How to get around Chile
Navigating Chile is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For traveling between cities in Chile, buses are a common and economical choice. Services are generally comfortable, with amenities such as air conditioning, and sometimes even USB sockets or entertainment systems.
Prices for bus journeys vary depending on the distance and the class of service. For instance, a bus trip from Santiago to Valparaíso can cost between 6,000 to 10,000 Chilean pesos (CLP).
Longer journeys, such as Santiago to Puerto Montt, average around $29 USD, while Santiago to Concepción averages around $20 USD. Overnight buses are available for long distances.
Another option for long distances is domestic flights. These are the quickest way to cover vast stretches of the country, especially between the northern and southern regions. While typically more expensive than buses, affordable fares can sometimes be found. For example, some popular routes can cost around 28,000 to 35,000 CLP. Flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas take about 3 hours, and Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas takes 2 hours.
Train travel in Chile is limited but offers a comfortable experience on certain routes. The state-owned company, Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE), operates most of the railway network. There are 'Turista' (Tourist) and 'Preferente' (Preferential) classes, with 'Preferente' offering more amenities. Prices vary by route and class; for example, a train from Santiago to Chillán can cost around $16-$22 USD.
Car rentals are available, with prices starting from around US$25.00 to 40.00 per day for a subcompact car. Weekly rates can range from US$400–500. It is advisable to confirm if the quoted price includes IVA (19% Chilean value added tax), insurance, and unlimited mileage.
Travel Within Cities
Within Chilean cities, public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing apps are available. In Santiago, the metro and bus system are the most economical ways to travel.
To use public transport in Santiago, a 'Bip!' card is required, which can be purchased at Metro stations. A one-way bus fare costs 380 CLP (around $0.65 USD), allowing for three transfers within 120 minutes.
Metro fares vary by time of day: 710 CLP during low hours, 790 CLP during off-peak hours, and 870 CLP during peak hours. A monthly public transport pass in Santiago costs around CH$39,428.
Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. In Santiago, a taxi typically has a base fare of around 350-450 CLP, with an additional cost of about 750-1,000 CLP per kilometer. A 5km ride could cost around 355-3,550 CLP.
Shared taxis, called 'Collectivos,' are a cheaper alternative with fixed routes, costing around €2.50 (2,000 CLP) for a single journey. Taxis from Santiago Airport to the city center range from 20,000 to 30,000 CLP. It is recommended to book taxis from official counters at the airport to avoid overcharging.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber, DiDi Rider, inDrive, and Cabify operate in Santiago and other regional cities, offering prices comparable to or slightly more expensive than traditional taxis. Uber's base fare in Santiago is 400 CLP, with 200 CLP per kilometer and 70 CLP per minute.
