How to get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
Knowing how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier starts with separating the airport arrival from the journey to the park. Comandante Armando Tola Airport serves El Calafate, the town used as a base for the glacier. From El Calafate, the national park administration gives the distance to the glacier as 80 km via provincial route RP 11. The park entrance and the walkway area are separate points, so allow time for both the journey and entry.
A rental car gives you the choice of driving yourself; a bus, remis or organized excursion takes care of the road journey. These are different arrangements: a bus ticket can take you to the park without providing a guide for the walkways, while an excursion may package transport with activities. Compare the start point and inclusions with the kind of day you want.
The glacier faces the Península de Magallanes across Lago Argentino. Once there, the walkways guide helps you choose among the routes and viewpoints. They include stairs as well as alternatives designed for visitors with reduced mobility, so consider the route as part of your transport plan.
Bus to the park
Our take: The return bus connects El Calafate bus terminal with the national park.
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Bus to the glacier
A return bus from the El Calafate terminal leaves time to explore the glacier area independently.
Bus and excursions from El Calafate
The return bus option starts at Terminal de Ómnibus El Calafate, Calle 510 No. 87, and travels to Los Glaciares National Park in an air-conditioned vehicle. The national park entry fee and bus terminal taxes are extra, as is lunch. This is a terminal departure, so arrange the leg between your accommodation and the bus station separately. It is not an airport transfer.
When planning the return, leave room for the visit itself as well as the road journey. The ticket describes the transport; park access and the time available at the glacier are separate matters. Check the departure details for your date and carry the identification required for park entry. The entrance fee guide explains the categories and the separate charge.
Organized glacier excursions offer another way to arrange a day from El Calafate. Look at the specific option for its meeting point, transfer and activities. A road transfer, a boat navigation and an ice walk are distinct parts of a visit, and the inclusion of one should not be taken to mean that the others are included.
Taxi and transfer from Comandante Armando Tola Airport (FTE)
The airport operator lists a shuttle, taxis and remises among its services, as well as car rental desks in arrivals. A private transfer listing dated 26 October 2026 gives 20 to 30 minutes for the airport to El Calafate. Treat this as the operator's journey estimate, not a promised arrival time. The airport is associated with El Calafate, not the separate town called Perito Moreno.
Choose the airport leg with your next departure in mind. If you are taking the glacier bus, its starting point is the town terminal, not the airport. If an excursion begins at accommodation, read its own pickup details. The accommodation guide outlines the address areas listed for El Calafate and can help you orient the town portion of your journey.
Where travellers stay in El Calafate
Car rental and parking
Rental desks are listed in the airport arrivals area, making FTE a practical place to look for a vehicle for the onward trip. From El Calafate, follow RP 11 towards the glacier and allow for the park entrance before reaching the visitor area. A car can also be useful when arranging separate outings, but decide which destination and departure point you need before choosing the vehicle and rental period.
The park administration directs ordinary private vehicles to the lower parking area and vehicles carrying visitors with reduced mobility to the upper area. Ask about current parking arrangements and charges when planning. For winter entry, the municipality advises studded tyres or chains; check current road requirements before setting out. Weather and access conditions can change, so leave flexibility in the day rather than relying on a fixed driving time.
For a different boat departure, Puerto Punta Bandera is 47 km from El Calafate via RP 11 and RP 8 according to the park administration. It serves routes towards Upsala and Spegazzini; it is a different destination from the Perito Moreno walkway area. Read the departure point on your chosen boat trip before planning the drive.
Compare car rental at El Calafate Airport (FTE) on Economybookings.
Getting there: common questions
How far is the glacier from El Calafate?
The park administration gives 80 km via RP 11. Allow time for entry as well as the drive.
Does the return bus leave from FTE?
The bus described here leaves from the El Calafate bus terminal. Airport transport is a separate journey.
Can I drive to the walkways?
The park administration lists access by private or rental car. Use the designated parking area and check current road conditions, particularly in winter.
Is the park fee part of the bus ticket?
The return bus option excludes park entry and terminal taxes. Lunch is also extra.