El Calafate airport lists air traffic service hours of 07:00 to 23:00 UTC. It does not publish a terminal opening schedule that we could find, so check your flight's actual landing time on the airport's flight tracker.
What is not confirmed
The airport lists transfer desks in the arrivals area but does not say what hours they operate. Do not count on a desk being staffed when you land late. The airport also says fares should be reconfirmed with each provider.
Fixed-price private transfer
FTE El Calafate City Center
From€35for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Taxis
A taxi desk is listed in the arrivals zone. Agree how the fare is worked out, and the total, before you set off. Have your address saved on your phone.
Pre-booked transfers
A pre-booked transfer is arranged before you fly. Give your flight number and address at booking, and check your booking confirmation for how delays are handled and where to meet. If meet-and-greet is included in your booking, the driver meets you as stated there.
The road
El Calafate town is about 16 km from the airport by our route estimate, about 24 minutes. El Chaltén and the Perito Moreno Glacier are much further.
At the airport
Free Wi-Fi is listed in all areas, and there is an ATM near the departures access. There is no currency exchange at the airport.
The bottom line
A late arrival is easier when the ride is arranged before you fly. Do not rely on a desk or shuttle schedule you have not confirmed.
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