DRIVING IN CHILE

Renting a car and driving in Chile should be, generally speaking, easy and convenient. Santiago streets are very well signaled, but driving during rush hours, like in any other big city may be stressing. Drivers normally drive fast, however, traffic rules, especially the stop and yield signs and pedestrian crossings are respected.

You should always carry your driver's license and vehicle registration, since police controls are frequent. Driver licenses of most countries are honored by car rentals and police controls, although strictly speaking an international license is required.

Seat belts are mandatory for driver and companion. Chilean policemen (Carabineros de Chile) will schedule you an appointment with the local Judge in case of infringement and the driver's license is always retained. Carabineros are always polite and comprehensive especially with foreigners.

Driving under the effects of alcohol is a severe offense. You could be fined or arrested depending on the level of alcoholic intoxication. Speeding is also punished. Maximum highway speed, unless otherwise stated, is 100 Kph. In urban areas it is 50 Kph.

Car Rentals

Cars may be rented in all Chilean cities. Car rental offices may be found at airports, important hotels and in downtown areas. Passports and driving licenses are required for rentals and most credit cards are accepted.

When driving in Santiago, it is advisable to obtain information regarding inbound and outbound roads and road congestion. Cars should preferably not be used to drive downtown. The Metro is a convenient alternative for accessing the downtown area.

Public Transportation

Taxis
There are four types of taxis in Santiago:

Black and yellow taxis:
These taxis may be taken either at taxi stops or directly on the street. Tariffs are indicated on the front windshield and are paid according to the meter reading. Tipping the driver is not customary. Prices for special trips outside the city should be arranged in advance.

Colective taxis (“Colectivos”):
These taxis are recognized by the large sign they carry on the car roof. They have a fixed route similar to buses and carry up to five passengers. Their fare is displayed on the windshield.

Radio Taxis:
Their fares are similar to those of regular taxis, by they must be requested by telephone for pick-up at a specific place and time. Telephone numbers for various radio taxi companies are available in hotels and in the Telephone Directory. They work 24 hours a day.

Tourist Taxis:
Blue-colored tourist taxis are usually found in the front of hotels. They are usually in better condition than regular taxis, but their fares are higher and they don't use a meter. It is advisable to negotiate prices before boarding these taxis.

Subway
The Santiago subway or Metro is a model of cleanliness and good service. It is fast, secure and inexpensive. The Metro network has three lines that can take you wherever you need to go:

Red line East to West, crossing the downtown area.
(Through B. O'Higgins, Providencia and Apoquindo Avenues)
Yellow Line Downtown to the Southwest
(Through Gran Avenida)
Green Line Downtown to the Southeast
(Through Vicuña Mackenna Avenue)

Trains run from 6:30 to 22:30 on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 8:00 to 22:30 on Sundays and holidays.

Urban Buses ("Micros")
Yellow and white urban buses are ubiquitous throughout the Greater Santiago, however, they are an uncomfortable means of transportation, especially during rush hours. The bus fare is shown on the front windows. It is advisable to ask the bus driver about the route.

Traveling inside the country

There is a great variety of airlines, land transportation and sea cruises that allow visitors to travel to the different regions, cities and places of Chile.

Air Travel
There are many different companies that offer domestic flights and serve the main points of interest within the country from Arica to Punta Arenas, including Easter Island (Rapa Nui). Reservation and ticketing information is available at airports.

Land Transportation

Buses:
Buses: There are various inter-provincial bus companies connecting cities and towns throughout Chile. There are bus stations in almost every town in Chile. In Santiago the main bus stations are: Terminal Alameda, located in Avenida Libertador Bernardo O´Higgins with direct access from the Universidad de Santiago subway station, and Terminal Los Heroes, located at Tucapel Jimenez 21, next to the Los Heroes subway station.

Railroad:
The national railroad company, Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado, provides train service from Santiago to the South of Chile. In Santiago, the train station, Estación Central, is located at Avenida Libertador Bernardo O´Higgins 3170, and may be accessed from the Estación Central subway station.

Cruises

Attractive sea cruises are available in the south of Chile, including trips to the beautiful river fjords, the spectacular glaciers of Laguna San Rafael, and Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, among other sites.