Find cheap flights to Calama
Over 10 million explorers make Kiwi.com a trusted choice worldwide.
Kiwi.com compares airlines and agencies to reveal more options and savings.
We solve problems on the fly. Get instant chat support anytime, in any language.
Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Calama
Flexible with dates? We find the best prices for the week around your selected date. Prices may vary after you search.
One-way
| Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7 | £659 |
| Wed, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 15 | £364 |
| Thu, Apr 16 - Thu, Apr 23 | £339 |
| Fri, Apr 24 - Thu, Apr 30 | £342 |
| Fri, May 1 - Thu, May 7 | £342 |
| Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15 | £350 |
| Sat, May 16 - Sat, May 23 | £429 |
| Sun, May 24 - Sun, May 31 | £454 |
| Mon, Jun 1 - Sun, Jun 7 | £439 |
| Mon, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 15 | £437 |
| Tue, Jun 16 - Tue, Jun 23 | £489 |
| Wed, Jun 24 - Tue, Jun 30 | £612 |
Round-trip
| Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7 | £1,296 |
| Wed, Apr 8 - Wed, Apr 15 | £1,017 |
| Thu, Apr 16 - Thu, Apr 23 | £1,022 |
| Fri, Apr 24 - Thu, Apr 30 | £971 |
| Fri, May 1 - Thu, May 7 | £930 |
| Fri, May 8 - Fri, May 15 | £933 |
| Sat, May 16 - Sat, May 23 | £937 |
| Sun, May 24 - Sun, May 31 | £960 |
| Mon, Jun 1 - Sun, Jun 7 | £825 |
| Mon, Jun 8 - Mon, Jun 15 | £944 |
| Tue, Jun 16 - Tue, Jun 23 | £964 |
| Wed, Jun 24 - Tue, Jun 30 | £1,079 |
Getting from Calama airport to the city center
Fastest options: taxi or private transfer. Best value: shared shuttle or colectivo.
Transport Option | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5-10 min | $3,000-$5,000 (CLP 3,000–5,000 (USD $3–5); metered or fixed fare) | on-demand 24/7 (traffic dependent) | fastest door-to-door option | |
10-20 min | $1,500-$2,500 (CLP 1,500–2,500 (USD $1.50–2.50); shared with other passengers) | when full (traffic dependent) | budget travelers | |
10-25 min | $2,000-$4,000 (CLP 2,000–4,000 (USD $2–4); multiple stops possible) | aligned with flight arrivals (traffic dependent) | affordable group travel | |
5-10 min | $8,000-$15,000 (CLP 8,000–15,000 (USD $8–15); pre-booked service) | pre-booked (traffic dependent) | comfort and convenience | |
5-10 min | $25,000-$50,000 (CLP 25,000–50,000 (USD $25–50) per day; useful for Atacama exploration) | on-demand during office hours (traffic dependent) | exploring the Atacama region |
Notes:
- Prices in CLP; table created in 2025 and subject to change.
- El Loa Airport is small with limited public transport options; taxis and transfers are the primary modes.
- Many travelers continue to San Pedro de Atacama (100 km east); separate shuttle services operate this route.
- We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.
Updated: December 2025
When is the best time to visit Calama
Calama's desert climate stays dry year-round, but flight prices swing dramatically. Winter offers the cheapest rates and stellar stargazing, summer brings peak costs and warmth, while spring and autumn balance comfort with savings—ideal for exploring geysers and salt flats without extreme temperatures or crowds.
- Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 8-10 weeks ahead for better deals on summer travel.
- Weather: Warm desert days 12–28 °C with virtually no rain (0-1 days per month), ideal for Atacama excursions.
- Events: New Year festivities, peak season for Valle de la Luna stargazing tours, and increased activity at nearby geysers and salt flats.
- Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation rates; save 30-40% compared to summer peak, with last-minute deals often available.
- Weather: Cool desert winter -2–18 °C with freezing nights but clear, dry days (0-1 rainy days per month)—excellent for stargazing with minimal crowds.
- Events: Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo (late June), Inti Raymi indigenous celebrations, and prime conditions for El Tatio Geyser sunrise tours.
- Prices: Moderate rates with flights dropping 15-25% after summer; book 4-6 weeks ahead for optimal spring and autumn deals.
- Weather: Comfortable desert conditions 5–23 °C with virtually no rain (0-1 days per month)—mild days perfect for Valle de la Luna hikes and geyser excursions without extreme temperatures.
- Events: Chilean Independence Day festivities (September 18-19), equinox stargazing tours with crystal-clear skies, and occasional desert wildflower blooms after rare rainfall.
Calama travel tips
Discover Calama: The Gateway to the Atacama Desert
Imagine a place where the majestic Atacama Desert unfurls its golden sands and vibrant minerals greet you at every turn. Calama, tucked in the arid heart of Chile, is more than just its mining legacy; it's a portal to awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural richness. Is your mind wandering to a getaway where adventure beckons? That's why so many Kiwi.com travelers book flights to Calama—to immerse themselves in a journey that blends the exhilarating and the serene. Dive deeper into the reasons this hidden treasure deserves your wanderlust-fueled gaze.
From the Tarmac to the Town: First Stops in Calama
Touching down in Calama grants you access to a canvas of vibrant markets and local eateries that introduce you to the region's flavors. Just a walk from downtown lies the San Francisco Church, a colonial architectural gem, perfect for those Instagram moments. Ready to embark on an adventure? Use Kiwi’s mobile search to explore timely connections to must-see destinations like the El Tatio Geysers or the Valle de la Luna—both highlight the untouched beauty and otherworldly terrain of the region.
When to Book Your Journey: Timing Is Everything
For budget-conscious travelers, planning can make all the difference. Visiting during shoulder seasons such as March and November can mean scoring cheap flights to Calama. According to travel pros, securing your flight 6-8 weeks in advance often lands the best deals. Kiwi.com's innovative Nomad Search Tool and price alerts make pinpointing affordable flights simpler than ever. Moreover, pairing your booking with Kiwi’s Disruption Protection ensures peace of mind against unexpected changes.
Navigating Calama's Airports and Airlines
Calama's El Loa Airport boasts a convenient gateway just 6 kilometers from the city center, serviced by both budget and full-service carriers like LATAM and Sky Airlines. This access point not only eases your journey but connects you smoothly to nearby adventures. Whether you're journeying from Santiago or beyond, Kiwi.com's Travel Hacks help fine-tune your route, offering smart layover options that maximize your time and cost-effectiveness.
Smart Travel Tips for Calama
- Stay connected: Download local area maps offline to navigate with ease even without mobile data.
- Dress for the desert: Layer up; Atacama's temperature swings from hot days to chilly nights.
- Exchange rates: Use local currency for better rates—many small vendors prefer pesos.
- Hydrate often: The arid climate can sneak up on you; always have water on hand.
- Kiwi assistance: Use Kiwi.com’s 24/7 support chat for travel tips or in case of booking hiccups.
Weather in Calama
Average Weather
| Month | Average monthly max temperature | Average monthly min temperature |
| January | 24°C | 11°C |
| February | 23°C | 11°C |
| March | 23°C | 10°C |
| April | 22°C | 8°C |
| May | 20°C | 6°C |
| June | 19°C | 5°C |
| July | 19°C | 4°C |
| August | 20°C | 5°C |
| September | 22°C | 7°C |
| October | 23°C | 8°C |
| November | 24°C | 9°C |
| December | 24°C | 10°C |
14 day forecast
Flight connections and travel options
Browse routes from top origins with quick connections
Top airlines flying to Calama
Compare leading airlines serving Calama.
Airports in and near Calama
Calama’s main airport is the primary hub, with nearby airports offering additional options.