The cheapest way to get to Antarctica from the US is to fly to Buenos Aires, connect to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina, and board an expedition ship that sails across the Drake Passage. Done on a budget, the whole trip generally costs $7,500–$12,000 per person.
There's no commercial flight from the US to Antarctica, and no ship sails there from an American port on a direct expedition. Every affordable trip runs through South America. Ushuaia is the key: it sits about 600 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula, closer than any other departure port, and most expedition ships leave from there.
Quick answer
Cheapest route: US → Buenos Aires → Ushuaia → expedition ship across the Drake Passage.
Typical cost: $7,500–$12,000 per person, all in.
Cheapest way to just see it: a big-ship South America cruise that sails past Antarctica without landing, often from $3,000–$5,500 per person with flights.
Best Value
1. The Cheapest Route, Step by Step
Three flights and a ship, priced per person.
The cruise fare is by far the biggest cost, so that's where the savings are. Older or smaller ships, triple-share cabins and early-season or late-season dates bring it down. For a fuller breakdown, see our Antarctica trip cost guide for two.
Know the Difference
2. Seeing Antarctica vs. Setting Foot on It
The cheapest ticket doesn't include a landing.
Big cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity and Norwegian run South America itineraries that spend a few days sailing through Antarctic waters. They're the cheapest way to see Antarctica, but ships carrying more than 500 passengers aren't allowed to land guests under industry guidelines. You'll watch the glaciers from the deck, not walk among penguins.
Scenic cruise$3,000–$5,500per person, with flightsBig ship, sails past Antarctica, no landings.
Budget expedition$7,500–$12,000per person, all inSmall ship, Zodiac landings, the real experience.
Last-minute deal$6,000–$9,000per person, all inUnsold cabins booked weeks out. Never guaranteed.
For most people, the expedition cruise is the one worth saving for. Standing on the continent is the whole point of the trip.
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3. Routes That Cost More
Faster or farther, but rarely cheaper.
If seasickness is your biggest worry, the fly-cruise premium can be worth paying. If price comes first, sail the Drake with a good seasickness plan.
Save Money
4. Ways to Pay Less
The biggest savings come from timing and flexibility.
- Book 12–18 months ahead for early-booking discounts of 10–25%. Our guide to the best time to book for discounts covers every window.
- Sail in November or March, when fares often run 15–20% below peak.
- Share a triple cabin, often $2,000–$3,000 cheaper per person.
- Fly from a Southern hub like Miami or Houston for the lowest fares to Buenos Aires.
- Don't skip insurance to save money. Most operators require evacuation cover. You can get an Antarctica travel insurance quote in a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fly directly from the US to Antarctica?
No. There are no commercial flights from the US to Antarctica. Tourist trips connect through South America, most often Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, or Santiago and Punta Arenas.
What is the cheapest month to go to Antarctica?
Early November and March usually have the lowest fares. Late-season sailings in February and March also see the most last-minute discounts.
How long does it take to get to Antarctica from the US?
Allow about two days to reach Ushuaia, including a buffer night, then roughly two days sailing across the Drake Passage. Fly-cruises cut the crossing to about two hours in the air.
About these figures
Prices are typical per-person ranges for US travelers as of September 2026. Fares and flights change often, so confirm current prices before booking.
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