How to travel from Punta Arenas to Arica, Chile

The distance between Punta Arenas and Arica is around 3,892km (2,418 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 6h 40m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Punta Arenas to Arica by plane, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out AricaPunta Arenas if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Punta Arenas (PUQ) to Arica (ARI).

  • Duration6h 40m
  • Flight time5h 50m
  • Typical cost
    $250($250)
Operated by

LATAM Chile

+ 2 others
2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Osorno then Santiago - Terminal Sur and then to Arica.

  • Duration2 days 22h
  • Departsonce a week
  • Typical cost
    $155($155)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

2 similiar routes

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

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Arica.

  • Duration2 days 10h
  • Distance4,907km (3,049 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Punta Arenas and Arica

There are several options for getting from Punta Arenas to Arica by plane, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $105 and will take around 3 days 7h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 6h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $250.

The distance between Punta Arenas and Arica is around 3,892km (2,418 miles).

It takes around 6h 40m to get from Punta Arenas and Arica by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2 days 10h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Punta Arenas to Arica is to fly which takes around 6h 40m and will set you back approx $250.

The cheapest way to travel between Punta Arenas and Arica, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $105 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Punta Arenas and Arica. We recommend that you fly from Punta Arenas (PUQ) to Arica (ARI). instead which will take 6h 40m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Punta Arenas and Arica. It typically takes around 2 days 22h and departs once a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Punta Arenas to Arica. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Osorno and Santiago - Terminal Sur. These services run once a week and will take a minimum of 2 days 22h.

Turibus Internacional, E.T.M., Bus Norte, Condor Bus, Queilen Bus, Andesmar, Turbus, Pullman San Andrés, Pullman Bus, Ciktur, Buses Barria, Marga Taqsa, Viatac, Tramat, La Veloz Del Norte, Buses Norte Grande, Adsubliata and Chasquitur run regular bus services between Punta Arenas and Arica. Buses run once a week and take around 2 days 22h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Punta Arenas and Arica. Flights depart from Punta Arenas (PUQ) and arrive at Arica (ARI) - via Santiago (SCL). The flight takes around 5h 50m.

There is no direct flight from Punta Arenas to Arica. There is however a flight that goes via Santiago (SCL). This services will take at least 6h 40m (not including layover time).

The flight from Punta Arenas to Arica typically takes around 5h 50m. Flights depart from Punta Arenas (PUQ) and and arrive into Arica (ARI).

The closest major airport to Arica is Chacalluta International Airport (ARI) (ARI) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Arica. Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) (IQQ) and El Loa Airport (CJC) (CJC) 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 Punta Arenas and Arica. The distance is around 4,907km (3,049 miles) by road and it will take around 2 days 10h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Punta Arenas to Arica is to fly which takes, on average, 6h 40m and will usually cost around $250.

How do I get from Punta Arenas to Arica

Compare travel optionsbetween Punta Arenas and Arica

Transport options from Punta Arenas to Arica
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
6h 40m
$250($250)
hourly3,892km (2,418 miles)
Bus + 2 similar
2 days 22h
$155($155)
once a week5,126km (3,185 miles)
Bus via Osorno2 days 22h
$165($165)
once a week5,123km (3,183 miles)
Bus via Río Gallegos3 days 7h
$105($105)
3 times a week5,077km (3,155 miles)
Drive
2 days 10h
$510($510)
on demand4,907km (3,049 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Punta Arenas and Arica

Bus companies

Airlines

Airports near Arica

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

ARI
Chacalluta International Airport (ARI)
International Airport
Distance
14km (9 miles) from Arica
IQQ
Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ)
International Airport
Distance
231km (143 miles) from Arica
CJC
El Loa Airport (CJC)
Domestic Airport
Distance
470km (292 miles) from Arica