Santiago Airport Guide: Things to know before you land! [2024]

Traveling to a new country can be stressful, especially when we don't know the local language. As soon as we land, we need to find a place to get local cash, understand how to reach our hotel, and buy a SIM card. 

This can sometimes be overwhelming. That's why we decided to create guides to all the main airports so that every traveler can have a positive first impact in every country they visit. 

We covered Curacao Airport and Guatemala Airport in the past, but we're moving to Chile today! Here is our guide to the Santiago International Airport, starting with where exactly the airport is located.

Where is Santiago Airport?

Santiago International Airport is the main airport of Chile and is located about 17 km northwest of Santiago. From here, you will easily be able to reach cities such as San Antonio, Viña del Mar, and Valparaíso. 

What is Santiago's Airport called?

The official name of Santiago Airport is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. Before booking your ticket, make sure this is the name of the airport you're landing at. There are plenty of cities named 'Santiago' in America, from Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic to Santiago de Cuba. You surely don't want to end up in the wrong country! 

Getting around Santiago's Airport

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport has two terminals. Terminal one is for domestic flights and has four levels. You will find the arrivals, the baggage claim desk, and several shops on the ground floor. VIP lounges are on the second floor, while check-in areas, departures, shops, restaurants, and boarding gates are located on the third floor. 

The fourth floor has a few extra restaurants and VIP check-in areas. Here you will also find a bank office, a pharmacy, travel agencies, insurance offices, and a police station. 

Terminal two has four piers: pier C, D, E, and F. Each pier hosts playgrounds for kids, culture and art areas, duty-free shops, and several restaurants and cafes. 

Getting to Santiago from the airport.

When you exit the Customs & SAG area, pay attention to the blue arrow. If you follow it, you will directly arrive at the counters where you will be able to buy tickets for Santiago. You can pay at the counters and exit towards the public concourse. 

Here are the 2 primary ways you can commute and travel to the city.

Bus

There are two bus companies operating trips from the airport to Santiago: Centropuerto and Turbus. The first Centropuerto bus is at 6.00 am, and the last departs at 23.30. A trip will cost you slightly less than 2.00$. If you arrive late at night, you can get a ticket with Turbus. Their service runs 24/7, and a ride will cost you about 1.50$.

Taxi

Three taxi companies are operating at the Santiago Airport. Vía Controlada taxi operates 24/7. You can contact Via Controlada at +56 9 4273 2887. 

Minicabs are active at any time of the day, and you can call them at this number +56226010274. 

Alternatively, you can try the Official Black and Yellow Taxi, and they answer at the following number +56 948689270. 

In all cases, a ride to the center will cost you from 10.00$ to 13.00$. 

Traveling to other cities from the airport. 

San Antonio (Chile)

If you need to reach San Antonio, you can get a bus from Santiago city center. The trip will take you about one hour and forty minutes, and it will cost you roughly 8.00$. You can easily buy your ticket at the bus terminal. 

Valparaíso

To arrive in Valparaíso, you will have to buy a ticket with Turbus directly at the airport. Buses depart at 5.20 am, 10.55 am, 2.10 pm, 6.05 pm, and 10.10 pm. A ticket will cost you approximately 7.50$, and it will take you about one hour to reach your final destination.  

Covid rules at Santiago Airport

You can get both an antigen test and a PCR test inside the airport. If you're coming from a foreign country, you may also be required to take a test upon arrival.

Is Santiago Airport comfortable? 

The airport has free Wifi accessible to everyone, plenty of charging stations, and comfortable benches to relax. 

Which hotels are close to Santiago Airport?

Hotel Inn Santiago is the closest hotel as it is situated just next to the airport. However, this option is quite expensive as a night here will cost you at least 156.00$. Other airports are located in the area, but they are about 3.7 km away. Some of these include Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport and City express Santiago.

Can you rent a car at Santiago Airport?

Yes! There are plenty of rental car companies to choose from, from AVIS to Budget, Econorent, etc.

Other Santiago Airport FAQs:

How long before a flight do I have to arrive at Santiago Airport?

To be sure not to miss your flight, we suggest you arrive two to three hours in advance. 

Where to park at Santiago Airport?

The new express 2 parking building has more than 1,500 parking slots. 

Who designed the new Santiago Airport?

Stantec, an international design and consulting company, designed the new terminal at Santiago Airport. 

Where to change the currency at Santiago Airport?

You can exchange your currency at AFEX Foreign Currency Exchange located at the international arrivals. 

What's the code of Santiago Airport?

Santiago Airport code is SCL. 

Where to buy sim cards inside Santiago Airport?

You can buy a sim card at the Entel shop situated on the 3rd floor at the departures. 

Can you sleep at Santiago Airport?

The staff at Santiago airport doesn't mind people sleeping in the building. Make sure to pass the Security area to find the most comfortable seats. The airport also features a yoga room near gate 15, where you may find some yoga mats (under the nearby stairs).

Are you ready to fly to Chile?

From the stunning hikes of Torres Del Paine National Park to the vibrant culture of Santiago and the alien landscapes of the Valle de la Luna, Chile should be on every traveler's bucket list. Book your ticket right away and plan the perfect adventure! 

Speaking of planning a trip, have you heard of Pilot?