Ushuaia on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Yes, if you limit paid excursions: hostels, empanadas, shuttles and free walks keep costs down, but boat trips are the expensive part. A realistic minimum is about US$75 a day per person sharing a room — around US$25 for a bed, US$25 for food, US$20 for sights and US$5 for transport.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$25 | US$65 | US$150 |
| Food & drink | US$25 | US$45 | US$85 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$60 | US$120 |
| Local transport | US$5 | US$15 | US$40 |
| Per person, per day | US$75 | US$185 | US$395 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Ushuaia day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Walking the waterfront and the port along the Beagle Channel
- Avenida San Martín and the town's colourful houses
- The walk up towards the Martial Glacier for views over the channel
- The 'Fin del Mundo' sign and viewpoints by the port
- Watching birds along the shore of the channel
- The viewpoint over Lago Escondido at Paso Garibaldi, if you have transport
Cheap eats
- Empanadas — roughly US$1.50–4.50 each
- Hot chocolate in a café — about US$3.50–6.50
- A coffee and pastry — about US$5–8
- Ice cream with calafate berries — about US$3.50–6.50
- A set lunch or bakery lunch in Tolhuin on the lakes road
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in hostels in the town centre, a walk from the port, shops and tour offices, at about US$25–50 a night. Book early for December to February, when the Antarctic cruise season fills the town.
Getting around cheaply
The centre is small and walkable. Shuttles run to the national park (about US$25–35 return), the train station and Laguna Esmeralda in season. The airport is about 4 km away, 10 minutes by taxi. Sharing a rental car (about US$60–100 a day) is cheapest for Harberton and the lakes.
A sample budget day
- Morning: shuttle to Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Senda Costera walk (shuttle and entry about US$60, spread over two days)
- Lunch: picnic or empanadas (about US$6)
- Afternoon: Bahía Lapataia, where Ruta 3 ends
- Evening: a simple dinner in town (about US$15) and a walk along the port
- Total: about US$75 including a hostel bed (about US$25)
More ways to save
- Choose one boat trip rather than several; the standard Beagle Channel tour covers the lighthouse, sea lions and cormorants.
- Hike to Laguna Esmeralda by shuttle instead of a guided tour if you are experienced.
- Bring warm clothes from home; outdoor gear is expensive in town.
- Cook in your hostel kitchen for some meals.
- Avoid restaurants on the waterfront on cruise days.
- Ask whether a cash or card payment gives a better price before paying.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Can you visit Ushuaia on a budget?
Yes, if you limit paid boat trips. Hostels, shuttles and free walks keep costs to about US$75 a day.
Is the End of the World Train worth the money?
It is pleasant but touristy. Hikers may prefer the Senda Costera in the national park.
How do I get to the national park cheaply?
Take a shuttle from the town centre (about US$25–35 return) and pay the park entry fee in pesos.