Getting Around
Public transport in Santiago is both efficient and practical for tourists. The Metro de Santiago is an easy and efficient way to get around in Santiago at a reasonable price and the system services most places of interest. MetroBuses serve the Metro stations to act as an extension to the rail system. Competing private companies run Santiago's many minibuses (micros), with their drivers working on a commission basis dependant on collecting as many fares as possible. Buses tend to race each other chaotically through the city's main streets and can be a dangerous option. Quicker and more comfortable are the colectivos, which have fixed routes and can take five passengers. They look like regular taxis, but display their route on the roof. Taxis can be hailed on any street corner, or radio taxis can be called to the door. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but it is always best to decide on a rate before setting off as not all of the taxis are metered; taxi apps include Uber and Cabify. Although renting a car is possible, driving yourself around in Santiago is not recommended due to heavy congestion and limited parking. Santiago is also a good city for getting around on foot because it is arranged on a simple grid system that makes it easy to negotiate with a map.
Airports
Santiago International
The airport is situated nine miles (15km) northwest of Santiago.
Santiago International (SCL)
Location
The airport is situated nine miles (15km) northwest of Santiago.Getting to the city
Several bus services leave regularly for the city centre. Official airport taxis are also available from outside international and domestic arrivals.
Time
Local time is GMT -3 (GMT -4 from the second Saturday in May to the second Saturday in August).Car rental
International companies such as Avis, Budget, Mitta and Europcar are represented at the airport, as are several local companies.
Airport Taxis
There are taxi ranks located outside both the Domestic and International Arrivals areas.
Facilities
Facilities at this well-equipped airport include business and internet centres, bureaux de change, banks and ATMs, duty-free shops as well as a variety of other retail stores, restaurants, cafes and bars, tourist information, travel agencies and hotel reservations.
Parking
Parking spaces are charged for in half hour increments; there are three different zones and expense varies according to proximity to the terminal building.