Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Santiago, Chile
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Airport Wi-Fi
Free WiFi at Arturo Merino Benítez — connect to the airport network and register; sessions are time-limited but renewable.
Security and arrival
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.
Distance to city
22 km / 30–45 min by official taxi or airport bus to Santiago