For those with limited vacation time and who prefer not to drive, here’s a magical South American route starting in the charming town of Puerto Natales, nestled near Chile’s breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park. Traditionally, reaching Ushuaia, Argentina, would involve three flights through two capital cities.
However, an international bus offers a more direct path, allowing you to journey from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia in just one day. Along the way, you’ll even experience the thrill of boarding a ferry that carries the bus across the iconic Strait of Magellan! My research skills are top-notch, but there is one challenge: locals rarely speak English, making communication tricky.
You’ll need to rely on translation software or find someone who can assist with typing out conversations.
Update: It seems many travelers are intrigued by this route, and I’m thrilled to share more details!
We flew: Iguazu—Buenos Aires—El Calafate. Arriving at El Calafate airport at 10 AM, we discovered the simplicity of the setup. The airport has only one luggage carousel, and right next to it is the Marga bus company ticket counter where you can purchase tickets to Puerto Natales.
Paying in cash gets you a 10% discount. From there, hop into a taxi heading to the lone bus station and board the Marga international bus departing at 11:45 AM for El Calafate. After approximately seven hours of travel, including two border crossings, you’ll arrive at the sole bus station in Puerto Natales around 6 PM.
The Marga bus is incredibly comfortable, akin to business-class seating on a high-speed train. With plush leather seats, cleanliness, and ample legroom (though they don’t fully recline), the ride is enjoyable. Each passenger receives a bottle of water and biscuits, and there are outlets to charge your devices.
(There’s also an earlier departure around 8 AM if you prefer.)
After exploring the wonders of Torres del Paine, head back to the Puerto Natales bus station to secure a ticket to Ushuaia. Only the Bus-Sur company offers these tickets, with departures available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. First, you’ll travel to the nearby city of Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, a staff member will guide you to switch buses for a direct ride to Ushuaia.
This portion of the journey includes crossing the Strait of Magellan and passing through two border checkpoints. Departure from Punta Arenas is at 7:15 AM, with an estimated arrival in Ushuaia around 6 PM. During the trip, passengers receive a bottle of water and a sandwich, with occasional stops for rest.
The bus features a clean restroom and charging ports for your devices. The cost is roughly 500 RMB per person, payable in Chilean pesos or by card.
Tips:
1. It’s highly recommended to search online and book tickets in advance. While I couldn’t locate Marga online, Bus-Sur was easily accessible. Purchasing tickets on-site comes with uncertainties.
2. Neither the bus station staff nor the drivers typically speak English, so download a reliable translation app to confirm your itinerary.
Missing your departure due to language barriers can be stressful. If possible, seek assistance from someone fluent in English or Chinese—it makes the process smoother.
