Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport serves Punta Arenas, the main city of southernmost Patagonia, on the Strait of Magellan, approximately 20 km from downtown.
It is the most common entry point to Torres del Paine National Park and cruises to Antarctica.
How to get to Pdte. carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PUQ
Parking near Pdte. carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport
The official parking area is positioned in front of the terminal.
The parking is unmanned but under video surveillance, with affordable prices.
How to get to Punta Arenas from PUQ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Pdte. carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, very useful for reaching Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales independently.
Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required. Check whether the rental allows crossing into Argentina, often needed for some Patagonian itineraries.
Hotels near Pdte. carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport
Rio Seco and Ruta 9
The Rio Seco area lies on Ruta 9, about 7 km (10 minutes by car) from the airport and about ten kilometres from the centre of Punta Arenas, along the same road connecting the two points.
Best for: Early morning flights or late-night arrivals, when it is preferable not to reach the city centre.
- Closer to the airport than the city centre, handy for those who need to be at check-in very early
- Free parking and a garden, useful for those travelling with a rental car
- A residential and industrial area with no restaurants or evening life within walking distance
- Without your own car you depend on taxis, as it is not covered by frequent bus lines
Punta Arenas centre
About 18 km from the airport: 20-30 minutes by taxi or on urban bus line 601, which stops at the airport.
Best for: Travellers who want the waterfront, Plaza Muñoz Gamero and the buses to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine close at hand.
- Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the waterfront on the Strait of Magellan and the seafood restaurants are within walking distance
- The bus terminal for Puerto Natales (and so for Torres del Paine) is in the centre, convenient for those continuing the trip without their own car
- From the airport, 20-30 minutes by taxi or bus are still needed, since there is no train or metro
- The strong wind typical of Patagonia makes long walks outside the central streets unpleasant
Recommended hotels
- Apart Hotel Endurance Apartments with a kitchen, about a 3-minute walk from Plaza Muñoz Gamero and the waterfront; the bus station is a short distance away, convenient for those heading to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine. View availability
- Apart Hotel Quillango An aparthotel with a full kitchen in every unit, about 100 metres from the centre of Punta Arenas; a convenient starting point on foot for the Cerro La Cruz viewpoint. View availability
- Aska Patagonia A family-run hostal right in the centre, with a shared kitchen and owners who help organise trips to Torres del Paine; among the best-located budget options in the city. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is adequately sized for seasonal tourist traffic, with peaks between October and March (southern summer). From check-in to gate you generally walk 10 minutes.
Customs and security controls may take longer than expected during tourist peaks: for international flights, it is advisable to arrive with at least 3 hours in advance.
Map of Pdte. carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How far is Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas airport?
About 5-6 hours by car: most visitors first stop in Puerto Natales (about 3 hours from Punta Arenas), closer to the park, before continuing on.
Q. Is Punta Arenas a good starting point for Antarctica?
Yes, it's one of the main departure ports for cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, along with Ushuaia in Argentina.
Q. When is high season in Punta Arenas?
October-March, the southern summer: during this period tourism to Torres del Paine peaks and it's worth booking flights and accommodation well in advance.
Q. Do you need a rental car for Chilean Patagonia?
Very useful, especially for reaching Torres del Paine on your own schedule; check whether the rental allows crossing into Argentina, often part of Patagonian itineraries.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
