Antarctica Airport Transfer Guide (2026) - All Options & Tips
Airport transfers in Antarctica: taxi, bus, train, and shuttle options from the airport to the city center, with costs and journey times in Antarctica.
Helpful Tips
Book Antarctic flights through Punta Arenas (Chile) or Invercargill (NZ) as these are the main departure hubs for research stations and expedition cruises
Register with your national Antarctic program's travel portal for priority booking on supply vessels and shared transport
Pack a satellite communicator like Garmin inReach as there is no cellular service outside McMurdo and research stations
Book expedition cruise berths 12-18 months ahead as Antarctic tourism vessels have extremely limited capacity and sell out early
Common Scams to Avoid
Shady freelancers haunt Union Glacier and Punta Arenas lounges, pitching last-minute excursions without papers. Check credentials with the official Antarctic tour operator or base camp management before you hand over cash. Verify first. Pay later.
Punta Arenas, the last city before Antarctic flights, hosts only a handful of ATMs. Crooks fit skimmers to harvest card data from travelers grabbing cash for the ice. Stick to machines inside airport or bank lobbies. Shield the keypad. Travel safe.
At Punta Arenas, charter check-in agents invent fresh weight caps and slap on inflated excess-baggage fees. Confirm your allowance directly with the charter airline before you start packing. Demand written policy if surprise charges appear. Push back.