Arrival & Transport

Chile is at the other end of the world — the journey is long, but every kilometer is worth it:

Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) — Santiago

Chile's only major international airport, 17 km northwest of downtown. No direct flights from Germany — connecting flights via Madrid (Iberia/LATAM, approx. 16h), Paris (Air France/LATAM, approx. 16h), São Paulo (LATAM, approx. 17h) or Amsterdam (KLM, approx. 17h). Total travel time from Frankfurt: 15–20 hours depending on layover time.

Transfer to Santiago: Centropuerto/Turbus Airport Bus (1,900 CLP, 30–45 min to the center), Taxi (fixed price 20,000–25,000 CLP / €20–25), Uber (12,000–18,000 CLP). Metro not directly at the airport.

Domestic Flights

Given the vast distances, domestic flights are often the smartest choice:

Airlines: LATAM (largest airline, most extensive network), Sky Airline (low-cost carrier, often cheaper, very good) and JetSMART (ultra-low-cost, hand luggage only included).

The Best Buses in South America

Chile's long-distance buses are legendary — and rightly so. On the main routes, comfortable coaches make European long-distance buses look outdated:

• Semi-Cama: Wide seats, 140° recline, footrest, air conditioning, onboard entertainment. The standard class for longer distances. Absolutely sufficient for 6–8 hours.
• Salón Cama: 160° recline, extra wide seats, blanket and pillow. The business class of buses.
• Suite / Premium: 180° flat, only 8–12 seats on the bus, meals and drinks included. For night trips — you sleep like in a bed. Still costs only a fraction of a flight.

Important Bus Companies

• Turbus: Largest network, all classes, reliable
• Pullman Bus: Very comfortable, good value for money
• Buses ETM / Cruz del Sur: Good alternatives, especially in the south

Important Routes & Travel Times

Santiago's Bus Terminals

Santiago has several bus terminals — knowing which one you need saves time and confusion:

• Terminal Alameda (Turbus/Pullman): Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 3750 (Metro Universidad de Santiago). The largest terminal for long-distance buses heading south and north. Turbus and Pullman Bus depart from here
• Terminal San Borja: San Borja 184 (Metro Estación Central). For various bus companies, especially heading south and to international destinations (Buenos Aires, Mendoza)
• Terminal Pajaritos: For buses to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and the coast. Metro Pajaritos

Online Booking

You can book buses online via the following platforms:

• recorrido.cl: The best comparison platform — shows all bus companies, times, and prices. Online payment with an international credit card
• turbus.cl: Book directly with the largest company
• pullman.cl: Book directly with the second-largest company
• busbud.com: International platform, works well for Chile

Tips for Bus Travel

• Night Buses: Always choose the Cama class for routes over 8 hours. The 180° flatbeds are worth the extra cost
• Seat Choice: The seats on the lower deck (Piso 1) of double-decker buses are quieter and have less vibration
• Luggage: A large suitcase/backpack goes in the luggage compartment (keep the luggage ticket!), carry-on goes with you in the cabin
• Food: On long routes, there are stops at rest areas (15–20 min). Buy snacks and water beforehand
• Air Conditioning: Can be EXTREMELY cold — always have a jacket or blanket handy
• Theft: Keep valuables in your carry-on, not in the luggage compartment. Take your carry-on with you during breaks

Rental Cars in Chile

A rental car is the best option, especially for the Lake District and the Carretera Austral. The roads are well-developed, the signage is clear, and the landscape is best enjoyed at your own pace.

Prices & Practicalities

Providers: Europcar, Hertz, Avis at the airport. Local providers like Chilean Rent a Car or Rosselot often significantly cheaper.

Driving Tips

• Toll Roads (Peajes): The Panamericana and highways around Santiago are toll roads. Pay via TAG system (electronic) or cash at the toll booth.
• Fuel: Approx. 1,200–1,400 CLP/liter (€1.20–1.40) — similar to Europe.
• Carretera Austral: Chile's legendary gravel road (1,240 km) through Patagonia — 4x4 strongly recommended, carry fuel in cans, book ferries in advance!
• Atacama: For San Pedro and surroundings, organized tours are more practical than rental cars. Many tracks require 4x4.
• International Driving License: Officially required, but in practice, the EU driving license is usually accepted.

Chile by Ship

Chile's rugged coastline, fjords, and islands make ferries an essential mode of transport — especially in the south, where roads often end and only boats can continue.

Important Ferry Connections

Navimag Ferry: Puerto Natales → Puerto Montt

The Navimag fjord journey is one of Chile's great adventures: 3–4 days through the Chilean fjords, past glaciers, uninhabited islands, and dolphins. It's not a cruise (more like a cargo ship with passenger cabins), but that's what adds to its charm: simple food, communal areas, views of one of the most untouched coastlines in the world. The route passes through the Golfo de Penas (Gulf of Sorrows — the name says it all, rough seas!), the Canal White, and the Canal Messier. Book months in advance — especially the shared cabins sell out quickly.

Skiing — When It's Summer in Europe

Chile has first-class ski resorts, with the great advantage that their season runs from June to September — when it's summer in Europe. Chilean powder snow, Andean panoramas, and sunshine make Chilean ski resorts a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts.

The Best Ski Resorts

• Valle Nevado: 60 km east of Santiago at 3,000–3,670 m. Chile's largest ski resort with 40+ slopes and excellent powder snow. Day pass from 45,000 CLP. Accessible by shuttle bus from Santiago (2h)
• Portillo: 160 km north of Santiago, right on the Argentine border. Legendary ski resort at Lago del Inca — the 1966 World Ski Championships were held here. Smaller, exclusive, breathtaking location
• Ski Pucón: On the Villarrica Volcano. Small but unique: Skiing on an active volcano! View over Lago Villarrica. Day pass from 35,000 CLP
• Centro de Ski Volcán Osorno: On the Osorno Volcano near Puerto Varas. Small facility, but the view over Lago Llanquihue is unbeatable
• Corralco: On the Lonquimay Volcano in the Araucanía region. Less known, excellent powder snow, Araucaria forests at the edge of the slopes

Practicalities

• Season: Mid-June to late September (depending on snow conditions)
• Equipment: Rental available at all ski resorts. Good quality, moderate prices
• Access: Valle Nevado and La Parva by shuttle bus from Santiago (Skitotal, from 20,000 CLP return). Portillo only by car
• Prices: Day pass 35,000–55,000 CLP (€35–55) — significantly cheaper than the Alps