Centropuerto / TurBus
The budget option and the recommendation for most solo travellers. Two bus services operate from Level 1, exits 4 and 5 of the arrivals area:
Centropuerto runs to Los Heroes Metro Station, near the city centre. TurBus runs to Terminal Alameda, next to Universidad de Santiago Metro Station. Both cost CLP 1,800 (under $3 USD), run every 10 minutes, and operate from 6am to 11:30pm with reduced overnight services. Pay on the bus with Chilean pesos or pre-purchase tickets online.
From Los Heroes, Providencia is three stops on Line 1. From Universidad de Santiago, you are on Line 1 heading east into the city.
If arriving late at night, be aware that the areas around some bus stops are not always the safest. Consider a taxi or shuttle for late arrivals.
Shared shuttle (TransVip / Delfos)
Shared vans providing door-to-door service. CLP 7,000 (about $11 USD) per person. Book at the kiosks in the arrivals area or online ahead of time.
The downside: you may wait for other passengers to be dropped off before reaching your destination. Booking in advance ensures a smoother experience, especially for late arrivals.
Uber / DiDi / Cabify
All three apps work at SCL. Around CLP 20,000 ($25 USD), though prices fluctuate with demand. These services are not officially permitted to operate from the terminal - drivers meet passengers at the Express Parking area or near the Holiday Inn just outside. Uber specifies the elevators exit in front of Door 5.
Always verify the driver’s details before getting in and follow the route in the app. There have been reports of confrontations between rideshare drivers and local authorities at the airport.
Official taxi
Book at the official counters inside the airport, not from drivers waiting outside. This ensures a fixed price and avoids scams. CLP 20,000-30,000 ($25-35 USD) to central Santiago. Taxi ranks are directly outside the arrivals terminal.
Private transfer
Starting at $37 USD for an economy car (up to 4 passengers). Book online or through your hotel. The advantage is someone waiting with a sign and a set price. I used my hotel’s car service for the accountability - if something goes wrong, there is a chain of responsibility. Worth noting: the driver did not help with bags, and had parked a long way from the main pick-up area to save money. If you have mobility issues, be specific about your needs when booking.
Car rental
Only if you are planning day trips to the wine valleys or coast. Starts around CLP 35,000 ($45 USD) per day. Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have desks at the airport. Santiago traffic is heavy and city-centre parking is limited. Not recommended for Santiago itself.
SCL is 30-45 minutes from the city. For very early departures or late arrivals, staying near the airport makes sense rather than navigating a transfer in the dark.
Holiday Inn Santiago Airport - The closest hotel to SCL, connected by a short shuttle. Basic but functional for an overnight between flights. Check availability →
NH Collection Plaza Santiago - Further from the airport but a much better hotel. Worth the taxi if you want comfort rather than just proximity. Check availability →
The Centropuerto bus drops you at Los Heroes metro station - from there Providencia is three stops east on Line 1. See my Santiago neighbourhood guide for recommendations.