Travelling from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL): what you need to know
The timezone in Santiago is UTC-3, which is four hours behind Bilbao.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for stress-free travel. Be at the airport on time to board your BIO to SCL flight.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months like June. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
Consider adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Bilbao Airport to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' to break up your trip, or perhaps explore a new destination along the way. Check out these options between BIO and SCL:
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Madrid Airport
Barcelona Airport
Handy information about Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Bilbao Airport maintains a strong on-time record, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from BIO arrive at their destination as scheduled 85% of the time.
Bilbao Airport is around 11 kilometres from central Bilbao. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 15 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
The journey on public transport takes about 30 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Bilbao Airport to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near BIO:
Arriving at Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)
If you're coming in on a late Bilbao Airport to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport flight, few things top the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these options near SCL:
Pick up a Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport rental car and explore Santiago and beyond with your own wheels. Rosselot, united rent a car and Street Rent a Car are popular outlets you can book with here.
Lock in the best deal by booking your vehicle from Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport around two weeks ahead of your trip.
Getting from Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) to central Santiago
From Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago is approximately 16 kilometres away. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes roughly 35 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
When to fly to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)
July is the busiest month for flights from Bilbao Airport to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport. For smaller crowds, go to Santiago in March.
Lock in your flight from Bilbao Airport to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport for January if you want to go to Santiago during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 13ºC (55ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF).
July has average temperatures of between -2ºC (28ºF) and 17ºC (63ºF). Look for cheap tickets from BIO to SCL sometime then if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
Explore more of Chile
Santiago has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Chile just waiting to be discovered. Around 97 kilometres north-west of Santiago, a trip to Vina del Mar will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Reñaca beach, Playa El Sol and Playa Blanca.
If you're looking to explore another corner of Chile, consider Valparaiso, about 97 kilometres north-west of Santiago. Murales de Valpo, Mirador and Catedral Saint Paul are key highlights.