✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is Chile’s busiest airport, located in Pudahuel about 15 km northwest of downtown Santiago. Named after the founder of the Chilean Air Force and LAN Chile, it opened in 1967 and now serves as the main hub for LATAM Chile, Sky Airline, and JetSMART. Its modern international Terminal 2, opened in 2022, handles long-haul flights while Terminal 1 serves domestic routes.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors avoid the main international terminal food options by walking to Terminal 1’s public food court before security; it’s usually cheaper and less crowded, but allow extra time to return for international boarding.
🚖 Getting There
Use official taxi counters inside arrivals or pre-book a ride-hailing app; unofficial drivers may overcharge. Buses like Centropuerto and Turbus are cheaper and link to Metro stations, but can be slow in rush hour. Allow extra time for traffic on Ruta 68, especially on Friday evenings and holiday weekends.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is SCL from downtown Santiago?
A: The airport is about 15 km (9 miles) northwest of the city center. Depending on traffic, the drive takes 20–40 minutes; allow more during rush hour.
Q: Which terminal do I use?
A: Terminal 1 handles domestic flights within Chile, while Terminal 2 handles international departures and arrivals. Check your airline and ticket, as some regional flights may use either terminal.
Q: Is there public transportation to the airport?
A: Yes. Centropuerto and Turbus buses connect the airport with Santiago’s city center and Metro stations. There is no direct Metro line to the airport; most travelers combine bus and Metro or take a taxi/ride-hailing service.
Q: How early should I arrive at SCL?
A: For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure; for international flights, 3 hours is recommended, especially during peak periods and holidays.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash