Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Santiago de Chile Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
Seats are very comfortable, but they keep on putting terrible music (mostly 80s and todays teenagers stuff) on a very very loud volume, all night long… Additionally, the place is very cold” – Scarlet
As you pass from the baggage claim to the main hall, beware of aggressive taxi drivers and their representatives who are known to grossly overcharge unsuspecting tourists. As the airport does nothing to remove them from the terminal, we suggest you ignore them from the start. Do not inquire about rates. They take this as a sign of interest and will not leave you alone. The really aggressive ones will follow you around the terminal. You can arrange a fixed-rate taxi at counters within the baggage claim area before passing through to the public area.
SCL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Santiago de Chile Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.
What to Expect
Santiago de Chile Airport (code: SCL) is divided into two terminals, Domestic and International, though they are housed in a single building. Several eateries are open 24 hours, both on the landside and airside. WiFi is available, and there are mobile charging stations to keep you connected and fully charged. Economy class passengers who want a little more comfort can pay to enter several airport lounges, with showers available in a few of them.
Sleeping in Santiago de Chile Airport
With frequent late-night departures and regional connections, overnight sleepers are the norm. It’s best to head airside for better sleep spots and warmer temps. Consider bringing a sleep mat and blanket for extra warmth and cushion. Here are a few traveller tips:
- Landside – Reviews suggest that the landside has fewer seats suitable for sleeping. One review suggests trying the second-floor area outside of the offices, where you can find some extra seats. Come prepared with a mat, sleeping bag or blanket if you need to sleep on the floor. It can get cold particular near the doors.
- Airside – The areas inside Security offer more comfortable sleep spots than the landside area. Once you’ve passed through security, the seating is generous, and you’ll be able to get comfy on the padded, armrest-free seats near many gates. The seats are moveable, and you’ll be able to push seats together for a makeshift bed. Alternatively, you can stretch out on the carpeted floor, too. There’s also space in the Airside yoga room near Gate 15. A recent review mentioned the yoga mats are left outside the room (under the nearby stairs).
For uninterrupted sleep, head to the hotel on airport property or hop on a free airport shuttle to a nearby hotel. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
Good to Know
If you’re arriving and looking for a taxi, get a fixed-rate taxi at the counters in the baggage claim area. We receive many complaints about aggressive taxi drivers and their representatives wandering terminals, looking for fares and overcharging tourists. It’s best to ignore them completely – simply asking about pricing often results in them following you around, particularly if you’re alone or female. If you do decide to use their services, make sure you get the quote in writing (count the zeros!) and have an understanding of Chilean currency because there is a big difference between CLP 50,000 and CLP 500,000.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Santiago de Chile Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Santiago Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: At the airport
- Sleep Cabins & Pods: No
- Day Rooms: No
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Santiago Airport in comfort. While there is no transit hotel, there is a hotel conveniently located across from the Arrivals exit. Off airport grounds, several nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles.
Hotel located at the airport
- Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Terminal – Located directly across the airport terminal. No airport shuttle is necessary. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport with shuttles
- Hotel Diego de Almagro Aeropuerto » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport » Check Rates
- City Express Santiago Aeropuerto » Check Rates
- La Quinta by Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Santiago, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
International Terminal
- LATAM VIP Lounge – Location: Airside, Level 4, near Gates 14 and 15. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Primeclass Lounge Andes – Location: Airside, 2nd Floor, Gate 17/18. Showers are available. Hours: 2:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Salones VIP Pacific Club (International) – Location: Airside, near Gate 20A. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
National Terminal
- Salones VIP Pacific Club (National) – Location: Airside, 2nd level, Gate 27. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- Salon Condor – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor, Gate 24/26. Showers are available. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Primeclass Condor Lounge – Location: National Terminal, Airside, 3rd Floor, next to Gate 26. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- The Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate 20A. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Related Pages: Santiago de Chile Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does SCL Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
The following restaurants are open 24 hours a day:
- Public Hall: Bakery & Co. (1st Level, Door 1) • Burger Truck (4th Floor, International Boarding) • Cerveceria del Norte (1st Floor, between Door 1 and 2) • Dunkin Donuts (3rd Level, East Roundabout) • Gatsby (Rotunda) • Santa Brasa (3rd Level, Door 3).
- National Terminal: Briciole Bar (3rd Level) • Dunkin Donuts (3rd Level) • McDonald’s (2nd Level) • Starbucks (3rd Level • 2nd Level Door 28).
- International Terminal: Brioche Doree (3rd Level, West Rotunda) • Deli & Cia (3rd Floor, Gate 17 & Hall E) • Dunkin Donuts (3rd Level) • Eric Kayser (Hall C) • Farine (Hall C, East Sector) • Juan Valdez Cafe (Hall C, East Sector) • McDonald’s (Breakwater C, West Sector) • Mozzarella Bar (Hall C, West Sector) • Patagonia Cafe (3rd Level, Door 16) • Pronto (3rd Floor Level, West Circular Building) • Starbucks (3rd Level, at Door 11 and 19A).
- You will also find five Mini Markets (operated by Mercadito/Brit Shop, Mini Market and Maxi) in both the International and Domestic Terminals, which are open 24 hours a day.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
The airport has a fully secure left luggage facility, but it is closed due the pandemic. Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 1st floor (Gate 1). Hours: 24 hours. Rates per 24 hours: Small bag CLP 3.000 • Medium bag CLP 4.000 • Large bag CLP 5.000 • Personal Items (keys/wallet/etc.) CLP 2.000.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets are available on landside and airside.
Pro-Tip: A reader tells us, “There are several charging stations at the airport. I saw one ground side, just outside security, and one at every gate from 10 to 20. They consist of several shelves with rows of USB and local plug sockets on both sides of the station.”
Showers
Showers are available in the lounges. [ See Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Santiago de Chile Airport connect to the “Nuevo Pudahuel” network to start surfing.
Security & Safety
Beware of aggressive taxi drivers and their representatives in the main hall of Santiago de Chile Airport. They tend to overcharge tourists and can be very persistent.
However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Location: unknown.
Banking Services – Santander Bank. Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 2nd floor. Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Mon-Fri.
Book Swap – Just finished your book and searching for new reading material? Leave one of your finished books on the shelves and then choose a new book from the available titles left by fellow travellers! Location: International Terminal, Airside, near gates 12 – 14 • National Terminal, Airside, near Gate 24.
Chapel – Come here for meditation, prayer or solace. Mass is held every Sunday at 11:00 AM. Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 1st floor. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Currency Exchange – Afex offers on-site foreign currency exchange. Location: Public Hall, 1st Level • Public Hall, 3rd Level, Door 5. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Duty-Free and Shopping – Duty-Free is available in 5 locations, all open 24 hours. In addition, you will find a good variety of shops to pass the time, many of which are also open 24 hours, including five convenience shops (The Brit Shop, Maxi K and Minimarket).
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the airport information desk for assistance. Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 3rd floor (one each at Gates 2 and 5). Hours: Open 24 hours.
Luggage Wrapping – TrueStar Securebag offers a fast luggage wrapping service. Location: Airport Lobby 4th Floor • Airport Lobby 3rd floor (one location each at Gates 2, 3, 4 and Rotonda Oriente at the east circular building). Hours: Open 24 hours.
Medical Services – IST offers urgent and emergency care. Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 1st floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. An airport dental clinic is also available, East Roundabout, 2nd floor. Hours: 9:00 PM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Pharmacy – Farmacias Cruz Verde Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 3rd floor rotunda east Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 6:15 AM – 9:30 PM (Sat) and 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun).
Post Office – Drop off your last-minute postcards post office – Correos Chile. Location: Airport Lobby, landside, 1st floor. Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon-Fri) and 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sat).
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Santiago de Chile and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices at the airport can probably be of assistance. Turistik (International Terminal) • Cocha (Domestic Terminal) • Viajes Falabella (Domestic Terminal). Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Turistik) • 24 hours (Viajes Falabella & Cocha).
Yoga – Here is a great opportunity to work out the kinks before your flight by joining one of the airport’s free yoga classes. Currently, they are limited to just three times per week: Tuesdays at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM and Wednesday/Thursdays at 3:00 PM. Location: International Departures, Airside, Gate 15. Take the stairs down from in front of the restaurant Patagonia.
Bus
The TurBus Aeropuerto bus route runs from the airport to select Santiago de Chile metro stations daily from 4:45 AM – 12:00 AM or 2:00 AM, depending on the route. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the TurBus website.
Centropuerto airport bus runs from SCL airport to select Santiago metro stations and bus stops on two different routes. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Centropuerto website.
Car Rentals
For safety reasons, those who wish to rent a car should do so from one of these reputable on-site agencies: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Chilean • Econorent • Europcar • Mitta • Rosselot • Sixt • United. Location: First Level, International Arrivals.
Hotel Shuttles
Some area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Hotel Diego de Almagro Aeropuerto • City Express Santiago Aeropuerto • Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport • La Quinta by Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Minibus
Transfer Delfos and Transvip offer 24-hour shared transfer service from the airport to your destination of choice via a safe and comfortable minibus. The minibus stops are located at Domestic Arrivals, International Arrivals and First Level Central International Hall.
Taxis
There are two types of taxis: Basic Taxi (black and yellow taxis), which run on a meter, and Tourism Taxis (blue taxis), which apply a fixed rate based on your destination. Executive service is also available. All passengers wishing to hire a taxi from the airport should do so at the Taxi counters, located before the exit gates inside the Arrivals Halls. No prior reservation is required.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.