How to get to Ushuaia: by air, by road and crossing from Chile

Quick answer: Ushuaia has an international airport, opened in 1998, which is the main point of arrival on the island. Overland, from the rest of Argentina you can only arrive via National Route 3, which passes through Río Grande, and from Chile there are ferry crossings.

Updated November 4, 2026.

By air

According to Interpatagonia, the international airport (opened in 1998) is the main point of arrival and is served by several airlines. Flight portals put the direct flight from Buenos Aires at around 3 and a half to 4 hours, but duration and frequencies change by season: confirm them with the airline.

Overland

Interpatagonia states that from the rest of the country you can only arrive via National Route 3, which passes through Río Grande. From Chile you can cross at the San Sebastián pass. To reach the island from the mainland, that source mentions the Punta Delgada–Bahía Azul ferry, the Monte Aymond pass or the Punta Arenas–Porvenir ferry.

Since you leave the country, you need the documentation for travel to neighbouring countries; minors who are not emancipated need an authorisation from both parents, duly legalised.

Road distances to Ushuaia

From	Distance
Río Grande	236 km
Río Gallegos	601 km
Punta Arenas	653 km
El Calafate	926 km
Comodoro Rivadavia	1,356 km
Buenos Aires	3,048 km

Source: Interpatagonia.

By sea

Several shipping lines and research vessels include Ushuaia as a stop on the way to Antarctica or the Fuegian channels. See the Antarctica guide.

You have arrived: first tours

To get your bearings in the city: Ushuaia panoramic bus tour (ARS $ 35,001 (≈ US$ 23)) and the Ushuaia free walking tour. With more time, Beagle Channel boat trip (ARS $ 135,999 (≈ US$ 87)).

Reference prices per person, converted from reais at the 30/10/2026 exchange rate (1 BRL = 286 ARS = 0.184 USD) and collected from partner pages in November 2026. The final price is the one the partner shows at checkout.

Quick questions

Can you get to Ushuaia overland from the rest of Argentina?

Yes, only via National Route 3, which passes through Río Grande, according to Interpatagonia. From Buenos Aires it is 3,048 km.

Is there an airport in Ushuaia?

Yes: an international airport opened in 1998, according to Interpatagonia.

Do I need documents to cross from Chile?

Yes: you leave the country, so the documentation for travel to neighbouring countries is required. Minors need legalised authorisation from both parents.