Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
This is the main international airport serving Santiago, Chile, offering domestic and international flights.
- Distance to downtown
- 14.6 km
- Typical drive time
- Approx. 11 min
- Terminals
- 2
Flights to Santiago
Discover Santiago, the capital of Chile: A Gateway of Heritage and Local Culture
Chile Summer TimeSCL
- Best round-trip fare
- $303.00
- Nonstop from
- 61
- Best time to visit
- Jan, Feb, Dec
- Updated
- 2026-10-27
Santiago travel overview
Santiago is a city in Chile beside the Andes Mountains.
- State
- No data
- Population
- 6,257,516 (2012)
- Time zone
- Chile Summer Time
- Average stay
- 2–3 days
- Nearest airport
- Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
- Straight-line distance
- 14.6 km
Popular flights to Santiago
Find the most popular routes to Santiago, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.
| From | Flight time | Airlines(main) | Weekly flights | From price | Route |
|---|
Airports serving Santiago
Candidate airport code(s) associated with Santiago include SCL; verify your ticket's IATA code and ground transport links to central Santiago.
Best time to visit Santiago
No data
Average temperature and rainfall
High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
Recommended months
December – February
No data
Seasons
WinterNo data
No data
SpringNo data
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SummerNo data
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AutumnNo data
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Top things to do in Santiago
Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Santiago itinerary.
Santiago Historic Civic Center & Landmark Plaza
Explore the signature civic landmarks and historic core of Santiago, experiencing the urban layout and heritage of Chile's capital.
National Museum & Cultural Heritage Gallery of Santiago
Discover archaeological artifacts, folk art, and historical exhibits chronicling Santiago and Chile on a half-day cultural visit.
Santiago Traditional Cuisine & Central Market Dining
Sample authentic Chile dishes, fresh local produce, and street-food specialties across Santiago's lively markets and dining streets.
Santiago Scenic Promenade & Heritage Quarter Walk
Stroll along Santiago's parks, waterfront promenades, or heritage lanes in the late afternoon to enjoy skyline views and local life.
Santiago city transport
Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.
| Transport | Best for | Time to downtown | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCL Airport to Central Santiago Ground Transfer | Travelers arriving or departing Santiago via SCL | 15–50 min | CLP 800–18000 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): 15–50 minutes one-way between SCL and central Santiago; from CLP 800.0 per person by public transit up to CLP 18000.0 per vehicle by taxi. Original charging basis: one-way SCL to central Santiago: public bus per person vs taxi per car in CLP. |
| Airport to Santiago Center Ground Transfer (SCL) | Arriving/departing passengers and travelers with luggage | 20–60 min | CLP 3800–26300 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated one-way fare in CLP; lower bound reflects public bus/rail and upper bound reflects official airport taxi/express. |
| Santiago Urban Public Transit Network | Budget travelers and daily sightseeing commuters | 10–45 min | CLP 900–3800 · per adult; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated single-ride urban transit fare in CLP; varies by zone distance or transit card discount. |
| Santiago Official Taxis & Ride-Hailing | Families, small groups, and evening travelers | 10–35 min | CLP 4700–16900 · per vehicle; one-way · as of 2026-10-21 · Estimated 5–10 km urban ride fare in CLP; peak traffic or late-night surcharges may apply. |
Where to stay in Santiago
When staying in Santiago, consider central town districts or areas near main transport corridors and SCL airport connections.
Central Santiago and Transport Hub Area
Centered around Santiago's main commercial streets and transport links, offering convenient access to dining, services, and transfers to SCL.
Santiago trip planning
Spend your first day exploring central Santiago, local museums, and markets, and dedicate a second day to nearby nature trails or regional landmarks.
- Daily budget
- CLP 55000–130000 · estimated per person/day in CLP; local stay, meals & transit · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about CLP 55000–130000 per person/day for budget-to-midrange lodging, meals, and local transit in Santiago (in local currency CLP, excluding flights).
- Local time
- No data
- Tipping
- In Chile, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5–10% for good restaurant service is a common courtesy; check bills for included service charges.
- Power outlets
- Carry a universal travel adapter and check voltage compatibility (typically 220–240 V or local standard) when visiting Santiago, Chile.
- Accessibility
- Main terminal facilities at SCL and modern buildings in Santiago generally provide basic accessible access, while older streets or rural trails may have uneven surfaces.
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
Explore more destinations
Continue planning with cities near Santiago.
Popular routes from Santiago
Allow ample buffer time for ground transfers to SCL airport or intercity rail/bus terminals when departing Santiago.
Frequently asked questions about Santiago
Which airport codes and payment preparations should I note when visiting Santiago, Chile?
Santiago is associated with candidate airport code(s) SCL; local transactions use CLP, so carry both a major payment card and some CLP cash for local transit and markets.
What is Santiago's role in Chile, and what special selection notes apply?
Santiago serves as the capital of Chile. Selected under the capital-first rule. Primary air access is via SCL in the America/Santiago time zone.
What is the typical daily budget in Santiago, and what currency and power outlets are used?
Local transactions in Santiago use CLP, with an estimated daily budget of 70500–169200 CLP per person (budget to mid-range). Power standard: Type C, F, or G outlets, 220–240V/50Hz (a universal travel adapter is recommended).