How to Travel to the Falkland Islands

How to Get to the Falkland Islands

Flights, routes, airport transfers and practical advice from LatitudeX Adventures

The Falkland Islands are remote. That’s part of their appeal.

But reaching them is easier than many people imagine.

You don’t need to join an Antarctica cruise to visit. You can fly to the Falklands from South America or the United Kingdom, stay in Stanley, explore remote islands by small aircraft, travel overland by 4×4 or discover the archipelago aboard a small expedition vessel.

The real challenge isn’t necessarily getting there.

It’s deciding how much of the Falklands you want to experience once you arrive.

At LatitudeX Adventures, we often meet travellers who imagine the Falklands as a tiny group of islands somewhere near Antarctica.

Then they arrive.

And discover an archipelago far larger, greener and more varied than they expected.

This guide explains how to reach the Falkland Islands, how to travel between them and what to consider when planning your journey.

Where are the Falkland Islands?

The Falkland Islands lie in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 480 kilometres (300 miles) east of the southern coast of South America.

The archipelago consists of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, together with hundreds of smaller islands.

Stanley, the capital, is on East Falkland.

The main international airport, Mount Pleasant, is also on East Falkland, approximately an hour’s drive from Stanley.

And while the islands may look small on a world map, distances can be surprisingly substantial.

That is worth remembering when planning an itinerary.

A penguin colony might require a lengthy 4×4 journey.

A remote settlement might be reached by small aircraft.

An offshore island might only be accessible by boat.

The Falklands reward travellers who plan carefully — and leave room for the unexpected.

What is the easiest way to get to the Falkland Islands?

For most international visitors, there are two main air routes:

1. Via Chile: A scheduled LATAM flight from Santiago, via Punta Arenas, to Mount Pleasant Airport.

2. Via the United Kingdom: The South Atlantic Airbridge service, which carries civilian passengers subject to availability and booking requirements.

A third option is to arrive by sea, aboard a cruise ship, expedition vessel or private yacht.

Which route is best depends on where you’re travelling from, your available dates and whether the Falklands are your main destination or part of a wider journey.

Flying to the Falkland Islands via Chile

For many travellers, the most straightforward route is through Chile.

LATAM operates a scheduled Saturday service connecting Santiago with Mount Pleasant Airport in the Falklands, via Punta Arenas in southern Chile.

Santiago is a major international gateway, with connections from Europe, North America and other parts of South America.

Punta Arenas is especially convenient for travellers already exploring Patagonia.

The flight between Punta Arenas and the Falklands takes approximately 90 minutes, although schedules and operating conditions should always be checked.

Can you fly to the Falklands from Argentina?

Some LATAM services include a stop at Río Gallegos in Argentina on specified Saturdays each month.

This is not a daily connection, and it is important to check the precise dates and direction of travel before making plans.

The previously advertised midweek route via São Paulo has remained suspended, so travellers should not assume it is operating without checking the latest airline information.

Our advice for travellers coming through Chile

If you’re arriving in Santiago after a long international flight, we recommend allowing time before your onward connection.

Ideally, spend at least a night in Chile rather than relying on a tight connection between separate tickets.

And if you’re combining the Falklands with Patagonia, consider spending time in Punta Arenas before or after your expedition.

The journey can become part of the experience rather than simply a series of airports.

Flying to the Falkland Islands from the United Kingdom

The Falklands are also connected to the UK through the South Atlantic Airbridge.

This service is operated under UK Ministry of Defence arrangements and normally provides two flights per week, with a refuelling stop at Ascension Island.

A limited number of civilian seats are available through the appropriate booking channels.

Unlike a conventional airline service, the Airbridge has its own booking, check-in and baggage requirements.

Travellers should book well ahead and allow flexibility around departure and return dates.

Important October 2026 travel update

Between 25 July and 15 November 2026, the South Atlantic Airbridge is operating through East Midlands Airportinstead of RAF Brize Norton, subject to amendment.

This temporary change is connected to runway resurfacing at Brize Norton.

If you’re travelling during this period, follow your confirmed booking instructions rather than older online information.

The service is expected to return to its usual arrangements after the temporary closure, but travellers should verify the latest details before departure.

Is the UK route better than travelling through Chile?

Not necessarily.

For travellers already in the UK, the Airbridge may be convenient.

For those combining the Falklands with Patagonia, Chile may be the more natural route.

Availability, travel dates, luggage requirements and the rest of your itinerary should guide the decision.

Arriving at Mount Pleasant Airport

Most international visitors arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN).

Mount Pleasant is not in Stanley, so you’ll need an onward transfer.

The drive to Stanley generally takes around an hour.

Airport shuttle services operate in connection with international arrivals and departures, and private transfers may also be arranged.

We recommend booking your transfer in advance.

This is not a major international airport where you should assume taxis and public transport will be waiting in unlimited numbers.

If you’re travelling with an organised expedition, check whether transfers are included.

Should you stay in Stanley before your expedition?

We often recommend it.

Stanley is worth experiencing in its own right.

It’s a small capital with colourful buildings, museums, maritime history, local shops and a fascinating connection to the wider archipelago.

It also offers something practical: a buffer between your international flight and the next stage of your journey.

In a remote destination, that can be extremely valuable.

Can you reach the Falkland Islands by cruise ship?

Yes.

Many Antarctic and South Atlantic cruises include the Falkland Islands in their itineraries.

Some call at Stanley, while expedition vessels may visit selected outer islands depending on their routes and operating conditions.

A cruise visit can be a wonderful introduction.

You might see king penguins, explore Stanley or visit a wildlife colony.

But there’s an important distinction.

Visiting the Falklands on the way to Antarctica is not the same as exploring the Falklands as a destination in their own right.

The archipelago contains extraordinary wildlife colonies, remote settlements, working farms, empty beaches, cliffs and islands that receive comparatively few visitors.

A short cruise call can only reveal a fraction of that.

As we often say at LatitudeX Adventures:

You’ve only scratched the surface.

Travelling between the Falkland Islands

Once you’ve arrived, how do you explore?

The answer depends on where you want to go.

There are roads, small aircraft, ferries and vessels.

Each offers a different experience.

Flying between islands with FIGAS

The Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service, known as FIGAS, operates small aircraft between Stanley and numerous destinations around the archipelago.

For visitors exploring the outer islands, FIGAS is an important part of the transport network.

The aircraft are small, and the flights themselves can be memorable.

Looking down over the Falklands, you begin to understand the scale of the landscape.

Long coastlines.

Open countryside.

Remote farms.

Small settlements separated by stretches of water.

How does FIGAS work?

FIGAS does not operate like a conventional airline with the same fixed route and departure time every day.

Flights are arranged according to bookings and operational requirements.

The following day’s schedule is normally confirmed during the preceding afternoon.

That means travellers need to be flexible.

Weather can also affect departures.

For independent travellers, flights should be arranged well in advance, ideally in coordination with accommodation bookings.

What is the FIGAS luggage allowance?

The published standard visitor allowance is 20 kilograms per person.

Excess baggage may incur charges and is subject to aircraft capacity.

This is particularly important for photographers travelling with heavy lenses, camera bodies and tripods.

If you anticipate carrying additional equipment, declare it when booking.

On small aircraft, passenger and baggage weights are essential to safe flight planning.

Travelling around the Falklands by road and 4×4

Road travel is another way to explore East and West Falkland.

But don’t expect the distances and road conditions of a conventional European road trip.

Some journeys involve gravel roads.

Others require experienced drivers and specialist four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Getting to Volunteer Point

Volunteer Point is one of the Falklands’ best-known wildlife destinations, particularly for its king penguin colony.

But reaching it from Stanley involves a substantial journey, including rough off-road terrain.

We recommend travelling with an experienced local guide and appropriate vehicle.

The journey itself is part of the adventure.

You pass through open landscapes that seem to stretch endlessly towards the horizon.

And eventually you arrive at a coastline where king penguins gather beside an extraordinary white-sand beach.

Why travelling overland matters

The Falklands are not simply about wildlife.

They’re also about the people who live here.

Road journeys offer opportunities to understand the working farms, settlements and everyday realities of island life.

How supplies arrive.

How communities stay connected.

How people work with the weather.

That human side of the Falklands is something we think deserves far more attention.

Ferries between East and West Falkland

The MV Concordia Bay provides an important ferry connection between New Haven on East Falkland and Port Howard on West Falkland.

The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes.

The ferry can carry passengers and vehicles, making it useful for travellers exploring both main islands by road.

Schedules should be checked in advance, and reservations are recommended.

As with other transport in the Falklands, weather and operational conditions can affect travel.

Exploring the Falklands by small expedition vessel

For us at LatitudeX Adventures, travelling by small expedition vessel offers something particularly special.

Access. Time. Flexibility.

Some of the most extraordinary Falklands locations cannot be reached by road or aircraft.

Travelling by sea opens up a different world.

Remote islands.

Seabird cliffs.

Sheltered anchorages.

Wild coastlines.

And wildlife encounters that may happen while you’re simply moving from one destination to another.

One of our most memorable experiences involved hundreds of Commerson’s dolphins appearing around our Zodiacs, surfing in the waves and investigating our presence.

That wasn’t something we could have planned.

It happened because we were there.

Why flexibility matters

Weather always affects Falklands expeditions.

A small vessel doesn’t eliminate that reality.

But it can provide opportunities to adjust plans around conditions, access different locations and spend more time in the archipelago.

Rather than treating the Falklands as a brief stop on a wider voyage, a dedicated expedition allows the islands themselves to become the focus.

That’s the experience we believe is worth travelling for.

How much connection time should you allow?

One of the biggest mistakes travellers can make is planning connections too tightly.

International flights to the Falklands are limited.

FIGAS schedules are determined by operational requirements.

Weather can affect flights and sea travel.

And some wildlife destinations are a long way from Stanley.

For these reasons, we recommend allowing extra time around important connections.

Where practical:

Arrive at your international departure gateway at least a day before a critical onward flight.
Avoid tight connections between separate airline tickets.
Allow a buffer before joining an expedition vessel.
Return to East Falkland before your international departure rather than relying on a same-day outer-island flight.
Keep essential medication, documents and necessary personal items accessible within baggage rules.

The exact amount of buffer time depends on your itinerary.

But the principle is simple.

A little extra time is far better than missing the beginning of an expedition.

What happens if the weather changes your plans?

The Falklands are famous for their wind.

And weather is part of life here.

A morning of sunshine can turn into a very different afternoon.

Conditions can affect small aircraft, ferry crossings, Zodiac operations and expedition landings.

That doesn’t mean the Falklands are difficult to enjoy.

It means travelling with flexibility is essential.

For us, one of the most important parts of expedition planning is understanding when to adapt.

Sometimes a location isn’t accessible on the day originally planned.

Sometimes an alternative becomes possible.

And sometimes a change of plans produces one of the most memorable moments of the journey.

The Falklands don’t always follow a timetable.

That’s part of what makes them extraordinary.

What should you pack for travelling around the Falklands?

Another misconception is that the Falklands are permanently covered in snow and ice.

They aren’t.

The climate is much more temperate than Antarctica, especially during the summer visitor season.

Visitors often arrive with far more heavy cold-weather clothing than they need.

We recommend concentrating on practical layers instead.

A windproof and waterproof outer shell is essential.

So are comfortable walking footwear, a good hat and sun protection.

Photographers should bring suitable protection for equipment, particularly around salt spray, rain and wind.

If you’re travelling by FIGAS, remember the baggage restrictions.

And if you’re joining a vessel-based expedition, check the operator’s specific footwear and equipment requirements.

How do LatitudeX Adventures guests reach their expedition?

The exact arrangements depend on the expedition itinerary and departure.

Before booking non-refundable international flights, guests should confirm the joining instructions supplied by LatitudeX Adventures.

These should identify the required arrival date, meeting or embarkation location, transfer arrangements, and any accommodation needed before or after the expedition.

We encourage guests to think of their international journey as part of the overall expedition planning rather than something completely separate.

That helps reduce the risk of missed connections and makes the experience more enjoyable from the beginning.

Contact LatitudeX Adventures before finalising your flights so your travel plans align with your chosen expedition.

How many days do you need in the Falkland Islands?

This may be the most important question of all.

Two or three days can give you an introduction.

You might explore Stanley and visit one or two wildlife locations.

But you will have seen only a small part of what the islands offer.

The Falklands are far bigger than most visitors expect.

And some of the greatest wildlife experiences are found well beyond the places reached on a conventional day trip.

For photographers, birders, walkers and anyone interested in remote places, spending longer makes an enormous difference.

You can visit several islands.

Experience different wildlife habitats.

Meet local people.

Walk along empty beaches.

And spend time simply watching.

Some of our favourite Falklands moments have involved sitting on cliffs watching black-browed albatrosses or walking quietly along a beach.

Nothing hurried.

Nothing forced.

Just time to experience the place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fly directly to the Falkland Islands from the UK?

Yes. The South Atlantic Airbridge connects the UK with Mount Pleasant, with a refuelling stop at Ascension Island and limited civilian seats. During the temporary period from 25 July to 15 November 2026, the service operates through East Midlands Airport rather than RAF Brize Norton, subject to amendment.

Can you fly to the Falkland Islands from Chile?

Yes. LATAM operates a scheduled Saturday service from Santiago via Punta Arenas to Mount Pleasant Airport

What is the main airport in the Falkland Islands?

Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) is the principal international gateway. Stanley Airport is primarily used for domestic services.

How do you get from Mount Pleasant to Stanley?

Pre-booked airport shuttle services and private transfers are available. The road journey generally takes around an hour.

Can you fly between the islands?

Yes. FIGAS operates small aircraft connecting Stanley with numerous outer-island locations. The flight schedule is organised according to bookings and operational requirements.

Can you visit the Falklands without going to Antarctica?

Absolutely. The Falklands are a destination in their own right. You can fly in and explore by road, domestic aircraft, ferry or expedition vessel.

Do you need to allow extra days for weather?

We strongly recommend allowing flexibility, particularly around international departures and connections involving small aircraft or vessels.

Is travelling around the Falklands expensive?

Costs vary considerably depending on the itinerary. Domestic flights, accommodation, guided 4×4 journeys and vessel-based expeditions all have different pricing structures. Planning transport and accommodation together is usually the most sensible approach.