Getting from the Airport to the City
When arriving at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Pudahuel), you have several options to reach the city center. Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal. For those preferring public transport, two specific bus companies, Centropuerto and Turbus, offer routes into town; one-way tickets for these services are priced at 2,000 pesos.
Alternatively, you can use the Red bus line 555, which connects the airport's employee parking area to the Pajaritos metro station. This service integrates with the Metro card system, allowing it to count as a standard ride. For those requiring private or shared transportation, companies like Transvip and WeTransport offer shuttle services between the airport and the city.
Navigating the City: Metro and Bus Networks
The primary way to navigate Santiago is through the Transantiago system, which integrates both the metro and the main bus lines. To use these services, you must purchase a "bip!" card. These cards can be bought and topped up at any metro station or at specialized "Centro bip!" locations. The card allows for unlimited transfers between the metro and buses within a two-hour window, though users must still swipe their card upon boarding each vehicle.
The Santiago Metro is a major component of the city's infrastructure. Several lines pass through the historic center, while others serve the eastern parts of the city. While the bip! card is currently the standard for payment, contactless credit and debit cards will begin to be accepted on the metro starting in early 2026.
Regional Travel and Rail
For travel outside the immediate metropolitan area, Santiago serves as a major hub with several bus terminals. Terminal Santiago (near Estación Central) and Terminal Alameda are primary hubs for domestic and international routes. Other specialized terminals, such as Termopuerto Los Héroes and Terminal San Borja, serve specific regions to the north and west.
Rail travel is available from the Estación Central station. This hub provides several options for regional travel:
- Metrotren: A commuter rail service heading south toward San Fernando via Rancagua.
- TerraSur: An interregional train providing access to Chillán, which is recommended to book in advance during the summer season.
- Expreso Maule: An express service for travel to the O'Higgins and Maule regions.
Road Travel and Taxis
If you choose to travel by car or use a taxi, be aware of the "TAG" toll system on major highways like the Autopista Central (Ruta 5). While rental cars typically come equipped with a "TAG" transponder, independent drivers can purchase one-day passes at service stations if needed. Taxis are readily available at the airport and throughout the city's urban centers.