Transportation from Santiago Chile's Airport
Shuttle, Taxi or Bus from the International Terminal to the City
Jan 18, 2009
One of the easiest and best service for dollar options to leave Arturo Merino Benitez, Santiago Chile’s main international airport, is with one of the city’s door-to-door shuttle services that will take customers right from the airport exit to anywhere in the city. They are good for solo arrivals not only because are they likely to have the company of fellow travelers in the van with them, which can make entry to the country less intimidating, but the charge is per-person, whereas a taxi can be expensive when travelling alone.
Shuttle Service From the Airport to Hotels in Santiago, Chile
After a long flight, it is nice to not need to worry about haggling for a taxi to drive the 16 kilometers into town. Transvip, one of the shuttle services, can be booked ahead through a hotel but it’s not necessary because it is just as easy to arrange from the airport itself.
The Transvip counter is located right outside of baggage claim after customs. Payment is made there and a receipt is produced. The cost is around eight dollars U.S. per person to be taken to any location in the city. The price varies only slightly by destination.
Transvip accepts Chilean pesos, U.S. dollars or credit cards. Chilean pesos can be obtained at the ATM right next to baggage claim before you walk through customs. If one uses their credit card they should be sure of their bank’s policies and charges on overseas interactions. Take the receipt past the mob of taxi drivers to the Transvip drivers who wait just beyond the crowd.
The vehicles themselves are clean and comfortable. They are air-conditioned and there is a seat for every passenger. One can rent an entire van privately, or book a ride in one as a solo traveler. The vans don’t usually wait long to depart and will leave to deliver passengers to their destinations without being full. They drop each single traveler or group off at their individual hotels.
Private Taxi From the Airport to Hotels in Santiago, Chile
There are also other options to leave the airport. A taxi can be hired for about 30-35 dollars U.S. but it is important to bargain before or make sure the driver turns on the meter. Also only ride with a registered taxi. The crowd of taxi drivers waiting for passengers just outside the airport can be intimidating and are known for preying on recently arrived tourists who can be unsure of the exchange rate at first. The airport security jokingly calls many of the taxi drivers, “Piratas.”
Public Bus From Airport to City Center
Public transportation can be confusing into the city, but it is the cheapest way to get there. Blue buses come just outside the international arrival gate and will take passengers downtown, but a taxi is likely to be necessary from there to a hotel. The cost of the bus is about two dollars U.S. The bus goes to one of four bus stations in the Santiago and sometimes it is difficult to know what stop to get off at if unfamiliar with the city. Watch for pickpockets on all public transportation.
Private Car Rental From Airport Arrivals
For anyone who wants to negotiate the roads of Santiago on their own, there are plenty of options of companies to rent cars from including Chilean, Hertz and Budget. Chile is a fairly easy country to negotiate transportation for further travel.
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