How to get to Chile

Chile is well connected by air and land, with most travelers flying into Santiago’s international airport. Overland routes from Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia are also an option, though they can be slow and affected by weather conditions.

Flight to Chile

Airfares vary by season, with the most expensive periods being December-February and June-August (summer holidays in the southern and northern hemispheres). Prices drop slightly in March and November, while the cheapest fares are usually found in April, May, September, and October.

If you're planning to visit Easter Island, flights from Santiago are often cheaper when booked with a LATAM international ticket.

Flights from the US and Canada

American Airlines, Delta, and LATAM offer nonstop flights from US cities like Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta. It's also possible to fly via Colombia, Peru, or Brazil. Expect to pay $950-1600 in high season.

From Canada, Air Canada and LATAM fly from Toronto to Santiago, with high-season fares ranging from C$1450-1800. However, it’s often cheaper to fly via the US.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

British Airways operates direct flights from London to Santiago, but traveling via Madrid, Buenos Aires, or the US is often cheaper. LATAM, Iberia, and Air France also offer connecting flights. Expect to pay £900-1200 during peak season. Even the shortest indirect routes take at least 16 hours, while US layovers add even more travel time.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Qantas and LATAM provide direct flights from Sydney and Auckland, with high-season fares ranging from A$2500-4500 or NZ$3000-4400. Indirect flights through Los Angeles or South America are often cheaper.

For South African travelers, LATAM and South African Airways offer direct flights from Johannesburg to Santiago, with fares between ZAR26,500–51,000.

Round-the-world tickets

If Chile is part of a longer trip, a round-the-world (RTW) ticket could be a cost-effective option. Prices start around £2400, and airlines like British Airways, LATAM, Iberia, and Qantas participate in these ticket networks. Companies like Trailfinders and Round The World Flights can help tailor a Chile itinerary.

Overland travel to Chile

Buses from neighboring countries

Long-distance buses connect Chile with Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. The busiest route is Mendoza to Santiago, but other popular crossings include Bariloche to Osorno, Río Gallegos to Punta Arenas, and San Juan to La Serena (open October-April).

From Peru, buses run from Tacna to Arica, while from Bolivia, you can take a bus from La Paz to Arica or cross from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama via a salt flats tour. Be aware that traveling from sea level to 4500m in a few hours can cause altitude sickness—stay hydrated and take it slow.

Trains from neighboring countries

Chile has limited international train services. The Arica-Tacna line in Peru reopened in 2016, and a rail link exists between Uyuni (Bolivia) and Calama (Chile). A proposal to reopen the Arica-La Paz railway was made in 2017, and since May 2021, freight trains have been running between the Chilean coast and a terminal near La Paz. A short 38 km passenger service is also in operation, though full passenger services between the two countries have not yet resumed.