Encompassed by the snow-capped Andes, the Southern tip of the Americas is the first port of call for your adventure to Antarctica. Expedition cruises to the frozen continent most often begin their journeys at ports in southern Argentina and Chile, rather than flying directly to the endlessly white landscapes of Antarctica.
The trans-Pacific journey aboard flights to Antarctica from Australia may not be a short one, but we promise the flight time is well worth it. From monolithic icebergs to immense penguin colonies, a trip to Antarctica is an adventure like no other on Earth.
_David-Merron-1400x892.webp%3F2026-08-09T03%253A10%253A08.738Z&w=3840&q=100)
Travel to Antarctica starts by taking off to your cruise embarkation port
Most Antarctica cruise expeditions begin at ports in the far south of Argentina and Chile. Ushuaia in Argentina is the most common one, followed by Punta Arenas in Chile.
Neither can be reached directly from Australia; travellers need to first board international flights before transiting to charter flights from Buenos Aires or aboard commercial from Santiago, Chile or the Argentine capital to the far southern ports.
For hassle free journeys, some cruise lines, like Atlas Ocean Voyages, Seabourn and some Swan Hellenic sailings, include the flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia as part of your cruise fare.
Others offer the freedom to begin your adventure as your wish, allowing the opportunity to add on pre-cruise extensions to iconic destinations across the continent.
Flights to Buenos Aires from Australia, for urban escapes before you sail
The bustling capital of Argentina is home to the country’s largest airport and is a popular destination for Antarctica-bound travellers to spend a few days pre-cruise.
Aside from world-class steakhouses, unrivalled wine tastings and flamenco dancing, the city offers the simplest onward access to Ushuaia, with multiple departures available each day.
From Sydney
- Length of the flight: From 18 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: Air New Zealand, China Eastern, LATAM, Qantas
- Price of flights from Sydney to Buenos Aires: Business class flights from $5,700, economy flights from $1,400
From Melbourne
- Length of the flight: From 17 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas
- Price of flights from Melbourne to Buenos Aires: Business class flights from $5,000, economy flights from $2,150
From Brisbane
- Length of the flight: From 18 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas
- Price of flights from Brisbane to Buenos Aires: Business class flights from $5,000, economy flights from $1,400
From Perth
- Length of the flight: From 23 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas
- Price of flights from Perth to Buenos Aires: Business class from $6,000, economy flights from $1,800
Flights to Ushuaia from Australia, for seamless connections to your cruise ship
The most popular departure port for Antarctica cruise expeditions, Ushuaia is a few hours’ flight south of Buenos Aires. The weather can be a bit unpredictable this far south, so it’s recommended to fly a day or two before your cruise departs.
A hotel night is included in the fare with some companies, including and G Adventures. If it's not included in your fare, a stay at a Ushuaia hotel can easily be accommodated when planning your trip.
From Sydney
- Length of the flight: From 24 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM and Qantas, with local connections with Aerolineas Argentinas
- Price of flights from Sydney to Ushuaia: Business class flights from $8,000, economy flights from $2,200
From Melbourne
- Length of the flight: From 25 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM and Qantas, with local connections with Aerolineas Argentinas
- Price of flights from Melbourne to Ushuaia: Business class flights from $8,000, economy flights from $2,400
From Brisbane
- Length of the flight: From 25 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM and Qantas, with connections with Aerolineas Argentinas
- Price of flights from Brisbane to Ushuaia: Business class flights from $8,000, economy flights from $2,200
From Perth
- Length of the flight: From 30 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM and Qantas, with connections with Aerolineas Argentinas
- Price of flights from Perth to Ushuaia: Business class flights from $9,000, economy flights from $2,800
Flights to Punta Arenas from Australia, a Patagonian port amidst the Chilean Andes
One of the largest cities in Patagonia, this southern Chilean city acts as one of the world’s key gateways to the Antarctic continent for both scientists bound for research stations and intrepid travellers aboard expedition cruises to the white continent.
From Sydney
- Length of the flight: From 19 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas, with local connections with; LATAM, JetSmart Chile or Sky Airline
- Price of flights from Sydney to Punta Arenas: Business class flights from $7,000, economy flights from $2,350
From Melbourne
- Length of the flight: From 21 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas, with local connections with; LATAM, JetSmart Chile or Sky Airline
- Price of flights from Melbourne to Punta Arenas: Business class flights from $7,000, economy flights from $2,400
From Brisbane
- Length of the flight: From 22 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas, with local connections with; LATAM, JetSmart Chile or Sky Airline
- Price of flights from Brisbane to Punta Arenas: Business class flights from $7,000, economy flights from $2,100
From Perth
- Length of the flight: From 26 hours (with connections)
- Airlines that fly there: LATAM, Qantas, with local connections with; LATAM, JetSmart Chile or Sky Airline
- Price of flights from Perth to Punta Arenas: Business class flights from $8,000, economy flights from $2,800
Flying the Drake, how to get to Antarctica by air
The Drake Passage is renowned for being quite the adventure, with often unsettling swells and relentless winds as ships navigate the southern ocean. An adventure for many, but a bar for others wishing to visit Antarctica.
Depending on the expedition cruise line you’re exploring the white continent with, you may be able to bypass the weather conditions in the Drake and board a flight directly to Antarctica.
These flights are exclusively charted from Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales or Puerto Williams in Chile, and meet your ship at King George Island in the South Shetlands, close to the Antarctic Peninsula.
No commercial flights go to the remote island, and these are arranged by Antarctica experts and cruise lines directly.
Here’s a few examples of Antarctica cruise lines that offer fly-the-drake options:
- Aurora Expeditions
- National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
- Quark Expeditions
- Silversea
Prepare for take off to Antarctica
With flight times of 17 hours or more, comfort is key aboard Antarctica flights from Australia.
Booking a premium economy or business class fare can make your journey exponentially more comfortable, with extra leg room and the option of lay-flat beds to rest before your once-in-a-lifetime sailing.
If your'e flying on a connection straight to a port city, premium flight classes may also include lounge access in your fare. This allows you the opportunity to relax, dine and even shower during a stopover so you arrive refreshed and ready for your journey.
Scenic flights to Antarctica
If you’re not looking to actually land on the continent, there are also scenic flights available that cruise over Antarctica. (Although we highly recommend an actual visit aboard an expedition ship for the best experience.)
More accessible than sailings if you’re very short on time, Qantas flights to Antarctica depart from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. The flights operate a few times during the summer season and last for about 10-12 hours.
You’ll soar over Antarctica for about four hours and depending on which seat class you book, you’ll either need to stand in the aisle for a view or rotate seats with other travellers for window seats.