Taxi collectivos are a great concept in Chile.  It’s a taxi service that runs the same route to and from particular neighborhoods.  Depending on how far you go, they run from $250 pesos to $1200 pesos.  They are quicker than buses and far cheaper than taxis. 

It is to your advantage to learn the collectivos that operate in your area and the routes that they cover.  If you are claustrophobic, take note of the people you are standing next to in line, you might be sitting in between them, keep this in consideration. 

Summers are hot in Santiago and air conditioning relies on the windows.

Taxis are a safe mode of travel but are expensive.  Depending on how far you are going, you can sometimes name your price and the meter is never turned on… give it a try but be sure to know what the real price would be.

Now if you have ever traveled to any Latin American Country, you probably already know that the primary form of transportation is buses.  Now, don’t worry, forget those conjured images of chickens in the bus with you.  Chile is the most economically stable country in South America and Santiago is a very modern city. 

Getting Around Cities 

Micros (pronounced meecros) are generally $300 pesos that go on fixed routes throughout the city.  The destinations are listed on the front of the bus and the streets that the bus uses to get there. 

Until you get the hang of it, ask which buses go where as when they are flying by the “paraderos” it’s hard to read everywhere that the bus goes. 

Try and ride close to the front in the evening and make sure the bus it lit.  The buses are generally safe, but use common sense.  Keep bags in front of you when riding and don’t expect change for anything bigger than a $2000 peso note(use small bills when not paying in change.) 

The buses are great to ride albeit a bit slow.  Vendors pop on and off the buses selling their wares of ice cream, candy, pens, sewing kits, supplemental school books for children, and “1000 words in English”.  Go ahead and pick these up for the fine price of $500 pesos as they will help teach you how Spanish phonetics translate to English.

Long Distance Buses

If you would like to travel to other parts of Chile, there are buses that go to just about every part.  Keep in mind that Chile is REALLY long.  Rides to the beach from Santiago are about an hour and a half, but if you want to go to the north or to the south, plan on spending anywhere from 6-24 hours depending on your destination.  Tur-Bus is the largest and most reliable bus service in Chile.  If you don’t like long bus rides, consider flying or take a train to the south. 

1. Buses:
   • Now if you have ever traveled to any Latin American Country, you probably already know that the primary form of transportation is buses. Now, don’t worry, forget those conjured images of chickens in the bus with you. Chile is the most economically stable country in South America and Santiago is a very modern city. Micros (pronounced meecros) are generally $300 pesos that go on fixed routes throughout the city. The destinations are listed on the front of the bus and the streets that the bus uses to get there. Until you get the hang of it, ask which buses go where as when they are flying by the “paraderos” it’s hard to read everywhere that the bus goes. Try and ride close to the front in the evening and make sure the bus it lit. The buses are generally safe, but use common sense. Keep bags in front of you when riding and don’t expect change for anything bigger than a $2000 peso note(use small bills when not paying in change.) The buses are great to ride albeit a bit slow. Vendors pop on and off the buses selling their wares of ice cream, candy, pens, sewing kits, supplemental school books for children, and “1000 words in English”. Go ahead and pick these up for the fine price of $500 pesos as they will help teach you how Spanish phonetics translate to English.
2. Long Distance Buses:
   • If you would like to travel to other parts of Chile, there are buses that go to just about every part. Keep in mind that Chile is REALLY long. Rides to the beach from Santiago are about an hour and a half, but if you want to go to the north or to the south, plan on spending anywhere from 6-24 hours depending on your destination. Tur-Bus is the largest and most reliable bus service in Chile. If you don’t like long bus rides, consider flying or take a train to the south.
3. Collectivos:
   • Taxi collectivos are a great concept in Chile. It’s a taxi service that runs the same route to and from particular neighborhoods. Depending on how far you go, they run from $250 pesos to $1200 pesos. They are quicker than buses and far cheaper than taxis. It is to your advantage to learn the collectivos that operate in your area and the routes that they cover. If you are claustrophobic, take note of the people you are standing next to in line, you might be sitting in between them, keep this in consideration. Summers are hot in Santiago and air condition relies on the windows.
4. Taxis:
   • Taxis are a safe mode of travel but are expensive. If you find yourself out late at night and are ready to go home. You will find that the metro quit operating at 10:30 and the micros quit at about 2:00AM which leaves you with Taxis to get home. Depending on how far you are going, you can sometimes name your price and the meter is never turned on… give it a try but be sure to know what the real price would be.
5. Metro (subway):
   • This is the easiest method of transportation to learn in Santiago. If you live closer to downtown buy a Multivia which will cost about $3000 pesos and can be recharged. This is fast, safe and clean.
6. Flights:
   • Domestic airfare is reasonable through LanChile and it is a very nice airline. If you fly American Airlines or its affiliates, your frequent flyer miles will transfer to LanChile to use here.
7. Trains:
   • anyone with info about the trains in Chile - add it here.