How to get from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama: all transfer options

Calama is the main gateway to San Pedro de Atacama. The two locations are approximately 100 km apart, and the transfer generally takes around one and a half hours. Depending on your arrival time, budget, and travel style, you can choose between shared transfers, taxis, buses, or rental cars.
In this guide, you will find all the available options for reaching San Pedro de Atacama from Calama Airport or the city centre, with approximate costs and practical tips to help you organize your transportation in the best possible way.

How to get to San Pedro de Atacama from Calama Airport

For those arriving by plane, reaching San Pedro de Atacama is quite straightforward. From El Loa Airport, several options are available depending on your budget, desired level of comfort, and need for independence during your trip.

Shared transfers

Shared transfers are the most popular option for reaching San Pedro de Atacama from Calama Airport. Among the best-known companies are Transvip, Transfer Pampa, and Transfer Altiplánico, which have desks directly inside the airport. However, other companies are also available, such as Transilver.
It is not essential to book in advance: once you land, you can purchase the transfer directly at the airport. However, passengers who already have a reservation are guaranteed a seat, while those who buy on arrival may need to wait until there is availability in the departing vehicles.
If you already know that you will return to Calama Airport at the end of your trip, I recommend purchasing the return transfer at the same time. Companies generally offer more convenient fares for round trips compared with buying the two routes separately.

It is important to keep in mind that shared transfers are not available 24 hours a day. The last services from the airport generally operate around 9–10 pm, so if you arrive late in the evening, you may need to rely on a private transfer or a taxi instead. For this reason, whenever possible, I recommend planning your arrival in Calama by 8 pm, so you have more options and greater peace of mind when arranging your transfer.

Regarding luggage, the transfer price normally includes one checked bag and one backpack or carry-on bag per person. The vehicles used for airport transfers are specifically organized to carry passengers’ luggage, so standard-size suitcases do not usually cause any issues.
If you are travelling with particularly bulky equipment or a large number of bags, it is still advisable to check in advance with the company you choose. In some cases, an additional fee may be required.

Which company should you choose?

Based on online reviews, Transfer Altiplánico appears to be the company that most frequently receives positive feedback for punctuality and reliability. Transvip is one of the more affordable options, but it also receives several negative reviews related to delays or coordination issues. Transfer Pampa generally falls somewhere in between.
That said, every traveller’s experience can be different. I have always travelled with Transfer Altiplánico and have always had a good experience, which is why it is the company I most often recommend.

Private transfers and taxis

For those looking for greater comfort, reaching San Pedro de Atacama by private transfer or taxi is also an option. This solution offers greater flexibility, as you do not need to wait for other passengers and can leave as soon as you have collected your luggage.
It is also particularly convenient for travellers arriving late in the evening, when shared transfers are no longer available, as well as for families, small groups, or those travelling with a lot of luggage. When the cost is shared between several people, the price difference compared with a shared transfer becomes much smaller.

Private transfers can be arranged with the same companies that operate shared services, such as Transvip, Transfer Pampa, and Transfer Altiplánico, and can be booked in advance or arranged directly upon arrival. Many local agencies and some hotels also offer private transfers to and from the airport. Taxis are generally available at the airport as well, but it is always advisable to agree on the price before departure.
Compared with shared transfers, the cost is naturally higher, but in return you benefit from shorter waiting times and greater flexibility when organizing your journey.

Another alternative is Uber, which is also available in this area. In general, finding a ride from Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama is relatively easy. The return journey, from San Pedro to Calama, can be more complicated: the official fares shown in the app are often lower than the prices usually charged for this route, so many drivers may choose not to accept the ride.

Rental cars

Renting a car is the option that offers the greatest freedom and flexibility. In addition, rental prices in Calama are generally more affordable than in San Pedro de Atacama, and you can pick up the vehicle directly upon arrival at the airport. The main rental companies available at El Loa Airport include Europcar, Econorent, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt.

Having your own vehicle allows you to manage your schedule with complete independence and can be a convenient option for groups of four or five people. In these cases, even considering the cost of the rental and fuel, this solution can be more cost-effective than using transfers and several organized excursions. It is particularly suitable for those planning to return to Calama at the end of their stay, while it may be less convenient for travellers who intend to continue their journey to other destinations. However, it is important to keep in mind that car rental companies generally require a credit card in the driver’s name and charge a security deposit, which can be quite substantial.

Travelling independently also requires more planning. In addition to driving and covering long distances, you need to take care of the logistics of your trip yourself. For some attractions, entrance tickets must be purchased online and access times must be respected, whereas with an organized tour the agency takes care of these aspects. Moreover, some roads are not in the best condition, and for excursions such as the Tatio Geysers or the Baltinache lagoons, it is advisable to drive with caution.

In general, a standard car is sufficient to reach most of the best-known attractions. However, those who want to tackle the unpaved roads found on many excursions with greater peace of mind may consider renting an SUV.

How to get to San Pedro de Atacama from Calama city centre

Bus

The bus is one of the most affordable options for reaching San Pedro de Atacama. The journey generally takes around one and a half hours, although in some cases it can take up to two hours.

The best-known companies operating this route are Atacama 2000 and Frontera del Norte, with departures from the centre of Calama. Unlike many other cities in Chile, Calama does not have a proper bus terminal: different companies depart from different locations around the city. For example, Atacama 2000 and Frontera del Norte are both located on calle Antofagasta, while other companies operate from different streets in the city centre.
Tickets can generally be purchased directly at the companies’ offices and, except during particularly busy periods or holidays, there is usually no need to book far in advance. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased online through platforms such as Kupos.cl, which allows you to check schedules and availability for different companies.
Once you arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, the bus stops very close to the town centre, making it easy to reach most accommodations on foot or with a short taxi ride.

Bus or transfer?

The bus is the most affordable option for reaching San Pedro de Atacama and can be a good choice for those who are already in the centre of Calama or travelling on a limited budget.
For those arriving by plane, however, a shared transfer is usually more convenient. Unlike the bus, it departs directly from the airport and does not require reaching the city centre, avoiding the additional cost of a taxi or Uber. Moreover, the price difference compared with the bus is not particularly significant. The bus stations can also be reached on foot from the airport, but this involves a walk of around one hour.
In general, the bus makes more sense for travellers who are already in the city centre, while for those arriving at the airport, shared transfers are usually the simplest and most practical option.

Shared transfers and private transportation

From Calama city centre, it is also possible to reach San Pedro de Atacama by shared transfer, private transfer, taxi, or Uber.

Those who wish to use a shared transfer can reach El Loa Airport and depart with one of the companies operating transfers to San Pedro, although it is important to consider the additional cost of getting to the airport. Alternatively, the same companies offer the option of pick-up directly in the city for a small extra fee.
A private transfer can be arranged with the same companies operating from the airport, or you can look for a ride by taxi or Uber. Prices are generally similar to those for transfers from the airport.

Estimated costs

Below you can find some approximate prices for the main options available to reach San Pedro de Atacama from Calama.

Which option should you choose?

As we have seen, the best option mainly depends on your starting point (airport or city centre), budget, number of travellers, and the type of trip you are planning. For those arriving by plane, shared transfers are generally the simplest and most convenient solution, while the bus can be a good alternative for travellers who are already in Calama city centre. Those looking for greater independence may consider renting a car, especially when travelling in a group and planning to return to Calama at the end of their stay.