How far is El Calafate airport from the city center?

El Calafate Airport (FTE) — Malvinas Argentinas International — is 23 km from the city center. By private transfer the trip takes 15–20 minutes via Ruta Provincial 11.

Is there a bus from El Calafate airport to town?

There is no public city bus between the airport and downtown El Calafate. Options are: shared shuttle (VES Patagonia), taxi, or private transfer.

Is there Uber in El Calafate?

No. Uber, Cabify, InDriver and similar apps do not operate in El Calafate. The available options are taxi, shared shuttle and private transfer.

Will the driver wait if my flight is delayed?

Yes. Transfer El Calafate by Jerez monitors your flight in real time. If your flight is delayed, the driver waits at no extra charge.

How far in advance should I book the transfer?

We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance. During high season (December–February) earlier is better. For last-minute bookings, message us on WhatsApp at +54 9 2966 780800.

How to Get from El Calafate Airport to Town (2026)

2026 Comparison

The 3 options to get to town

No Uber or public bus available — these are all the transport alternatives currently in El Calafate.

Option	Price	Time	Features
Private Transfer Recommended	ARS $35,000 cash discount · 💳 $41,000 · ≈ USD 30	15–20 min	✓ Name sign at arrivals ✓ Real-time flight monitoring ✓ Vehicle exclusively for you ✓ Fixed price agreed upfront ✓ 24h / 365 days
Shared Shuttle VES Patagonia	ARS $8,000–12,000 per person	40–60 min	✓ More affordable ✗ Shared with other passengers ✗ Stops at multiple hotels ✗ Limited schedules
Airport Taxi Taxi Cóndor	ARS $42,000 fixed rate Taxi Cóndor	20–25 min	✓ No booking required ✗ No flight monitoring ✗ No name sign ✗ More expensive than private transfer

⚠️ Important: Uber, Cabify, InDriver and similar ride-hailing apps do not operate in El Calafate. There is also no public bus between the airport and downtown. The only options are the ones listed above.

Airport facts

El Calafate FTE Airport · Key Info

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Location

Route 11, 23 km from downtown El Calafate. By private transfer you arrive in 15–20 minutes. The official airport taxi (Taxi Cóndor) charges ARS $42,000 — our transfer is ARS $35,000.

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IATA Code: FTE

Malvinas Argentinas International Airport. Daily flights from Buenos Aires (AEP and EZE), Bariloche, Ushuaia, and international charter flights during high season.

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ATM & Currency

There is one ATM in the arrivals hall. It often has long queues and may run out of cash. It's best to arrive with Argentine pesos for the transfer payment.

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Weather on exit

El Calafate has strong Patagonian winds year-round. When you step outside the airport, gusts can be intense. Keep a warm layer accessible in your carry-on bag.

Step by step

How to book the private transfer

The simplest process: no forms, no card required, instant confirmation.

1

Message us on WhatsApp

Send a message to +54 9 2966 780800 with your flight number, date, hotel name and number of passengers. You can do this weeks in advance or even the same day.

2

Confirmation in minutes

We reply quickly with your confirmation. No upfront payment or credit card needed. Payment is in cash on arrival.

3

Flight monitoring

We track your flight in real time. If it's delayed, the driver waits at no extra cost. You'll never land and find nobody there.

4

Name sign at arrivals

You walk out of baggage claim and immediately see your name on a sign. In 20 minutes you're at your hotel — stress-free.

Book now on WhatsApp

We reply in minutes · +54 9 2966 780800

FAQ

Everything you need to know

Our private transfer costs ARS $35,000 in cash (discounted rate) — cheaper than the airport taxi. By card it's ARS $41,000, approximately USD 30. The shared shuttle costs ARS $8,000–12,000 per person. The official Taxi Cóndor charges ARS $42,000.

Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (FTE) is 23 km from downtown El Calafate. The route runs along Ruta Provincial 11 and takes 15 to 20 minutes by private transfer.

There is no public city bus between the airport and downtown. The only options are the shared shuttle (VES Patagonia, with a stand at the airport), taxis and private transfers.

Uber does not operate in El Calafate, nor does Cabify, InDriver or any similar app. The most convenient option is to book a private transfer before you arrive.

With Transfer El Calafate by Jerez, yes — always. We monitor your flight in real time. If it's delayed, the driver waits at no extra charge. Just provide your flight number when booking.

We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance. During high season (December–February) earlier is better due to high demand. For same-day bookings, message us on WhatsApp — we'll confirm availability in minutes.

The vehicle fits up to 4 passengers with standard luggage. For groups of 5 or more we add a second vehicle — the total price doubles. Contact us on WhatsApp for large group inquiries.

The main airlines operating at FTE are Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM with daily flights from Buenos Aires (AEP and EZE). During high season there are also flights from Bariloche and Ushuaia.