Chile's vast landscapes and diverse cities are well connected by an efficient transport system that caters to budget travelers looking for adventure and savings.
Flying into Chile typically means landing at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). From here, you can save money by taking the Centropuerto bus, which costs 2,000 CLP (approx. $2.50) and will take you to the Pajaritos Metro Station in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, the airport shuttle service is more expensive at around 8,000 CLP ($10) but drops you directly in the city center.
If you're already in South America, consider taking a long-distance bus to Chile. Companies like Turbus or Pullman Bus offer routes from cities across Argentina and Peru. For example, a bus from Mendoza to Santiago costs about 20,000 CLP ($25) and takes around 8 hours. Booking online in advance can help you secure the best rates.
Santiago boasts an extensive and affordable public transport network, primarily composed of buses and the Metro. The Metro system has six lines, and tickets cost 700 CLP ($0.90) one way. You can buy a Bip! card from any Metro station for 1,500 CLP ($2) and load it with credit for easier access. If you're planning to explore the city, consider a daily fare for 5,200 CLP ($6.50) that allows unlimited travel for 24 hours.
For buses, you can board them from nearly any corner of the city. Make sure to check the route numbers on the front. A useful tip: download the app “Transantiago” to help you navigate bus routes and schedules efficiently. Expect to pay the same 700 CLP ($0.90) with your Bip! card. Note that cash is not accepted on buses, so always have your card loaded.
To explore Chile's stunning landscapes, consider traveling by bus to popular destinations like Valparaíso or San Pedro de Atacama. Buses from Santiago to Valparaíso take about 1.5 hours and cost around 8,000 CLP ($10) one way. Look for companies like Turbus or Pullman that offer comfortable, budget-friendly options. If you're venturing north to San Pedro de Atacama, a sleeper bus is a great option; it costs about 20,000 CLP ($25) and takes roughly 24 hours, so pack snacks and prepare for a long ride.
For those interested in southern Chile, travel to Puerto Varas or Puerto Natales via bus from Santiago. Expect to pay around 30,000 CLP ($37) to Puerto Varas. A critical tip here is to book in advance, especially during holiday seasons like summer (December-February) when prices can spike.
Chile's transport system is wallet-friendly, but there are some tricks to save even more:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centropuerto Bus (Airport to Santiago) | 2,000 CLP | Quick and affordable airport transfer. |
| Metro Ticket (Santiago) | 700 CLP | One-way fare; use Bip! card for convenience. |
| Bip! Card | 1,500 CLP | Initial cost; reload as needed. |
| Bus to Valparaíso | 8,000 CLP | 1.5-hour journey from Santiago. |
| Long-Distance Bus to San Pedro de Atacama | 20,000 CLP | Approx. 24-hour ride; book in advance. |
| Daily Metro Fare | 5,200 CLP | Unlimited travel for 24 hours. |
| Bus from Santiago to Puerto Varas | 30,000 CLP | Expect 12-14 hours of travel time. |
Using buses is the best and most economical way to travel around Chile. For city travel, make sure to get a Bip! card for public transport. For long distances, check out companies like Turbus or Pullman, which often offer discounts for early bookings. Additionally, consider overnight trips to save on both transport and accommodation costs.
Yes, while public transport in Chile is generally safe, it's wise to stay alert, especially in crowded areas. Always keep your belongings close and avoid displaying valuables. When using buses and metros, try to travel during peak hours for better security, as there are more people around.
Traveler comments
Add a route note, correction, timing tip or question for this guide.