Santiago Airport
IATA code: SCL
ICAO code: SCEL
Passengers: ~24.500.000.
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago de Chile Airport, Pudahuel Airport or simply Santiago Airport, is an international airport serving Santiago, Chile. The airport is situated in Pudahuel, around 15 kilometres from Santiago. It is the largest and the busiest Chilean airport, with over 24.5 million passengers. In 2020, the airport suffered a 65% drop in the number of passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic, with only 8.5 million passengers.
It serves as a hub for JetSmart, Sky Airline and LATAM. The airport has a main terminal building divided into 4 levels. Level 1 is the arrivals level, split into domestic and international arrivals. Level 2 serves as a check-in for connected flights, while Level 3 is a check-in and Departures level. Here you will find 14 gates for international and 4 for domestic flights. Level 4 is another check-in level. The flights mostly operate within South America, but Pudahuel Airport is also connected to Oceania, Europe, and North America.
If visiting Santiago, the following guide will present you with all the necessary information about SCL.
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How to get from Santiago Airport to Santiago de Chile
The distance between Santiago airport and Santiago de Chile is 15 kilometres, which is roughly a 30-minute ride.
Learn more about getting to Santiago de Chile from the airport in the text below.
Bus
Several bus companies provide their services, and they depart from the first level at gate 4.
Centropuerto is a company that connects the airport to Downtown Santiago, and the bus lines operate 24/7. The daytime buses operate from 6:00am until 11:30 pm every 10 minutes, while at night the buses are less frequent, operating every 30 minutes.
TurBus operates nearly all day long, with the earliest departures at 5:00 am, and the last at midnight, departing from the airport every 30 minutes.
The ticket prices of both companies are similar, around 2€ for a one-way ticket, and the route both buses take has several stops: Las Rejas Metro Station – Terminal Alameda Universidad de Santiago Metro Station – Pajaritos Terminal – Terminal San Borja Estación Central Metro Station.
Taxi
Many travellers prefer taking taxis in order to get from an airport to their desired destination. Although more expensive than taking a bus, taxis provide a bit more comfort.
Taking a taxi at the SCL Airport was made quite efficient by the airport itself. They have introduced a controlled route system they named Vía Controlada that allows passengers to check the fare in advance.
The tickets for a taxi can be bought at a ground transportation desk at the airport once you arrive, and the taxis themselves are located just outside the main terminal. Passengers can choose between two types of taxis – yellow & black ones that operate on taxi meters, and the blue ones aimed specifically at tourists. Depending on where you are going, the fare can range from 15€ to 20€. The fares change depending on the destination, day and time.
If you, however, prefer booking a ride with rideshare companies, you will be delighted to learn that Uber is also available at the airport. Once again depending on several factors, the prices can range from around 8.5€ to 18€.
Transfer
For those who prefer to arrive at the airport without the worry of transportation on their shoulders, booking a door-to-door transfer is a great option. The passengers are welcomed at the airport by their driver and taken directly to their destination while enjoying their hassle-free experience.
Car hire
If you plan on exploring the city and its surroundings on your own, without being dependent on public transport services, you might consider renting a car. Car rental services at the airport are provided by 10 companies, some of which are Europcar, Alamo, and Avis. However, we recommend booking a car online in advance in order to avoid long queues.
Rent a bus
Larger groups of passengers should consider renting a bus for a comfortable, hassle-free experience. However, it is recommended to book it online so the rental companies have enough time to advise you on the meeting point and other valuable information.
Santiago Airport airlines
About 30 airlines operate at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, the major ones being Aeromexico, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas and American Airlines.
The airlines provide international flights to Miami, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Paris, Dallas, as well as domestic flights to Lima, Arica, Calama and other destinations.
Some of the biggest airlines offering arrivals and departures at SCL are:
- Aeromexico
- Aerolineas Argentinas
- American Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air France
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Korean Air
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- WestJet
Santiago Airport facilities
Pudahuel Airport offers various facilities to its passengers on each of its four levels. Below is the list offered at SCL.
- Duty-free shops
- Currency exchange services
- Free WiFi
- Restaurants
- Luggage storage service
- Medical services
- Dental clinic
- Pharmacy
- Post office
- Longes
- VIP lounges
Santiago Airport accommodation
Santiago Airport FAQs
No need to operate. Some buses operate 24/7 with a 30-minute frequency at night. However, if you do not wish to wait, taxis and private transfers are also available.
Yes, you will find ATMs all over the airport, and currency exchange as well.
Free, unlimited WiFi service is available at Santiago Airport.
Luggage storage service is available at Santiago Airport.
Yes, taking an Uber is possible at Santiago Airport.
