Punta Arenas is served by Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), located north of the city. The city also has prominent bus terminals, including Bus Sur and Buses Fernandez. Additionally, Punta Arenas operates as a significant port, with Muelle Prat serving as a hub for cruise ships, scientific vessels, and local ferries.
Flights are the most common way to reach Punta Arenas from central Chile. Direct flights from Santiago (SCL) to Punta Arenas (PUQ) typically take around 3 hours and 30 minutes, with airlines like LATAM and Sky Airline operating these routes. Prices for one-way flights from Santiago can range from approximately $45 to $270. There are also direct flights from Puerto Montt, Balmaceda, Porvenir, Puerto Williams, Mount Pleasant (Falkland Islands), and Río Gallegos (Argentina).
Bus travel is available, though often a longer option for distant routes. From Santiago, a bus journey can take around 2 days with transfers, costing between $170 and $310. From nearby Puerto Natales, buses are a popular and efficient option, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with fares ranging from $8 to $35. Companies like Bus Sur and Buses Fernandez provide frequent daily services between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. Buses also connect Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine, usually via Puerto Natales, taking 4-5 hours.
Ferry services connect Punta Arenas to specific destinations. A scheduled ferry links Punta Arenas with the main island of Tierra del Fuego (Porvenir), departing from the Tres Puentes terminal. A less frequent car ferry operates to Puerto Williams on Navarino Island, with a journey time of approximately 32 hours and costs ranging from $20 to $160.
Car rental is available in Punta Arenas for exploring the region. Daily rental costs for an SUV average around $93, though cheaper options can be found starting from $26-$46 per day. Major rental companies include Europcar, Econorent, Keddy By Europcar, Avis, and Hertz.
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