Private Transfers Between Torres del Paine and El Calafate
Introduction
In the Patagonia region, particularly between El Calafate and Torres del Paine, ground transport is essential, because there are no flights. For this reason, transfers between Torres del Paine and El Calafate, as well as other points in Patagonia is what we offer. However, we only offer PRIVATE transfers in minibuses. Therefore, for a direct, door-to-door private transfer service between Torres del Paine, or from Puerto Natales to El Calafate, or visa-versa, please get in touch. In addtion, we can arrange private or shared transfers between El Calafate and El Chalten.
Private Transfer Times
All transfers between Torres del Paine to El Calafate will take between 5 to 6hrs. Why? Because it takes about 1hr at each side of the border for people to be “processed”.
Regular Buses
It should be noted that the regular buses offer connections between the main cities, but not to the National Park, unless you go via a nearby city. However, regular buses also go at set times, which may not work for your logistics.
OFFERS: In view of the cost of a private transfer, we are willing to make it easier on your wallet if you also ask us to handle your W Trek, or other Torres del Paine – Patagonia reservations.
We are more than willing, for example, to offer a FREE one-way, Private transfer between El Calafate and Torres del Paine (vice versa) if we handle the reservations at Explora, Tierra, Awasi or the Singular (min 2 people, min 4 nights all-inclusive).
W or Circuit Trek
In addition, if you are at least 4 people and want to do an all-inclusive W Trek, we will run a one-way transfer at a 50% discount, which means at USD600 and not UD1,200 for the van with 4 people.
Private Transfers
It should be noted that we can arrange a PRIVATE TRANSFER between all the main places in Patagonia. For example, Torres del Paine to El Calafate and vice versa. Also, El Chalten to El Calafate and vice versa. In addition, Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales and vice versa, as well as Puerto Natales to El Calafate and vice versa.
If you are single a couple a small or large group, let us know.
Definition of a Private Transfer
What is a Private Transfer?
To begin with, a private transfer is only for those people who have exclusively booked it. For example, you may book a private transfer for yourself, you and your partner, or your group. Furthermore, a private transfer will pick-up and drop off at places of your choice i.e. “door-to-door”. However, such places must be physically accessible for the vehicle. In particular, vehicles for private transfers range from cars to minibuses and to larger buses for groups.
Private Transfer Rates
Private Transfer Routes and Costs
Most important: Rates are for the VEHICLE no matter how many people are on board.
It should be noted that all private transfers are operated with Ford and Sprinter minivans, even for two people. Why? Above all, any supplier suggesting a transfer across the border in a car will need to be registered with the authorities. Most car transfer suppliers are not registered.
The consequence of running a minibus means that the rates below can be considered high. However, these are the rates charged by most van suppliers to cover wear and tear of daily 12hr transfers (6hrs each way). In addition, the driver needs to stay overnight or there needs to be two drivers.
From El Calafate
El Calafate to Torres del Paine (5 to 6hrs): 1 to 9 Pax USD1,350 or TDP to El Calafate.
Also, El Calafate to Puerto Natales (5 to 6hrs): 1 to 9 Pax USD1,100 or Natales to El Calafate.
From Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (3hrs): 1 – 4 Pax USD500 – Rate for each route i.e. the same cost for the reverse route.
Also, Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine (4 or 5hrs depending on which end of TDP): USD790 – Rate for each route i.e. the same cost for the reverse route.
From Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales (1 or 2hrs depending to which end of TDP) to Torres del Paine: 1 – 4 Pax USD500 – Rate for each route i.e. the same cost for the reverse route.
OFFERS – SEE ABOVE
Rent a Car or Self Drive
In addition to the above transfer options, rent a car is also an alternative.
Self-Drive Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Above all, the main advantage to renting a car is that you have total independence to go where you want when you want.
Disadvantages
However, the disadvantage is that the driver will usually get tired and miss a lot of the stunning scenery. In addition, self-drive clients will have the problem to get back to where the car is left if you end up do the W Trek in Torres del Paine, for example. Also, you may be unfortunate with a puncture, breakdown and worst case, an accident.
Most Important: The unpaved roads (as well as some of the paved roads) are notoriously BAD in Patagonia with many potholes and ruptured surfaces. Therefore, it is often not such a great idea to drive yourself.
Where We Can Arrange Your Rent a Car Pick Up
We Can Arrange for a Rental Car with Pick-ups at any of These Locations:
Punta Arenas City or airport, Puerto Natales city or airport, El Calafate city or airport.
Also, we can arrange pick in Chile and drop off in El Calafate for a hire period longer than 5 days. However, we cannot arrange pick-up in El Calafate and drop off in Chile, but we can arrange pick up and drop off in El Calafate.
There is NO pickup or drop off in Torres del Paine National Park.
Permit Required to Take Car Over the Border
Taking a Car Over the Border
In the event that you take a car over the border a special permit is required, which we will arrange. Also, if you wish to drop a car off at a different city location to the pick-up location there will be a drop-off fee.
Rent a Car Vehicle Options
Rent a Car as Part of an Itinerary
It should be noted that we offer rent a car as part of an itinerary we are creating for you, but not as a stand-alone service.
If you feel a car is the way to go, remember that you will need one sufficiently large enough not only for you and your passengers, but also for all your bags.
In the meantime, please mention in your enquiry the type of car you want, date, time and place of pick-up and date, time and place of drop off.
Another key point is that we work with one particular, reliable, rent a car provider for the Patagonia region.
To request a vehicle, go to the enquiry form further below.
Other Services
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Torres del Paine
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Offer: Free Flights or Hotel Rooms or Transfers when we book (min 4 nights): Explora, Tierra, Awasi, Antarctica Expeditions and Patagonia Cruises
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