Find cheap flights to El Calafate from £386
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Find deals from Columbus to El Calafate
Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.
Find deals from Columbus to El Calafate
Find one-way and return tickets at the lowest prices, whether last-minute or planned in advance.
Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to El Calafate
Flexible with dates? We find the best prices for the week around your selected date. Prices may vary after you search.
One-way
| Thu, Aug 13 - Sat, Aug 15 | £840 |
| Sun, Aug 16 - Sun, Aug 23 | £704 |
| Mon, Aug 24 - Mon, Aug 31 | £665 |
| Tue, Sep 1 - Mon, Sep 7 | £596 |
| Tue, Sep 8 - Tue, Sep 15 | £629 |
| Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23 | £682 |
| Thu, Sep 24 - Wed, Sep 30 | £650 |
| Thu, Oct 1 - Wed, Oct 7 | £678 |
| Thu, Oct 8 - Thu, Oct 15 | £720 |
| Fri, Oct 16 - Fri, Oct 23 | £681 |
| Sat, Oct 24 - Sat, Oct 31 | £664 |
Round-trip
| Thu, Aug 13 - Sat, Aug 15 | £1,661 |
| Sun, Aug 16 - Sun, Aug 23 | £1,491 |
| Mon, Aug 24 - Mon, Aug 31 | £1,335 |
| Tue, Sep 1 - Mon, Sep 7 | £1,262 |
| Tue, Sep 8 - Tue, Sep 15 | £1,317 |
| Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 23 | £1,203 |
| Thu, Sep 24 - Wed, Sep 30 | £1,100 |
| Thu, Oct 1 - Wed, Oct 7 | £1,119 |
| Thu, Oct 8 - Thu, Oct 15 | £1,189 |
| Fri, Oct 16 - Fri, Oct 23 | £1,111 |
| Sat, Oct 24 - Sat, Oct 31 | £1,061 |
Getting from El Calafate airport to the city center
Fastest options: airport shuttle bus and taxi. Budget travelers often choose the scheduled bus service.
Transport Option | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20-30 min | $5,000 – $8,000; ARS 5,000–8,000 (approx. USD 5–8) | coordinated with flight arrivals (traffic dependent) | budget solo travelers | |
20-25 min | $15,000 – $25,000; ARS 15,000–25,000 (approx. USD 15–25); fixed rate to city center | on-demand at arrivals (traffic dependent) | convenience and speed | |
20-25 min | $18,000 – $30,000; ARS 18,000–30,000 (approx. USD 18–30); pre-booked fixed rate | pre-booking required (traffic dependent) | groups and families | |
20-35 min | $0 – $20,000; Often complimentary or ARS 10,000–20,000 (approx. USD 10–20) | coordinated with guest arrivals (traffic dependent) | hotel guests | |
20-25 min | $30,000 – $80,000; ARS 30,000–80,000 per day (approx. USD 30–80); varies by vehicle | airport desks open for arrivals (traffic dependent) | exploring the region |
Notes:
- Prices in ARS (Argentine Pesos); table created in 2025 and subject to change.
- Due to currency fluctuations in Argentina, USD equivalents are approximate and may vary.
- Many hotels in El Calafate offer complimentary or paid airport transfers; confirm when booking.
- Shuttle buses typically wait outside the arrivals terminal and depart when full or on schedule.
- We recommend checking official transport websites for your travel planning.
Updated: December 2025
When is the best time to visit El Calafate
El Calafate's best time depends on your priorities: summer brings peak glacier conditions but crowds, winter offers dramatic solitude and 40% savings, while spring and autumn balance weather, costs, and access to Patagonia's iconic trails.
- Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 3-4 months ahead for better deals, especially avoiding Christmas and New Year weeks.
- Weather: Warmest period with 4–20 °C, long daylight hours (up to 17 hours), and 6–8 rainy days monthly—ideal glacier viewing conditions.
- Events: Prime Perito Moreno Glacier trekking season, ice-hiking expeditions, and New Year festivities draw international visitors to Patagonia's crown jewel.
- Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation—up to 40% less than summer peak; mid-week departures in June offer the best value.
- Weather: Patagonian winter brings -5 to 5 °C, short daylight (9 hours), and 4–6 snowy days monthly—dramatic glacier landscapes with fewer tourists.
- Events: Prime winter photography season at Perito Moreno, ice bar openings, and occasional southern lights sightings draw adventure seekers to the frozen south.
- Prices: Moderate rates with flights 20-30% cheaper than peak summer; book November departures 6-8 weeks ahead for spring glacier access without crowds.
- Weather: Transitional conditions with 0–15 °C, increasing daylight in spring (14 hours by November), and 5–7 rainy days monthly—crisp air perfect for glacier photography.
- Events: Glacier trekking season launches in September, autumn foliage peaks in April around Lago Argentino, and spring wildlife watching draws nature photographers to less-crowded trails.
El Calafate travel tips
Beyond the Glacier: The Allure of El Calafate
Nestled on the edge of the stunning Patagonia region, El Calafate is where nature's drama unfolds in grandiose ice and cobalt hues—a dream for any traveler seeking profound beauty. Known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, the city offers a serene base from which to explore the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. Kiwi travelers love booking cheap flights to El Calafate for its raw, untouched landscapes, where every winding path offers a new natural spectacle.
The crisp air, the majestic Andes in the backdrop, and the charm of this quaint town make it a bucket-list locale that beckons exploration.
From Tarmac to Glacier: Your First Day in El Calafate
Once your plane touches down at the small yet efficient Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, the town of El Calafate is just a quick drive away. Hit the ground running by visiting the Glaciarium, a stand-out glacier interpretation center that sets the stage for your adventures. Stroll along Avenida del Libertador, flanked by artisan shops and cozy cafes that infuse local charm.
For a more intimate experience, let your journey take you to the nearby Laguna Nimez Reserve, a peaceful bird sanctuary that promises a fantastic sunset behind the silhouette of the Andes. With Kiwi.com's flexible search options, you can ensure your flight arrives in time to catch these wonders.
Season to Save: When to Jet Off to El Calafate
Timing your trip can turn a great itinerary into an extraordinary one. The shoulder months of October and April offer a sweet spot—lower prices, fewer crowds, and still plenty of verdant Patagonia to explore. Book your flights to El Calafate 4–6 weeks in advance to snag the best deals, and set a Price Alert with Kiwi.com to catch those elusive savings.
Flights from major hubs such as Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile often clock in under three hours, making it a convenient hop into a land of ice-carved valleys and breathtaking vistas.
Navigating El Calafate: Airports and Airlines
El Calafate is primarily served by the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, just a 20-minute taxi ride from the town center. This airport connects you with a mix of budget-friendly airlines like Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM Airlines, offering competitive fares that fit any travel budget.
Upon arrival, ample shuttle services and taxis are readily available to whisk you into town. For seamless booking and navigating potential disruptions, Kiwi's Kiwi Guarantee covers you with cancellation and re-routing protection, making the journey as relaxed as the destination promises to be.
Smart Travel Tips for Your El Calafate Adventure
- Set a Price Alert: Use Kiwi.com to monitor fare drops and jump on the best deals.
- Travel During Shoulder Seasons: Experience the beauty with fewer tourists and better prices.
- Check Out Hidden Flight Routes: Engage in Travel Hacks for unique routes that might save you money.
- Multi-City Exploration: Consider using Kiwi’s Nomad search tool for a comprehensive Patagonian tour.
- Pack for All Weather: The Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable; layers are your best friend.
El Calafate awaits with landscapes that captivate and adventures that linger long after you’ve returned home. With Kiwi.com, your journey starts with a convenient click to some of nature’s greatest shows.
Weather in El Calafate
Average Weather
| Month | Average monthly max temperature | Average monthly min temperature |
| January | 14°C | 7°C |
| February | 14°C | 7°C |
| March | 11°C | 5°C |
| April | 8°C | 3°C |
| May | 4°C | 0°C |
| June | 1°C | -2°C |
| July | 1°C | -3°C |
| August | 2°C | -2°C |
| September | 4°C | 0°C |
| October | 8°C | 1°C |
| November | 10°C | 4°C |
| December | 12°C | 5°C |
14 day forecast
Flight connections and travel options
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Top airlines flying to El Calafate
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Airports in and near El Calafate
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