Search Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Intl. Airport Flight Tickets

About Arturo Merino Benitez Intl. Airport

Arturo Merino Benitez Intl. Airport is located in Pudahuel, in Santiago Province, around 15 kilometers northwest of central Santiago, Chile. Opened to civil air traffic in 1967, it is operated under concession by Nuevo Pudahuel, with aviation oversight from Chile's DGAC. As the country's main air gateway, the airport plays a strategic role for business travel, tourism, cargo, and regional connectivity across Latin America.

The airport is organized around Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights, with annual capacity commonly cited at more than 30 million passengers following its major expansion. Its infrastructure includes modern check-in areas, immigration and security controls, retail and dining services, lounges, parking, cargo facilities, and ground transport links. Traffic is strongest during the Southern Hemisphere summer holiday period, long weekends, and winter travel peaks linked to ski tourism and regional connections.

Airlines operating from Arturo Merino Benitez Intl. Airport include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSMART, Copa Airlines, Avianca, Aerolineas Argentinas, American Airlines, Delta, United, Iberia, Air France, KLM, and other regional and long-haul carriers. Key direct destinations include Chilean cities such as Antofagasta, Calama, Concepcion, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas, as well as international routes to Buenos Aires, Lima, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Panama City, Miami, Madrid, Paris, and Amsterdam. Demand for flight tickets remains broad and resilient, supported by corporate travel, tourism, family visits, and Santiago's role as a major connecting hub.

Arturo Merino Benitez Intl. Airport to Santiago City Center Transport

Travelers can get from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport to Santiago city center by public bus, airport coach, taxi, rental car, or private transfer. The fastest options are usually taxi or pre-booked transfer, while buses are the most budget-friendly.

Bus

Public RED bus 555 connects Santiago Airport with Pajaritos Station, where passengers can transfer to Metro Line 1 toward central Santiago. Average travel time to the city center is about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic and metro connections.

• RED bus 555: Airport Intermodal Stop to Pajaritos Station
• Metro Line 1 connection: Pajaritos to Los Heroes, La Moneda, Universidad de Chile, or Baquedano

Airport Shuttle

Havas/Havabus does not operate at Santiago Airport; the main regular airport coach services are Centropuerto and Turbus. These buses run between the airport and major metro or bus terminals, with an average journey time of about 35 to 50 minutes to central stops.

• Centropuerto: Metro Republica, Los Heroes, Estacion Central, Universidad de Santiago, Las Rejas, Pajaritos
• Turbus: Terminal Alameda, Universidad de Santiago, Las Rejas, Pajaritos

Taxi

Official taxis are available 24/7 from the airport transport counters and designated pickup areas. The average taxi ride from Santiago Airport to the city center takes about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Use official airport taxi desks inside the terminal
• Confirm the fare or meter before departure

Car Rental

Car rental companies have offices at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, making this a practical option for travelers continuing beyond Santiago. Pickup is usually arranged at or near the terminal exit, and the drive to central Santiago takes about 25 to 40 minutes.

• Airport rental desks are located in the terminal area
• Terminal-exit pickup or nearby parking-lot pickup is commonly used

Transfer

A private airport transfer is a comfortable door-to-door option from Santiago Airport to hotels, apartments, or business addresses in the city center. Advance booking is recommended, especially for late-night arrivals, groups, families, or travelers with extra luggage.

• Private car transfer to central Santiago hotels
• Shared or private minibus transfer with companies such as Transvip or Transfer Delfos