Puerto Natales Airport with closures in 2027: how to get to Torres del Paine via Punta Arenas

Recently a traveler who wanted to do the O Circuit at Torres del Paine contacted us in a panic. He was trying to fit his entire trip around the few flights he could find to Puerto Natales and was shocked at how expensive the tickets were. He didn't know he could also land in Punta Arenas and get there by road in just 3 hours. With this small tip, his plan came together right away. He's already got his booking to do one of the world's best treks!

Why does Puerto Natales airport have closures between January and March 2027?

The Puerto Natales aerodrome will carry out runway maintenance work and improvements to the terminal infrastructure. This causes scheduled partial closures between January and March 2027. The result is fewer flights, fewer seats, and higher fares on the days it is open.

What days is Puerto Natales airport closed?

These are the dates according to the calendar published by the aerodrome (we recommend confirming them with your airline before booking):

In short: from mid-February onwards, Puerto Natales airport only opens on weekends, and in March just a few scattered days. If your trip depends on those windows, finding a flight becomes tricky.

How do you get to Torres del Paine if Puerto Natales airport is closed?

Very easy!: fly to Punta Arenas. Its airport has no scheduled closures and offers more flights and connections. From there, a ground transfer takes you to Puerto Natales, the base for Torres del Paine operations, and from there you can make the jump to the National Park.

The complete route works like this: flight to Punta Arenas, road transfer to Puerto Natales, and from Natales, access to the Park. It's the most comfortable way to get to Torres del Paine when Natales airport isn't operating or plane tickets are too expensive.

How long does it take from Punta Arenas airport to Puerto Natales?

Approximately 3 hours by road between Punta Arenas airport and Puerto Natales. It's not a grueling journey: the route crosses the Patagonian steppe and it's common to see guanacos and rheas from the window. Many travelers tell us that instead of wasted time, it's the first postcard of the trip.

How do you get from Punta Arenas airport to Puerto Natales?

To cover the land leg you have several options:

• Regular bus: Bus-Sur and Buses Fernández operates several departures daily from the airport to Puerto Natales. You can book tickets online.
• Car rental: The airport has several car rental companies.
• Transfer: If you'd rather not deal with schedules or logistics when you land, at Nomades we offer transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales so you arrive in Natales directly at your accommodation without hassle or waiting. You also have the option to return to the airport with a transfer.

Is it worth flying to Punta Arenas to get to Torres del Paine?

In most cases, yes. Here are the advantages:

• More flight options: more schedules and more available days, without depending on Puerto Natales' closure calendar.
• More competitive fares: with more supply, it's easier to find good prices.
• Flexibility with your dates: you can choose when to start the trek based on your mood and availability. Not based on a flight.
• Buffer for unexpected issues: with several arrival options, delays and changes are handled more smoothly.
• A city worth visiting: flying to Punta Arenas is a great opportunity to discover this beautiful city and all the activities in the area. Check out what to do in Punta Arenas in case you have extra time to explore it. You won't regret it!

The only real difference is adding those 3 hours of transfer to Puerto Natales. If you plan with a little cushion, you won't notice it.

What tips should you keep in mind for getting to Torres del Paine via Punta Arenas?

• Book the trek well in advance. If you want to do the W Circuit or the O, keep in mind that the refuges and campsites on the O Circuit and W Circuit have limited capacity and fill up months in advance during high season. Secure your spot here.
• Arrive with a day to spare. Spending a night in Puerto Natales before entering the park lets you rest, buy anything you need, and not risk it with a flight delay.
• Don't adjust your dates just to flights to Natales. Always compare with Punta Arenas before deciding.
• Check the closure calendar if you decide to fly to Natales, and confirm your flight with the airline.
• Keep Patagonia's climate in mind. It can change several times in a day, so it's good to leave a buffer between flights and activities.

What to do in Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine?

Once you've sorted out how to get there, the best part comes next. We invite you to discover all the activities in Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine: excursions, treks, and experiences to make the most of your trip through Patagonia.