Santiago - Accommodation

Getting There
"Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl ), airport code: SCL, is located 17 km northwest of Santiago Private buses and vans offer service to and from the airport to the city center and around Santiago. Companies with offices in the airport include:
TurBus +56 2 601 9573 ( www.turbus.cl )
Transvip +56 2 677 3000 ( www.transvip.cl )
CentroPuerto +56 2 601 9883, +56 2 601 0549
TurTransfer +56 2 677 3600 ( www.turtransfer.cl )
Taxis ( + 56 2 690 138 ) are readily available at the terminal ( look for the blue ""official"" cab logo ).Rental car companies servicing the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport include:
Alamo, +56 2 690 1370 ( www.alamochile.com )
Econorent, +56 2 690 1287 ( www.econorent.net )
Rosselot, +56 2 690 1374 ( www.rosselot.cl )
Avis, +56 2 690 1382, +56 2 690 1318 ( www.avischile.cl )By Bus:
Bus travel in South America is very popular and effective. The main international bus companies serving Santiago from as far as Rio de Janiero, Brazil, are:
Tas Choapa ( +56 2 779 4295 )
El Rapido ( +1 56 2 776 0049 )
These companies also run domestic routes within Chile, as do:
Tur Bus ( +56 2 270 7500/ http://www.turbus.cl )
Pullman Bus ( +56 2 560 3700/ http://www.pullman.cl ).
There are four main bus terminals in Santiago:
Alameda, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3750 ( +56 2 776 2424 )
San Borja, Calle San Borja 184 ( +56 2 7760645 )
Santiago, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3848 ( +56 2 3761755 )
Los Heroes, Calle Tucapel Jimenez 21 ( +56 2 420 0099 )
By Car:Santiago is located along Chile's Highway 5. Driving times to Santiago: From Rancagua • 1 hour; Valparaíso/Viña del Mar • 1 hour 30 minutes; Chillán • 4 hours 30 minutes; La Serena • 5 hours 30 minutes; Valdivia • 9 hours 20 minutes; Puerto Montt • 12 hours; Antofagasta • 15 hours; Arica • 23 hours.
Chile's roads are fast, efficient and well-maintained, especially when compared to other South American coutries. That said, driving in Santiago can be a nightmare. There is lots of congestion and confusing traffic patterns. Avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours. Cars brought into Chile need local insurance and a Relaciones de Pasajeros ( Passenger Relations ) document, both of which are available at points of entry and border crossings.