Getting around Chile requires some planning because the country is so long. The distance from Arica in the far north to Punta Arenas in the deep south is comparable to the distance from London to the Sahara.
Flights
For covering large distances quickly, domestic flights are hard to beat. LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART connect Santiago with most major cities. Flights to Calama, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, and Easter Island are frequent and, if booked in advance, reasonably priced.
Long-distance buses
Chile has an excellent long-distance bus network. Companies like Turbus and Pullman Bus operate comfortable coaches — often with reclining or fully flat seats — on routes between major cities. For destinations in central Chile and the Lakes District, buses are often the best-value option. Book ahead for popular routes in summer (December–February).
Trains
Train travel in Chile is limited. The main service runs between Santiago and Chillán (about 400 km south), with a journey time of around four and a half hours. There is no rail service south of Chillán.
Ferries and boat travel
South of Puerto Montt the road system breaks up, and ferries become essential. Navimag and other operators run services through the channels of the Chilean fjords, connecting Puerto Montt with Puerto Chacabuco and, on longer voyages, Puerto Natales in Patagonia. These trips take several days and the journey itself is one of Chile's great travel experiences.
Car hire
Renting a car gives you real freedom, especially for the Atacama, the Lakes District, and sections of the Carretera Austral. You need to be at least 21 and have a major credit card. Roads in the north are generally paved; the Carretera Austral is partly gravel and a 4WD is useful in places. If you plan to cross into Argentina, check carefully — most rental companies charge extra for international insurance, and some prohibit it entirely.
Santiago's public transport
Within Santiago, the Metro is clean, safe, and reaches most of the main areas. The integrated BIP card covers metro, buses, and suburban trains. Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi) are widely used as alternatives to taxis.