🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Chile
✈️ Flying to Chile
Main Airport
Santiago Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Chile's main international gateway, 15km northwest of Santiago city center. Modern, efficient, and well-connected to downtown.
Other International Airports:
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Gateway to Patagonia, connects to Buenos Aires and Santiago
- Easter Island Airport (IPC) - Remote Pacific location, flights from Santiago only
💡 Insider Tip
Fly into Santiago and take a domestic flight to Punta Arenas (for Patagonia) or Calama (for Atacama Desert). Cheaper than international connections and saves time.
🚆 From Santiago Airport to City Center
Metro/Train (Fastest & Cheapest)
Metro Line 1 connects directly to airport. Journey time: 25-30 minutes. Ticket: CLP $800-1,000 (about USD $1). Trains run 6am-11pm.
Turbus & Centropuerto Buses
Airport buses to city center. Journey time: 30-45 minutes. Ticket: CLP $2,000-3,000 (about USD $2.50-4). Regular departures.
Uber/Cabify/Taxi
Uber and Cabify available at airport. Journey time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: CLP $15,000-25,000 (USD $18-30) depending on destination and time.
🚌 Other Ways In
Bus from Argentina—multiple border crossings. Popular routes: Mendoza to Santiago (6-7 hours, USD $30-50), Bariloche to Puerto Montt, El Calafate to Puerto Natales. Several bus companies operate daily.
Ferry from Argentina—Patagonia routes connect Puerto Montt with Bariloche via lakes and mountains. Scenic multi-day journey. Book ahead in summer.
Border from Peru—Tacna to Arica (northern Chile). Buses run regularly. Short crossing, straightforward process. Gateway to northern Chile.
Border from Bolivia—La Paz to Arica or San Pedro de Atacama. Popular backpacker routes. Roads rough, buses basic. Adventure option.
Chile is geographically isolated—Andes to the east, Pacific to the west, desert to the north. Most visitors fly to Santiago.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Tourist Entry: Citizens of US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
You'll receive a PDI Tourist Card on arrival—keep it! You must present it when leaving Chile. Lost card means fines and delays at exit. Store it with passport.
Check visa requirements for Chile →🚗 Getting Around Chile
Domestic Flights
LATAM and Sky Airline operate domestic routes. Essential for covering Chile's 4,300km length efficiently. Santiago to Punta Arenas (3.5 hours), Santiago to Calama/Atacama (2 hours). Book ahead for better prices.
Long Distance Buses
Extensive bus network connecting all major cities. Comfortable, punctual, good value. Main operators: Turbus, Pullman Bus, Cruz del Sur. Overnight buses common—cama (lie-flat) and semi-cama (recline) options.
Metro/Local Transport
Santiago has excellent metro system—6 lines, clean, efficient. Bip! card works on metro, buses, and some regional trains. CLP $1,550 card deposit + top-up amount. Valparaíso has smaller metro system.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
For Santiago, buy a Bip! card immediately. Saves time and money versus single tickets. Works on metro, buses, and some trains. Top up at metro stations.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring Patagonia's Carretera Austral, Atacama Desert, or Lake District. Not recommended for Santiago—traffic and parking difficult.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- International Driving Permit recommended (required by some rental companies)
- Patagonian roads can be unpaved and rough—4WD recommended
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 100 km/h (highways), 120 km/h (expressways)
- Major rental companies available at airports and city centers
- Fuel expensive in remote areas—plan accordingly
⚠️ Patagonia Driving
If driving the Carretera Austral or Torres del Paine area, rent a robust vehicle. Roads are rough, services sparse. Carry spare tire, fuel, and emergency supplies. Wind can be extreme—hold steering wheel firmly.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Chile
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book domestic flights early: LATAM and Sky Airline offer cheaper fares when booked in advance
- Use overnight buses: Save a night's accommodation and travel time—cama seats worth the extra cost
- Bip! card essential: Save 20-30% on Santiago transport versus cash fares
- Rent cars outside airports: City rental locations often cheaper than airport
- Travel shoulder season: March-May and September-November cheaper than peak summer (Dec-Feb)