Chile, with its stunning landscapes and a capital rich in history and culture, is an unmissable destination in South America. Santiago, in particular, stands out not only for its tourist attractions but also for the efficiency of its public transportation. Opting to use public transport in Santiago not only provides a more authentic immersion in the local routine but is also an economical and practical choice for exploring the city.
One of the great advantages of getting around Santiago is that most tourist attractions are conveniently located near metro stations. This greatly facilitates the lives of tourists who want to visit spots like Cerro San Cristóbal, the Palacio de La Moneda, or the Bellavista neighborhood without worrying about traffic or the high cost of taxis and ride-sharing apps.
Types of Public Transport in Santiago
Santiago offers a wide and efficient public transportation network, consisting of the metro, buses, and trains.
- Metro: The metro is the main means of transportation in the city, with 147 stations divided into 7 lines. Line 1, known as the Red Line, is the most used by tourists as it passes by several popular attractions and the Providencia neighborhood, a favorite among visitors. The other lines, such as Line 5 (Green) and Line 2 (Yellow), are also very useful for exploring different parts of the city.
- Buses: Complementing the metro, bus lines cover areas not served by the metro, ensuring access to all parts of the city. Buses in Santiago are modern and often equipped with USB ports for charging mobile devices.
- Trains: Santiago’s train system, known as the metro-train, connects downtown Santiago with more distant areas of the city.
Public Transportation Costs in Santiago
The metro fare system in Santiago varies according to the time of use. During the week, prices are divided into three categories:
- Punta (peak): CLP 810
- Valle (intermediate): CLP 720
- Bajo (low): CLP 640
On weekends and holidays, the fare remains constant, applying the ‘Valle‘ rate throughout the day. All public transport in Santiago uses the Bip Card for fare payment.
How to Buy Tickets – Bip Card!
To use public transport in Santiago, you need to purchase the Bip Card, which costs 1,550 Chilean pesos. It can be bought at metro ticket offices, where payment must be made in cash. Once purchased, the card can be recharged at self-service machines that accept credit or debit cards.
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How to Use the Metro in Santiago
Santiago’s metro stations have turnstiles, and you need to tap the Bip Card on them to gain access. Once you’ve tapped your Bip Card, you have up to 2 hours to use all of Santiago’s public transport without having to pay for a new fare.
Unlike some cities in Europe where you need to press a button to open the doors, in Santiago, metro doors open automatically and close quickly, so be attentive when disembarking.
The Santiago metro operates at the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturdays: 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sundays and holidays: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Try to avoid peak hours (between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM), as fares are higher, trains are more crowded, and the trip can be quite uncomfortable.
How to Use Buses in Santiago
Taking the bus in Santiago is similar to what we are used to in Brazil. To board, raise your hand to signal the driver and enter through the front door, where you should tap your Bip Card on the machine (drivers do not accept cash payments).
The buses are well-maintained and usually equipped with USB ports for charging mobile devices.
Renting Bicycles and Scooters in Santiago
For those who prefer to explore the city more actively, Santiago offers bike and electric scooter rental services. Itaú Bike is a popular option for bike rentals, with daily rates of 2,490 pesos and monthly rates of 6,990 pesos.
To rent scooters, Lime is one of the main options, charging 500 pesos to unlock the scooter and 175 pesos per minute of use.
Walking in Santiago
Santiago is a city that invites walking. Most tourist attractions are located in flat areas, making it easy and pleasant to explore the city on foot. However, it’s always good to take basic precautions, such as avoiding walking alone late at night in less busy areas.
If you plan to do a lot of walking around the city, my recommendation is to stay in central neighborhoods where most of Santiago’s most famous tourist spots are located.
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Public Transport in Santiago: Extra Tips
When using public transport in Santiago, always pay attention to your belongings, especially in busier areas, to avoid theft, as there are people specialized in stealing from inattentive tourists.
An important tip is to carry your backpack in front of your body and avoid keeping valuables in back pockets. With these precautions, you can enjoy the city with peace of mind and safety.
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