Ushuaia Airport (USH) is close enough to see from the waterfront. It sits on a small peninsula in the Beagle Channel, facing the centre across the bay, in Tierra del Fuego province. The ride is short. What needs thought is the slope, the weather and, in summer, the ship you may be joining.
A town built on a hillside
Ushuaia climbs from the waterfront. Streets that run parallel to the shore, such as Avenida San Martín, are level; the ones that go uphill are steep. Three blocks uphill with suitcases is hard work, and in winter there may be snow or ice underfoot. Find your accommodation on the map first:
- Centre and waterfront. Closest to both the airport and the port.
- Hotels high above town. On the road towards the Martial glacier, with views of the channel and a long way from anything on foot.
- Outside the centre. Lodges along the coast or towards Tierra del Fuego National Park, to the west.
Transport from the terminal
- Taxi and remis. These are the usual way into town and both work from the terminal. A remis is a car with a driver booked at a desk for an agreed fare. The queue grows when two flights land close together.
- Bus and apps. Do not assume either. Check on arrival whether any service reaches the terminal.
- Hire car. There are rental desks. In winter, ask about winter tyres.
- Private transfer. One vehicle for your group, with the driver in arrivals holding a sign with your name.
Antarctic cruises and ski trips
The port is in the centre, on the waterfront. During the southern summer, cruises to Antarctica sail from there, and on embarkation days many passengers arrive at once with a lot of luggage. Weather can delay flights, so landing at least a day before the ship sails is a sensible precaution. Our guide to Antarctic cruises covers this.
In winter the destination is Cerro Castor, north-east of town along Ruta 3. It is a mountain road with snow, and conditions are checked before setting off.
Where a private transfer fits
Even on a short ride it helps when the hotel is up the hill or outside the centre, when a group carries large bags or skis, and when there is a boarding time to meet. The price is per vehicle and agreed beforehand. Availability in Ushuaia is confirmed when you book. See also the page on Ushuaia airport and port.