El Calafate – El Chaltén transfer: how to get there

220 km via Route 40 and Route 23, in approximately 3 hours. El Chaltén does not have an airport; the usual access is from El Calafate. We offer two options: door-to-door service or regular bus service with on-site pickup.

The route crosses the Patagonian steppe with views of Lake Argentino, making a stop at the La Leona Inn —a classic point along the way— and connects with Route 23, skirting Lake Viedma, where the first views of the massif appear.

The service door to door It picks you up at your accommodation in El Calafate and drops you off at your accommodation in El Chaltén. The option of regular bus It includes the ticket, the urban transfer to the terminal and the reception with transfer to the hotel upon arrival.

• The route

  The route

  The route connects El Calafate with El Chaltén via National Route 40 and Provincial Route 23. The times shown are for door-to-door service; the regular bus departs at 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00.

  Departure from El Calafate

  Between 07:00 and 09:00, from your accommodation

  Route 40 northbound

  Patagonian steppe and views of Lake Argentino

  Stop at the La Leona rest stop

  Classic spot on the route, on the La Leona River

  Junction to Route 23

  First views of Lake Viedma and the massif

  Arrival at El Chaltén

  Approximately 3 hours of travel

  Included in the tour

  Meeting and closing point

  El Chaltén does not have an airport.

  The nearest airport is Comandante Armando Tola, in El Calafate, about 220 km away. From there, access is always by land, via National Route 40 and Provincial Route 23. It's about a three-hour journey, and it's worth taking this into account when planning your itinerary: the travel day isn't enough time for a complete excursion.

  The La Leona Inn

  Halfway along the river, on the La Leona River, is the historic inn where, according to tradition, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid stayed in 1905. It is the classic stop on the route, with a cafe and restrooms, and the only service for several kilometers.

  Round trip in one day

  There is also a full-day option, departing from El Calafate in the morning and returning the same evening, with pickup in El Chaltén. Variations include stops at viewpoints and the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, or a guided hike to... Capri Lagoon. Contact us if you're interested in that option.

  The door-to-door service operates with a Minimum of 2 passengers and a maximum of 12 per vehicle. There is no service on December 25th or January 1st. Services between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM are subject to a surcharge.

• Info to keep in mind

  This service is booked directly with us, local operators in El Chaltén, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Service details

    Duration

    Approximately 3 hours per leg

    220 km via National Route 40 and Provincial Route 23.

    Modalities

    Door-to-door or regular bus

    The first one goes from hotel to hotel; the second one includes bus ticket and urban transfers at both ends.

    Schedules

    Departure 07:00 to 09:00 h

    Return from El Chaltén between 5:30 and 7:00 pm. The regular bus leaves at 8:00 am, 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

    Passengers

    Minimum 2 door-to-door

    Maximum 12 per vehicle. There is no minimum for regular buses.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    There are no physical or age requirements: it's a transfer service. Door-to-door service requires a minimum of 2 passengers. Please let us know when booking if you're traveling with bulky luggage, bicycles, or mountaineering equipment so we can assign the appropriate vehicle.

  • Recommendations

    Bring water and something to eat: beyond the La Leona rest stop, there are no services along the way. If you're traveling early, pack a jacket: mornings on the steppe are cold even in summer. And keep your accommodation details handy.

  • Includes
    • Transfer in a licensed vehicle with driver.
    • Door-to-door service: pickup and delivery at the accommodation.
    • In the regular bus option: bus ticket, urban transfer to the terminal in El Calafate and reception with transfer to the hotel in El Chaltén.
    • Stop at the La Leona rest stop.
  • Does not include
    • Food and drinks (La Leona inn has a service with a charge).
    • Box lunch (optional, paid separately).
    • Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park.
    • Urban use rate of El Chaltén.

    Excursions within Los Glaciares National Park require an entrance fee (not included in this transfer). We recommend booking your ticket in advance. ventaweb.apn.gob.ar, because connectivity in El Chaltén is limited and disappears on the trails.

  • Climatic conditions
    • The transfer takes place in any weather condition, except road closure due to snow, ice or extreme wind, decision made by the Roads Department.
    • If the route is closed, the service will be rescheduled depending on availability or the amount will be refunded.
    • During the off-season, it is advisable to check the road conditions the day before.

Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in El Chaltén available in our catalog.