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Chile has numerous airports located in different parts of the country that serve domestic and international tourists. The Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport which is the largest international airport in Santiago and the other small regional airports fifty miles from the capital like La Araucanía and El Tepual are easily accessible to appreciate and explore the various wonders of nature. The airports in Chile have been designed in such a way that they interlink most places of the country.
The Ultimate Guide To Top Airports In Chile
The following guide provides airports whereabouts, the services they provide, as well as techniques to help achieve seamless travel within the territories of Chile.
1. Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Photo: Aeveraal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport which is popularly known as Santiago International Airport is the principal airport in Chile approximately fifteen kilometers northwest of the center of Santiago. It commands a staggering number of annual in and outgoing flights and passengers, making it one of the airports in South America that can be regarded as busiest. The airport is well-designed with up-to-date facilities such as several restaurants, duty-free shops, and spacious lounges for both avid travellers and business individuals.
Location: Santiago, Chile
Major Attractions: Duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges
How To Reach: Accessible via car, taxi, or shuttle from Santiago city centre
2. El Tepual Airport
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Located in Puerto Montt, El Tepual Airport is a majorly used airport. It has been built with an intention of easing a trip to Patagonia and Chile’s lake District of which it is a part. Some 16 kilometres from the city of Puerto Montt, the airport is equipped to handle domestic flights and offer basic services to passengers such as restaurants and small shops. It ensures quick and smooth operations coupled with bilingual information services and hence, it is a very attractive entrance for tourists visiting the southern part of Chile which boasts of amazing sceneries.
Location: Puerto Montt, Chile
Major Attractions: Gateway to Lake District, basic amenities
How To Reach: Accessible by car or taxi from Puerto Montt city centre
3. Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport
Photo: Alf van Beem / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located approximately 25 kilometres to the north of Antofagasta, Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport is the main airport serving the northern region of Chile. It provides air connectivity to the region with a number of domestic routes and a few international ones. The airport has limited facilities including a café and souvenir shops. Situated by the Pacific coast and the vast Atacama Desert, the airport is also a gateway for tourism activities that involve the diverse geographical scenery of the northern parts of Chile.
Location: Antofagasta, Chile
Major Attractions: Proximity to Atacama Desert
How To Reach: Accessible by car or taxi from Antofagasta city centre
4. President Carlos Ibáñez Del Campo Airport
Photo: Christer T Johansson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Airport Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, found within the southernmost city of Chile – Punta Arenas, plays an important role in facilitating access to the vast Patagonian and Antarctic expanses. The airport is situated roughly 20 kilometres north of Punta Arenas and provides local flights connecting to Santiago as well as some regional airports. This airport has basic facilities like restaurants, stores, and car rental services to help travellers.
Location: Punta Arenas, Chile
Major Attractions: Gateway to Patagonia and Antarctic expeditions
How To Reach: Accessible via car or taxi from Punta Arenas city centre
5. Carriel Sur Airport
Photo: LuisCG11 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Carriel Sur Airport caters to the city of Concepción and is situated around 5 km from the centre of the city. It is classified as one of the regional airports in Chile as it provides domestic flights connecting to Santiago. The airport is built in a modern style with several provisions for its users. Most of the passengers using the Carriel Sur Airport are those flying to the coastal and farming areas of Chile as the airport provides an effective transit point with regards to the central and southern areas of Chile with all its natural beauty.
Location: Concepción, Chile
Major Attractions: Modern facilities, easy access to Concepción
How To Reach: Accessible by car or public transport from Concepción city centre
6. Diego Aracena International Airport
Photo: Pablo H. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Approximately 40 kilometres south of Iquique, Diego Aracena Airport is a critical air transport facility for the north coast of Chile. The airport offers domestic flight services, features and amenities. The airport is close to the Atacama Desert in the east and to the city’s beachside leisure activities in Iquique. Thus, it is obvious that the airport facilitates adventure tours, beach holiday visits and exploration of the ancient ruins. Its services are aimed at international visitors as well as to domestic clientele, making it a convenient gateway for the region’s tourism.
Location: Iquique, Chile
Major Attractions: Proximity to beaches and desert attractions
How To Reach: Accessible by car or taxi from Iquique city centre
7. Desierto De Atacama Airport
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Atacama Desert Airport or Aeropuerto Desierto de Atacama is an airport in Copiapo, Chile’s northern Atacama region, which provides good access for visitors who want to experience the famous Atacama Desert. The airport, which is located about 50 km from the city, serves mainly domestic flights has basic amenities, and includes a compact duty-free area. It is strategically placed to facilitate access to desert excursions, tourism in the astronomy observatories and even mining activities making it a great stopover for both leisure and business travelers.
Location: Copiapó, Chile
Major Attractions: Gateway to the Atacama Desert
How To Reach: Accessible by car or taxi from Copiapó city centre
8. Pichoy Airport
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Pichoy Airport, the main airport of the Los Rios Region of Chile, is located around 32 km from Valdivia. It offers domestic flights and has basic amenities for travellers including restaurants, car hire services, and small retail outlets. This airport is famous for its proximity to the Valdivia rivers and the forest zone. Thus the airport provides access to the enchanting geography of southern Chile. This is because many people would want to visit the culture of Valdivia as well as the national parks that have numerous fun outdoor activities.
Location: Valdivia, Chile
Major Attractions: Access to rivers, Los Ríos region nature areas
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, and shuttle from Valdivia
9. La Florida Airport
Photo: Ahmed Muntasir / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The La Florida Airport caters to the twin municipalities of La Serena and Coquimbo, thus easing the touristic access to the Chilean northern beaches, historical sites, and famous observatories. It is situated approximately 6 km from La Serena and provides internal flight services alongside facilities. This airport experiences acute congestion during peak season when people come in flocks to visit the beaches, the valleys, and the night skies of the region.
Location: La Serena-Coquimbo, Chile
Major Attractions: Beaches, historical sites, observatories
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, and public transport from La Serena
10. La Araucanía Airport
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La Araucania Airport located in Holguin, is the primary access point to the Southern Chilean Lake Region and the gorgeous hilly areas surrounding it. It is purely a domestic airport with very few amenities like food and retail, as well as a car rental service. Among other places, La Araucania is favoured by visitors who wish to explore places such as national parks, lakes, and the Mapuche culture. This in turn is very essential for passengers who wish to tour Chile’s rich southern region full of adventures and cultural activities.
Location: Temuco, Chile
Major Attractions: Lake District, national parks, Mapuche culture
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, and shuttle services from Temuco
The airports in Chile are interconnected enabling easy travel throughout this beautiful and diverse country. Whether it’s landing at Santiago’s international airport or visiting domestic regions, every airport opens up a series of unique sceneries from the Atacama Desert to as far as the southern tip in Patagonia. Travelling in Chile is easy due to the modern facilities and amenities as well as effective services. That is why whenever you need to travel around this great nation, do not forget to get your flights from Trip XL.
Cover Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
