Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Chile.

National Trains [Ferrocarriles]

Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE) — EFE operates most long-distance trains in Chile, including the scenic route from Santiago to Puerto Montt. Book tickets in advance on their website (efe.cl) or at stations, especially during summer (December–February) when services fill quickly.
Limited network coverage — Trains mainly run between Santiago and the south; for northern Chile (Atacama, Antofagasta), buses are your primary option. The central line is reliable but slow compared to buses—expect 14+ hours for Santiago to Puerto Montt.
Occasional strikes by railway workers can cancel or delay services with little notice. Always check EFE's website or call ahead before traveling, especially around labor disputes or anniversary dates.

Santiago Metro — The Santiago Metro is fast, clean, and extensive with 7 lines. Use the Bip! card (rechargeable contactless card available at metro stations and kiosks) for discounts compared to single tickets. Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) if you dislike crowds.
Integrated bus system — Buses in Santiago accept Bip! cards and integrate with the metro system; transfers within 120 minutes are discounted. Other major cities (Valparaíso, Concepción, Valdivia) have their own local bus networks—ask locals or check city websites for card options.
Petty theft is common on crowded metro trains and buses, especially during peak hours. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying phones or cameras, and be aware of your surroundings, especially on Line 1 and Line 5.
Night buses (Microbuses nocturnos) — Late-night buses operate after metro closes (around midnight) but are less frequent and less safe; prefer taxis or ride-apps after dark unless you're familiar with the route.

Uber, Didi, Beat — Ride-hailing apps are widely used in major cities (Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción). They're safer and more transparent than street taxis; prices are fixed upfront. Download the apps before arrival and link a local phone number.
Unlicensed taxi scams target tourists: agree on prices before entering unmarked taxis, or use only white official taxis with meters (taxímetro). Fake meters and exaggerated fares are reported; Uber/Didi eliminate this risk.
Official taxis (Taxi Blanco) — Official white taxis in Santiago should display a meter; insist on using it (say 'con taxímetro'). If the driver refuses or the meter seems faulty, exit and catch another cab. Tip 10% or round up if service is good, but it's not mandatory.
Ride-app surges during peak hours (evening rush, bad weather) can double prices. Plan travel times accordingly or use standard taxis if surge pricing frustrates you.

Car rentals and rules — International Driving Permit (IDP) is useful; bring your home country's driver's license plus passport. Major chains (Hertz, Budget, Avis) and local companies offer rentals; book online for better rates. Driving is on the right side; seat belts are mandatory.
Speed cameras and tolls are common on highways (autopistas). Speeding fines are steep (50,000–300,000 CLP); toll roads charge per section and accept cash or electronic tags. Rental companies often charge admin fees if you're ticketed.
Road conditions vary widely: highways south of Concepción can be poorly maintained; mountain passes close in winter (June–August) due to snow. Drive defensively—many local drivers ignore speed limits and lane markings.
Fuel and safety — Fill up regularly, especially in remote areas; gas stations (bencineras) are common in cities but sparse in the north and south. Avoid driving alone at night in unfamiliar regions; carjacking and theft, though uncommon, are reported.
Driving under the influence has zero tolerance and is heavily enforced; even small amounts of alcohol can result in license suspension, jail, and large fines. Use ride-apps or taxis if you've consumed any alcohol.

Arturo Merino Benítez International (Santiago) — Chile's main hub, 15 km west of Santiago. Direct buses (Turbus, Pull-Man) run to the city center (1–1.5 hours, ~7,000 CLP); the metro doesn't reach the airport directly. Uber/Didi are also available; allow extra time due to traffic.
Regional airports — Calama (north, for San Pedro de Atacama), Puerto Montt (lake region), and Punta Arenas (south) have smaller international terminals. Connecting through Santiago is often cheaper than flying direct; check flight combinations.
Check-in and documentation — Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, 2 hours for domestic. Have your passport ready and any required health forms; Chile no longer requires a tourist card as of 2023, but entry requirements may change—verify before travel.
Airport taxis are overpriced; use a registered company (booth in arrivals) or book Uber in advance. Avoid unmarked taxis offering rides outside the terminal—agree on prices or use app-based options.

Navimag & Transmarchillay — Ferry services operate in southern Chile, especially in Patagonia (Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales) and around Chiloé. Navimag offers iconic multi-day cruises; book weeks in advance and expect remote, rugged travel. Seasickness is common—bring medication.
Shorter regional ferries — Ferries cross between islands (e.g., Chiloé to Hornopirén) and connect coastal towns. Prices are reasonable (5,000–20,000 CLP); schedules vary seasonally. Check operators' websites or ask at tourist offices for current times.
Southern ferry routes can be rough and subject to weather delays, especially April–August (autumn/winter). Pack warm clothes, motion sickness remedies, and patience; cancellations or multi-day delays are not uncommon.

Bip! card (Santiago metro/buses) — Buy a Bip! card at metro stations or authorized retailers (~2,000 CLP initial cost, reloadable). Load credit and enjoy discounted fares—metro rides cost around 800–1,600 CLP depending on time and distance; transfers to buses within 120 minutes are discounted.
Tourist passes — Some cities offer day or multi-day tourist transit cards. Check with local tourism offices upon arrival; Santiago occasionally offers 'Bip! Tourist' passes (around 30,000 CLP for 10 rides), though availability varies.
Fare evasion (jumping turnstiles) carries fines of 50,000+ CLP and even short jail detention if caught repeatedly. Always buy a valid ticket or load your card—inspectors are frequent on metro.
Long-distance bus tickets — Book intercity buses (Turbus, Pullman, Tur-Bus) online via their websites or apps for discounts; buying at the station costs more. Tickets include assigned seats and, usually, Wi-Fi and snacks on longer routes.

Local SIM cards — Buy a SIM from Movistar, Entel, Claro, or Virgin Mobile at the airport, city centers, or malls. Prepaid plans are cheap (10,000–30,000 CLP starter kits with data); register with your passport. Coverage is excellent in cities, spotty in remote areas.
Data and calls — 4G/LTE is reliable in major cities; expect slower speeds in rural zones. Buy monthly bundles (30–50 GB) or pay-as-you-go. International roaming is expensive—local SIM is much cheaper for calls/texts home.
Wi-Fi in cafés and hotels can be unreliable and sometimes insecure; use a VPN if accessing sensitive accounts. Public Wi-Fi hotspot passwords are often visible on receipts or signs—don't assume privacy.
Apps for transit and travel — Download Metro Santiago (metro routes), Google Maps (comprehensive transit/walking directions), and Moovit (bus/metro schedules). These require data, so a local SIM or WiFi is essential for real-time navigation.