Getting around Chile is not too difficult. If you are planning on traveling to different cities in Chile, fortunately for you there is a decent and fairly cheap bus system you can use. For all intents and purposes I am going to assume you’re based out of Santiago.
First, what you need to know is that there are three main terminals in Santiago, all of which can be reached by the red line on the metro. The first and largest is based out of metro station Estacion Central. From here you can take buses to the north and south of Chile, or take a train to some of the major cities in the South as far down as Puerto Montt.
From metro station University of Santiago (just a few metro stations away from the previously mentioned Estacion Central) you can take international buses that will carry you over the border and into Argentina. You can get a bus that is a straight shot all the way through to Mendoza or even Buenos Aires. Just be warned, during the winter the trip often takes much longer than expected or cannot be completed because of snow on the route through the Andes Mountains. But, the view is breathtaking. I wasn’t a huge fan of Mendoza, but I think everyone should go anyways, at least to get another stamp on their passport since it’s only about 7 hours away, and to see the scenery on your way over. No tourist should miss that!
From metro station Los Heroes you will find a terminal of buses that will take you primarily to the north of Chile.
The fourth and final station is at metro station Pajaritos, also on the red line, and coincidentally, very close to where I live. From Pajaritos you can take buses to the airport, and to most of the coastal cities, aka Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, El Quisco, Algarrobo, etc.
A few quick FYI’s:
*There are two major companies running the buses in Chile, Pullman and TurBus. I have never noticed a difference in the quality of service so feel free to choose at random. Depending on where you are going, you can sometimes see schedules and fares online so check out their websites:
*You can’t get to Punta Arenas (and therefore Torres del Paine) on a bus. Since that’s one of the main reasons many people come to Chile, I thought it was worth mentioning that you’ll have to take an airplane.
*There will be bathrooms on the buses, but you’re not allowed to poop. The bus driver’s assistant will usually announce that sometime at the beginning of the trip.
*Sometimes buses will stop in more than one city to let passengers off so make sure you tell the bus driver’s assistant where you are going and he will tell you when you have arrived at your stop.
*If you are too cool and too rich for buses, as always I reccommend flying LanChile airlines. They are by far the most dependable, safest comfortable airlines in South America.
*If you are going to be traveling a long distance on bus you will most likely have the choice of being offered for your seat to fully recline at an extra cost (Salon Cama), partially recline (Semi-Cama). Salon Cama is worth the extra cost if you have trouble sleeping in vehicles!
Any questions? Leave a comment!
