Airport Hubs:
SCL → Santiago (Centro, Providencia & Las Condes) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Santiago Airport (SCL) to Centro & Providencia

Distance 15 km
Fastest 25 min
From 2,000 CLP (~$2.15)
Top Pick Centropuerto / Turbus Airport Coaches / Official Taxi
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) is located 15 km northwest of downtown Santiago. The Centropuerto and Turbus express airport coaches are the top budget choice, departing every 10 minutes directly to Pajaritos Metro Station in 20 minutes for 2,000 CLP (~$2.15 USD) (continuing to Los Héroes in downtown). For direct doorstep delivery, a Transvip shared minivan costs 8,500 - 10,500 CLP (~$9 - $11 USD), while an authorized official taxi costs a fixed 20,000 - 26,000 CLP (~$22 - $28 USD).

Santiago de Chile is framed dramatically by the snow-capped Andes mountains. SCL airport's new international Terminal 2 offers modern facilities with seamless bus and official taxi connections into central Santiago, Providencia, and Las Condes.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Centropuerto / Turbus Airport Express Coach Best Overall
25–40 min
2,000 CLP
~$2.15 / €2.00
 Every 10-15 min Budget travelers, backpackers, solo tourists, and Metro Line 1 connections See Boarding Steps ↓
Official Authorized Taxi (Taxi Oficial / Vía Controlada) Fastest
25–35 min
20,000 - 26,000 CLP
~$22 - $28 / €20 - €26
 Continuous queue Families, groups of 3-4, heavy luggage, and direct doorstep hotel drop-off Book Santiago Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Centropuerto / Turbus Airport Express Coach

2,000 CLP ~$2.15 / €2.00
Travel time 25–40 min
Frequency Every 10-15 min
Operating hours 05:55 - 23:30 daily
Where to buy tickets At the bus ticket kiosk outside terminal arrivals (Level 1) or on board.
Main advantage: Only 2,000 CLP ($2.15 USD); departs every 10 min; drops at Pajaritos Metro in 20 min.
Keep in mind: Requires brief metro transfer from Pajaritos to reach Providencia or Las Condes.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Exit Terminal 1 or 2 to the ground-level bus platforms.
  2. Buy a 2,000 CLP ticket at the Centropuerto or Turbus booth.
  3. Stow your bags in the lower cargo bay and take a seat.
  4. Disembark at Pajaritos Metro Station and take Line 1 directly into central Santiago.
Option #2 Fastest

Official Authorized Taxi (Taxi Oficial / Vía Controlada)

20,000 - 26,000 CLP ~$22 - $28 / €20 - €26
Travel time 25–35 min
Frequency Continuous queue
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Official taxi booths inside baggage claim hall.
Main advantage: Direct doorstep delivery; fixed regulated rates; credit cards accepted at counter; 24/7 service.
Keep in mind: More costly than the express bus.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Before exiting to the public lobby, visit the Taxi Oficial counter in the baggage hall.
  2. State your hotel address in Centro, Providencia, or Las Condes to pay the fixed fee.
  3. Your driver guides you to your vehicle in the authorized taxi lane.
  4. Direct highway transit straight to your hotel door.
Book Santiago Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Cabify / DiDi & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Cabify / DiDi pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Chile eSIM on Airalo →Compare Chile Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Santiago (SCL) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Santiago Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Buy Centropuerto or Turbus tickets (2,000 CLP) at outdoor kiosks right by the bus bays on Level 1, or pay cash/card to the conductor. Official taxis (Taxi Oficial, Taxi Vía Controlada) have authorized counters inside the arrivals hall where you pre-pay fixed rates.

Traveling with Suitcases

Airport coaches feature large lower luggage bays with luggage tags provided. Metro de Santiago permits standard luggage on Line 1 outside peak commuting hours.

Arriving After Midnight

Airport buses operate from 05:55 until 23:30. Official taxis and Transvip shared shuttles operate 24 hours a day with vetted drivers.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Following unofficial drivers in the arrivals terminal who aggressively solicit "Taxi amigo"—only book at the official indoor counters.
  • Taking public buses during the evening rush hour on Santiago Metro Line 1 with multiple large rolling suitcases.
  • Not keeping your return ticket safe if you purchase a discounted Centropuerto round-trip ticket (3,600 CLP).
  • Aggressive pirate taxi touts operate in the arrivals corridor. DO NOT follow anyone offering taxis. Pre-pay at official counters (Taxi Oficial, Taxi Vía Controlada, Transvip) inside baggage claim, or buy a Centropuerto bus ticket outside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is an official taxi from Santiago Airport to Providencia?

An authorized taxi booked at the indoor counters costs a fixed 22,000 to 26,000 CLP (~$24 to $28 USD).

How does the Centropuerto bus connect to the Santiago Metro?

The bus stops directly at Pajaritos Metro Station (Line 1), where you can hop onto the subway directly into downtown, Providencia, and Las Condes.