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Santiago Arturo Benitez Airport SCL Airport Traveler Guide

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iFly.comSCLSantiago Arturo Benitez Airport

SCL Airport Insights & Guide

Key SCL Airport Topics:

Getting to Know SCL Airport

Discover Santiago Airport, Chile's gateway and home to the unique Andes Mountain Range view from its terminals. Our concise guide covers essential amenities, services, and tips for a seamless journey. Whether you're navigating arrivals or departures, find everything from flight details to shopping at SCL in our guide. For further details on SCL and other airports, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.

iFly Tip: Discover the benefits of booking airport parking in advance on our Airport Parking page.

SCL has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is divided into two levels, with the first level being used for arrivals and the second level being used for departures. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, with gates 1-10 being used for domestic flights and gates 11-22 being used for international flights. Terminal 2 also has two levels, with the first level being used for arrivals and the second level being used for departures. This terminal has a total of 18 gates, all of which are used for international flights.

Major airlines that use Terminal 1 include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airlines, and JetSMART. Terminal 2 is used by airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Canada.

When navigating the airport terminals, it is important to pay attention to the flight information displays located throughout the airport. These displays will show the gate number for your flight, as well as any changes to your flight's status or boarding time. There are also information desks located in both terminals where you can ask airport staff for assistance.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At SCL Airport, there are two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service, which operates 24/7. The shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes and the journey takes around 5-10 minutes. You can catch the shuttle bus outside the Arrivals area of each terminal.

If you prefer to walk between the terminals, it is possible but it can take around 15-20 minutes depending on your walking speed. There is a pedestrian walkway that connects the two terminals, which is located outside of Terminal 2. It is important to note that this walkway is not covered, so if it is raining or the weather is bad, it may be better to take the shuttle bus.

Tips from SCL Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from SCL-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"If you're flying internationally, remember that Terminal 2 is exclusively for international flights. It's well-marked, but if you're unsure, just follow the signs for 'Internacional'. The information desks are super helpful if you get lost." — Juan C., Maipú, December 2023

"The shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is pretty efficient. It runs every 10 minutes, and the trip is short, about 5 minutes. If you have a tight connection, don't stress too much about the transfer time." — Maria P., San Bernardo, February 2024

Getting To/From the City

"For a budget-friendly option, take the Centropuerto bus. It’s reliable and stops at key points in Santiago. Just make sure you have some Chilean Pesos on hand for the fare." — Felipe R., Renca, March 2024

"If you're in a hurry, taxis are the fastest way to get to downtown Santiago. They’re right outside the arrivals hall and the ride is about 30 minutes, depending on traffic." — Carla M., Quilicura, May 2024

Parking

"The on-site parking at SCL is convenient, but if you're looking to save some money, consider the off-airport parking options. They offer shuttle services to the terminals and can be a real cost-saver." — Roberto G., Pudahuel, April 2024

"For picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free and you can wait there until your passenger is ready to be picked up. Much better than circling around the airport!" — Ana L., Lo Prado, June 2024

Inside the Airport

"If you have some time before your flight, try the local empanadas at La Pausa in Terminal 1. They're pretty tasty and a nice way to experience a bit of Chilean cuisine." — Diego H., Estación Central, July 2024

"For duty-free shopping, Artesanias de Chile is a must-visit. They have unique Chilean crafts that make for great souvenirs." — Isabel T., La Florida, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the flight information displays regularly. They update frequently, especially during peak hours, so it's good to stay informed about any changes." — Pablo V., Peñalolén, September 2024

"If you’re looking to avoid stress, arrive early. Santiago airport can get busy, especially during holiday seasons, so giving yourself extra time can really help." — Camila S., Ñuñoa, October 2024

iFly Tip: Learn about the requirements for obtaining a gate pass on our gate pass guide.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At SCL, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles are not allowed to wait or park for more than three minutes. This is to ensure that the traffic flow remains smooth and there is no congestion at the terminal entrances.

If you need to wait for your arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas where you can park your vehicle for free. These areas are located near the terminal buildings and are equipped with flight information display screens, so you can keep track of your flight's arrival time. Once your passengers have arrived and collected their luggage, they can call you to let you know that they are ready to be picked up, and you can then proceed to the curbside to pick them up.

Parking Facilities & Options

Traveling to SCL Airport and looking for parking options? The airport offers several parking facilities to meet your needs. The parking lots and garages are conveniently located near the airport terminals, making it easy for you to park and catch your flight.

If you're picking up a passenger, the airport has cell phone waiting areas available for your convenience. These areas allow you to wait in your car until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is also available at the airport, with designated spots located in each parking facility. If you require special assistance, the airport provides shuttle services to and from the parking facilities.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is also available. These parking lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle services to and from the terminals. They are a great option for those looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Santiago Arturo Benitez Airport, there are several transportation options available to get you to your destination.

  • Car Rental: If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. You can find their counters in the Arrivals Hall of the airport.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available, and the drop-off area is located outside of the Arrivals Hall. The fare for a taxi ride to downtown Santiago is approximately CLP 20,000, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
  • Ride Share Services: If you're looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services like Uber and Cabify are also available. The pickup area for these services is located outside of the Arrivals Hall. However, please note that ride-sharing services are only allowed to pick up passengers in designated areas, so make sure to check the app for pickup instructions.
  • Airport Shuttle: Another option is the airport shuttle, which provides transportation to various locations in Santiago. The pickup area for the shuttle is located outside of the Arrivals Hall, and fares vary depending on your destination.
  • Public Transportation: Finally, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are several bus lines that operate from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of the Arrivals Hall, and fares are relatively inexpensive. However, please note that buses can be crowded and may not be the most comfortable option.

iFly Tip: Get the best tips for traveling with toddlers on our flying with toddlers guide.

Airport Hotels

Are you looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel near the airport for your next trip? Our guide provides a variety of options to suit every traveler's needs, from luxurious stays to budget-friendly accommodations. We've handpicked hotels that are not only close to the airport but also offer excellent amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From the Hilton Garden Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott to unique accommodation options such as the Container Home and the Departamento Richie, you'll find something that suits your preferences and budget. Most of these hotels also offer complimentary Wi-Fi access and other amenities like swimming pools and on-site restaurants. Their close proximity to downtown and various local attractions make them an ideal base for exploring the city. Click here to view all Santiago Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Travelers passing through the airport will find a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food chains available such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Subway located throughout the airport. For a more sit-down experience, travelers can check out La Pausa, a restaurant offering a variety of Chilean and international cuisine, or La Piojera, a bar and restaurant known for its famous Chilean drink, Terremoto.

When it comes to shopping, Santiago Arturo Benitez Airport has a variety of stores available for travelers to browse. Duty-free shops such as Dufry and Aldeasa offer a range of products from cosmetics to electronics, while souvenir shops like Artesanias de Chile and Chile Lindo offer unique gifts and souvenirs to take home. For those looking for a good read, there is a bookstore called Libreria Nacional located in the airport as well.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Santiago Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

Santiago Airport, located in Chile, offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available for any items left behind during travel.

Families traveling with children can take advantage of the airport's children's areas, equipped with toys and games to keep young ones entertained. Special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance, are also available upon request.

For any banking needs, there are several ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. In case of medical emergencies, there is a medical center on site with trained professionals available to assist.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated about the status of your flight. At SCL, there are several ways to check your flight status. One of the most common ways is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which are located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time information about flight departures, delays, and gate information.

In addition to FIDS, passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own mobile apps that provide up-to-date information about flight status. Passengers can also opt-in to receive text, email, and push notifications about any changes to their flight status.

It is important to note that flight status information can change quickly, so it is recommended to check frequently for any updates. Passengers should also arrive at the airport early to allow for any unexpected delays or changes.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at SCL Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

  • Location: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is located 15 km northwest of downtown Santiago, Chile.
  • Terminals: The airport features two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSMART. For a complete list of airlines, visit the SCL Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 200,000 passengers daily.
  • Daily Flights: Santiago Arturo Benitez Airport sees over 1,200 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from SCL are Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, Miami, and Madrid. Other notable destinations include New York, Los Angeles, and London.
  • Hub Status: The airport serves as a hub for LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSMART.

Airport History

Santiago Airport, also known as Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, is the largest airport in Chile and serves as the main hub for LATAM Airlines. The airport has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1967.

Significant events in the airport's history include:

  • 1967 - SCL opens to the public
  • 1980 - The airport undergoes a major expansion, including the addition of a new terminal building
  • 1994 - The airport is renamed Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in honor of a Chilean air force officer
  • 2001 - The airport opens a new international terminal, increasing its capacity to handle more passengers
  • 2014 - The airport undergoes another major expansion, including the addition of a new runway and a new control tower
  • 2015 - SCL Airport is named the best airport in South America by Skytrax

Today, the airport continues to be a vital transportation hub for Chile and the surrounding region, serving millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: SCL
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +56 2 2690 1759
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Av. Armando Cortinez Norte 2150, Santiago, Chile

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Santiago Arturo Benitez Airport Q&A

There is a free shuttle bus service operating 24/7 between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, running every 10-15 minutes. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes. Walking is also an option via a pedestrian walkway, taking approximately 15-20 minutes.
You can take a reliable airport bus, which is budget-friendly and stops at key points in Santiago. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are also available for quicker travel.
Yes, La Pausa in Terminal 1 offers delicious local empanadas, and there are various fast-food outlets such as McDonald's and Subway. For a sit-down meal, try La Piojera for its famous Chilean drink, Terremoto.
Terminal 1 is used by LATAM Airlines, Sky Airlines, and JetSMART for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is used by international carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Canada.
SCL offers several parking facilities near the terminals. You can reserve spots online, and there are also economical off-airport options with shuttle services.
Yes, the duty-free shops offer unique Chilean products, and souvenir shops like Artesanias de Chile provide local crafts and gifts.
Use the airport's cell-phone waiting areas, which are free and located near the terminals. You can wait there until your passenger is ready for pickup.
Nearby hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, offering amenities like Wi-Fi and pools. They are conveniently located for exploring Santiago.
Flight status can be checked via in-airport flight displays or through airline mobile apps, which provide real-time updates on departures, delays, and gate changes.
SCL offers free Wi-Fi, children's play areas, special-needs services, ATMs, currency exchange, and a medical center for emergencies.