Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is Chile's main airport (26.3 million passengers in 2024), located approximately 20 km northwest of Santiago's downtown, at the foot of the Andes.
It is LATAM Airlines' hub and the main gateway for visitors to Chile, as well as the departure point for Easter Island and the Atacama Desert.
How to get to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SCL
Parking near Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
The official parking area, on multiple levels, is positioned in front of the terminal.
At Expreso 1 and 2 parking: 1,485 CLP every half-hour, maximum ceiling 29,700 CLP (10 hours). At Patagua parking, more economical: 644 CLP every half-hour, maximum ceiling 12,900 CLP per day.
How to get to Santiago from SCL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Santiago: Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL)
Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer
Santiago: Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer
Private Transfer: Santiago to Viña del Mar or Valparaiso
From SCL to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend as little as possible | Centropuerto (bus, to República/Pajaritos) | 2,400 CLP (4,100 CLP round trip) |
| Reach Providencia or Las Condes with no transfers | Shared shuttle/van | ~10,500–11,000 CLP per person |
| Heavy luggage or large group | Official metered taxi (Vía Controlada) | ~15,000–30,000 CLP |
| Save money while staying flexible | Uber or Cabify from the rideshare area | often less than taxi, varies with demand |
Santiago → República and the old town (Plaza de Armas)
The Centropuerto stops at República station, with a Metro interchange: from there the old town and the Plaza de Armas can be reached by subway, a more economical route than a direct taxi.
Santiago → Providencia
Providencia, an area popular with visitors for its hotels and restaurants, has no direct connection from the airport: the shared shuttle or taxi remain the simplest options, at a cost slightly higher than reaching downtown.
Santiago → Las Condes (Sanhattan)
The financial district of Las Condes, nicknamed «Sanhattan» for its skyscrapers, is easily reached by private shuttle or taxi, about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic on Costanera Norte.
Santiago → Valparaíso (cruise port)
There is no direct bus: the most economical solution is Centropuerto or TurBus Airport to the Pajaritos terminal, where you change to a TurBus or Pullman bus heading to Valparaíso; those preferring to avoid the transfer can take a direct taxi on Route 68, about 1 hour and 15 minutes but at a significantly higher fare.
Car rental at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
The leading car rental brands are present with a desk in the arrivals area.
Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required. If you plan to cross the border into Argentina or other neighbouring countries, check in advance with the agency what documentation is necessary for exporting the vehicle.
Hotels near Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
At the airport
The hotel stands in front of the terminal, a few steps from the baggage exit: it takes just a few minutes on foot.
Best for: Dawn flights, one-night layovers and late arrivals, without having to cross Santiago.
- From baggage claim to bed on foot, with no bus or taxi
- Indoor pool and sauna to soften a long wait
- Only the airport area around: you dine at the hotel
- Seeing the city takes a 25-40 minute transfer
Lastarria and the centre
Centropuerto to the centre in 25-35 minutes, then metro or taxi to Lastarria; by direct taxi, 25-40 minutes.
Best for: Those who want museums, theatres and Cerro Santa Lucía on foot, with restaurants in the oldest part of the city.
- The Museo de Bellas Artes and Cerro Santa Lucía are very close
- Bars and restaurants in the pedestrian streets of the oldest district
- From the terminal you need a change after the bus, or a taxi
- In the evening it is best to stay on the busy streets of the district
Recommended hotels
- Singular Santiago Lastarria Five-star with 62 rooms, a terrace with a pool on the ninth floor and a spa; at the foot of Cerro Santa Lucía and the Museo de Bellas Artes. View availability
- Hotel Cumbres Lastarria Boutique hotel in the Lastarria district, with an outdoor pool and restaurant: a practical base for those visiting the centre on foot. View availability
Providencia and Las Condes
No direct link: shared transfer, taxi or Uber taking 30-40 minutes depending on traffic on the Costanera Norte.
Best for: Those looking for the modern districts, with the Sanhattan financial district and shopping centres.
- Among the safest districts in Santiago, with many restaurants
- Sanhattan and Sky Costanera are a few minutes' walk from the hotel
- No direct bus or metro from the airport, a transfer is needed
- Less historic atmosphere than the centre and Lastarria
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 4
- with Priority Pass
- 3
- open 24 hours
- 1
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, expanded with a new international building, is modern. From check-in to gate you generally walk 15–20 minutes.
In case of traffic peak, customs and security can slow things down: for international flights, 3 hours of margin is advised.
Map of Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a visa for Chile?
No, for most Western nationalities: a free Tarjeta de Turismo is granted on arrival, valid for up to 90 days, to be kept until departure.
Q. Is Santiago a good base for visiting Atacama?
It's the starting point for domestic flights to Calama, the airport closest to the Atacama Desert: San Pedro de Atacama is then about 1.5 hours away by car from there.
Q. Is Chile a high seismic risk area?
Yes, the entire Chilean territory, including Santiago, is at high seismic risk: familiarize yourself with your hotel's safety procedures right at check-in, a common practice taken seriously throughout the country.
Q. What to buy at Santiago duty free?
Fine Chilean wines and pisco, the national spirit used in the pisco sour, as well as copper products, a historic mining resource of the country.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Salones VIP Pacific Club (T1), Salones VIP Pacific Club (T2) and SkyTeam Lounge (T2).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: LATAM VIP Lounge (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
