Santiago (Chile) SCL — Centropuerto + Tur Bus Aeropuerto
Arturo Merino Benítez International (SCL) to Santiago — Updated 2026
Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International (SCL) sits 15km northwest of the city — the closest major airport to a Latin American capital. Two competing airport bus lines run from the terminal to central Santiago every 10 minutes: Centropuerto (CLP 2,000, about USD 2.10) and Tur Bus Aeropuerto (CLP 2,200, USD 2.30). Both stop at Pajaritos metro station (25 min) and Los Héroes metro station (40-45 min) via Alameda avenue. From either metro station, the bus fare + metro (BIP! card, CLP 800-900) gets you anywhere in the city for under CLP 3,000 (USD 3). This is one of the world's best-value airport transit systems. For travellers with heavy luggage, Uber + Cabify are available at the ride-hail pickup zone (Level 1, marked "Transporte Privado"), typical fare CLP 12,000-20,000 (USD 12-21) to Providencia or Las Condes. AVOID unmarked "taxi" drivers who approach in arrivals — Santiago airport has a well-marked official taxi rank + ride-hail zone, both trustworthy. The airport-Metro extension (Line 7 to SCL) is under construction with a 2027-2028 opening target.
Centropuerto + Tur Bus Aeropuerto stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SCL Arrivals (Level 1) | 0 min | Bus stops directly outside, well signposted |
| Pajaritos Metro (Line 1) | 25 min | West Santiago, first metro interchange |
| Universidad de Santiago | 35 min | Line 1 metro alternative |
| Los Héroes Metro (Line 1/2) | 40-45 min | Central Santiago, main interchange |
| Alameda / Terminal Alameda | 45 min | Terminus for both bus lines |
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Centropuerto + Tur Bus Aeropuerto vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centropuerto bus | CLP 2,000 | 40-45 min | Cheaper of the two. Every 10 min. |
| Tur Bus Aeropuerto | CLP 2,200 | 40-45 min | Extra CLP 200 for slightly newer coaches. |
| Bus + Metro | CLP ~2,900 | 55-70 min | Airport bus + metro to any station. |
| Uber / Cabify | CLP 12,000-20,000 | 25-45 min | App-based, verified pickup zone. |
| Official airport taxi | CLP 25,000-35,000 | 25-45 min | Kiosk in arrivals. |
| Vip Transfer (shared shuttle) | CLP 8,000-12,000 | 30-60 min | Door-to-door pre-book. |
FAQ
Centropuerto or Tur Bus Aeropuerto from Santiago airport?+
Essentially identical service — same route, same stops, same 10-minute frequency, same 40-45 minute journey. Centropuerto is CLP 200 cheaper (CLP 2,000 vs CLP 2,200); Tur Bus has slightly newer coaches. Take whichever leaves first. Both companies stop at the same curbside outside arrivals with visible signs.
Does Santiago Metro go to the airport?+
Not yet as of 2026. Metro Line 7 (green) is being extended to serve SCL, with a projected opening in 2027-2028. Until then, Centropuerto or Tur Bus to Pajaritos or Los Héroes metro stations is the fastest public route. The metro will eventually make the airport a ~30-minute subway ride from central Santiago.
Is the Santiago airport bus safe at night?+
Yes. Centropuerto + Tur Bus both run until 23:30 with well-lit coaches, uniformed drivers, and official curbside stops. The Alameda + Los Héroes terminus stations are staffed 24/7. Metro to your final hotel: Line 1 runs until 23:30 Sun-Thu, later on Fri/Sat. For after-midnight arrivals, use Uber or the official taxi rank.
How safe are Uber and Cabify at Santiago airport?+
Very safe if you use the marked "Transporte Privado" ride-hail pickup zone on Level 1 (arrivals). Confirm the driver + plate in the app before entering the vehicle. Uber + Cabify have been formally authorized at SCL since 2023, with a dedicated waiting area outside the terminal. Do not accept rides from drivers who approach inside the arrivals hall.
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