Flights from London to Punta Arenas take around 18-22 hours including connections. You'll fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), about 20km from the centre.
British Airways operates direct London-Santiago flights taking 14.5 hours. From Santiago, domestic carriers like LATAM, JetSmart, and Sky Airline connect to Punta Arenas.
Return fares range from £800-1,000 in low season to £1,300-1,600+ during peak periods. October-April typically offer the best deals.
Punta Arenas operates on GMT-3 (3 hours behind London in winter, 4 hours behind London in summer).
Price Patterns
Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings
Last-minute deals are rare for this route due to steady tourist demand
November to March for mildest weather offers the best combination of weather and fares
Sweet Spot
6-10 weeks before travel for the best combination of availability and price.
Avoid Booking
Less than 2 weeks out (premium pricing)
During peak season (December–February)
School holiday periods if travelling with families
Plaza Munoz Gamero
Central square with Magellan statue. Touch the Tehuelche native's foot for luck returning.
Torres del Paine
World-famous national park 350km north. W Trek, granite towers, and Patagonian wildlife.
Strait of Magellan
Historic shipping passage connecting oceans. Penguin colonies on Magdalena Island.
Cementerio Municipal
Remarkable cypress-lined cemetery. Elaborate mausoleums of pioneers and settlers.
Antarctic Expeditions
Gateway to Antarctica cruises. Fly or sail to the frozen continent from here.