Bus Trip
Semi-Bed Seat
Travel between El Calafate and Puerto Natales using the international Bus Sur service, one of the most popular transportation routes for travelers exploring Patagonia between Argentina and Chile.
The service connects the El Calafate Bus Terminal located at Saint Exupéry 87 with the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal through a direct route crossing the Patagonian steppe and the border checkpoints between both countries.
This route is ideal for travelers visiting:
- Torres del Paine
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- El Calafate
- Chilean and Argentine Patagonia
- trekking and outdoor programs
During the journey, travelers cross vast Patagonian landscapes characterized by open pampas, mountains, lagoons and scenic southern roads.
The trip includes the international border crossing between Argentina and Chile, so passengers must carry valid travel documentation and consider additional time for customs and immigration procedures.
Bus Sur operates year-round and is widely used by backpackers, independent travelers and passengers making overland connections between both countries.
Duration
Approximately 5 hours.
Arrival times are estimated and may vary due to:
- border procedures
- weather conditions
- road conditions
- immigration delays
Departure Times
From El Calafate to Puerto Natales
Morning Departures
- Wednesday – 08:00 AM
- Friday – 08:00 AM
- Sunday – 08:00 AM
Afternoon Departures
- Tuesday – 04:30 PM
- Thursday – 04:30 PM
- Saturday – 04:30 PM
Schedules may vary depending on season and operation.
Route
- El Calafate Bus Terminal
- Argentine Patagonian steppe
- Argentina – Chile border crossing
- Scenic Patagonian routes
- Puerto Natales
Onboard Services
- Restroom
- Snacks
- Heating
- Luggage compartment
- Comfortable seats
Ideal For
- Travelers between Argentina and Chile
- Torres del Paine travelers
- El Calafate travelers
- Backpackers
- Independent travelers
- Patagonia trekking programs
Important Information
The service includes the international border crossing between Argentina and Chile.
Passengers must carry:
- passport or valid ID
- required immigration documents
- migration permits if applicable
Operation depends on:
- weather conditions
- road conditions
- border operation
- immigration processing times
Recommendations:
- arrive early at the terminal
- review immigration requirements before traveling
- allow extra time for onward connections
- bring suitable clothing for Patagonian weather
Arrival schedules are approximate and may vary due to border controls or weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The service departs from the El Calafate Bus Terminal located at Saint Exupéry 87.
The journey takes approximately 5 hours depending on border procedures and weather conditions.
Yes. The service includes border crossing and immigration procedures between both countries.
Passengers must carry a passport or valid identification document and comply with current immigration requirements.
Yes. The service operates throughout the year, subject to weather and border conditions.
Yes. Schedules may vary depending on season, operation and immigration processing times.
Yes. The service includes onboard restroom facilities and snacks during the trip.
Yes. Especially during high season and dates with high tourist demand.
Yes. It is one of the most commonly used routes connecting both Patagonia destinations.
Yes. It is a practical, affordable and popular way to travel through Patagonia between Argentina and Chile.
