One of the things you quickly learn after spending time in Chile is that getting from one place to another can be very different depending on where you are going. Chile is a long, geographically diverse country, stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. The transportation that works well in Santiago may not be practical in a small town in the Lakes District or a remote area of southern Chile.
Whether you are planning a visit or considering making Chile your home, it helps to understand the choices available.
Traveling Between Cities and Regions
Long-distance buses
Buses are one of the most widely used ways to travel between Chilean cities and towns. They serve many destinations, including places that do not have convenient air or rail connections.
There are different levels of service, from basic seating to more comfortable options for longer journeys known as cama (bed) and semi-cama. For people traveling on a budget, buses can be a practical way to see more of the country.
One useful website for comparing routes, bus companies, schedules, and fares is Recorrido.cl. You can enter your departure city and destination to see available services and purchase tickets online.
Keep in mind that distances in Chile can be considerable. A trip that looks short on a map may take much longer than expected, particularly when traveling through mountainous areas or along winding coastal roads.
Domestic flights
Flying is often the most practical choice when covering long distances. Chile has airports connecting major cities and regional destinations, including areas in the far south.
One important thing to understand is that Santiago is the main hub for domestic air travel. Many flights between regional cities require a connection through Santiago, even when the destinations are relatively close geographically. For example, a flight from Puerto Montt to Temuco may require traveling north to Santiago and then back south, rather than taking a direct flight.
This is one reason why taking a bus or driving can sometimes be more practical for travel between cities in southern Chile.
Several airlines operate domestic routes. Flight schedules and routes vary, so compare options carefully before making plans.
Trains
Chile does have passenger rail service, but the train network is limited compared with the bus system. Services operate on selected routes, including the Santiago–Chillán line, along with regional and special tourist services.
Trains can be an enjoyable way to travel where routes are available, but they should not be assumed to be an option for every destination.
You can check current routes and schedules through EFE, Chile’s national railway.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
Public transportation
Larger cities generally offer more transportation choices. Santiago has an extensive Metro and bus system. The Metro is a convenient way to move around much of the capital, and you can find route maps, fares, and service information on the official Metro de Santiago website. Below is a photo of the central station of the Santiago metro.
Other cities have local buses, taxis, and shared transportation options, although coverage and frequency vary.
In smaller towns, public transportation may be less frequent, and getting to rural properties or attractions can be difficult without a vehicle.
Renting or owning a car
Having a car gives you considerably more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore smaller communities or live outside a major city.
Chile has major international car rental companies operating at its airports, making it possible to rent a vehicle when you arrive. The companies and vehicle choices vary by airport, so it is a good idea to check availability and reserve ahead of time, particularly during busy travel seasons.
This becomes particularly important in southern Chile. Many beautiful areas around the Lakes District, Chiloé, and Patagonia are spread out, and public transportation may not take you where you need to go.
Tolls and the TAG system on Ruta 5
If you plan to drive along Ruta 5, Chile’s main north–south highway, be prepared for tolls. Depending on the section of highway, you may encounter traditional toll booths where you stop to pay, as well as electronic free-flow toll sections.
The electronic system is called TAG. Vehicles equipped with a TAG transponder are charged electronically as they pass through designated toll points. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company whether the vehicle has a TAG device and how toll charges will be handled. Rental companies may have their own billing arrangements and fees.
At traditional toll booths, payment options can vary. Cash in Chilean pesos is useful, and some toll locations accept debit cards, but do not assume that every booth will take a card. It is best to carry cash for tolls rather than depend entirely on a debit card.
If you are driving a rental car, make sure you understand how both manual tolls and electronic TAG charges are handled before leaving the rental office.
Road conditions also vary. You may encounter paved highways, gravel roads, rural lanes, and mountain routes. The vehicle you need depends on where you plan to travel and how you intend to use it.
If you are considering driving in Chile, make sure you understand the local requirements and road rules before setting out. The U.S. Department of State’s Chile travel information provides useful background for American visitors.
Transportation in Southern Chile
Our experience living in the Los Lagos Region has taught us that transportation is an important consideration when choosing where to settle.
Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, and Osorno offer more services and transportation connections than many of the smaller communities surrounding them. Once you move into rural areas, however, having your own transportation can make a significant difference in everyday life.
This is something to think about before choosing a property. A beautiful rural location may look ideal, but consider how far you will be from groceries, medical services, schools, and other necessities.
Plan Ahead Before You Travel
Chile offers several ways to get around, but the best choice depends on your destination, budget, and how much independence you want while traveling.
If you are planning a trip, take time to understand the distances involved and the transportation available in the areas you want to visit. If you are considering moving here, think beyond your initial arrival and consider what daily transportation will look like after you settle in.
We cover much more about planning a trip, navigating the country, and preparing for relocation in The Chile Relocation Guide, Book One. It is designed to help you understand the practical details before you arrive, so you can make better decisions and avoid some of the surprises that come with moving to another country.
Planning a Move to Chile?
Jim and I have spent more than 13 years building a life here. We share what we have learned through our books, videos, and the Chile Expat Family community.
Get both Chile Relocation Guide books for $40, and receive our free 10-page printable Immigration Document Organizer. See the books and bundle here.
If you are considering purchasing property in southern Chile, learn about our real estate services. We represent buyers only and help people find and evaluate properties in southern Chile.
You can also learn more about our private, interview-based Chile Expat Family Telegram group, where people planning a move can connect with us and others who have experience living in Chile. Membership is $100 to join, plus $5 per month.
We hope this helps you begin planning your time in Chile. Getting around is one part of the experience, and understanding how transportation works can help you choose destinations—and eventually a place to live—that suit your needs.
Bus photo Lanmeneses1987, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Train photo https://pasajes.efe.cl/trenes
The Estacion Central in Santiago By TomasVial - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153769855
