How to get from Punta Arenas Airport to the city centre

Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (code PUQ) has flights from Santiago and other Chilean cities, plus a few regional routes. It is a small terminal: within minutes you go from the baggage belt to the arrivals hall, where the transfer and car rental desks are.

The city is to the south along Route 9. It is a straightforward road along the Strait of Magellan, with no tolls.

The quickest and simplest option, especially if you land at night or have a lot of luggage. Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and drop you at the door of your accommodation.

Agree on the fare with the driver before you set off and have the exact address of your accommodation ready. For two or three people, the cost per person often ends up close to a shared shuttle.

Desks in the arrivals hall sell minibus transfers into town. The minibus waits for passengers from your flight and drops each one at their accommodation.

It is cheaper than a taxi if you are travelling alone, but slower because of the stops. A good choice in daylight if you are not in a hurry.

There is no regular city bus between the airport and the centre. Some intercity buses between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales do stop at the airport, though: if you are heading straight to Puerto Natales or Torres del Paine, check with the bus company whether your service leaves from the airport, and book ahead in high season.

If you are exploring the region on your own, picking up a car on arrival saves you the transfer. Several rental companies have desks at the airport.

At La Casa Guesthouse we also rent out a 4x4 SUV from CLP 45,000 per day, with basic insurance and roadside assistance. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will arrange the pickup around your itinerary.

Many places to stay in the city offer airport transfers. At La Casa Guesthouse we offer one at an extra cost: send us your flight number and arrival time on WhatsApp and we will confirm it.

It is especially handy if you arrive on the last flight of the day, are travelling with children or are visiting the city for the first time.

We are at Gral. Juan Salvo 66, between Zenteno and Riquelme, in a quiet residential area. The centre is about 5 minutes away by car and public transport stops a few metres from the door. If you arrive by car, there is free private parking.

• Taxi or shuttle: give the address “Gral. Juan Salvo 66”.
• By car: free private parking for guests.
• Arriving late? Send us your estimated arrival time on WhatsApp.

Keep a windproof jacket handy when you leave the plane: Punta Arenas can be very windy at any time of year.

If you are continuing to Puerto Natales the same day, check the bus times before you fly. If your flight lands late, spending the first night in Punta Arenas is usually more comfortable than reaching Natales in the middle of the night.