Many travelers heading to Torres del Paine wonder whether renting a car is worth it. The short answer is yes. For many travelers, it’s a great option. It gives you the freedom to move on your own schedule, reach more remote areas, and pull over whenever something catches your eye.
Still, driving here isn’t without its challenges. Some roads are unpaved, gas stations are few and far between, and parking can be confusing, especially if you need to leave your car while you’re on a multi-day hike.
This article walks you through everything you need to know: how to get to the park by car, where to park, what to expect on the road, and how to decide if driving is the right choice for your trip.
Table of contents
Should you visit Torres del Paine by car?
Renting a car makes sense if you want flexibility, want to explore beyond the main trekking routes or if Torres del Paine is just one stop on a longer journey through Patagonia.
Pros
- Travel at your own pace
- Access trailheads and viewpoints beyond the W and O Trek routes
- Save time waiting for buses
- Comfortable and cost-effective for families or groups
Cons
- Many roads are gravel, rough, and dusty
- Most rental cars have manual transmission
- Border crossings require extra paperwork
- Phone signal and GPS are unreliable
- Parking is limited
- Renting can be costly unless sharing expenses
On the other hand, driving is less practical if you plan to do the full W or O Trek and head straight back afterward. You won’t use the car during the hike, and campsites along these routes (except Torres Central & Norte) are not vehicle-accessible.
Thinking twice about renting a car? There are other ways to get to the park. Head over to our guide on how to get to Torres del Paine to explore your options. ⬇️
Tomas Kohout
How to get to Torres del Paine by car
There are three common routes people take to reach Torres del Paine by car. Each one is a little different in terms of distance, drive time, and what to expect along the way.
From Punta Arenas (Chile)
This is the main entry point for travelers flying in from Santiago. The park is about 320-350 kilometers away, and the drive takes around four hours. Most of the road is paved and in decent shape, though the final stretch is gravel. If you need fuel, food, or forgot to pack something, Puerto Natales is your last real chance to stock up.
Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine (Welcome Center)
From Puerto Natales (Chile)
Puerto Natales is the closest town to the park, and the drive is straightforward. Depending on which sector you're heading to, the drive is anywhere from 80 to 130 kilometers. It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. It’s a good idea to fuel up before leaving town, as there are no gas stations along the way.
Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine (Welcome Center)
From El Calafate (Argentina)
This route takes a bit more coordination because of the international border. The drive to the park is roughly 270 kilometers and can take anywhere from five to seven hours, depending on how busy the border is. You’ll enter Chile at Paso Río Don Guillermo (Cerro Castillo), the main crossing point on this route. Not all rental companies allow cars to cross the border, so make sure yours does and that you’ve got the right paperwork. The border usually closes between 8 and 9 p.m., though exact hours can vary, so it’s best to double-check before your trip. Chile has strict rules about bringing in food too, especially fresh stuff like fruit or meat. Best to eat it or leave it before you cross.
El Calafate - Torres del Paine (Welcome Center)
Renting a car in Patagonia
You can rent a car in Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, El Calafate, or even El Chaltén. Punta Arenas usually offers the widest selection and slightly better prices, while Puerto Natales is more convenient if you're short on time.
Rental companies
You’ll find major brands like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, as well as smaller local agencies. If you're considering a local rental, it’s a good idea to check recent reviews before booking.
Manual or automatic
Most rental cars in the region have manual transmission. Automatics are available, but they’re more expensive and tend to get booked quickly during high season. If you don’t drive stick, reserve early.
Do you need a 4WD?
Not really. The roads in and around the park are mostly gravel, but they’re manageable with a regular car if you drive carefully.
Crossing the border
If you're planning to cross between Argentina and Chile, let the rental company know ahead of time. You’ll need the following documents: a border-crossing permit and valid insurance for both countries. Not all companies allow this, so check the terms carefully. Bring printed copies, as customs officials on both sides will ask for them.
One-way rental
One-way rentals, especially across countries, can be expensive. If you’re thinking of picking up a car in Argentina and dropping it off in Chile (or vice versa), expect a high fee. In many cases, it’s cheaper to return the car to where you picked it up and plan your route accordingly.
Where to park in Torres del Paine
If you’re planning to drive into the park, whether for the day or for a multi-day trek, it’s good to know where you can safely and legally leave your car. Some places are better for short hikes, others work for long-term parking, and a few areas have specific rules for camper vans. This section breaks it all down so you can park with confidence.
Where to park if you’re doing the W or O Trek
There are two main options if you’re leaving your car while hiking: the Welcome Center near Torres Central & Norte and the Pudeto lot next to the catamaran dock.
Welcome Center (Torres Central & Norte area)
This is the main long-term parking area for multi-day trekkers. It’s located on the eastern side of the park, near Camping and Refugio Torres Central & Norte and the start of the Base Torres trail. If you’re starting or finishing the W Trek on the east side, or doing the full O Circuit, this is the most straightforward place to leave your car.
Parking is free for anyone with a reservation along the W or O routes. The lot is unguarded but busy and generally considered safe. As always, lock your car and don’t leave anything valuable inside.
Pudeto (west side, near the catamaran)
If you plan to take the catamaran to Paine Grande to start your hike, you’ll park at Pudeto. This is a large gravel lot next to the ferry dock and cafeteria. It’s free, and many hikers leave their vehicles here for several nights without issues.
While the lot isn’t staffed, it’s used daily by buses and self-drivers. Be aware that strong winds are common in this area. There have been cases where wind has shattered car windows, so it’s important to park facing into the wind.
Getting back to your car
If your trek starts and ends in different places, there’s a shuttle that runs between Laguna Amarga and the Welcome Center. To get between Laguna Amarga and Pudeto, you’ll need to take a bus that connects both stops with Puerto Natales. These buses usually run a few times a day, so plan ahead to make sure you can get back to your car without rushing.
Camper van parking in Torres del Paine
If you’re traveling in a camper van and plan to sleep inside it, you’ll need to follow the rules closely. Overnight stays in your van are not allowed at the Welcome Center.
If you choose to spend the night in a designated parking lot rather than a formal campground, keep a low profile. Don’t cook outside, don’t unload gear, and never dump waste. These parking areas are for sleeping inside your vehicle only, not for setting up camp.
Below are a few tips for campgrounds and two well-located parking spots where overnight stays in a camper van are possible.
- Campground Pehoé: Located on the shore of Lago Pehoé, with access to bus routes heading to both Pudeto and Laguna Amarga. This makes it a practical base for trekkers.
- Campground Río Serrano: Located near the southern park entrance
- Laguna Azul Campground: A beautiful location offering stunning views of the iconic Torres del Paine towers. This site is near one of the park entrances and provides a quieter overnight option.
- CONAF Administration area: Not a campground but overnight parking is tolerated. Access to toilets.
- Pingo Ranger Station (Guardería Grey): This parking lot by the Pingo River offers access to toilets and is close to a mini market. It is about 2 kilometers from the dock for the scenic boat tour to the Grey Glacier.
Parking for day hikes and scenic stops
If you’re visiting for the day or planning short hikes, there are several parking lots in the area:
- Welcome Center: The starting point for the Base Torres hike. Arrive early, as the lot fills up quickly.
- Salto Grande and Mirador Cuernos: Easily accessible with a short drive from the main road.
- Lago Grey / Guardería Grey: A popular spot for glacier viewpoints and boat tours.
- Mirador Cóndor: A small lot near Hostería Pehoé with limited space. If it’s full, overflow parking is available at Pudeto.
- Laguna Azul: An ideal place to leave your car when heading to Sierra Masle lookout or Laguna Cebolla. This area is also known for guanaco sightings.
Parking safety and rules
While the park is remote and generally safe, it’s still smart to take basic precautions. Lock your car, close the windows, and don’t leave valuables inside or in plain sight. If you're traveling in a camper van, make sure food is stored properly and windows are closed, as wildlife occasionally gets curious.
Patagonia’s wind is no joke. In exposed lots like Pudeto, it can be strong enough to cause damage. There have been cases where wind has shattered car windows, so it’s worth taking a moment to choose your parking spot carefully and, if possible, park facing into the wind.
And one last thing to keep in mind: overnight parking is allowed, but sleeping in your car is not, unless you're in a camper van and staying in a designated or tolerated area. If you’re not sure whether overnighting is allowed in a specific spot, it’s always best to check with rangers at the nearest entrance or station.
Driving inside the park
You can drive on most of the roads around Torres del Paine, but don’t expect to reach your campsite by car. The only accommodation along the W or O trek that’s accessible by vehicle is Torres Central and Norte, near the Welcome Center. All other campsites and refugios can only be reached on foot or by catamaran/ferry.
The speed limit in the park is 40-60 km/h. The roads are mostly gravel and often narrow, with sharp turns and wildlife crossing without warning. Drive slowly and carefully, especially in open areas where guanacos like to graze near the road.
There’s no fuel available inside the park, so make sure you fill up in Puerto Natales or Esperanza before entering. Don’t count on mobile signal for navigation either, as GPS can drop out without warning. It’s a good idea to download offline maps or use an app like Maps.me in advance.
Whether you’re planning a full trek or just exploring the park by car, driving gives you the flexibility to shape your trip at your own pace. It’s worth taking the time to understand where you can go, where to leave your car, and what to expect once you’re on the road. With a bit of preparation, getting around becomes much easier.
Want to see the full picture before you go?
Read our complete guide to Torres del Paine. ⬇️
Tomas Kohout