How to travel from Arica to Puerto Varas, Chile

The distance between Arica and Puerto Varas is around 2,618km (1,626 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 5h 10m.

7 routes found

We've found 7 different ways to get from Arica to Puerto Varas by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Puerto VarasArica if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Arica (ARI) to Puerto Montt (PMC).

  • Duration5h 10m
  • Flight time4h 10m
  • Typical cost
    $335($335)
Operated by

LATAM Chile

+ 2 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Iquique then Santiago and then to Puerto Varas.

  • Duration1 day 16h
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    $83($83)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
bus
+
train
+
bus
+

Bus and Train

Take the bus to Santiago - Terminal San Borja then take the train to Rancagua then take the bus to Puerto Varas.

  • Duration1 day 17h
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    $78($78)
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Puerto Varas.

  • Duration1 day 9h
  • Distance3,078km (1,913 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Arica and Puerto Varas

There are several options for getting from Arica to Puerto Varas by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $68 and will take around 1 day 20h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 5h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $335.

The distance between Arica and Puerto Varas is around 2,618km (1,626 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,552km (1,586 miles)

It takes around 5h 10m to get from Arica and Puerto Varas by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 9h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Arica to Puerto Varas is to fly which takes around 5h 10m and will set you back approx $335.

The cheapest way to travel between Arica and Puerto Varas, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $68 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Arica and Puerto Varas. We recommend that you fly from Arica (ARI) to Puerto Montt (PMC). instead which will take 5h 10m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Arica and Puerto Varas. It typically takes around 1 day 16h and departs twice daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Arica to Puerto Varas. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Iquique and Santiago. These services run twice daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 16h.

Ramos Cholele, Pullman San Andrés, Via Lago Sur, Turbus, E.T.M., Bus Norte, Pullman Bus, Ciktur and Buses Fierro run regular bus services between Arica and Puerto Varas. Buses run twice daily and take around 1 day 16h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Arica and Puerto Varas. Flights depart from Arica (ARI) and arrive at Puerto Montt (PMC) - via Santiago (SCL). The flight takes around 4h 10m.

There is no direct flight from Arica to Puerto Varas. There is however a flight that goes via Santiago (SCL). This services will take at least 5h 10m (not including layover time).

The flight from Arica to Puerto Varas typically takes around 4h 10m. Flights depart from Arica (ARI) and and arrive into Puerto Montt (PMC).

The closest major airport to Puerto Varas is El Tepual Airport (PMC) (PMC) which is approximately 16km (10 miles) from Puerto Varas. Canal Bajo Airport (ZOS) (ZOS) and Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) (CCP) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Arica and Puerto Varas. The distance is around 3,078km (1,913 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 9h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Arica to Puerto Varas is to fly which takes, on average, 5h 10m and will usually cost around $335.

How do I get from Arica to Puerto Varas

Compare travel optionsbetween Arica and Puerto Varas

Transport options from Arica to Puerto Varas
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
5h 10m
$335($335)
every 5 mins2,642km (1,642 miles)
Plane and Bus5h 60m
$150($150)
every 20 mins2,618km (1,626 miles)
Bus + 2 similar
1 day 16h
$83($83)
twice daily3,140km (1,951 miles)
Bus via Santiago - Terminal Alameda1 day 17h
$110($110)
every 20 mins3,156km (1,961 miles)
Bus via Santiago - Terminal San Borja1 day 20h
$68($68)
every 20 mins3,082km (1,915 miles)
Bus and Train
1 day 17h
$78($78)
twice daily3,087km (1,918 miles)
Drive
1 day 9h
$320($320)
on demand3,078km (1,913 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Arica and Puerto Varas

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Puerto Varas

The following major airports near Puerto Varas offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Chile and internationally.

PMC
El Tepual Airport (PMC)
Domestic Airport
Distance
16km (10 miles) from Puerto Varas
ZOS
Canal Bajo Airport (ZOS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
79km (49 miles) from Puerto Varas
CCP
Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP)
International Airport
Distance
505km (314 miles) from Puerto Varas