Santiago, Chile Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Santiago, the capital of Chile, is served by one major international airport that functions as the primary gateway to the country and a key hub for South America. While a second airport exists for general aviation, all commercial traffic is centralized at the modern Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. Its strategic location makes it a crucial connection point for flights across the continent, to the South Pacific, and to Antarctica.

Understanding Santiago’s airport layout and transportation is essential for both international visitors and domestic travelers connecting to destinations like Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, or Easter Island. This guide details everything you need to know for a smooth arrival or transit in Santiago.

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)

Overview: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (commonly called “Pudahuel” after its location) is Santiago’s sole commercial international airport and the busiest in Chile. Located approximately 17 km (11 miles) northwest of downtown Santiago (Centro), it is the main hub for LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline, and a focus city for JetSMART. The airport underwent a major terminal expansion, opening a stunning new international pier in 2022.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): The original terminal, now used exclusively for domestic flights on LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART.
• Terminal 2 (T2): A modern terminal handling all international arrivals and departures. It is connected to T1 via a long, elevated pedestrian walkway (approx. 10-15 minute walk) and a free shuttle bus.

Important: All passengers, whether domestic or international, check in and drop bags at the terminal corresponding to their flight type. The walkway allows for connections between domestic and international flights without exiting security, but you must still clear passport control and collect/re-check baggage for true international-to-domestic connections.

Getting to and from SCL Airport:

• Centropuerto Bus (Public Shuttle):
  The most affordable and efficient public transport to the city center. The bright green “Centropuerto” buses depart from outside both terminals and go directly to Los Héroes station (metro line 1) and Pajaritos station (metro line 1 and bus terminal). The trip takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Fare is approx. CLP 2,000 (USD $2.50). Pay in cash on the bus.
• TurBus & Pullman Bus:
  Similar services to Centropuerto, often departing from the same area. They also go to the main bus terminals (Terminal Alameda, Terminal Santiago), useful for connecting to long-distance buses across Chile.
• Taxi Oficial (Official Taxi):
  Official airport taxis (black with yellow roofs) are available at designated ranks. Purchase a prepaid ticket at a booth inside the arrivals hall before exiting. Fares are fixed by zone (e.g., to downtown/Providencia: ~CLP 20,000 / $25 USD). This is the most straightforward taxi option.
• Transvip & Other Private Transfers:
  Reputable private transfer companies with desks in arrivals. They offer shared (“transfer colectivo”) or private van service to your hotel for a fixed fare. Often more comfortable than taxis for groups and slightly cheaper than official taxis for solo travelers to popular areas.
• Ride-hailing (Uber, Cabify, DiDi):
  Uber and Cabify operate legally and are widely used. Pickup is at a designated area in the airport parking structure. Follow signs for “App de Viajes” or “Ridesharing.” Often 20-30% cheaper than official taxis.
• Metro (Future):
  A metro line (Línea 7) extension to the airport is under construction but is not expected to be operational for several years.
• Car Rental:
  All major international and local companies have desks in the arrivals hall of both terminals. Renting a car is excellent for exploring Chile but not recommended for Santiago itself due to traffic and complex driving rules.

Best for: All international and domestic travelers, connections to Easter Island (IPC), Patagonia (PUQ, PMC), the Atacama (CJC), and other Chilean destinations.

Eulogio Sánchez Airport (La Florida Aerodrome – None)

Overview: Also known as Tobalaba, this is a general aviation airport located in the upscale La Reina commune of eastern Santiago. It handles private jets, executive charters, air taxis, medical flights, and flight training. It is not an option for commercial airline passengers.

Facilities:

• No commercial terminal or scheduled passenger service.
• Used for private transfers to ski resorts in the Andes, vineyards, and coastal destinations.

Which Santiago Airport Should You Choose?

For 100% of commercial airline passengers, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is the only choice. There is no alternative airport with scheduled passenger service.

Terminal Verification: Always confirm whether your flight is domestic (T1) or international (T2) before heading to the airport, as the terminals are separate buildings. This is especially important for domestic flights, as they all operate from T1.

Domestic & International Connections at SCL

SCL is a major connecting hub. The process differs based on your itinerary:

International to Domestic Connection (e.g., USA to Punta Arenas):

1. Arrive at Terminal 2 (International).
2. Clear Chilean immigration and passport control.
3. Collect all checked baggage from the international carousels.
4. Clear Chilean customs (Agrícola/Livestock inspection is very strict).
5. Exit into the public arrivals hall.
6. Walk or take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 (Domestic).
7. Check in for your domestic flight and drop bags.
8. Clear domestic security and proceed to your gate.

Allow a minimum of 3 hours for this connection, even if booked on a single ticket. Immigration and agricultural inspection can be slow.

Domestic to International Connection (e.g., Puerto Natales to USA):

1. Arrive at Terminal 1 (Domestic).
2. If your baggage is checked through, you may proceed directly via the airside walkway to Terminal 2.
3. Otherwise, collect bags, exit to landside, walk/shuttle to T2, check in, then clear international security and passport control.

Domestic to Domestic Connection: All domestic flights operate from Terminal 1. If your baggage is checked through, you can remain airside. If not, you must collect and re-check.

Transportation to Key Santiago Destinations

Approximate Travel Times & Costs from SCL:

• To Downtown Santiago (Centro, Plaza de Armas): 30-50 mins | Centropuerto: CLP 2,000 | Uber: CLP 12,000-18,000 | Official Taxi: ~CLP 20,000
• To Providencia/Las Condes (Business/Upscale Hotels): 40-60 mins | Transvip Shared Van: CLP 9,000 pp | Uber: CLP 15,000-22,000
• To Ski Resorts (Valle Nevado, Farellones): 1.5 – 2 hours. Pre-book a private transfer or shuttle service. Rental car may require 4×4/snow chains in winter.
• To Valparaíso/Viña del Mar: 1.5 – 2 hours by road. Consider a direct bus from the Pajaritos bus terminal (accessible via Centropuerto bus from the airport) or a private transfer.

Practical Tips for Santiago Airport (SCL):

• Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP). It is highly advisable to have some local currency upon arrival. ATMs (Redbanc) are plentiful in the arrivals hall. Avoid currency exchange at the airport for poor rates; use ATMs instead.
• SIM Cards: Claro, Movistar, and WOM kiosks are in the arrivals hall. Getting a local SIM with data is recommended.
• Agricultural Inspection (SAG): Chile has extremely strict biosecurity laws. Declare ALL food, plant, and animal products on your customs form. Failure to do so results in large fines. They use X-rays and sniffer dogs.
• Duty-Free: Excellent duty-free shopping is available after international security in T2. Chilean wine, pisco, and chocolate are popular purchases.
• Lounge Access: LATAM has several premium lounges in both terminals. Priority Pass and other lounge memberships also provide access to lounges in T2.
• Altitude: Santiago is at 570m (1,870 ft). No major altitude concerns at the airport itself.

Bottom line: All travelers to Santiago will use Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). For transportation to the city, the Centropuerto bus offers the best value, while Uber/Cabify provides the best balance of cost and convenience. For international-to-domestic connections, allow a minimum of 3 hours due to immigration and agricultural inspection. Always declare food items to avoid fines.