El Calafate airport lists a shuttle desk, a taxi desk and a bus desk for El Chaltén in the arrivals area, and many visitors also pre-book a private transfer. Which one fits depends on where you are going and what you carry.
When the shuttle makes sense
The shuttle runs to El Calafate. It may suit solo travellers with light luggage. Ask the desk for the current fare and where it stops, because the airport asks you to reconfirm fares with each provider.
Fixed-price private transfer
FTE El Calafate City Center
From€35for 2 passengers
Other destinations
When a taxi is the right call
A taxi goes to your address. The airport does not publish a fare, so agree how the fare is calculated, and the total, before you set off.
When a pre-booked transfer makes sense
Groups: a larger vehicle can be arranged in advance for everyone together.
Beyond the town: El Chaltén and the Perito Moreno Glacier are much further than the town. A transfer can be arranged for these routes.
Children: request a child seat when you book and give the child's age and weight.
Late arrivals: the arrangement is confirmed before you fly. Check the booking confirmation for how delays are handled.
Price: it is confirmed when you book, so you know the amount before you travel.
Meeting your driver
If meet-and-greet is included in your booking, the driver meets you as stated in the booking confirmation. If not, the confirmation says where to meet.
The bottom line
For a simple ride to town with light luggage, the shuttle or a taxi works. For groups, children, longer routes or a late arrival, a pre-booked transfer saves uncertainty.
Sources (checked 2026-10-27)
- Airport transfer desks in the arrivals area (shuttle to El Calafate, taxis, bus to El Chaltén, excursion sellers), car rental desks, free Wi-Fi, ATM, access for reduced mobility, advice to reconfirm fares with the provider: https://aeropuertoelcalafate.com/servicios.php
- Airport FAQ (customer service hours, no currency exchange at the airport, ATM near departures, luggage carts, food items not to carry into Patagonia): https://aeropuertoelcalafate.com/en/information.php
- Airport technical data (airfield 16.5 km east-northeast of El Calafate, air traffic service hours 07:00-23:00 UTC): https://aeropuertoelcalafate.com/en/airport.php
- National Parks (Los Glaciares): road access via RP 11 to the Perito Moreno Glacier area, 80 km from El Calafate, entrance fee area: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/parquesnacionales/patagonia-austral/parque-nacional-los-glaciares/horarios-como-llegar-0
- National Parks (Los Glaciares): Perito Moreno access portal about 50 km from El Calafate, regular buses from the bus terminal, remises or organised excursions: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/parquesnacionales/patagonia-austral/parque-nacional-los-glaciares/actividades
- Approximate distance and driving time to El Calafate city centre (route estimate, not measured live): AirportTransferPortal route database, checked 2026-10-27