Chile Airports
Santiago Airport
The Santiago International Airport, named "Com. Arturo Merino Benitez" after a pioneer in Chilean air transportation, sits on the northwest side of Santiago. Most international flights arrive into Chile via this airport. Santiago's airport code is: SCL. Santiago's airport has a very modern, clean, and efficient terminal.
Taxes and Fees
United States citizens pay an entry fee of $100 (U.S.) charged at the airport. The receipt is valid for the life of your passport. Domestic flights carry an airport tax of about $18 that is usually included in the ticket price.
Ground Transportation
There are numerous ways to get from the Santiago airport to your final destination. These include buses, shuttles, and rental cars. Refer to the more information box below or pick up a travel guide for your trip.
Major Airports
Although Chile's major international airport is in Santiago, they also have several other main airports. These airports have services like: international police, immigration, customs, restaurants, bathrooms, gift shops, and news stands. Most domestic flights travel to these locations. Chile's other major airports are:
- Arica (Chacalluta)
- Antofagasta (Cerro Moreno)
- Iquique (Cavancha)
- Puerto Montt (Tepual)
- Punta Arenas (Pdte. Ibaņez)
- Temuco (Manquehue)
I personally flew through the Temuco and Puerto Montt airports on domestic flights. These airports are very small compared to Santiago's large international terminal.
Chile's Airports
While the Santiago airport is the largest, Chile has numerous airports throughout the country:
73 airports with paved runways:
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 22
914 to 1,523 m: 22
under 914 m: 17
290 airports with unpaved runways:
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
914 to 1,523 m: 58
under 914 m: 216
Are you going to Chile?
Airports are just a piece of your travel to and within Chile. Avoid culture shock by reading the Gringo's Culture Guide to Chile.
- More Information
- Santiago International Airport
- Chile Customs Information
