Puente Alto Santiago Metropolitan, Chile Travel Guide
SCL, also known as Pudahuel Airport, stands approximately 25-30 km northwest of central Santiago. It serves as the main arrival point.
Numerous choices are available for reaching Puente Alto from SCL. Plan your transfer based on budget and convenience.
High season (Dec-Feb) brings peak prices. Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) often present better deals. Low season (Jun-Aug) may have the lowest fares.
SCL features duty-free, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, and free Wi-Fi for passenger convenience.
Taxi to Puente Alto: CLP 35,000-50,000. Shared shuttle: CLP 15,000-25,000. Public bus + Metro: approx. CLP 2,000-4,000 + Metro fare.
SCL offers duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants, and cafes.
Car rental agencies, currency exchange counters, ATMs, comfortable lounges.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, alongside tourist information desks.
Chile features an excellent and efficient long-distance bus network, connecting Santiago to nearly every corner of the country and neighboring nations.
Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring regions beyond Santiago, like Cajón del Maipo or coastal areas.
Major highways are well-maintained. Rural roads vary. Toll roads are common; rental cars should have a "TAG".
Drive defensively in Santiago. Be be on the lookout for pedestrians/cyclists. Strict drunk driving laws.
EFE Trenes de Chile operates intercity services mainly south of Santiago. No passenger service directly to Puente Alto.
Sea or river arrivals are not relevant for Puente Alto or the Santiago Metropolitan Region, as it is an inland area.
Chile shares land borders with Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Major crossings like Paso Los Libertadores (Argentina) are popular.
Paso Los Libertadores (Argentina), Paso Pehuenche (Argentina), Paso Cardenal Samoré (Argentina), Desaguadero (Bolivia), Chacalluta (Peru).
Paso Los Libertadores often closes in winter due to heavy snowfall, affecting travel between Chile and Argentina.
Always have your passport, visa (if needed), and any specific vehicle documents prepared for border officials.
No specific exit fees or taxes upon departure from Chile for international flights. These costs are included in airline ticket prices.
Arrive at SCL at least 3 hours before international flights, and 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
Complete check-in, proceed through security, and surrender your PDI card at immigration for international flights.
Ensure you have your PDI card for immigration when leaving the country. Losing it can lead to delays.
