🇨🇱 Getting Around Santiago

Navigate Chile's vibrant capital with one of South America's best metro systems, modern buses, and bike lanes stretching from the Andes to the city centre.

Main Transport Options

Metro de Santiago

South America's most modern and extensive metro — 7 lines and 136 stations

CLP $800 (~$0.85 USD)

•7 lines covering the entire urban area
•Runs from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM (midnight Fri/Sat)
•Air-conditioned trains with free WiFi
•Bip! card required for entry

Pro Tip: Line 1 connects all major attractions — Plaza de Armas, Providencia, and Las Condes in one ride!

Transantiago Buses (RED)

Extensive bus network rebranded as RED — connecting every neighbourhood

CLP $800 (~$0.85 USD)

•Over 350 routes across Greater Santiago
•Modern electric buses on main corridors
•Free transfers to/from Metro within 2 hours
•Night owl service on key routes

Pro Tip: Santiago has the largest electric bus fleet outside China — ride the red e-buses for a smooth, quiet experience!

Teleférico (Cable Car)

Aerial cable car to Cerro San Cristóbal with panoramic Andes views

CLP $3,500 (~$3.70 USD) round trip

•Connects Pío Nono to summit of San Cristóbal
•Stunning 360° views of city and Andes
•Combined ticket with funicular available
•Great alternative to hiking up

Pro Tip: Go on a clear winter morning — the snow-capped Andes backdrop is breathtaking!

Bike Santiago (BikeSantiago)

Growing bike-share system with dedicated lanes across the city

CLP $1,500/day (~$1.60 USD)

•200+ stations in central Santiago
•Dedicated bike lanes on major avenues
•Perfect for Parque Bicentenario and Providencia
•E-bikes available at select stations

Pro Tip: Ride the Mapocho River bike path from Providencia to Parque de los Reyes — flat, scenic, and car-free!

Passes & Tickets

Bip! Card

Rechargeable smart card for Metro and all RED buses

Best for: Everyone — essential for Santiago transit

✓Works on Metro and all buses
✓Free transfers within 2 hours
✓CLP $1,550 card fee (non-refundable)

Bip! Monthly Pass

Unlimited Metro and bus rides for 30 days

Best for: Extended stays

✓Unlimited rides all month
✓All Metro lines and RED buses
✓Significant savings for daily riders

Tourist Day Pass

Unlimited transit for visitors exploring the city

Best for: Short-stay tourists

✓All Metro and bus lines
✓Valid 24 hours from first tap
✓Available at airport Metro station

Navigation Apps & Tools

Metro de Santiago App

Official app with real-time train tracking and station info

RED Buses App

Bus arrival times and route planning for the RED network

Google Maps

Reliable multi-modal routing including Metro and buses

Uber/Cabify

Ride-hailing widely available and affordable across Santiago

Most Instagrammable Transport Spots

Teleférico over Santiago

Aerial views of the city sprawl with the Andes towering behind

Metro Bellas Artes station

Art-filled station steps from the Fine Arts Museum

Bike along Mapocho River

Urban river path with city skyline and mountain backdrop

Funicular to San Cristóbal

Vintage funicular climbing through lush parkland

Electric bus on Alameda

Modern red e-buses on Santiago's grand central boulevard

Insider Tips

1The Bip! card is essential — you cannot pay cash on Metro or buses
2Avoid Metro Line 1 during rush hour (7–9 AM, 6–8 PM) — it's extremely packed
3Santiago has incredible air quality on clear days — head to Cerro San Cristóbal for Andes views
4Free transfers between Metro and bus save you real money — always tap the same Bip! card
5The city shuts down for lunch (1–3 PM) in many areas — plan transport accordingly
6Uber and Cabify are very cheap — great for late nights when Metro is closed