SCL Airport Transfer | Santiago Chile

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA: SCL) is Chile's primary gateway and the country's only international hub, 22 kilometres north-west of central Santiago in Pudahuel. Terminal 2, opened in 2024, handles long-haul international traffic; Terminal 1 retains domestic routes. The airport is accessed via the A-5 Norte motorway and the Costanera Norte expressway; rush-hour transfer times can add 15 to 25 minutes on the Costanera Norte. Uber and Cabify are legal at SCL with a designated pickup floor one level above arrivals. Centropuerto and TurBus Aeropuerto public buses run to central Santiago for ~USD 2.50. A LocalsRide private car meets you at arrivals with a name sign; the USD fare is locked at booking.

SCL Transfer Times

Las Condes and Costanera Center: 22 km, 30–50 min. Providencia: 20 km, 25–45 min. Vitacura: 22 km, 30–45 min. Bellavista: 18 km, 25–45 min. Lastarria and historic centre: 20 km, 28–48 min. Barrio Italia: 22 km, 30–50 min. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: 115–120 km, 1.5 hours. Cajón del Maipo (El Yeso): 75 km, 1.25 hours. Valle Nevado ski resort: 70 km, 1.5–2 hours. Casablanca wine valley: 85 km, 1 hour. Isla Negra (Neruda house): 150 km, 2 hours.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my flight arrives at SCL Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?

Long-haul international (Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, new Middle East routes) generally T2. Latin regional and Chilean domestic use T1. LATAM operates from both depending on the flight. Free shuttle connects the terminals, 10–15 min transit. Pre-booked transfers meet at the arrivals hall of your specific terminal.

Is there a proper taxi rank at SCL or do I need to pre-book?

Official metered rank outside arrivals plus Uber/Cabify pickup zone one level above. Airport taxis are regulated and legitimate — the fake-taxi problem common at some Latin American airports is less pronounced at SCL. For unusual hours, ski/trekking gear, or direct Valparaíso/Valle Nevado runs, a pre-booked private car is simpler.