Magallanes' subsidized rural buses take you to the Magallanes National Reserve, 17 minutes from Punta Arenas, for CLP 320, and to the Torres del Paine park entrance from Puerto Natales for CLP 1,300, the regional Transport office (Seremitt) and Conaf announced on October 29. The bus linking Punta Arenas with the Andino sector has already changed its route and goes all the way to the reserve's headquarters for the whole summer season, according to Radio Polar.
The region has 5 national parks and 2 national reserves. Several have a subsidized bus that reaches them or passes nearby; maritime services, on the other hand, only cross them. Regional Transport secretary Allan Stowhas and Conaf's regional director, John Revello, made the announcement at the Magallanes Reserve itself.
Schedules and fares for buses to Magallanes parks
| Destination | From | Departures (2026-2027 season) | Adult fare | Student |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magallanes National Reserve | Punta Arenas (Mina Loreto stop) | Mon-Sat 9:00 and 17:00; Sun and holidays 10:00 and 17:00 | CLP 320 | CLP 110 |
| Laguna Parrillar National Reserve (nearest drop-off) | Punta Arenas (Mina Loreto) to San Juan sector | Mon, Wed and Fri 7:45; return 19:45 | CLP 880 | CLP 290 |
| Pali Aike National Park (nearest drop-off) | Punta Arenas (Mina Loreto) to Villa Punta Delgada | Friday 10:00; return 19:00 | CLP 3,200 | CLP 1,060 |
| Milodon Cave Natural Monument | Puerto Natales (bus terminal) | Mon and Wed 7:00; Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat 12:00 | CLP 1,300 | CLP 430 |
| Torres del Paine National Park (entrance) | Puerto Natales (bus terminal) | Mon and Wed 7:00; Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat 12:00 | CLP 1,300 | CLP 430 |
Source: Magallanes regional Transport and Telecommunications office and Conaf, via Radio Polar (October 29, 2026). Seniors ride free on all services, as do people with disabilities where indicated. The Natales-Villa Serrano service runs in high season, from September to March. Official timetables: Magallanes subsidized transport.
Magallanes National Reserve, 7 kilometers from Punta Arenas
The Magallanes National Reserve, known locally as the Reserva Forestal, lies 7 kilometers west of downtown Punta Arenas. It protects the watershed that supplies the city and has forests of lenga, coigüe and ñirre beech, with wildlife and 5 trails of varying difficulty. Conaf is opening it to new activities: trails, trekking and bike circuits, with agreements with the Club Andino for the summer.
The bus leaves from the "Mina Loreto" rural stop, at Ignacio Carrera Pinto and Chiloé streets in downtown Punta Arenas. The 17:00 bus is the one used to return to the city. "For much less than a thousand pesos, people can come and see a reserve that is 17 minutes from the city," said regional Government secretary Ángel Roa.
Opening hours of Magallanes parks
| Protected area | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Magallanes National Reserve | Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday / Friday | 9:00 to 17:00 / 9:00 to 16:00 |
| Laguna Parrillar National Reserve | Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday) | 8:30 to 19:00 |
| Pali Aike National Park | Tuesday to Sunday | 8:30 to 19:30 |
| Milodon Cave Natural Monument | Monday to Sunday | 8:00 to 18:00 |
| Torres del Paine National Park | Monday to Sunday and holidays | 7:00 to 21:00 (Laguna Amarga, Río Serrano and Lago Sarmiento entrances) |
Source: Conaf Magallanes, via Radio Polar. Entrance fees for each area are paid separately; Torres del Paine's are in the Torres del Paine entrance fee. Check opening hours with Conaf before you go.
Do you run a hostel, a tour or a transport service in Patagonia? Reach travelers planning Magallanes, in four languages.
See advertising optionsHow to combine the bus with each Magallanes park
- Laguna Parrillar: there is no bus to the lake itself. The San Juan bus drops you on Route 9 south; from the Agua Fresca sector, road Y-620 leaves and there are about 50 kilometers to the entrance. It only works if you can cover that stretch.
- Pali Aike: the bus to San Gregorio reaches Villa Punta Delgada; from there it is 23 kilometers to the park. The trip from Punta Arenas is 166.2 kilometers and takes about 2 hours.
- Milodon Cave: it lies 25 kilometers north of Puerto Natales, on the route of the Villa Serrano bus.
- Torres del Paine: the same Villa Serrano bus reaches Conaf's entrance. For long hikes, see the W and O treks and the reopening of the O circuit.
The news comes as the transfer of parks from Conaf to the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service is being prepared, which we explain in what changes with SBAP. More ideas for the region in things to do in Punta Arenas and things to do in Puerto Natales.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the bus to the Magallanes National Reserve?
CLP 320 for adults and CLP 110 for school students; seniors and people with disabilities ride free.
Is there a public bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine?
Yes, the subsidized rural service to Villa Serrano reaches Conaf's entrance for CLP 1,300 per adult, in high season (September to March).
Where do rural buses leave from in Punta Arenas?
From the Mina Loreto rural stop, at Ignacio Carrera Pinto and Chiloé.
Can you reach Laguna Parrillar by bus?
Not directly: the bus drops you about 50 kilometers from the entrance, so it only gets you closer.
