Transfers Between Torres del Paine and El Calafate
and from Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas
Bus | Private | Shared
OFFER
We will discount Private Transfer rates if we are also handling the rest of your Patagonia Itinerary.
In some cases we will even run the transfer for free.
The final offer depends on how much we are arranging for you.
Email: request@experiencechile.org
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.
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.
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 10 Pax USD1,200 or TDP to El Calafate.
Also, El Calafate to Puerto Natales (5 to 6hrs): 1 to 10 Pax USD1,000 or Natales to El Calafate.
From Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales (3hrs): 1 – 4 Pax USD490 – 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 USD490 – Rate for each route i.e. the same cost for the reverse route.
OFFER: In the event that our sister brand, Experiencechile.org, request@experiencechile.org handles your all-inclusive W Trek, minimum 4 nights for a minimum of 2 people, we will seek to discount the above rates. This would be instead of a free hotel night in Puerto Natales. However, in the event that you need one of the top, all-inclusive lodges, we will look to reduce the above costs by as much as 50% or even run a route FREE OF CHARGE. Top lodges are: Explora, Awasi, Tierra, Singular, Remota as well as Estancia Cerro Guido, Patagonia Camp or ECO Camp for a minimum of 4 nights under an all-inclusive program, 2 people,
Shared Transfers
By Comparison to our private transfers, our shared transfers will only operate if we have enough passengers.
Also, unlike the private transfers that have a set, vehicle rate, the shared transfers have per person rate. Specifically, the rate is according to the number of people in the van. However, we have to accept reservations as and when they come in. Therefore, we have to allocate the cost according to the number of people booking at that time. For example, this means that the first two people will be paying more than the fourth, fifth or seventh person.
Not Everyone Pays the Same Amount
All things considered; the end result is that not everyone will be paying the same amount. In view of this reality please make sure that a different per person pricing is not going to cause you any issues. However, this is the only way we can viably operate these transfers.
The route running from El Calafate to TDP will involve a regular bus from El Calafate to the Chilean border – the cost of which is included in our sell rate. However, the route Torres del Paine to El Calafate will be one vehicle with the occasional exception of maybe changing vehicles at the border, but not to a regular bus.
Journey time in either direction is around 6hrs.
Definition of a Shared Ride
What is a Shared Ride?
It should be noted that a shared ride is a transfer shared by different people to get from point A to point B. Consequently, the cost of what would normally be a private transfer is divided between all the passengers. In this case the cost is per person. Having said that, we have two options for a shared transfer.
OPTION 1
In essence, this involves our own, set schedule from El Calafate to Torres del Paine. It also includes use of the regular bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales – BUT passengers will get off at the Chilean border, at Cerro Castillo. It should be noted that with this option the cost is calculated by us as PER PERSON. More details about this are further below.
OPTION 2
In this option, you may book a private transfer for yourself and your partner, or your group and then YOU find other people to share the transfer with. However, the organizer will need to pay the full private transfer cost and recuperate the divided cost from the other people you have arranged to come along with you. It should be noted that for this option the cost is for the vehicle.
Terms & Conditions Shared Ride Transfers
Terms and Conditions for Our Shared Ride Transfers
From El Calafate to Torres del Paine
Most important is that our rates include the regular bus ticket from El Calafate to Puerto Natales. However, passengers GET OFF at the Chilean border village called Cerro Castillo and then change to chartered minivan.
Route from Torres del Paine to El Calafate
By comparison, this transfer will operate from Pudeto in Torres del Paine and pass by the Welcome Centre in Torres del Paine and then head to El Calafate. No change of vehicle is planned unless for logistical reasons. In other words, no change to a regular bus is planned.
Rates & Refund Policy
Be aware that all rates are per person and based upon how many people are also booked on the transfer. Actual rates are explained further below.
Above all, payments are to be made in advance. After payment, should the passenger want to cancel there will be NO REFUND to the passenger or passengers who have paid.
Intake for reservations will close one month prior to any scheduled service. Patagonia Transfers will reserve the right to not run a transfer if there are no passengers booked.
IMPORTANT: Patagonia Transfers nor any of its related companies or brands accepts any responsibility for safety, nor will assume any responsibility for personal injury, in the event of an accident whilst using any transport service that we have arranged on the behalf of a passenger.
El Calafate to TDP Rates Shared Ride Transfers
Shared Ride Transfer Rates Per Person From El Calafate to Torres del Paine
Most important is that the rates below are fixed and based upon how many people are booked for the transfer at the time of booking. For example, if one person books and no other people are booked at THAT moment, the cost will be for that one person USD513.
At The Time of Booking
If, at the time of booking there are 5 other people already booked the cost will be USD165 per person (if they have booked together). Should another person then book, the cost for this person will be USD150. Why? Because there are now 6 people on board.
In the event that another person then joins the transfer, the cost for that person will be USD134 for THAT person, and so on. Most important – the rate the previous passengers have paid will not change for them. Maximum capacity will be 10 passengers.
Full Group of 10 People
Should a group of 10 people book the shared transfer the cost per person will be USD107 per person. However, this will be including the regular bus from El Calafate and NOT a private transfer, which is private all the way and “door to door”.
Cost Per Person includes the regular bus ticket from El Calafate: 1 Pax USD513 / 2 Pax USD277 / 3 Pax USD206 / 4 Pax USD165 / 5 Pax USD165 / 6 Pax USD150 / 7 Pax USD134 / 8 Pax USD123 / 9 Pax USD114 / 10 Pax USD107 – ALL ARE PER PERSON RATES.
From El Calafate to Torres del Paine Shared Ride Schedule
Scheduled Shared Transfer Schedule Departure Time from El Calafate
It should be noted that the departure time and route will be:
Departure at 08:00AM on the regular bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales. Get off at Cerro Castillo Border Village in Chile. At this point passengers will be picked up by our chartered minivan for transfer to Torres del Paine. Order of drop offs in Torres del Paine: Welcome Centre – Pudeto – Hotel Grey – Sector Serrano – Puerto Natales
Be aware that this service is only available for: November – December – January – February
Monday – Not Running / Tuesday – Operational / Wednesday – Not Running / Thursday – Operational / Friday – Not Running / Saturday – Operational
Not running on Chilean Public Holidays – December 25, January 01st.
People Looking to Share a Transfer from El Calafate to TDP
People Asking to Share a Ride on Specific Dates from El Calafate to Torres del Paine
Note: In the event that a sensible number of people wish to share a transfer outside of our schedule dates, we will consider arranging a chartered vehicle for that particular date.
Dates and Numbers of People Seeking a Shared Ride are:
Info to follow.
IMPORTANT: Patagonia Transfers nor any of its related companies or brands accepts any responsibility for safety nor will assume any responsibility for personal injury in the event of an accident whilst using any transport service that we have arranged on the behalf of a passenger.
TDP to El Calafate Rates Shared Ride Transfers
Shared Transfer Rates Per Person from Torres del Paine to El Calafate
The Time of Booking
At the time of booking if there are 5 other people already booked the cost will be USD240 per person (in the event that they have booked together). However, should another person then book, the cost for this person will be USD200 for that person. Why? Because there are now 6 people on board.
Should yet another person then join the transfer, the cost for that 7th person will be USD171, and so on. Important to note is that the rate the previous passengers have paid will not change for them. Maximum capacity will be 10 passengers.
Full Group of 10 People
In the event that a group of 10 people book the shared transfer the group the cost per person will be USD120. Also, in this case the shared transfer becomes a private transfer for the group.
Cost Per Person
Cost Per Person will be applied as shown according to the numbers of people booking, and the numbers of people who have already booked before them: 1 Pax USD1,200 / 2 Pax USD600 / 3 Pax USD400 / 4 Pax USD300 / 5 Pax USD240 / 6 Pax USD200 / 7 Pax USD171 / 8 Pax USD150 / 9 Pax USD133 / 10 Pax USD120 – ALL ARE PER PERSON RATES.
From Torres del Paine to El Calafate Shared Ride Schedule
Scheduled Shared Transfer from Torres del Paine to El Calafate
Departure Times from Torres del Paine
It should be noted that the departure time and route will be:
12:00hrs (midday) Pick Up at Pudeto (where the catamaran arrives to) by our chartered minivan for transfer to El Calafate.
Order of pick-ups will be:
Pudeto – Torres del Paine Welcome Centre – Cerro Castillo – On to El Calafate. Approx time of total trip from Pudeto, around 6 – 7hrs.
This service is only available for: November – December – January – February
Monday – Operational / Tuesday – Not Running / Wednesday – Operational / Thursday – Not Running / Friday – Operational / Saturday – Not Running / Sunday – Operational
Not running on Chilean Public Holidays – December 25, January 01st.
People Looking to Share a Transfer from TDP to El Calafate
People Asking to Share a Ride on Specific Dates from Torres del Paine to El Calafate
Note: In the event that a sensible number of people wish to share a transfer outside of our schedule dates, we will consider arranging a chartered vehicle for that particular date.
Dates and Numbers of People Seeking a Shared Ride are:
Info to follow.
IMPORTANT: Patagonia Transfers nor any of its related companies or brands accepts any responsibility for safety nor will assume any responsibility for personal injury in the event of an accident whilst using any transport service that we have arranged on the behalf of a passenger.
Within Torres del Paine Transfers and Costs
Transfers Between Key Points Within Torres del Paine
In particular, only when we are running a shared transfer service, we will offer the following routes for the corresponding rates:
Puerto Natales to Cerro Castillo USD30 per person
Cerro Castillo to Welcome Centre USD30 per person
Welcome Centre to Pudeto: USD15 per person
Pudeto to Hotel Grey: USD15 per person
Hotel Grey to Rio Serrano: USD15 per person
Rio Serrano to Puerto Natales: USD50 per person
Cut off for arranging the above is four weeks prior to required date of transfer. After this period no requests will be processed.
MOST IMPORTANT: Patagonia Transfers nor any of its related companies or brands accepts any responsibility for safety of passengers. In addition, the company nor its associated brands will not assume any responsibility for personal injury in the event of an accident whilst using any transport service that we have arranged on the behalf of a passenger.
Regular Bus
Above all, there are regular bus services between the main cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. Also, between El Calafate and Puerto Natales. It should be noted that Experience Chile will be pleased to purchase regular bus tickets for all our clients who book a W Trek or other Patagonia Itinerary through us.
WE DO NOT OFFER TO BUY REGULAR BUS TICKETS ON THEIR OWN – THEY MUST BE PART OF AN ITINERARY WE ARE ARRANGING FOR YOU
El Calafate to Puerto Natales Regular Bus Schedule
Regular Bus Schedule from El Calafate to Puerto Natales
Note: Patagonia Transfers supplies this information below in good faith. Moreover, we assume no responsibility in the event that since publication of this information that times have been altered or services have been cancelled.
B SUR Nov – Mar inclusive. Departure Times from the Bus Terminal of El Calafate to the Rodovia (Bus Terminal) of Puerto Natales.
MON – Not Running / TUE – 16:30 / WED – 08:00 / THU – 16:30 / FRI – 08:00 / SAT – 16:30 / SUN – 08:00
OFFER: In the event that our sister brand, Experiencechile.org, request@experiencechile.org handles your all-inclusive W Trek, minimum 4 nights for a minimum of 2 people, we will include these bus tickets one way (so, either Natales to El Calafate or El Calafate to Natales) free of charge. In addition, we will include a free night at one of our partner hotels in Puerto Natales as long as you stay for two nights in Puerto Natales. Naturally, should you want a more complex itinerary then we will of course include this same offer and even more.
Please note that the condition of this offer is that you must mention it when you send in your enquiry.
Regular Bus Schedule Natales to El Calafate
Regular Bus Schedule from Puerto Natales to El Calafate
Note: Patagonia Transfers supplies this information below in good faith and assumes no responsibility in the event that since publication of this information below that times have been altered or services have been cancelled.
B SUR Nov – Mar inclusive. Departure Times from the Rodovia (Bus Terminal) of Puerto Natales to the Bus Terminal of El Calafate
MON – 07:30 / TUE – 07:30 & 15:30 / WED – 07:30 / THU – 07:30 & 15:30 / FRI – 07:30 / SAT – 07:30 & 15:30
OFFER: In the event that our sister brand, Experiencechile.org, request@experiencechile.org handles your all-inclusive W Trek, minimum 4 nights for a minimum of 2 people, we will include these bus tickets one way (so, either Natales to El Calafate or El Calafate to Natales) free of charge. In addition, we will include a free night at one of our partner hotels in Puerto Natales as long as you stay for two nights in Puerto Natales. Naturally, should you want a more complex itinerary then we will of course include this same offer and even more.
Please note that the condition of this offer is that you must mention it when you send in your enquiry.
Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas Regular Bus Schedule
Regular Bus Schedule from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas
Note: Patagonia Transfers supplies this information below in good faith and assumes no responsibility in the event that since publication of this information below that times have been altered or services have been cancelled.
Nov – Mar inclusive. Departure Times from the Rodovia (Bus Terminal) of Puerto Natales to the Bus Terminal of Punta Arenas (3hr trip) – and goes via the PUQ airport.
Every Day:
B SUR – 07:00 / 08:30 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 17:00 / 19:00 / 21:00
FERN (Sat and Sun below) – 07:00 / 08:00 / 09:30 / 12:15 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 18:30 / 20:00
FERN SAT & SUN – 07:00 / 09:30 / 12:15 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 18:30 / 20:00
OFFER: In the event that our sister brand, Experiencechile.org, request@experiencechile.org handles your all-inclusive W Trek, minimum 4 nights for a minimum of 2 people, we will include these bus tickets one way (so, either Natales to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Natales) free of charge along with a free night at one of our partner hotels in Puerto Natales as long as you stay for two nights in Puerto Natales. Naturally, should you want a more complex itinerary then we will of course include this same offer and even more.
Regular Bus Schedule Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
Regular Bus Schedule from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
Note: Patagonia Transfers supplies this information below in good faith and assumes no responsibility in the event that since publication of this information below that times have been altered or services have been cancelled.
Nov – Mar inclusive. Departure Times from the Bus Terminal in Punta Arenas to the Rodovia (Bus Terminal) of Puerto Natales (3hr trip) – and goes via the PUQ airport.
Every Day:
B SUR – 07:00 / 08:30 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 17:00 / 18:00 / 19:00 / 21:00
FERN (Sat and Sun below) – 07:30 / 09:30 / 13:00 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 17:15 / 18:30 / 20:00
FERN SAT & SUN – 07:30 / 09:30 / 13:00 / 14:30 / 16:30 / 18:30 / 20:00
OFFER: In the event that our sister brand, Experiencechile.org, request@experiencechile.org handles your all-inclusive W Trek, minimum 4 nights for a minimum of 2 people, we will include these bus tickets one way (so, either Natales to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Natales) free of charge along with a free night at one of our partner hotels in Puerto Natales as long as you stay for two nights in Puerto Natales. Naturally, should you want a more complex itinerary then we will of course include this same offer and even more.
Natales to TDP Regular Bus Schedule
Regular Bus Schedule from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
Note: Patagonia Transfers supplies this information below in good faith and assumes no responsibility in the event that since publication of this information below that times have been altered or services have been cancelled.
01 Sep – 31 Mar
Dep Time From Start Location to Next Destination
Note: With our W Trek All-Inclusive itineraries, the regular bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine, and vice versa, is included in the program.
AM DEPARTURES
From Bus Terminal 07:00hrs to Laguna Amarga Dep
Dep Laguna Amarga 09:00hrs to Pudeto
From Pudeto 10:00hrs to Camping Pehoe
Dep Camping Pehoe 10:15hrs to CONAF Admin in TDP
From CONAF Admin 11:00hrs to Hotel Lago Grey
PM DEPARTURES
Dep Bus Terminal 12:00hrs (noon) to Laguna Amarga Dep
From Laguna Amarga 14:00hrs to Pudeto
Dep Pudeto 15:00hrs to Camping Pehoe
From Camping Pehoe 15:30hrs to CONAF Admin in TDP
Dep CONAF Admin 16:00hrs to Hotel Lago Grey
Regular Bus Schedule TDP to Natales
Regular Bus Schedule from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales
Note: Patagonia Transfers supplies this information below in good faith and assumes no responsibility in the event that since publication of this information below that times have been altered or services have been cancelled.
01 Sep – 31 Mar
Dep Time From Start Location to Next Destination
Note: With our W Trek All-Inclusive itineraries, the regular bus ticket from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine, and vice versa, is included in the program.
PM DEPARTURES
Dep Hotel Lago Grey 13:30hrs to CONAF Admin TDP
From CONAF Admin TDP 14:00hrs to Camping Pehoe
Dep Camping Pehoe 14:15hrs to Pudeto
From Pudeto 14:30hrs to Laguna Amarga
Dep Laguna Amarga 15:00hrs to Puerto Natales Arriving 16:30hrs
PM DEPARTURES
Dep Hotel Lago Grey 17:00hrs to CONAF Admin TDP
From CONAF Admin TDP 17:30hrs to Camping Pehoe
Dep Camping Pehoe 17:45hrs to Pudeto
From Pudeto 19:30hrs to Laguna Amarga
Dep Laguna Amarga 20:30hrs to Puerto Natales Arriving 21:30hrs
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.
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