Car Hire at Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)

Touching down at Santiago’s main gateway? You’re in luck — Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (also known as Santiago International Airport or simply SCL) is the busiest airport in Chile and the main hub for arrivals from across South America and beyond. Located about 15 kilometers northwest of central Santiago in the Pajaritos area, the airport serves as the perfect starting point for exploring not just the capital, but the rest of Chile too.

Renting a car here makes a ton of sense if you want to venture beyond Santiago. Public transport is decent in the city, but if you’re planning to hit the coast, the wine regions, or cross into Argentina, four wheels of your own will save you a heap of time and headache. Most major rental companies have counters in the terminal or just across the way in the arrivals hall, so you can be on the road within an hour of landing.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Arturo Merino Benitez Airport

Here’s how it works: after you collect your bags and clear customs, you’ll find the rental car desks in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The big names — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Localiza — all have offices here. There’s also a handful of local Chilean companies that often offer better rates.

Pro tip: some companies operate shuttle buses from the terminal to their off-site depots. It only takes a few minutes, but factor that into your timeline. If you’re arriving on an early morning flight, keep in mind that queues at the rental desks can get busy between 8am and 11am. Booking ahead online almost always works out cheaper than walking up to the counter.

You’ll need your driver’s license (plus an International Driving Permit if your license isn’t in Spanish), your passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Some companies are picky about debit cards, so double-check before you book. The good news? Nearly all rental fleets in Chile are modern and well-maintained, with a mix of compact cars for city driving and SUVs if you’re heading into the Andes.

Where to Go from Arturo Merino Benitez

Once you’ve got the keys, where to? Here are a few solid options:

Santiago Centro — About 20-30 minutes away via Autopista Central or Costanera Norte, depending on traffic. You’ll pass by the Costanera Center, Chile’s tallest building, which is worth a look even if you’re not planning to shop.

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar — Roughly 1 hour 20 minutes west along the Pacific coast. Valparaíso is a colorful, chaotic port city with steep hills and stunning street art. Viña del Mar is more polished — think beaches, casinos, and upscale restaurants. Great for a day trip or weekend escape.

Mendoza, Argentina — About 4-5 hours east if you cross through the Andes. The drive is spectacular (think snow-capped peaks, switchback roads, and some of the world’s best wine regions). Just remember you’ll need your passport and may need to pay an Argentina reciprocity fee depending on your nationality.

Casablanca Valley Wine Region — About 1 hour 15 minutes west. This is Chile’s premier wine tourism spot, with dozens of vineyards open for tastings. Perfect for a leisurely day trip.

Concón & Quintero Beach Towns — About 1 hour 15 minutes along the coast. Less touristy than Viña, great for fresh seafood and laid-back vibes.

Tips for Driving in Chile

Driving in Chile is generally straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing before you set off:

Toll roads — The main highways out of Santiago (like Autopista Central and Costanera Norte) are toll roads. Most have electronic tolling (TAG), but you can still pay cash at many booths. Keep some Chilean pesos on hand — euros or dollars won’t work at the tolls.

Speed limits — Urban areas: 60 km/h. Rural roads: 100 km/h. Highways: 120 km/h. Speed cameras are active and fines can be steep, so don’t treat the highways like the Autobahn.

Fuel — Gas (bencina) and diesel (petródiesel) are widely available. Most stations are full-service — you park, someone fills up, you pay inside. Fuel prices fluctuate but are roughly on par with Europe. Look for Copec or Shell stations, which are the most common.

Parking — In Santiago and tourist areas, look for designated parking lots (estacionamientos). Street parking exists but can be tricky — read the signs carefully. Blue zones mean you need to buy a ticket from the nearby machine.

Road conditions — Main highways are excellent. Rural roads can be narrower and winding, especially in the south. If you’re driving at night in the Andes, check weather conditions first — snow and ice can make mountain passes dangerous between May and September.

Green zones — Some Chilean cities have low-emission zones, but they’re mainly relevant for older diesel vehicles. Your rental car will be fine.

One last thing: Chile drives on the right, same as most of the world. If you’re coming from the UK, Australia, or Japan, just remember to stay in the right lane.

Ready to explore? Booking your car hire at SCL takes just a few minutes and gives you the freedom to discover Chile at your own pace. Compare rates, reserve your vehicle, and get ready for the road.