How to Get to Ushuaia by Car or Bus
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, offers a unique adventure for those traveling by land.
Ushuaia, located on the island of Tierra del Fuego, is accessible by land via National Route 3, which connects mainland Argentina to the island. This journey involves crossing into Chile and then re-entering Argentina, requiring appropriate travel documentation.
Important Information Before Traveling
Island Access: Tierra del Fuego is separated from mainland South America by the Strait of Magellan.
Route: National Route 3 is the primary road connecting Argentina to Tierra del Fuego.
Border Crossings: Travelers must pass through Chilean territory, necessitating immigration procedures upon entry and exit.
Documentation: Ensure all personal and vehicle documents are in order for international travel.
Ferry Crossing: The Strait of Magellan is crossed via ferry services in Chile, which transport vehicles and passengers. Delays can occur due to weather conditions.
Road Conditions: While the route is paved, winter conditions may render sections impassable due to snow.
Services: Limited traveler services and cellular coverage are available along much of the route.
Traveling by Land to Ushuaia
The primary southern city on the mainland is Río Gallegos (capital of Santa Cruz). From here, buses travel to Río Grande, Tolhuin, and Ushuaia—the three main cities in Tierra del Fuego.
The distance from Río Gallegos to Ushuaia is approximately 580 km. Travel time varies based on weather conditions and delays at ferry crossings and border checkpoints.
Getting to Ushuaia by Car
Driving to Ushuaia is an adventure that requires crossing into Chile and returning to Argentina, as Tierra del Fuego is an island separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan.
To reach Ushuaia from mainland Argentina, take National Route 3. The journey involves:
- Crossing from Río Gallegos (Santa Cruz) to Punta Delgada (Chile).
- Taking a ferry across the Strait of Magellan (20-30 minutes) to Bahía Azul.
- Driving through Chilean territory and then re-entering Argentina at San Sebastián.
- Continuing on to Ushuaia via Río Grande and Tolhuin.
Ferry Crossing: Primera Angostura (Punta Delgada - Bahía Azul)
In Chilean territory, the ferry crosses the Strait of Magellan between Punta Delgada (mainland) and Bahía Azul (Tierra del Fuego). These ferries accommodate private vehicles, buses, and trucks, and offer onboard cafeterias.
Distance: 4,650 meters
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Schedule: First crossing at 8:30 AM, with services continuing throughout the day. Schedules may vary seasonally and due to weather. Check www.tabsa.cl for current information.
Fares: Prices vary based on vehicle type and are payable in Chilean pesos. Refer to www.tabsa.cl for details.
Alternative Ferry: Punta Arenas - Puerto Porvenir
This route is suitable for travelers visiting Punta Arenas and continuing to El Calafate via Puerto Natales. It has fewer departures and a longer crossing time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Schedules are subject to change; consult www.tabsa.cl for updates.
Bus Travel
From Ushuaia, buses are available to various destinations:
- Río Grande and Tolhuin (Tierra del Fuego)
- Río Gallegos and El Calafate (Santa Cruz)
- Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales (Chile)
Bus Companies
- Marga: www.taqsa.com.ar
Ushuaia to Tolhuin: ~1.5 hours
Ushuaia to Río Grande: ~3 hours
Ushuaia to Río Gallegos: ~13 hours
- Bus Sur: www.bussur.com
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, Chile: ~12 hours
Traveling Between Ushuaia and El Calafate
Many travelers seek to journey between El Calafate and Ushuaia by land. Options include:
- Consulting travel agencies in both cities, as they may organize private transfers when sufficient demand exists.
- Taking a bus to the terminal in Río Gallegos and continuing the journey from there.
Distances from Major Cities to Ushuaia
- Buenos Aires to Ushuaia: 3,100 km (1,900 miles)
- Río Gallegos to Ushuaia: 600 km (375 miles)
- El Calafate to Ushuaia: 600 km (375 miles)
- Puerto Natales (Chile) to Ushuaia: 290 km (180 miles)
The journey from these cities offers breathtaking views of Patagonia, making the drive even more unforgettable.
Taking a Bus to Ushuaia: What to Know
If you prefer not to drive, you can take a long-distance bus from several major cities. Bus services to Ushuaia are available from Buenos Aires, Río Gallegos, and other towns. The journey can take anywhere from 36 to 48 hours, depending on the starting point.
Bus Travel: Buses are comfortable and offer different travel classes.
Booking Tickets: It's recommended to book bus tickets in advance, especially during the high season (December to February).
Documents Required for Overland Travel
Argentine Citizens: National ID card.
Foreign Citizens: Passport, possibly with a visa depending on nationality.
Vehicle Owners: International driving permit (if applicable), registration documents, and proof of insurance.
Make sure all documents are in order before starting your journey to avoid any delays at borders.
Travel Advice for a Safe Trip to Tierra del Fuego
Weather Conditions: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in winter.
Road Conditions: The roads in Patagonia are generally in good condition, but you should check the status of Route 3 and be prepared for ice or snow in the colder months.
Ferry Booking: During peak season (summer), it is highly recommended to book ferry tickets in advance.