Santiago (SCL) SCL: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Santiago International Airport

Plan your journey from/to Santiago International Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by bus or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Arriving at Santiago International Airport (SCL)

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is filled with amazing highlights. Some attractions travelers can look forward to visiting include a cable car built in 1925, the magnificent Virgen de la Inmaculada statue, the Santiago Zoo, and the wine museum. Tourists also love the Plaza de Armas at the heart of Santiago. The bustling city welcomes visitors and promises them an unforgettable glimpse of Chilean life and traditions. Santiago International Airport, also referred to as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is situated 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) northwest of Santiago city center. One terminal has ten gates serving international flights, while the second has seven gates serving domestic flights. Airlines operating from Santiago Airport include British Airways, Iberia, Air France, Alitalia, KLM, Sky Airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Avianca El Salvador, Continental Airlines, and Delta.

What's the best way to get from Santiago International Airport to the city center?

Getting from Santiago Airport to the city center is easy and cheap thanks to the various modes of public transport available. One of the best ways to travel from Santiago Airport to the city center is by bus. Passengers will find a few bus services right outside the airport. Most buses leave the airport every 20 minutes during the day, and on an hourly basis from 1:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. Mini-buses are another budget-friendly means of transport. Connecting Santiago airport to the city, they're available every day of the year, 24 hours a day. From the arrivals area, they offer convenient door-to-door service to various destinations throughout Santiago. More comfortable and faster options include taxis and car rentals. Several car rental agencies and taxis have stands past the airport's customs area.

How far is the city center from Santiago International Airport?

Santiago International Airport is 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from the city center. A Santiago airport taxi ride will take around 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions to reach downtown Santiago, while a bus can get straight to downtown Santiago from the airport within 45 minutes.

What services are there at Santiago International Airport?

Being the largest and busiest airport in Chile, Santiago International Airport offers a wide range of services to ensure smooth travel. It features an information desk on its first and third floors, and there are ATM, banking services, and currency exchange facilities throughout the airport. Food and beverage facilities include 24-hour restaurants, 20 licensed bars, fast-food outlets, and coffee shops in both public and lounge areas. The airport features five spacious VIP lounges with free WiFi. Other amenities include a pharmacy on the third floor, a medical care facility on the first floor, and special facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. There are more than 100 shops selling international and national brands, and four duty-free shops. Conference and business facilities include a business center with a large meeting room that can accommodate more than 300 people. Its amenities include video conferencing, internet, faxing, TVs, and a private bathroom. The airport also provides short- and long-term parking for up to 4,000 cars.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?​

Santiago Airport is designed with visual, auditory, and tactile facilities to help passengers with disabilities get around more easily. These facilities include motorized wheelchairs, Braille telephones, elevators with speakers, accessible washrooms, and emergency lights. The lounges at Santiago Airport are also barrier-free and accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. Motorized wheelchairs are available on request from airlines. Travelers should make all requests prior to arriving at the airport.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Santiago International Airport

Before arriving at Santiago International Airport, travelers with large luggage should note that a Santiago airport taxi may be their best option. Although taxis are pricier than mini-buses or buses, they save travelers from having to carry around heavy luggage and prevent baggage from being mishandled. Additionally, travelers arriving in the middle of the night or early morning may have to wait for up to an hour to board a bus. Furthermore, that bus may not go straight to Santiago. If they opt for a taxi instead, they should buy their taxi ticket from an authorized cab company by using the Vía Controlada system at the airport to avoid being overcharged.