One of the most visited cities in this part of the continent is Santiago de Chile and one of the most important points of arrival is the SCL Santiago Airport. For most of the travelers, there is always the question about how to get from the airport to the center.

When you first arrive in Santiago, it can be a bit tricky to get out of the airport, so hope this will be helpful to you.

Formerly called Pudahuel Airport, after the name of the Santiago’s district where it is located, the airport owes its name International Santiago Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez to Arturo Merino Benitez, founder of Chilean Aeronautical Club.

Opened more than 45 years ago, the airport has two runways and 18 passenger boarding bridges and  more than 15 million people make use of it annually. It is one of the most efficient and modern airports in Latin America and hub for flights between South America, North America, Oceania, and Europe.

Flights from several companies have flights connecting with SCL Santiago Airport as LATAM, Sky Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, Air France, American Airlines, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas, KLM, Goal, Avianca, Alitalia, Iberia, Qantas. Lufthansa, British Airways, and United Airlines

SCL Santiago airport is organized into two main areas and was recently refurbished after the earthquake that hit Chile in 2010:

– A level for national and international departures
– A lower level for the arrivals

Connectivity between SCL Santiago Airport and Santiago City center

I think the connectivity of the SCL Santiago Airport with the city center is very poor. There is no direct public transportation from the airport nor there’s direct link with the Metro, making it much more comfortable if you inform yourself before your arrival about how to get your destination in the city and thus also avoid overpaying.

The only options to get from the airport to the center of Santiago and the opposite:

– Private cars:

If you are lucky to have a friend or relative taking you to the airport will be the most comfortable option. The airport is located just 17km from downtown, so it can be a quick route if you can travel on the highway, it has parking with different rates depending on the distance to the entrance and length of your stay.

– Taxis or Transfer mini-vans

They go from the airport to your house or hotel door. If you go to the city center and not have trouble on waiting to leave other passengers before, I recommend you choose the last option, because you will pay less and it will be also a preset rate.

I have heard about many scams to travelers from taxi drivers overcharging tourists not clear how much it will cost his passage to the center of Santiago.
In shared van, the price it is close to $ 6,500 CHP and CHP and in a cab about $ 15,000.

 

Pssss     Wanna read more about Most Common Travel Scams? CLICK HERE

– Bus:

There are two companies that give this service: TurBus and Centropuerto, both are located at Level 1 to Level 3 and come from the bus terminal Heroes, Pajaritos and San Borja, which have a connection with Metro Line 1. They circulate between 6:30 to 23:00 and the rate is $ 1,500 CHP.

What you need to know when arriving at SCL Santiago Airport

All travelers entering the country must pass through International Police and must have a passport valid for more than 90 days. There is a reciprocity fee for passengers from Australia USD $95, Canada USD $132, Mexico USD $23, and Albania USD $30.

The payment is valid for the validity of the passport, except for Australia and Mexico, which is valid for maximum 90 days.
Any doubt about International Police can check at the phone (56-2) 2690-1063 or  https://www.policia.cl/

Do not risk, declare your animal or plant products!

Something very important to consider when entering Chile is the controls for the entry of natural products to the country. The Agriculture and Livestock Service, or SAG, is responsible for preserving the health and biodiversity of the country and any product that endangers the ecosystem and agriculture, and will be confiscated before your entry into the country.
Everyone entering Chile must complete an affidavit stating whether bringing any plant or animal products, if you declare NO but you actually  bring with you any banned product you risk paying high fines and believe me, they will charge you and are very strict with this theme.
If slides in your luggage or your clothes any products, parts and/or byproduct of animal and/or vegetable (which do not constitute commercial load) regardless of the amount or time since purchased, it must be declared.
If in doubt consult a SAG inspector before handing your Affidavit, call 600 818 1724 or https://www.sag.cl/

Services at SCL Santiago Airport

You will find basic services at the airport of Santiago, such as restaurants, shops, and pharmacies, as well as a duty-free area found by entering International Police and a few outside it.

There is an Exchange Shop in the transit passengers area and another open to the public sector. The airport has ATMs that charge a commission of around USD $6 per transaction in foreign cards.

The airport has a luggage storage service, located in the domestic arrivals area, on the first level.

https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl/

Still planning your visit to the city? CHECK HERE my Bucket List to visit in Santiago