Trelew Airport (REL) – Complete Travel Guide 2026

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport quick facts

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport (REL) serves as the primary aerial gateway to the northern Patagonia region, connecting travelers to the cities of Trelew and Rawson. With a single, easily navigable terminal, the airport handles domestic operations primarily through Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART, moving over a quarter of a million passengers annually. Here is what you need to know:

• Location: Ruta Nacional 3, U9100 Trelew, Chubut, Argentina
• Website: www.aeropuertotrelew.com
• Airlines: Serves domestic carriers including Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART
• Terminals: 1 terminal handling all domestic and occasional charter flights

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport Terminal Map and Layout

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport features a single, modern passenger terminal designed for intuitive navigation. The compact layout places all passenger services—check-in, security, gates, and baggage claim—on a single level, making it one of the easiest airports in Argentina to traverse. The terminal covers approximately 3,500 square meters and shares its operational runway with the Trelew Almirante Zar Naval Air Base, giving the facility a unique dual civil-military character.

Because there is only one terminal, passengers never need to worry about complex transfers between buildings. Once you enter the front doors, the check-in counters are directly ahead. After passing through a single security checkpoint, you enter the airside waiting hall where all boarding gates are located. Walking from the entrance to the farthest gate takes no more than five minutes at a leisurely pace.

Navigating Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport Terminals

Main Terminal

• Airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART operate all flights from this terminal.
• Key Features: The terminal was renovated to handle growing tourist traffic while maintaining its Patagonian character. A VIP lounge, souvenir shops, and a café provide comfort before flights.
• Dining and Shopping: The landside area houses the Patagonia Café and Restaurant, while gift shops selling regional crafts and local products line the departure hall.

Transportation to and from Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

The airport sits just 7 kilometers north of Trelew's city center and about 17 kilometers from Rawson, the provincial capital. Several transportation options connect travelers to these cities and beyond.

Getting to and from Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport by Car

The drive from downtown Trelew to the airport takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes via Ruta Nacional 3. Traffic is generally light compared to larger Argentine cities, though the summer tourism season from December to February brings more vehicles onto the roads. On-site parking is available directly in front of the terminal, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

Getting to and from Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport by Rideshare or Taxi

Taxis and remises—private hire cars with fixed rates—are the most convenient door-to-door options. Official taxi stands are located directly outside the arrivals hall exit, and no ride-hailing apps like Uber operate on a large scale in the region. Remises can be booked in advance by phone or arranged through local hotels. A trip to central Trelew costs approximately $5 to $8 USD and takes around 15 minutes. A ride all the way to Puerto Madryn, a popular base for visiting the Valdés Peninsula, takes about an hour and costs between $50 and $70 USD.

Getting to and from Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport by Public Transportation

City buses, known locally as colectivos, do not have a dedicated stop inside the airport grounds. The nearest stops are on the main road, Ruta Nacional 3, approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from the terminal. This option works for travelers with very light luggage but is significantly less convenient than a taxi or rental car. For those connecting to other cities, long-distance buses depart from the Trelew bus terminal located 5 kilometers south in the city center.

Key Amenities at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

ATMs

A single ATM is located on the ground floor in the check-in area. Given the terminal's size, it is impossible to miss. However, it may occasionally run out of cash, especially during long holiday weekends, so carrying some pesos from the city is advisable.

Lost and Found

Lost and found services are managed directly by the airport operator, London Supply Group. For items lost inside the terminal, visit the information desk. For items lost on an aircraft or mishandled baggage, contact the airline representative at their counter in the arrivals hall.

Luggage Services

Standard luggage carts are available for passenger use. Luggage wrapping services are not consistently available, so consider wrapping bags at your origin airport if needed. The airport does not offer storage lockers.

Pets

Pets are welcome inside the terminal in approved carriers in accordance with airline policies. The airport does not have a designated indoor pet relief area, but grassy areas outside the terminal can be used before clearing security.

Showers

No public shower facilities exist at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport. Travelers seeking a shower will need to visit a hotel in Trelew.

Currency Exchange

There is no dedicated currency exchange bureau inside the passenger terminal. The available ATM dispenses Argentine pesos. It is best to exchange money at a bank in Trelew before heading to the airport.

Smoking Area

The terminal is completely non-smoking. Designated smoking areas are located outside the building, before the main entrance.

WiFi

Complimentary WiFi is available in all public areas of the terminal. To connect, select the airport network and follow the on-screen registration prompts. Power outlets and charging stations are located throughout the departure lounge.

Other Amenities: The airport includes an information desk, a medical first-aid room, a mother-and-child room, and full accessibility features including ramps and special restrooms. A chapel or prayer room is not available on site.

Airport Lounges at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

Despite being a compact regional airport, Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport houses one dedicated VIP lounge for passengers seeking a quiet space before departure.

Airline Lounges at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

No airline-specific lounges are operated in the terminal. Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART passengers use the shared, independently operated lounge.

Credit Card-Affiliated Lounges

W Lounge Trelew

• Location: Main Terminal, 1st Floor, before security control.
• Standout Features: This lounge provides a comfortable seating area with a selection of spirits, beer, and wine, complimentary snacks, free WiFi, and flight information monitors.
• How to Access: Access is granted to Priority Pass members, select American Express Platinum cardholders, and passengers paying a day pass fee of approximately $30 USD. The maximum stay is three hours, and it is only accessible for passengers on domestic flights.

Priority Pass Lounges at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

Priority Pass members have access to the W Lounge Trelew. The lounge is the only Priority Pass-affiliated space at the airport. Entry rules may vary by card issuer, and access can be restricted during peak hours when the small lounge reaches capacity.

Other Airports in the Region

Puerto Madryn Airport (PMY)

• Distance to Trelew: About 60 kilometers northeast, a 45-minute drive.
• Best for: Travelers heading directly to the Valdés Peninsula, Puerto Pirámides, and the whale-watching coast. This airport offers proximity to the Atlantic beaches.
• Unique Advantages: Closer to the cruise port and main tourist hotels in Puerto Madryn.

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport Overview

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport traces its origins to 1939, when a naval air base was founded on the site. Named after the Argentine Navy admiral and aviation pioneer Marcos Andrés Zar, the airport has maintained a dual civil-military identity for over eight decades. The facility shares its single 2,560-meter concrete runway with the Argentine Naval Aviation squadron that operates P-3 Orion aircraft from the base.

A major reconstruction project in the early 2000s transformed the civil passenger infrastructure, resulting in the modern terminal visitors use today. The airport primarily serves the city of Trelew and the provincial capital of Rawson, acting as the strategic entry point for tourists visiting Punta Tombo—the largest Magellanic penguin colony in continental South America—and the wider Chubut River valley. In 2016, total passenger traffic reached 252,594, and numbers have grown steadily with the introduction of low-cost airline services.

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport Postal Code

Postal Code: U9100
City: Trelew
Province: Chubut
Country: Argentina
Complete Mailing Address: Ruta Nacional 3, U9100 Trelew, Chubut, Argentina

Duty Free and Shopping at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

As a predominantly domestic airport, Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport does not feature a traditional duty-free store. The commercial offerings focus instead on regional products and souvenirs that celebrate Patagonian culture. Shops include a drugstore, a crafts store called Patagonia Creativa, and a regional souvenirs stand. These outlets sell local delicacies, Welsh-inspired crafts reflecting the area's settlement history, and travel essentials.

The Patagonia Café and Restaurant in the main hall is the primary dining option, serving Argentine staples like empanadas, medialunas, and coffee. Shopping for high-end duty-free goods is not realistic here; instead, visitors should pick up artisanal chocolates, jams, and leather goods as authentic mementos of Patagonia.

Security Wait Times at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

The compact terminal generally means very short security lines. On a standard day, passengers can expect to clear security in under 10 minutes. The busiest periods align with the vacation months of January and February, when early morning flights to Buenos Aires see queues stretching to about 20 minutes. The airport recommends arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before a domestic departure as a stress-free buffer.

The airport does not participate in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR programs. Standard security rules apply: liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, and laptops must be taken out of bags for screening.

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information

The airport terminal has a curbside zone directly outside the building where both arrivals and departures are handled. The area is compact, and curbside waiting is not allowed; vehicles must not be left unattended. Passengers being picked up should wait at the covered walkway just outside the baggage claim exit, a convenient and obvious meeting point. There is no dedicated cell phone waiting lot, so drivers typically wait at gas stations on the approach road until their passengers call to say they are ready.

Flight Routes and Airlines at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

The airport connects Trelew primarily to Buenos Aires, with Aerolíneas Argentinas operating frequent flights to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport. JetSMART also serves the Trelew-Buenos Aires corridor, offering a low-cost alternative. Popular domestic destinations also include seasonal connections to Ushuaia and other Patagonian points. No international routes are currently active, though historically flights to São Paulo, Brazil have operated. The best availability and most convenient schedules are found by booking flights to and from Buenos Aires.

Getting to and from Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

The short distance from the airport to Trelew simplifies arrival and departure logistics immensely. With key Patagonian destinations radiating outward, securing onward transportation upon landing is essential to starting your adventure without delay.

Car Rental at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the region's wide-open spaces. Several agencies operate counters inside the terminal:

• Hertz Rent a Car
• Avis Rent a Car
• Localiza Rent a Car
• Dubrovnik Rent a Car
• Always Rent a Car

Popular vehicle types include compact sedans for city driving and 4x4 SUVs recommended for gravel roads leading to Punta Tombo or Cabo Dos Bahías. Rental counters are located just steps from baggage claim. Advance booking is strongly recommended during the peak December-to-February summer season, as fleets are limited.

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport Taxi Services

Official taxis and remises are available outside the arrivals area. A taxi to downtown Trelew costs approximately $5 to $8 USD, while a remis to Puerto Madryn runs around $50 to $70 USD. Drivers generally accept both cash in Argentine pesos and credit cards, though it is wise to confirm the payment method before beginning the trip.

Private Car Services at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

For a premium arrival experience, private transfer services such as Transfer PMY can be pre-booked. Fixed-rate vehicles meet passengers at the terminal and provide direct service to hotels in Trelew, Puerto Madryn, and even the Valdés Peninsula. This is an excellent option for families or groups with large amounts of dive or photography gear.

Bus Services at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

No dedicated airport bus line operates directly into the terminal. Public city buses stop on Ruta Nacional 3, roughly a 15-minute walk from the terminal. Long-distance buses to Buenos Aires and other cities depart from the Trelew bus terminal, which is a taxi ride away in the city center.

Hotel Shuttles

Most hotels in Trelew do not run scheduled airport shuttles, but several arrange private taxis or remises for their guests upon request. Inquire directly with your accommodation before arriving to arrange a pickup.

Parking at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

The airport offers a paid parking lot directly in front of the terminal building. The lot accommodates approximately 128 vehicles and operates without advance reservations. Current rates are all-inclusive final prices:

• Hourly: approximately $5.00 USD
• Half Day (12 hours): approximately $20.00 USD
• Daily (24 hours): approximately $40.00 USD
• Monthly: approximately $1,200.00 USD

Parking is free for vehicles displaying the International Symbol of Access (ISA) in accordance with Argentine Law 19279. No electric vehicle charging stations are currently installed. Payment can be made at the parking office.

Places to Explore Near Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport is the launchpad for some of Argentina's most dramatic natural encounters. The city of Trelew itself, a 15-minute drive south, offers the excellent Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio, which showcases dinosaur fossils found in the region. Another 20 minutes southeast lies Rawson, where boat tours on the Chubut River provide sightings of Commerson's dolphins.

Puerto Madryn is 60 kilometers northeast, roughly a 50-minute drive on paved roads. This coastal city is the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula UNESCO World Heritage site, where Southern right whales, sea lions, and orcas can be seen. The famed Punta Tombo penguin colony is 110 kilometers south, about a 1.5-hour drive. The realistic driving times and well-maintained Ruta Nacional 3 make a rental car the best tool for a Patagonian road trip.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Trelew

Trelew sits in the arid Patagonian steppe, characterized by dry conditions, strong winds, and wide temperature swings.

• Spring (September to November): Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C (46°F to 72°F). Penguins arrive at Punta Tombo in September, and whales are still present in the Valdés Peninsula. A fantastic time for wildlife.
• Summer (December to February): The warmest months, with highs of 30°C (86°F) and long daylight hours. This is peak tourist season, so book flights and car rentals well ahead. Great beach weather.
• Autumn (March to May): Cooler temperatures from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F) and fewer crowds. Penguins remain at the colony until April.
• Winter (June to August): Cold, with temperatures from 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F). Whale watching near Puerto Madryn is at its absolute best, though some tourist services reduce hours.

Essential Travel Tips

• Arrival Time: Arrive exactly 2 hours before a domestic flight; with the small terminal, this gives you a relaxed buffer.
• Flight Status: Check status directly on the Aerolíneas Argentinas or JetSMART website. The airport's own site also has a flight tracker.
• Packing for Patagonia: Layers are essential. Bring a windproof jacket regardless of the season, plus sunscreen and sunglasses for the intense UV.
• Currency: Carry Argentine pesos in cash. While businesses in Trelew accept cards, remote estancias and smaller shops prefer cash. The airport ATM cannot always be relied upon.
• Language: Spanish is essential; English is not widely spoken outside hotels and major tour operators.
• Documentation: A valid passport is required for foreign tourists. No visa is required for US, EU, or Mercosur citizens for tourist stays.
• Driving: A driver's license from your home country is valid for driving in Argentina. An International Driving Permit is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
• Fueling Up: YPF and other gas stations are located along Ruta Nacional 3. Fill up in Trelew before heading south to Punta Tombo.

About the City

Founded in 1886 by Welsh settlers, Trelew derives its name from "Tre" (town in Welsh) and "Lew" (short for Lewis Jones, the settlement's founder). Today, it is a bustling city of approximately 100,000 inhabitants and the commercial hub of the lower Chubut River valley. The city retains echoes of its Welsh heritage in its architecture and tea houses, while simultaneously serving as the modern industrial center for Patagonian wool and aluminum production. Dining highlights include cordero patagónico (roasted Patagonian lamb) and fresh seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast, best enjoyed at traditional parrilla restaurants in the city center. For travelers, Trelew offers a more authentic, local Patagonian experience compared to the heavily touristed resort town of Puerto Madryn, making it a rewarding base for exploring the region.

Start Your Journey at Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport

Almirante Marco Andrés Zar Airport is more than just a place to land; it is the first chapter of your Patagonian story. From the moment you step off the plane onto the windy tarmac, you are immersed in the landscape of southern Argentina. The airport's simplicity is its greatest strength—no confusing terminal changes or long hikes, just the essentials delivered efficiently. The real adventure begins when you pick up the keys to your rental car and point your wheels toward the steppe. Whether you are tracking penguins, watching whales, or chasing dinosaur fossils, booking your rental car in advance ensures your journey starts the second you arrive. Plan ahead, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to discover Patagonia from this unassuming yet vital gateway.