Bus — La Serena's terminal is the main hub for the north. LAN and Pullman run frequent overnight services to and from Santiago (6–7 hours, comfortable salón cama and cama buses). Buses also run north to Antofagasta and beyond, and inland to Vicuña and Pisco Elqui in the Elqui Valley.
Plane — La Florida airport (LSC) is ten minutes from the centre by taxi. LATAM and SKY fly several times daily from Santiago, with the flight taking just over an hour. Connections elsewhere in Chile mostly route via Santiago.
Car — The Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5) passes through La Serena; the drive from Santiago is six hours, mostly through dry coastal hills.