Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

SCLChileTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

Santiago, Chile

Drop-off

Santiago city centre (Alameda/Los Héroes)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Centropuerto (Aeropuerto – Los Héroes)

coach · 10-20 day / 60 nightm

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Centropuerto (Aeropuerto – Los Héroes)
Headway: 10-20 day / 60 night
Backup: TurBus Aeropuerto (Aeropuerto – Terminal Alameda/USACH) · 15-20 weekday / 20-30 weekendm

Note

Airport bus linking SCL with metro stations Pajaritos, Las Rejas and central Santiago along Alameda to Los Héroes, where you can walk or take Metro Line 1 into the city centre; operates roughly 06:00–23:30 every 10–20 minutes and hourly overnight 00:00–05:00 on all days (no frequent night service).

Budget focus

Santiago: Fare Hacker Playbook

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Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: TurBus Aeropuerto (Aeropuerto – Terminal Alameda/USACH)
Mode: coach
Freq: 15-20 weekday / 20-30 weekendm
Note: Frequent green airport coaches from SCL to Terminal Alameda by Metro Universidad de Santiago on Line 1, a main gateway to downtown; from Alameda buses run 05:30–23:35 with about 15–20 minute headways Mon–Fri and 20–30 minutes on weekends and holidays, with similar frequencies from the airport to Alameda and Pajaritos during the day.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Santiago Metro Line 1 (Pajaritos / USACH / Los Héroes – city centre)
Mode: metro
Freq: 2-5m
Note: Metro Line 1 runs along the main Alameda corridor through central Santiago (Universidad de Santiago, Los Héroes, La Moneda, Universidad de Chile, Baquedano); passengers connect from Centropuerto or TurBus at Pajaritos, Universidad de Santiago (USACH) or Los Héroes for a fast 15–20 minute ride to the city centre during metro operating hours.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.