How to get to Santiago de Chile?
Tricky Part
There are different bus terminals that connect Santiago to the different cities and towns across Chile, the confusion lies on the fact that some bus terminals are designated exclusively to a particular route or bus companies. San Borja Terminal is the hub for buses that goes to only on northern part of Chile and buses going to the airport. Terminal Sur are for buses south bound, Terminal Pajaritos are for buses heading to the central coast, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and buses bound to the airport, Terminal Los Heroes (Terrapuerto) host the buses travelling north of chile and Mendoza in Argentina, and Terminal Alameda are assigned for buses operated only by Pullman and Turbus.
Safety Concerns
Chile's capital Santiago is a large city with over five million inhabitants, it is generally safe for tourist travelling alone or with family members but like other cities in the world there are parts that might be a little dangerous especially at night times. Vitacura, Las Condes, and Providencia are areas in Santiago that are known to have higher crime rates of theft and mugging. Always exercise due diligence when visiting these areas, don’t flash your jewelry, luxury items and keep your valuables attended at all times whether you are riding the bus or just taking a stroll in the city.
Other Logistical Complexities
Cash is king in Chile and paying by cash is the best option when travelling to and exploring Santiago. Major credit cards are accepted and merchants often impose a 2%-8% surcharge on each transaction. When exchanging local currencies, it best to do it on foreign exchange bureaus (Casas de Cambio) found in SCL or in the city center. Always compare the market exchange rate and shop around, foreign exchange bureaus always charge commissions on foreign exchange transaction finding the one that offers least commission will save you extra travel funds.
Most ATM charge $5 every transaction and allows withdrawal up to $260 per day. If you are travelling to remote areas, always carry good amount of cash as its extremely rare to find places that accepts credit card payments in villages and rural areas.
Getting to Santiago
Santiago or Santiago de Chile is the largest city and the economic capital of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas. The city has a downtown core of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and side-streets, dotted by neo-gothic and art deco. Its central location makes it a convenient base to jumpstart your adventure, its proximity to Andes and the Pacific Ocean makes it possible to ski and later the day spend the time sun bathing in the beach. Travelling long distance by bus is cheap, comfortable, and makes it the preferred method for those who want to reach Santiago coming from different regions in Chile.
also known as Nuevo Pudahuel Airport and Santiago International Airport, is the main airport that servicing Santiago city. Once in Santiago, most will find the country has good road network, driving is quick and it is relatively easy to get around. Travelling by public bus is reliable, cheap and connects major destinations. It also has a metro system with seven lines and 136 stations making it easy to explore the city. Renting a car, hailing a taxi, booking a private transfer, are some of the options to get from one destination to another. Ride sharing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Beat are also available in Santiago.
By Air
Tourists coming from Asean 11 countries (Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand,) China, and India have options to book a direct flight between , , , and . Flight time takes between 32-56 hours and the price of a roundtrip ticket per person cost between $1400-$3000. Qatar Airways and offer the best roundtrip deals for travelers flying from New Zealand and Austria. The price of a roundtrip ticket per person starts at $1000-$2000 and the flight time takes between 19-48 hours.
United Airways, LATAM, , and are the airline of choice tourists coming from Italy, Spain, France, USA, and United Kingdom. Flight time takes between 13-36 hours and the price of a roundtrip ticket per person cost between $400-$2000. December to March is the high season in Santiago where most services and flights are 10-20% higher, while the off season is starts from June to August where you’ll find most promotions and the price of the services are back to normal, if not cheaper.
How to get from the Airport to my Hotel?
Prebooked through Mozio with its location partner Elife Limo, an on a sedan for up to three passengers’ costs $36 or a private van for up to eight passengers cost $63. A professional chauffer will wait at the arrival hall and ready to drive you to your hotel destination. A convenient and hassle-free way to travel after long hours of flight.
, , and operate the route from SCL to downtown Santiago for $2.50 per person each way. Buses are available 24/7 and its tickets are available on the ticketing kiosk located on first floor of the arrival hall Gate 4. Buses are parked just outside the arrival hall, leaves every 30 minutes – 1 hour, and all buses stop at metro station Pajaritos on Line 1. These are private buses and are not included in the BIP payment network. You may transfer to the metro or take a taxi depending where you will stay. The total trip takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
By Bus
Travelling long distance from Mendoza and its neighboring areas going to Santiago city takes 8-15 hours. buses services the Medoza - Santiago route offering 3 trips daily for $10 per person each way. If you are coming from San Rafael, San Luis, San Juan, and Cordoba; and Andesmar run this route to Mendoza price of the ticket starts $10. Then from Mendoza to take another bus for $10 going to Santiago.
Pullman and Turbus offer direct bus routes from Algarrobo, Valdivia, La Serena, Viña del Mar, and Maitencillo. Buses are dispatched hourly - twice a day and the price start at $5-$15.
By Car
Get on Route 68 going southwest, pay the toll for $5 and drive on Costanera North to Avenue Manuel Rodrigues Sur in Santiago. Head to Manuel Rodrigues exit going to Autopista Central and Route 5. Proceed to Sta. Isabel and Arturo Prat going to your destination. The distance between Algarrobo and Santiago is 112 KM and the travel time takes 1-2 hours.
Head on Panamericana Sur and Route 5 in Mariquina until Avenue Manuel Rodrigues Avenue. Exit to Panamericana and pay the toll for $4. Take Autopista Central going to Sta. Isabel and Arturo Prat going to your destination. The distance between Valvida and Santiago is 850 KM and the travel time takes 9-10 hours.
Proceed east of Avenida FCO de Aguirre going to Autopista del Elqui until you reach Panamericana Norte 5. Pay the toll for $5 on Route 5 and head to Avenue Manuel Rodriguez Sur toward Toesca until you reach Sta. Isabel and Arturo Prat going to your destination. The distance between La Serena and Santiago is 473 KM and the travel time takes 6-7 hours.
Head south going to Route 68 in Valparaiso from Agua Santa, Variante Agua Sta. and Cruce Longitudinal. Continue to Route 68 going to Santiago and pay the toll for $5. Exit onto Avenue Manuel Rodriguez Sur towards Toesca until your reach Sta. Isabel and Arturo Prat going to your destination.The distance between Viña del Mar and Santiago is 121 KM and the travel time takes 1-2 hours.
Get on Route 5 in Zappallar from E-46, pay the toll for $5 and merge on Route 5. Exit onto Avenue Manuel Rodriguez Sur towards Toesca until your reach Sta. Isabel and Arturo Prat going to your destination.The distance between Viña del Mar and Santiago is 160 KM and the travel time takes 2-3 hours.
The Frugal Option to get to Santiago de Chile
Booking a direct flight to SCL is the most convenient and practical way to get to Santiago. From the airport, board the bus for $2.50 per person each way going to Santiago city center. If you after convenience and comfort after a long flight, a prebooked reservation from Mozio with its local partner Elife Limo cost $36 for up to three passengers or a private van for up to eight passengers cost $63. A professional chauffer will wait at the arrival hall and drive you to your hotel destination.
Travelers from coming from San Rafael, San Luis, San Juan, and Cordoba may find boarding the bus as the cheapest option to reach Santiago since the cost is only $20 per person. The downside is it will consume much of your vacation time due to the lengthy travel time.
Private Transfer Options to Santiago de Chile
Uber prices start at $20 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Daytrip with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $36.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $47.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $64 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $162.
Uber prices start at $80 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $133.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $196.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $264 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $651.
Uber prices start at $90 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Transvip, Elife Limo, Book Taxi Group with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $143.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $212.
• On a private van for up to seven passengers $159 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $465.
Uber not available.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Rutas Chile and Talixo with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to four passengers from $658.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $914.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $785.
Uber prices start at $85 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partners Rutas Chile, Book Taxi Group, and Elife Limo with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $139.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $197.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $162 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $465.
Uber prices start at $125 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partners Elife Limo and Book Taxi Group with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $194.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $252.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $340 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $843.
The Mozio Recommendation
Most tourists travelling to Santiago would book a flight then book a private transfer going to their hotel destination. This eliminates the need the additional wait time you will send on taxi stand queue, waiting for the next schedule bus, and the hassle of lifting and dragging oversized and multiple luggage.
The only big advantage when travelling by bus from the airport, is that buses are cheaper. The disadvantages are the following - carrying around large luggage is challenging; you need to be vigilant as there have been cases of mishandled items during bus journeys and theft. Also, if you arrive late at night, you may have to wait up to 60 minutes for a bus, keeping in mind that you will have to finish your journey by foot or take another taxi as the bus route has specific stops.
Getting around Santiago de Chile
Travelling by bus is the number one choice of tourists and locals when getting around Santiago City and its surrounding areas. Alternative means of transportation such as taxis, on demand services, car and motorcycle rentals, are available and definitely worth considering. The city's metro line provides a quick access to areas within the city but becomes crowded during rush hours while getting around riding a bicycle offers a cheap and ecofriendly way to explore the beauty of Santiago city.
By Bus
or micros (local term) operated by Transantiago are buses that operates within Santiago city. Riding these buses requires you to pay using the BIP card and follows the Metro's fare structure. On peak hours the fare is $1.10 then goes back to the normal fare of $0.95. Students and seniors citizens enjoy a discounted rate of $0.30 and exempt them on the fare structure. Santiago micros operates 24/7 only Avenida Providencia, Irarrazabal, and Vicuña which are known areas for its bustling nightlife.
Turbus and Pullman are the two biggest bus companies in Chile and have solid network of busses that often travel long distances and link most of the cities and towns. Single journey tickets are purchased online or on the bus station and can be paid in cash or by using a credit card. Inter city buses are dispatched within 30-60 minutes while buses covering longer distances travel less and on limited trips per day.
By Subway/Train/Tramway
is a safe and efficient way to get around the Santiago Metropolitan area and its neighborhood. In order use the metro, you need to purchase a BIP card for $2 in any of the metro station. It currently has seven lines, serving 136 stations, and covering 140 kilometers of revenue route. The state is responsible in managing the system and its the first and only rapid train system in Chile. The fares depend on the time you will travel rather than the length or distance of the trip; e.x travelling during peak hours 7-9am and 6-8pm cost $1, $0.90 from 6:30AM -7:00 AM, 9:00AM-6:00pm and 8:00PM -8:45 PM, and $0.85 from 6:00 AM-6:30 AM and 8:45 PM -11:00 PM.
By Taxi/On Demand (Uber, etc).
Hailing a taxi on the streets of Santiago is easy, relatively cheap, and available 24/7. The base price is $0.50 and $0.20 for every 200-meter driven. A rate matrix is often displayed on the dashboard or windshield of the taxi and make sure that the meter is on during the duration of the trip. and are some of the taxi companies that operate in Santiago. Taxis in Santiago don’t have POS hence drivers only accept cash.
Below are the rates from SCL to some of the key destinations:
Central Station - $15
Santiago City center - $15
Recoleta - $15
San Miguel - $18
Independencia - $15
San Joaquin - $17
Providencia - $18
Huechuraba - $18
Bike Rentals
and Touring Bike Rental offer competitive rates on their cruiser and mountain bikes lineups. Rent per day starts at $20 and includes accessories such as helmet, U-lock, elastic rope for the rack, and a repair kit.
Exploring Santiago via motorcycle is not as popular as riding a bicycle hence motor cycle rental companies are limited but there are rental companies like and provide access to affordable motorcycles without breaking the bank. Rental price starts at $20 per day with the accessories included (Helmet, padlock, top and side case).
Other Options to get around Santiago de Chile
Collectivos are a common means of transportation in Santiago, works and looks similarly like taxis but the rate is cheaper since its shared by 3-4 passengers. You'll find them waiting at the exit of metro and bus stations and other central points of Santiago. They have their own organization called and operates on Valparaiso, Coquimbo, and metropolitan Santiago area. Cost is between $2-$5 per trip within the city, you'll identify them with the sign atop the roof of the vehicle showing the route they operate.
Car Rental Options
To rent a car, motorcycle, or bicycle in Chile you must be at least 20 year or older, have an existing and valid driver's license, and cash to pay the deposit. Once you met all the requirements, rental companies will request that you provide a photocopy of your passport and pay the deposit fee to finalize the rental process. Deposit fee starts at $100 and will be refunded once the rent is over and any damage incurred during the rent duration will be deducted to the deposited amount. International car rental office such as , , and have car rental kiosk in SCL.
, a local rent a car player, offers an alternative to international brands and cheaper rate compare to competition. Rate starts at $20 per day and goes as high as $100 depending on the vehicle make and model.
Roads in Chile are paved and generally in good condition with the exception of some roads located on remote towns. Parking on the side of the roads are prohibited unless there's a parking meter and there are some designated free parking spots but it will be a challenge to find one and most likely its fully occupied. Parking meters cost $1.34 per hour or $10 for a day on secure parking spaces. We suggested that you book a hotel with a designated parking spot if you are planning to rent a car in Santiago.
The Frugal way to get around Santiago de Chile
Riding the micros will be your best bet if budget is the deciding factor in your vacation. Metropolitan micros and long-distance buses are cheap but not the most comfortable means to travel specially during rush hours and on peak season. You will also have to take into consideration the bus schedule and the travel time it takes to reach your destination. The bottom line, boarding the bus is cheap but tradeoff is convenience and flexibility.
A Compromise Option to get around Santiago de Chile
Renting a car and booking a private transportation are your compromise options. Rent a car if you are comfortable and have previous experience in driving on foreign soil. This is also a great for those you want to go and explore whenever they like and until their hearts content. Moreover, if you are in a group especially with children and persons who are mobility impaired, renting a car is the best option.
Booking a private transportation comes into play if just want to enjoy the scenery along the way and have a professional driver bring you to your desired destination. This option suites best on people who don’t want to drive long distances, in a group, don’t have budget constraints, or simply those who value convenient and comfort.
Rideshare & Taxi Apps
Available On-Demand Providers
- Uber
- Cabify
Cost per Mile for an On Demand ride
The costs and base fares indicated are estimates only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, and other factors.
, Beat – Fare matrix not available. I tried contacting their CS team they said that the basis of the fares are real time and they can’t provide an estimate.
UBER X
Base Fare: $0.52
Cost per KM: $0.25
Cost per minute: $0.09
Minimum Fare: $1.61
UBERX SCL
Base Fare: $0.52
Cost per mile: $0.25
Cost per minute: $0.09
Minimum Fare: $1.61
UBER FLASH
Base Fare: $0.52
Cost per KM: $0.26
Cost per minute: $0.09
Minimum Fare: $1.63
UBER COMFORT
Base Fare: $0.85
Cost per KM: $0.30
Cost per minute: $0.13
Minimum Fare: $2.28
Cabify Corporate
Price per km (0-5 km) - $2.699
Price per km (5-20 km) - $1.661
Price per minute - $0.10
Minimum fare - $7.9
Cabify Lite
Base rate - $2.37
Price per km - $0.10
Price per minute - $0.45
Minimum fare - $ 5.30
Cabify Basic
Minimum Fare: $1.26
Price per KM (0-13 km)
$ 0.26
Price per KM (13 - 40 km)
$ 0.42
Price per KM (>40 km)
$ 1.01
Price per Minute:
$ 0.09
Cabify Corporate
Minimum Fare: $2.69
Price per KM (0-50 km)
$ 0.81
Price per KM (>50 km)
$ 1.08
Price per Minute:
$ 0.09
Cabify Plus
Minimum Fare: $2.69
Price per KM (0-13 km)
$ 0.46
Price per KM (13-40 km)
$ 0.75
Price per KM (>40 km)
$ 1.81
Price per Minute:
$ 0.16
Daytrips near Santiago
Isla Negra
Islan Negra is not an island but a coastal town located in El Quisco. Pablo Neruda immortalized it and became a subject of his poems. He named it after the dark outcrop rocks just offshore. You will surely fall in love with this coastal town with its gorgeous views of the ocean waves crashing on the grey rocks, charming cafes, and restaurants. Walk through the town's roads, surrounded by pine trees. Buses leave for Isla Negra hourly from Santiago Terminal Sur are operated by . Price of the ticket costs $10 per person and the travel time takes 3-4 hours. Uber prices start at $130 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partners Elife Limo & Book Taxi Group with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $177.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $231.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $235 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $767.
Cajón del Maipo
Cajón del Maipo offers an escape to the bustle and hustle of the city life. It is a popular go to place specially on weekends with locals and tourists. This canyon is favored and well-liked destination for nature lovers, hikers, and campers. While in Cajon del Maipo don’t forget to visit El Yeso reservoir and El Morado Natural Monument, a beautiful and worthwhile trek which will surely take your breath away.
From Santiago board the bus with the sign PA141-Parada 1 going to Plaza de Puente Alto for $1.10, once you reached the bus station transfer to another bus going to San Jose de Maipo for $1.10. It takes 2-3 hours to reach Cajón del Maipo by bus and less than 2 hours via private transfer. Uber prices start at $110 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $66.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $86.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $116 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $290.
Pomaire
Pomaire is a small rustic country village located 68 kilometers southwest of Santiago. It is known for its unique earthenware traditions and its large empanadas! You will find many quaint pottery shops in the streets of Pomaire where tourists can buy three-legged good luck "chanchitas" or little pigs, which are meant to boost fortune, love, and good health.
The travel time from Santiago to Pomaire takes 1 hour by bus and less than 1 hour via private transfer. Take the bus by going directly to Pomaire located in Santiago central bus station for $4 per person. A one-way Uber to the location starts around $67.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $83.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $109.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $146 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $364.
Viña del Mar
Often referred to as La Cuidad Jardin (The Garden City) is a beach resort city located within the Valparaiso Region. It’s the home of one of the country’s most famous beaches and a haven for beach lovers. Renaca beach white sand, wonderful waves, and romantic coastal walking path are a sure hit to tourists. Viña del Mar is also a superb place for wine lovers, take a sip and learn about Chilean wine and make a stop to see the famous flower clock and authentic Moai stone monolithic human sculptures found on the Easter Island. Take the bus by Turbus or Pullman from Terminal Alameda going to Viña del Mar for $20 per person. Travel time take 2-3 hours by bus and less than 2 hours by private transfer. Uber prices start at $120 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partners Elife Limo & Book Taxi Group with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $179.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $233.
• On a private van for up to six passengers $245 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $776.
Viña Cousiño Macul
A trip to Chile without visiting at least one vineyard is incomplete. Founded in 1856, Cousiño Macul continues to produce world class wines carrying the distinctive character of Maipo Valley. is the perfect place to learn about wine production and its rich history. For $15 per person, a regular tour offers a tour guide and three wine tasting while the premium tour for $30, you'll to taste five premium wines and cheese tasting. Regular and premium tour hours are Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Saturday and holidays from 11:00 to 12:00 PM. Cousiño Macul is just 1 hour away by bus from Santiago city center, board the micros with the sign PA64 going to Avenida Tobalaba for $1.10 per person. The vineyard is located approximately 200 meters away from the bus stop and a 5-10-minute walk. Uber prices start at $29 for a small car, one way.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partners Elife Limo & Book Taxi Group with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $57.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $74.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $100 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $250.
Sewell Mining Town
Sewell is an uninhabited copper mining town located deep in the Andes mountains in the commune of Machali in Cachapoal Province. Sewell us known as the "City of Staircases" since the town was built around a large central staircase and the number of stairs found in it. The terrain on which the town is located was too steep even wheeled vehicles cant navigate. Its operation halted in the 1980, now a historic ghost town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In order to visit the town you must join an organized tour, is one of the registered tour organizer that offers competitive rates while maintaining quality service. Price of a regular tour starts at $25.95 per person and the meeting point will be at their office at 0400 Gamero Street, Rancagua.
Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partners Elife Limo & Book Taxi Group with all charges included:
• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $149.
• On a private SUV for up to four passengers from $193.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $189 or fourteen passengers for a private bus from $645.
You may also be interested in:
Subscribe to Ground Control by Mozio Newsletter
Receive useful travel guides and promotions right to your inbox every other week