How to get from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine

Getting from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine is the final and most scenic leg of any trip to Chilean Patagonia’s flagship national park. The town sits approximately 70 miles (112 km) south of the park’s main entrance, connected by roads that cross open steppe with the Paine Massif slowly rising on the horizon.

There are several ways to cover this distance: private transfers, rental cars, regular bus services, and organized day tours. This guide breaks down each option so you can choose the one that fits your travel style. Before heading to the park, consider spending a night in Puerto Natales — a charming waterfront town with excellent restaurants and worthwhile excursions nearby, including the historic Mylodon Cave.

How far is Puerto Natales from Torres del Paine?

The distance depends on which entrance you use. There are two main road routes into the park, each arriving from a different direction.

• Route 9 to Laguna Amarga: the most common approach. It follows the paved highway north from Puerto Natales, then turns onto an unpaved road into the park’s eastern entrance at Laguna Amarga. The drive is approximately 80 miles (129 km) and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Route Y-290 to Río Serrano: a shorter route of about 50 miles (80 km) entering the park from the south, past the Mylodon Cave. About 1 to 1.5 hours by car — buses do not use this route.

Both routes offer striking views, with wide-open grasslands gradually giving way to mountain scenery as you approach the park.

What are the best ways to get from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine?

Four transport options connect Puerto Natales with Torres del Paine. The right choice depends on your group size, budget, and how much flexibility you want inside the park.

Option	Journey time	Approx. cost (one way)	Best for
Private transfer	1.5–2 hours	~$55–110 USD/person (group of 2–4)	Comfort, flexibility, door-to-door
Rental car	1.5–2 hours	$50–80 USD/day + fuel	Independence, multiple park visits
Regular bus	2–4 hours	~$15–29 USD	Budget-friendly, solo travelers
Organized day tour	Full day (~10 hours)	~$50–80 USD/person	First-time visitors, no logistics

Prices and schedules in this article are based on information available as of early 2026. We recommend confirming directly with operators before your trip, as services may change seasonally.

What should you know about private transfers?

Private transfers offer the most comfortable and flexible way to reach Torres del Paine, with pickup directly from your hotel in Puerto Natales and drop-off at any point within the park.

Here is what to expect:

• Door-to-door service with a direct drive of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your entrance point
• Flexible scheduling — you choose your departure time rather than adjusting to fixed timetables
• The option to stop along the way for photographs as the Paine Massif comes into view
• Year-round availability, including during low season when bus frequency drops
• Most hotels in Puerto Natales can arrange a transfer, or you can book directly through local operators

Pricing varies by group size. For two travelers, expect approximately CLP $110,000 per person each way (~$110 USD). With four or more, the cost drops considerably to around $55 USD each way.

This option suits couples, families, travelers with mobility considerations, or anyone who values comfort over cost.

Can you drive from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine?

Yes, and it is a straightforward drive. Rental cars are available in both Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas, connected by a three-hour highway.

A few practical details to keep in mind:

• Route 9 is paved until the turnoff toward the park, then becomes unpaved for the final stretch. The drive takes about 2 hours to Laguna Amarga.
• Route Y-290 is shorter (~1 hour) and passes by the Mylodon Cave, but roads may be in rougher condition during winter months.
• Designated parking areas are available inside the park near Laguna Amarga and the Administración sector.
• Rental cars cannot be picked up or dropped off inside the park — you must return them to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas.
• Crossing into Argentina with a rental vehicle requires a special permit — arrange this in advance with the rental company.

Driving works well for travelers planning multiple days in the area or combining Torres del Paine with other destinations nearby.

How does the bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine work?

Several bus companies operate daily departures from the Terminal Rodoviario in Puerto Natales. The journey takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on your stop within the park.

Here are the key details:

• The main operator is Bus Sur, which offers online booking and covers all five stops within the park. Other operators include Buses Gomez, Austral Bus, Base Torres, and Turismo Zaahj.
• During high season (November through March), there are 5+ departures daily, from 6:45am to approximately 2:30pm.
• During low season (April through October), only 1 to 2 departures are available, and some stops may not be served.
• Prices range from approximately $15–17 USD to Laguna Amarga to $27–29 USD to Hotel Lago Grey.
• The bus makes up to five stops within the park: Laguna Amarga, Pudeto, Camping Pehoé, Administración, and Hotel Lago Grey.

Bus schedules and fares change seasonally. Confirm current details with your operator before traveling.

Are there organized day tours from Puerto Natales?

Yes. Several operators run full-day guided tours that include round-trip transport from your accommodation, stops at the park’s main viewpoints, and light guided walks.

• Tours typically depart between 8:00 and 8:30am, returning to Puerto Natales around 6:00pm
• Prices range from approximately $50 to $80 USD per person; park entrance fees may be charged separately
• Standard itineraries include Laguna Amarga, the Nordenskjöld Lake viewpoint, Lake Pehoé, Lago Grey beach, and the Mylodon Cave

Day tours are a practical option for first-time visitors who want a park overview without managing logistics, or for travelers with limited time.

Which park entrance should you choose?

Your entrance point depends on what you plan to do inside Torres del Paine. Here are the main options and what each one connects to.

• Laguna Amarga: the park’s eastern checkpoint and the first stop for all bus passengers. Best for starting the W Trek east to west, beginning the O Circuit, or doing the Base Torres day hike. A short shuttle ride (~10 minutes, ~$6 USD) connects to the Hotel Las Torres area.
• Pudeto: ideal for heading to the western side of the park. A catamaran crosses to Paine Grande in about 30 minutes (~$30 USD, cash only). Best for the W Trek west to east or the Grey Glacier trail. No catamaran service from May through August.
• Río Serrano: reachable only by private transfer or rental car via Route Y-290. Provides access to the park’s southern sector, less crowded than Laguna Amarga.

Our guide to trekking in Torres del Paine covers the W Trek, O Circuit, and day hike options in depth.

What should you know before visiting Torres del Paine?

A few practical details will help your visit go smoothly, regardless of how you reach the park.

• Park entrance fees are separate from any transport costs. Foreign adults pay approximately 21,000 Chilean pesos (~$22 USD), and children pay approximately 6,000 Chilean pesos (~$6 USD). Purchase tickets online in advance through the official park entry system. Fees are subject to change; confirm current prices before your visit.
• Bring Chilean pesos in cash. Many services inside the park — including the Pudeto catamaran and internal shuttle — only accept cash.
• Dress in layers. Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable, and conditions can shift from sunshine to rain within minutes.

Pack snacks and water for the journey, as there is no food service on buses or during private transfers.

Beyond Torres del Paine: exploring Patagonia by sea

Torres del Paine is just one piece of the vast Patagonian landscape. Beyond the park’s granite towers and turquoise lakes, some of the region’s most dramatic scenery — remote glaciers, pristine fjords, and wildlife colonies — remains inaccessible by road. Australis expedition cruises navigate the channels and waterways between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, reaching places like Cape Horn, Glacier Alley, and the Beagle Channel that no bus or car can take you. With over 30 years of experience in Patagonia, Australis offers an intimate way to complement your Torres del Paine adventure with the exploration of the southernmost wilderness on Earth.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Puerto Natales from Torres del Paine?

Approximately 70 miles (112 km) to the Laguna Amarga entrance via Route 9, or about 50 miles (80 km) to the Río Serrano entrance via Route Y-290.

What is the most comfortable way to get from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine?

A private transfer offers the most comfortable experience, with hotel pickup, flexible scheduling, and a direct 1.5 to 2 hour drive to any point within the park.

How much does the bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine cost?

Bus fares range from approximately $15–17 USD to Laguna Amarga to $27–29 USD to Hotel Lago Grey. Prices may vary by season — confirm with your operator.

Do I need to buy park entrance tickets in advance?

Yes. All visitors must purchase park entry tickets online through the official system. Foreign adults pay approximately 21,000 Chilean pesos (~$22 USD).

Can I visit Torres del Paine as a day trip from Puerto Natales?

Yes. Organized day tours depart daily from Puerto Natales and cover the park’s main viewpoints in approximately 10 hours, including round-trip transport from your accommodation.

Originally published on the 13 June 2019. Updated on 29 April 2026.