Transportation Guide

Transportation Guide for Chile

Getting around Chile is an adventure in itself. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, this long and narrow country offers a wide range of transportation options — from modern metro systems to scenic long-distance buses and domestic flights connecting desert, city, and glacier. Whether you’re planning to explore Chile’s beaches, trek in Patagonia, or tour the wine valleys, this Transportation Guide for Chile will help you travel efficiently, safely, and comfortably.

Top Highlights

Chile’s infrastructure is among the best in South America. The country offers reliable public transport in cities, well-maintained highways, and affordable flights for long distances. Planning ahead can save both time and money.

  • Domestic Flights: Quick and efficient for crossing Chile’s long geography.
  • Long-Distance Buses: Comfortable, affordable, and scenic — a traveler favorite.
  • Santiago Metro: Clean, safe, and one of Latin America’s best subway systems.
  • Car Rentals: Great for road trips in Atacama or Patagonia.
  • Ferries & Boats: Essential for reaching islands and southern fjords.
  

Getting to Chile

Most international travelers arrive via Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. Direct flights connect Chile with major cities like New York, London, Madrid, São Paulo, and Sydney. From Argentina, there are multiple overland border crossings — such as the Paso Los Libertadores (Mendoza–Santiago) — which offer scenic Andes views. Cruise passengers can also arrive at ports like Valparaíso and Punta Arenas during summer.

Domestic Flights

Given Chile’s length, domestic flights are often the fastest option. A flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas covers over 2,000 km in just three hours — a journey that would take days by road. Major airlines include LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. Book in advance for cheaper fares, especially during holidays (December–February). Airports exist in almost every region: Calama (Atacama), Concepción (central south), Puerto Montt (Lake District), and Punta Arenas (Patagonia) are key hubs.

Tips for Flying in Chile

  • Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights.
  • Carry a digital copy of your boarding pass; mobile check-in is common.
  • Low-cost airlines charge extra for checked luggage — pack smart.
  • Use public airport shuttles in Santiago for a budget-friendly transfer.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are Chile’s most popular form of travel, offering comfort, reliability, and great value. Companies like Turbus and Pullman Bus operate routes covering the entire country. Choose between three seat types: regular (semi-cama), full-recline (cama), and luxury (salón cama). Overnight buses often include blankets, movies, and snacks. For shorter distances — such as Valparaíso to Santiago (2 hours) or La Serena to Coquimbo (1 hour) — local buses run frequently throughout the day.

Booking & Terminals

Most major cities have central terminals. In Santiago, Terminal Alameda and Terminal Sur serve routes across the country. Tickets can be purchased online or at kiosks. Expect to pay around $25–$40 USD for a 10-hour trip. Night buses are safe, punctual, and preferred for budget travelers.

Driving & Car Rentals

For maximum freedom, rent a car — especially in regions like the Atacama Desert, the Lake District, or Patagonia. Chile’s highways (Ruta 5 and Ruta 7) are well maintained and part of the Pan-American network. Driving conditions are excellent in the north and center, though roads in Patagonia can be unpaved and weather-dependent.

Driving Requirements

  • Foreigners may use their home country license or an International Driving Permit.
  • Driving is on the right; seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 60 km/h in cities.
  • Fuel stations accept credit cards, but rural areas may require cash.

Popular Road Trips

  • Atacama Desert Loop: Calama → San Pedro de Atacama → El Tatio Geysers → Valle de la Luna.
  • Ruta del Vino: Drive through Casablanca and Colchagua Valleys for wine tasting.
  • Carretera Austral: Chile’s ultimate scenic drive through Patagonia’s glaciers, fjords, and forests.

 

Urban Transportation

Santiago Metro & Buses

The Santiago Metro is efficient, modern, and covers most of the city. Use a rechargeable Bip! card for metro and bus rides. Peak hours (7–9 AM and 6–8 PM) can be crowded, so plan accordingly. Complementary red buses connect suburban areas to metro stations, while taxi and ride-share apps like Cabify and Uber are widely available.

Valparaíso Funiculars & Local Buses

In Valparaíso, heritage funiculars (ascensores) climb steep hills between neighborhoods — a must-try cultural experience. Local buses (micros) are cheap and scenic, running along the coast between Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

Trains in Chile

Chile’s train network is limited but scenic. The TerraSur Express runs between Santiago and Chillán, offering panoramic countryside views. Heritage trains, like the Tren del Recuerdo, operate occasionally for tourists — combining nostalgia and comfort. While trains aren’t the fastest option, they’re perfect for slow travel enthusiasts who want to enjoy the landscape.

Ferries & Boat Travel

In southern Chile, ferries are not just scenic — they’re essential. The Navimag Ferry sails between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, taking four days through breathtaking fjords. Smaller boats connect Chiloé Island, the Patagonian archipelagos, and the Carretera Austral route. Book tickets early, especially in summer (December–March).

Costs & Practical Tips

  • Domestic flights: $50–$150 USD average one-way.
  • Long-distance bus: ~$3 USD per hour of travel.
  • Car rental: $50–$80 USD per day (plus insurance).
  • Metro fare (Santiago): ~900 CLP ($1 USD) per ride.
  • Ferries: vary by route, from $20 USD (Chiloé) to $500 USD (Patagonia Navimag).

Travel Safety

Chile is one of South America’s safest destinations. Roads are well-signed, and police are professional. Always keep valuables secure on overnight buses, and respect local driving laws. In remote regions, carry paper maps since mobile coverage may drop. Emergency number: 133 (Police) or 131 (Ambulance).

Experience & Photography Tips

Traveling Chile by land offers countless photo opportunities — from desert highways lined with volcanoes to Patagonian ferries gliding past glaciers. Window seats on buses and planes often provide cinematic views, so keep your camera ready. In Santiago, the metro’s modern architecture makes great urban shots, while the Carretera Austral rewards drone photographers with epic mountain-lake compositions.

Quick Facts

  • Main Airport: Santiago (SCL)
  • Length of Country: 4,300 km (2,670 miles)
  • Best Transport for Long Distances: Domestic flights or night buses
  • Driving Side: Right
  • Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

Where to Go Next

After mastering the roads, skies, and seas of Chile, keep exploring:

 

From efficient metros and modern highways to adventurous ferries and scenic road trips, Chile’s transport network turns travel into part of the experience itself. Whether crossing deserts, vineyards, or fjords, the journey through Chile is as unforgettable as the destination.