Antarctica is not your average getaway. There are no budget hostels, no train passes, and definitely no cheap taco stands (unless a penguin is running a food truck we don’t know about). That said, if you think traveling to Antarctica is only for millionaires and scientists, you’re in for a surprise. Yes, it’s expensive, but there are legit ways to make it happen for a lot less than you’d expect. If you want to travel to Antarctica for cheap, you’ll need to get creative, do some planning, and be willing to say yes to adventure (and maybe yes to some not-very-luxurious accommodations). Let's get into details of how you can make that happen.

Can anyone travel to Antarctica?

Let’s clear this up first: yes, pretty much anyone can travel to Antarctica.

You don’t need special training, a research grant, or a yacht. Tour companies have been running trips to Antarctica since the 1960s, and every year more people sign up, backpackers included.

That said, there are rules. Because the continent is governed by international treaty, most travelers visit through approved tour operators that follow strict environmental guidelines.

Independent travel isn’t banned, but it’s insanely expensive and logistically bonkers.

So if you’re planning solo travel to Antarctica, you'll likely still go through a group tour. Solo, in this case, usually just means you're not part of a big family or honeymooning couple. Don’t worry though, you won’t be the only one.

The best time to travel to Antarctica

The continent isn’t open to tourists year-round. The travel window is short and sweet: November to March.

These are the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, when temperatures are relatively mild and there’s enough daylight to actually see the place you flew halfway across the world for. Within that window, December and January are the peak.

That’s when you’ll get the best wildlife spotting — penguin chicks, whales, seals — and the longest daylight hours. But here’s the trick: those months are also the most expensive.

If you're looking to travel Antarctica for cheap, aim for the shoulder season. Late November or early March can offer serious savings. You might miss a few whales, but you’ll also miss the markups.

Cost of travel in Antarctica: what to expect

We're not gonna lie, this is where most people stop planning and start crying.

The average tour to Antarctica costs between $8,000 and $15,000.

That’s before flights, gear, or emergency evacuation insurance. But here’s the good news: you can go for a fraction of that.

If you’re flexible and willing to take last-minute deals, it’s possible to travel Antarctica cheap, like $3,500 to $5,000 cheap.

That’s still a lot, but way less than what most people pay. These deals often come up in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and the main departure point for Antarctic cruises.

Tour companies sometimes have extra cabins to fill, and instead of sending a half-empty ship, they slash prices to get people on board.

The catch? You need to be there in person, ready to go. Booking from home won’t get you those deals. Fly to Ushuaia, spend a few days talking to tour offices on the ground, and keep your schedule open. It’s a gamble, but people do it every season and score huge discounts.

Getting to Ushuaia on a budget

Flights to Ushuaia aren’t cheap, but they’re manageable if you plan ahead.

Look for deals to Buenos Aires, which has more international connections and usually cheaper flights. From there, budget airlines like JetSmart and Flybondi offer affordable one-way fares to Ushuaia.

Don’t forget to factor in baggage fees, which can add up quickly on budget flights in South America. But even with those, it's still far cheaper than booking a direct international flight to Ushuaia (which, honestly, barely exists).

If you’re already traveling through South America, even better. Consider overland routes and buses if you’ve got the time. It’s slow, but it’s scenic and can cost less than one night in a mid-range hotel.

How to find cheap Antarctic cruises

Once in Ushuaia, start visiting every travel agency you can find. There are dozens, and they all sell berths on the same handful of expedition ships.

Ask about last-minute deals and be ready to haggle a little (although not too much). If a cruise is leaving in two days and still has open spots, they’ll want to fill them.

Cash helps, as do USD or euros, though most places take credit cards too. If you're flexible about the type of cabin, as shared is cheapest, and the exact itinerary (some go to the South Shetlands only, others cruise the full peninsula), you’ll have more options.

Some travelers score deals by showing up in the off-season and waiting for cancellations or weather delays to shift the schedules. It requires patience and a willingness to hang out in one of the windiest towns on Earth, but the payoff can be huge!

Gear up without going broke

Don’t spend a fortune at REI before you go.

Most tour operators will provide outer gear, like waterproof boots and parkas. You’ll need good base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and a few dry bags for your stuff, but you don’t need to buy a full polar expedition wardrobe.

In Buenos Aires or even Ushuaia, you can rent cold-weather gear for a fraction of the price of buying it new.

What you'll actually do in Antarctica

Most trips are about 10 to 12 days. You’ll cross the Drake Passage (which, yes, can be rough), and then spend several days doing shore landings and zodiac cruises around the Antarctic Peninsula.

You’ll see penguins by the hundreds, surreal ice formations, and a whole lot of silence.

It’s not a “busy” destination, which is part of the appeal. Just you, the cold, and the realization that you’re on the last wild continent.

Wi-Fi is spotty to nonexistent, so it’s a good chance to unplug. And you will be sharing the boat with some retirees and hardcore wildlife photographers, but there are usually a few younger travelers in the mix as well, especially the ones who scored last-minute tickets like you.

Is solo travel to Antarctica weird?

Not at all. In fact, solo travelers are often the ones who get the best deals. Tour companies want to fill every bunk, so they’ll discount solo spots in shared cabins rather than let them go empty.

You might be bunking with a total stranger, but that’s half the fun. You’re already thousands of miles from anywhere; a little dorm-style bonding isn’t going to hurt.

Plus, solo travel to Antarctica gives you the flexibility to wait for deals, move quickly, and take a trip on your own terms. It’s also easier to find a single space on a ship than two or three. If you’re up for it, this is one of the best ways to make the journey affordable.

It won’t be cheap cheap, like a $10-a-day hostel in Southeast Asia, but you can travel Antarctica cheap by being flexible, informed, and willing to show up in Ushuaia without a return ticket. The best time to travel to Antarctica depends on your priorities. Cost, wildlife, weather. But even in the shoulder season, the place will blow your mind. And once you’ve stood on the deck of a ship, watching massive icebergs float past and hearing nothing but wind and waves, you’ll understand why people save up for this.

Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:

• Antarctica Guide
• Currency, Budgeting & Tipping | Swoop Antarctica
• How much does an Antarctica cruise cost? | Antarctica Cruise