takes you to El Chaltén for the day and gets you back to El Calafate by late evening.
The cheapest option, buses leave from the main terminal in El Calafate, which is located on Julio Argentino Roca, making a stop at the Cte. Armando Tola International Airport. There are three bus companies: Caltur, with 3 departures a day, El Chaltén, with up to 5 departures a day, and TAQSA, which leaves at least twice a day. The earliest bus leaves at 8 am and the latest at 6 pm. These buses often sell out during the high season (December-February), so book your tickets in advance.
Buses are comfortable, spacious and have bathrooms on board. The route is smooth, scenic and well-traveled.
Private transfers are available between El Calafate and El Chaltén. This option is reasonably priced and offers more flexibility over departure times than bus travel. A private transfer lets you leave directly from your hotel or the airport and offers you the option of making stops along the way to soak in the views. Ask your local specialist for details.
This option offers you the most flexibility, allowing unlimited scenic stops and the opportunity to explore other attractions outside El Chaltén. You can rent a car in advance or from El Calafate Airport—Hertz, Avis, and Budget are available here. Book in advance, especially during peak season from December through February.
There are various taxi companies that will take you to El Chaltén directly, such as Remis Condor Califate and Taxi Remis Califate. This option costs more than a private transfer, but may be affordable if you’re traveling in a group.
If you’d like to visit El Chaltén just for the day, there’s a shuttle tour called Mundo Austral which leaves at 8 am from (you must be ready to board by 7:30 am) and will get you back to El Calafate by 8:30 pm. The round trip costs about the same as a private transfer.
The most popular option is the bus, with three bus companies each offering 2-5 departure times a day. The trip takes about three hours and is affordable and comfortable. If you prefer a more flexible trip, you can pay a little more for a private shuttle that would allow you to make stops so you can take full advantage of the panoramic views. A more expensive option is to take a taxi, or you can rent a car for peak flexibility.
Day-trippers have the option of a semi-private shuttle tour which takes you to El Chaltén for the day and gets you back to El Calafate by late evening.
By Bus
Duration: 3 hoursThe cheapest option, buses leave from the main terminal in El Calafate, which is located on Julio Argentino Roca, making a stop at the Cte. Armando Tola International Airport. There are three bus companies: Caltur, with 3 departures a day, El Chaltén, with up to 5 departures a day, and TAQSA, which leaves at least twice a day. The earliest bus leaves at 8 am and the latest at 6 pm. These buses often sell out during the high season (December-February), so book your tickets in advance.
Buses are comfortable, spacious and have bathrooms on board. The route is smooth, scenic and well-traveled.
By Private Transfer
Duration: 3 hoursPrivate transfers are available between El Calafate and El Chaltén. This option is reasonably priced and offers more flexibility over departure times than bus travel. A private transfer lets you leave directly from your hotel or the airport and offers you the option of making stops along the way to soak in the views. Ask your local specialist for details.
By Rental Car
Duration: 3 hoursThis option offers you the most flexibility, allowing unlimited scenic stops and the opportunity to explore other attractions outside El Chaltén. You can rent a car in advance or from El Calafate Airport—Hertz, Avis, and Budget are available here. Book in advance, especially during peak season from December through February.
By Taxi
Duration: 3 hoursThere are various taxi companies that will take you to El Chaltén directly, such as Remis Condor Califate and Taxi Remis Califate. This option costs more than a private transfer, but may be affordable if you’re traveling in a group.
By Organized Day Tour
Duration: 3 hours each wayIf you’d like to visit El Chaltén just for the day, there’s a shuttle tour called Mundo Austral which leaves at 8 am from (you must be ready to board by 7:30 am) and will get you back to El Calafate by 8:30 pm. The round trip costs about the same as a private transfer.
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