The airport
Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) - also known as Nuevo Pudahuel - is the main international gateway to Chile. It sits 30-45 minutes west of the city centre. The airport handles both international and domestic flights, though the terminals are separate areas.
Immigration
Arriving on a LATAM flight from Buenos Aires, it was less than a five-minute walk to Immigration. Signs are clearly marked in Spanish, English, and some Portuguese. On a late evening arrival, immigration staff processed passengers within 5-10 minutes. Staff were friendly and efficient.
Entry reciprocity fee: Chile charges passport holders from countries that charge Chileans an entry fee. US and Mexican citizens are now exempt under reciprocity agreements. Passport holders from Albania, Australia, and Canada must pay a reciprocity fee on arrival. Look for the signs in the arrivals area.
Customs follows baggage claim. Staff were thorough but friendly, with a minimum of fuss.
The arrivals hall
Santiago Airport gets bad publicity for chaos once you clear customs. Based on my experience, the bad publicity is correct. Illegal taxi operators wait just past customs with waving arms and pushiness. There are clear signs before you leave the customs area about public transport options - taxis, hotel transfer coaches, and public buses. Read these before stepping out into the arrivals hall.
During the day, the Centropuerto bus is a perfectly good option. For late arrivals, pre-booking a transfer through your hotel gives you someone to call if things go wrong.
Lounge: Salones VIP “The Lounge”
Located in the Domestic Terminal, after security and past the duty free area, right in front of Gate 20A. Accessible via Priority Pass or direct purchase at about $45 USD (CLP 44,490).
The honest assessment: massively overcrowded, predominantly with family groups. Seating was limited. The food stations were overwhelmed, with staff struggling to replenish or tidy up. Alcohol was available but there was a three-drink maximum and the mixer situation was poor. Showers exist but were not clean on my visit - no proper towels, no toiletries, only paper towel alternatives. Carry your own flip-flops and a small shower gel if you plan to use them.
If you have Priority Pass and find this lounge unsatisfactory, you can leave and use the Avianca lounge instead at no extra charge. I would recommend this as the better option.
The lounge falls far short of its promises. If paying cash, it is not worth it. Shopping in the terminal might be a better use of your time.
Duty free and shopping
There is a large duty free zone in the arrivals area (alcohol, perfume, and other goods). The departure side has decent shopping options throughout the terminal. Worth browsing if you have time to fill - there is more here than at many South American airports.
Tips for connections
- The airport is manageable but not glamorous. Expect functional facilities rather than a premium experience.
- WiFi is free throughout the terminal.
- Food options are limited compared to major European or Asian hubs. Eat before clearing security if you can.
- If connecting between domestic and international, allow extra time for the terminal change.
For getting into Santiago, see my SCL transfer guide. For the full Santiago destination guide, see my Santiago city guide.