Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Santiago (SCL): 21 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Chile with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are frequent air services between main towns; it is advisable to make reservations well in advance.

The state railway runs throughout Chile, from Santiago to Puerto Montt in the south. Principal trains also carry vehicles. There is a network of ferries operating in the far south, between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales and from Puerto Montt to Chacabuco and the San Raphael glacier. There is also a monthly service that runs from Valparaíso to Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island.

The Pan American Highway crosses the country from north to south (a total of 3,455 km or 2,147 miles) from the Peruvian border to Puerto Montt. Car hire is available at airports and in major towns (drivers must be aged 21 or over). Although most of the roads in Chile are in good condition, it is advisable in remoter areas to carry spare petrol and a spare tyre. The maximum legal speed limit, unless otherwise stated, is 70 kph (45 mph) in urban areas and 120 kph (75 mph) on highways. Drivers may not smoke or use a mobile phone or a personal music player with headphones.

Intercity buses are excellent, reliable and comfortable, with the majority having toilets and serving food and drink. There is a luxury north-south service running most of the length of the country.

Taxis are black with a yellow roof. Fares should be metered, although for longer journeys it may be best to negotiate a price beforehand. Tipping is not expected, although a 50% surcharge applies on Sundays after 9pm.

Santiago has a good Metro system, in addition to bus, minibus and shared taxibus services. The buses and minibuses have flat fares. Taxis are numerous, and can be hailed in the streets.