Introduction
If you are planning your Patagonian adventure, you might be wondering how to get from the hiking trails of Chile to the “End of the World” in Argentina. After we finished trekking in El Chaltén and hiking the famous Torres del Paine in Puerto Natales, we headed straight for Ushuaia.
The journey from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia covers about 760 km and takes roughly 11 to 12 hours. We’ll be honest: at first, we were a bit worried that this trip would be complicated or expensive. It turns out, it was neither!
The ride was surprisingly smooth and well-organized, making it one of the most memorable parts of our road trip. If you are looking for a cost-effective and stress-free way to cross the border, this bus is a fantastic option.
Booking Your Tickets
When you’re planning a trip like this, the logistics can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but getting your tickets for the bus from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia is actually quite straightforward if you know where to look.
We first tried searching for tickets online, but we couldn’t find this specific route listed on the usual booking sites. If you run into the same problem, don’t worry! The best way to secure your spot is to head directly to the bus terminal.
After we finished our five-day trek in Torres del Paine, we walked over to the Puerto Natales bus terminal around 8:40 PM. We went straight to the Bussur office to see if they had anything for the next day. Luckily, they had two departures: one at 6:40 AM and another at 7:00 AM.
Even though there are two different times from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia, they both arrive in Ushuaia at the same time. This is because the journey involves a connection near Punta Arenas, and the buses eventually sync up. We booked two tickets for the 7:00 AM departure, which cost us 43,000 CLP per person (about €47).
Tip: If you are traveling during the high season (December to February), we really recommend booking your tickets at least a day or two in advance. While we got lucky booking the night before, these buses are popular and can fill up quickly!
The Journey Part 1 – Puerto Natales to the Ferry
Your travel day from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia starts early! We woke up around 5:00 AM to get our bags ready and grab a quick breakfast. Even though it’s an early start, try to get to the bus terminal by 6:00 AM to stay ahead of the crowd.
When you arrive, you’ll notice two buses leaving from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia around the same time. We saw the 6:40 AM bus pull out first, followed by our 7:00 AM bus. When you hand over your bags to the staff, make sure to tell them you are going all the way to Ushuaia. They usually put these bags in a separate compartment since you’ll be crossing international borders later in the day.
The first leg of the trip from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia is very comfortable. The buses are well-equipped with:
- Air conditioning (essential for those sunny window seats)
- A clean WC on board
- USB ports to keep your phone charged for all the photos you’ll be taking!
Around 9:20 AM, you will reach a major intersection at a gas station. One road leads to Punta Arenas and the other points toward Ushuaia. This is where you’ll switch buses. Another Bussur coach will be waiting there for all the passengers continuing to Argentina. We just hopped off, moved our bags to the new bus, and found plenty of space to stretch out for the next part of the adventure.
Crossing the Strait of Magellan
Since Ushuaia is located on the island of Tierra del Fuego, you can’t get there by road alone—you’ll need to take a ferry.
Around 10:36 AM, you will arrive at the ferry terminal. To keep the bus safe during the boarding process, everyone has to get off and walk onto the ferry separately. It’s a nice break from sitting! The crossing itself takes about 40 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to head up to the deck.
The wind can be quite strong, but the views of the Strait of Magellan are worth it. Once you reach the other side, the bus is usually the first vehicle to drive off. All you have to do is find your seat again, and you’re back on the road toward the border.
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Crossing the Border (Chile to Argentina)
Crossing an international border by bus might sound stressful, but this one is actually quite organized.
Around 1:00 PM, you’ll reach the Chilean border office for immigration. A crew member from the bus will come with you to make sure everything goes smoothly. You’ll need to line up and hand over:
- Your passport
- Your PDI document (the small paper you received when entering Chile)
Once you get your exit stamp, you’re officially out of Chile. You’ll hop back on the bus from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia for a short, bumpy ride on a gravel road that leads to the Argentine side.
By 2:00 PM, you’ll be at the Argentine border. The process here is very similar, though they might ask you a quick question like, “Where will you be staying in Ushuaia?” During our trip, there were no baggage checks or questions about food, which made things even faster. In just about 10 minutes, we were back on the bus and ready for the final stretch.
Tip: Even if they didn’t check us, remember that Argentina is strict about fresh fruit, honey, and meat. It’s always safer to eat your snacks before you reach the checkpoint!
The Final Leg – Arriving in the “End of the World”
After leaving the Argentine border, you are officially on the home stretch. The landscape starts to change here, becoming even more dramatic as you approach the southern tip of the continent.
Around 4:30 PM, the bus makes a mandatory 20-minute stop in the small town of Tolhuin. This is a requirement for the driver’s break, but it’s also a perfect chance for you to stretch your legs and grab a snack. There is a local bakery, a drugstore, and even a bank if you need to handle any last-minute business.
At this point, the driver usually gives a quick update—you’re about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from your final destination. As you get closer to Ushuaia, the mountains grow taller and the views of the Beagle Channel start to peek through.
We finally pulled into Ushuaia at 6:35 PM. After 12 hours on the road, seeing the sign for the “End of the World” felt like a huge accomplishment. The journey was long, but because the bus was so comfortable and the scenery was constantly changing, the time actually went by much faster than we expected.
Best Time to Visit Ushuaia
If you are wondering when to plan your trip to the “End of the World,” here is what you can expect throughout the year. Keep in mind that the weather in Patagonia is famously unpredictable, so you might see all four seasons in a single day!
In Summer (December to February), you’ll find the most popular time to visit. Days are very long, with up to 17 hours of light, which is perfect for long hiking days. Temperatures usually range between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
During Autumn (March to May), the landscapes turn into stunning shades of red and orange. It gets windier and cooler, but you’ll enjoy the trails with far fewer crowds. Temperatures during these months sit between 2°C and 10°C (35°F to 50°F).
In Winter (June to August), Ushuaia transforms into a snowy wonderland. This is the season for skiing and dog sledding, though you should keep in mind that some hiking trails might be closed. Temperatures typically stay between -2°C and 4°C (28°F to 39°F).
When Spring arrives (September to November), nature starts to wake up and flowers begin to bloom. It’s a wonderful time to spot wildlife, including the local penguins! You can expect temperatures between 2°C and 11°C (35°F to 52°F).
Where to Stay in Ushuaia
For us, a big part of the travel experience is where you stay. The right accommodation can truly enhance your visit, offering comfort, convenience, and a sense of local charm. Here are some great options we recommend for your stay in Ushuaia:
(€): Hosteria y Restaurante America: If you are looking for a cozy and affordable place that feels like a home away from home, this hosteria is a fantastic choice. It is well-located and even has a restaurant on-site, which is super convenient after a long day of exploring.
(€€): Alto Andino Hotel: This is a fantastic choice if you want a bit more privacy and comfort. The best part? They have a terrace with amazing views over the city and the Beagle Channel.
(€€€): Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa: For those who want to treat themselves, this resort is located inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén. It offers incredible pools and a panoramic view that you’ll never forget.
Hi Alex & Tina
I’m Sky from Japan, and I read many of your articles. They really excite and inspire me.
I was wondering which bus company you took to Ushaia. Was it Bus Sur, or a different one?
Hi Sky, thank you very much. We are really happy that you appreciate our articles :)
The company we took to Ushuaia was Bus Sur.