Santiago Santiago Metropolitan, Chile Travel Guide
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is Santiago's main international and domestic airport, also known as Santiago International Airport or Pudahuel Airport. It is situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of the city center. SCL is a modern, well-equipped airport and a central point for South America. It features two main terminals: International (T2) and Domestic (T1), which are connected and easy to navigate. Amenities include duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.
LATAM Airlines is Chile’s flag carrier and a major hub at SCL, offering extensive connections across South America, North America, and Europe. Other major international carriers serving Santiago include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Iberia, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Avianca, Copa Airlines, and Aerolíneas Argentinas. These airlines connect Santiavisit major global hubs. Within Chile, LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart are main carriers for domestic routes.
Flight prices are highest during High Season (Dec-Feb), reflecting summer holidays. Shoulder Seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) offer more moderate prices and flexibility. Low Season (Jun-Aug) often sees lower flight prices, coinciding with Chile's winter.
Booking in shoulder or low seasons can yield better deals. Consider using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner. Membership services such as Dollar Flight Club alert you to discounted fares.
Flexibility with travel dates and choosing flights during off-peak times often reduces costs. Consider connecting flights rather than direct if price savings are substantial. Loyalty programs and airline points can also offer savings.
To rent a car, a valid home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed. Minimum age is typically 21 or 25, depending on the the company you are renting from.
Major highways are good. Rural roads vary. Toll roads are common. Driving in urban Santiago can be challenging due to traffic.
Be aware of potential for car theft (older models). Fuel (gasoline and diesel) is readily available. Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
Long-distance buses are the most popular, efficient, and extensive mode of intercity travel in Chile. The network connects Santiago to almost every major town and city. Main terminals include Terminal Alameda/Santiago and Terminal San Borja (near Estación Central), and Terminal Los Héroes (central, for Valparaíso). Major companies are TurBus, Pullman Bus, EME Bus, and Condor Bus.
The most common land crossing from Santiago to Argentina is Paso Los Libertadores to Mendoza. This scenic route through the Andes can be busy and close in winter due to snow. Expect passport control and customs on both sides. Train travel in Chile is limited, mainly south of Santiago. EFE operates services from Santiago (Estación Central) to Rancagua (commuter) and Chillán (faster service).
To rent a car, a valid home country driver'a driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed. Minimum age is typically 21 or 25, depending on the company. A credit card is always important for the security deposit. Major highways connecting Santiago to other parts of the country are generally well-maintained. Rural roads vary. Toll roads are common around Santiago and on major intercity routes. Driving in Santiago's urban areas can be challenging due to reckless driving habits and heavy traffic congestion. Be aware of potential for car theft, notably older models. Some rural roads may have poor lighting at night. Fuel is readily available.
Santiago is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable. Valparaíso, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive west of Santiago, is Chile's main cruise port. Many international cruise lines dock there. Standard passport and customs procedures apply for disembarking passengers. From Valparaíso, travelers have several options to reach Santiago: pre-booked transfers, taxis, or the most popular and economical option, frequent buses. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Upon arrival at SCL airport, purchase a shared shuttle or bus ticket at a kiosk inside the terminal. This provides a clear, reliable price and prevents misunderstandings regarding your ride. Avoid unofficial solicitors.
For the most budget-friendly option, take a Centropuerto or TurBus from SCL to a Metro station like Los Héroes or Pajaritos. From there, Santiago's efficient The metro connects you to most parts of the city.
Santiago's main international and domestic airport. A major From South america hub.
International (T2) and Domestic (T1). Connected and straightforward to get around.
Duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi.
For airport transfers, book a shared shuttle or bus ticket at a kiosk inside the SCL airport terminal upon arrival. This offers a clear, reliable price and prevents misunderstandings.
