Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) Traveler Essentials
- Terminals
- Terminal 1 (international and LATAM domestic) and Terminal 2 (Sky and other low-cost domestic). Connected by a free shuttle bus. Both terminals are modern and well-equipped.
- Distance to city
- 22 km / 30–45 min by official taxi or airport bus to Santiago
Overview
Santiago's airport (AMB) is Chile's main international gateway and South America's fourth busiest airport, handling 25+ million passengers. A modern, functional airport with two terminals handling both international and domestic flights. Major hub for LATAM Airlines.
Transport to city center
Metro Line 1 from Pudahuel station (connected by shuttle bus, 55 min total, CLP 1,850). Centropuerto Bus (30 min, CLP 2,200). Taxi: CLP 15,000–20,000, 30–50 min. Uber: CLP 8,000–12,000. The bus-metro combination is the best value.
Wi-Fi
Free WiFi at Arturo Merino Benítez — connect to the airport network and register; sessions are time-limited but renewable.
Lounges
LATAM VIP Lounge (Priority Pass eligible), Admirals Club (American Airlines), Sky Business Lounge. The LATAM VIP lounge in the international departures is spacious and well-stocked.
Security & customs
Chile enforces very strict agricultural controls — declare all food, fruit, and plant products or face heavy fines; sniffer dogs patrol arrivals. Use only the official taxis or transfer services from the regulated counters. Standard 100ml liquid rules apply at security; immigration is generally efficient for visa-exempt visitors.
Travel tips
No direct rapid transit — the Metro connection requires a shuttle bus first. Uber is significantly cheaper than airport taxis. Chilean pesos are needed for the metro — exchange or use airport ATMs. Reserve car hire in advance for Atacama or Patagonia road trips departing from Santiago.