Back to Directory
SCL

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

Santiago, Chile

Where to start
Official taxi/transfer counter or Uber/Cabify

Buy an official taxi or transfer at the counter inside the terminal (fixed price, escorted to your car), or use Uber/Cabify — but meet them near Departures, Door 3, not at Arrivals (security reserves Arrivals for official transport). For budget travel, take the airport bus to Pajaritos, then Metro Line 1. There's no metro or train at the airport. Ignore anyone who approaches you offering a ride — Santiago has documented taxi scams.

Ride Options

Official Taxi / Transfer (Counter)

taxi

Fixed-price, escorted ride that avoids the scam risk

AvailabilityCounters inside the terminal
Pickup NoteBuy at the official counter INSIDE the terminal — pay, get a voucher, and a representative escorts you to the assigned vehicle. Fixed price; the safest no-scam option alongside app rides.
Convenience
Relative costHigher cost
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

App-based ride with the fare set in advance

AvailabilityOperates in a gray zone at SCL
Pickup NoteOperates in a gray zone — NOT at Arrivals (security reserves it). Meet near Departures, Door 3, and follow the in-app pin. Ignore anyone offering a ride inside.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Cabify

rideshare

Popular app alternative to Uber in Chile

AvailabilityOperates in a gray zone at SCL
Pickup NoteSame gray-zone rule as Uber — meet near Departures, Door 3, following the in-app pin, not at Arrivals.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Airport Bus (Centropuerto / Turbus)

shuttle

Lowest-cost route — bus to Pajaritos, then Metro Line 1

AvailabilityFrequent during the day
Pickup NoteBus stop outside arrivals. Runs to the Pajaritos hub, where you transfer to Metro Line 1 toward the city center — the budget route.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

InDrive

rideshare

Set your own fare and negotiate before accepting

AvailabilityAvailable in Santiago
Pickup NoteSet your price in the InDrive app. Like Uber/Cabify, it operates in the airport gray zone — meet near Departures, Door 3, following the in-app pin, not at Arrivals.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

Welcome Pickups — Pre-booked Private Transfer

Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfer with a vetted local driver

AvailabilityAvailable at Santiago — pre-book online via Welcome Pickups
Pickup NoteA vetted local driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Flight monitoring and a fixed price paid in advance — no haggling on arrival.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber and Cabify operate but in a legal 'gray zone' — drivers can't pick up at Arrivals (security reserves it for official transport). The app meeting points are just outside the arrival/departure areas, commonly near Departures, Door 3. Follow the in-app pin and ignore anyone offering a ride inside.

Taxi

Official taxis and transfer/shuttle vans are sold at counters inside the terminal — you pay at the counter, get a voucher, and a representative escorts you to your assigned vehicle. Never take a 'taxi' from someone who approaches you.

Shuttle

Airport buses (Centropuerto, Turbus) run to the Pajaritos transit hub, where you connect to Metro Line 1 toward the city center — the budget route.

Transit

There is no metro or train to the airport. The lowest-cost route is an airport bus to Pajaritos, then Metro Line 1 into central Santiago.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked transfers and official counter transfer vans give a fixed price and an escort to the vehicle — the safest way past the documented airport taxi scams. If 'airport assistance' says your booked car 'broke down,' treat it as a scam and verify with your provider.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

Some links may be affiliate links. Tarmyq may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Local Tips

  • Buy taxis or transfers only at the official in-terminal counters — never from someone who approaches you. Pirate taxis and fake 'assistance' staff are a documented, government-flagged scam.
  • Uber and Cabify pickup is NOT at Arrivals — head toward Departures (Door 3) and follow the app pin; Arrivals is reserved for official transport.
  • No metro or train reaches the airport — the lowest-cost route is the airport bus to Pajaritos, then Metro Line 1.
  • If 'airport assistance' tells you your pre-booked taxi 'broke down' and offers an alternative, treat it as a scam and verify with your provider.
  • Be cautious with card machines offered by unofficial drivers — a 'your card didn't work' line is a known scam; carry some cash.

Tarmyq local tip

Santiago's airport has a real, government-flagged scam problem with unlicensed taxis and fake 'airport assistance.' Book only at the official in-terminal counters or use Uber/Cabify met near Departures Door 3 — and say 'no, gracias' to anyone who approaches you.