Transport and driving in Chile

With a reliable and developed transport system, getting around Chile is easy and inexpensive. Santiago and Valparaíso have efficient metro systems, while buses and trains link all major towns and cities. As Chile is a narrow, long strip of land, air travel is also a popular means of transport.

Public transport in Chile

Prices for public transport are relatively low, and those who use regular public transport in Santiago use a bip! card, which makes purchasing tickets and travelling by bus, metro and MetroTren exceptionally convenient.

Buses

The most popular way to travel between cities in Chile is by bus. Long-distance buses connect all major destinations, from cities to small villages. Several bus companies offer efficient, clean and comfortable services across the country, and a selection of international bus services connect Chile to its South American neighbours. Turbus and Pullman Bus are coach services that cover much of Chile.

Fares for bus travel differ depending on the class of the bus. Because bus travel is the norm, companies have competitive rates and promotions. Many offer air-conditioning, comfortable seats and amenities such as on-board screens to watch films, WiFi and meal services. Others offer regular stops for food and restroom breaks.

Most Chilean towns have a central bus terminal, and Santiago is the main bus hub with numerous bus terminals.

Buses are convenient for travelling domestically and around cities and towns and often can be flagged from the street. For new arrivals who are lost or unsure of the bus direction, don’t hesitate to ask the driver if it’s the right bus.

See the Turbus and Pullman Bus websites for detailed information on bus fares and routes.

Trains

Trains used to play an essential role in Chile’s transport system, but services are limited nowadays and are no longer the most popular means of travel around the country. Chile’s railways are operated by the state-owned Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE).

Train travel is generally limited to the country’s central regions, although some routes to neighbouring countries offer transport for tourists and travellers.

The MetroTren in Santiago is a subsidiary of EFE. It’s a light rail system consisting of two lines (the MetroTren Nos and the MetroTren Rancagua), and 28 stations. It’s part of the city’s integrated public transport network and makes getting around easier.

Check out the EFE website for more details.

Metro

Santiago and Valparaíso have metro systems. The metro in Santiago is the most convenient and cost-effective way of getting around the city, but congestion is common at peak times. The price for a trip on the metro is low and includes transfers.

Although the subway is relatively safe, it’s important to stay vigilant as pickpocketing may occur, especially when the metro is packed with people.

Taxis in Chile

Taxis are plentiful in Chile’s major cities. They can be identified by their black exterior and yellow roof and can be hailed on the street or called ahead. Most taxis have a meter, but passengers must ensure the driver uses it. Otherwise, it’s best to agree on a fare beforehand.

Colectivos, a combination of a microbus and a taxi, offer shared taxi services in towns and cities in Chile. These taxis normally offer set prices and run regular fixed routes displayed on signs on their roofs, although at night, they may drive to a specific location for an extra fee.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber are readily available in most urban centres. These are practical options for expats who cannot speak the local language, as they provide a convenient means of directing the driver without the risk of miscommunication.

Driving in Chile

Cars provide greater freedom for travel, especially for those who like to explore or need to travel outside main cities.

Chile has a good road network, although some of the more remote roads and mountain passes may be in disrepair. Highways connecting towns and cities are called rutas nacionales and are identified by numbers. The Pan-American Highway is a fantastic route that spans across the Americas. Route 5, or Ruta 5, is part of this highway and is Chile’s longest route.

Cars in Chile drive on the right-hand side of the road. Chilean roads are relatively easy to navigate, although road signs are in Spanish. Several inter-city roads are tolled, mainly along Ruta 5. Tolls may not take credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand when driving across the country.

On top of traffic and difficulty finding parking in large cities, vehicle safety is a concern, and drivers must not leave valuables in their cars.

Foreigners intending to drive in Chile must have an international driving permit and a valid driving licence from their home country. After obtaining residency, expats are required to apply for a Chilean driving licence.

Renting, shipping or buying a car

Short-term rental cars can be worthwhile in Chile and often come with insurance. That said, many rental agencies have a minimum age limit, restricting those under 25 or charging them a higher fee. Well-known international car rental services including Hertz and Avis operate in Chile, but local agencies may offer cheaper rates.

Expats can also ship their car or motorcycle to Chile, although this is an expensive option.

Alternatively, many individuals who stay for several months purchase a cheap, used vehicle if it’s in a suitable condition and can be resold afterwards. This option is generally affordable but can be risky, and the bureaucracy involved is time-consuming.

Cycling in Chile

In the past, cycling has been unpopular in Chile as the rising economic prosperity of the country saw a sharp increase in Chileans buying cars. More recently, locals have developed an enthusiasm for cycling, and many Chileans cycle on a day-to-day basis.

Transport infrastructure in Chile hasn’t been able to keep up with this trend, though, and dedicated cycle lanes are few and far between – and those that do exist often end abruptly or are interrupted by lampposts or pedestrian sidewalks.

That said, large cities are extending and developing their cycle paths to encourage this healthier way of getting around and reduce traffic. Because of the increased support and demand, bikes can also be rented from private companies in the city centres.

Many people cycle as part of their lifestyle for leisure, sport and adventure rather than for getting to and from work. Some cities, including Antofagasta, Santiago and Temuco, are involved in a project called CicloRecreoVía. Every Sunday, certain streets are closed off to cars, allowing people to walk and cycle the streets as they wish. It has become quite popular, and thousands of people are getting involved.

Learn more about CicloRecreoVía on their website.

Walking in Chile

Walking around towns and cities in Chile is perfectly feasible, and it’s free. Remember that Santiago is like any other major city, so carrying valuables and walking alone, especially at night, should best be avoided. Booking a taxi in advance is the safest option to get around at night.

Air travel in Chile

Given the country’s length, long-distance travel in Chile is often the easiest by air, particularly if travelling to the far south of the country.

While air travel saves time, it does not save money. Extra fees may be hidden and easily overlooked. Airports are located outside city centres, and transport to and from them by taxi can be pricey, while baggage fees also add up. That said, budget airlines frequently offer promotions.

Several domestic airlines operate in Chile, including LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline. The primary air hub in Chile is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago.