35–60 minutes from SCL to Pajaritos on TurBus Aeropuerto
This is the budget twin to Centropuerto: TurBus Aeropuerto runs airport buses between SCL and Pajaritos in about 35–60 minutes, with rides costing roughly US $2–5. You see it alongside Centropuerto at Arturo Merino Benítez, and most locals just board whichever pulls in first at the curb outside T1 and T2.
Buses run about every 10–20 minutes from around 06:00 to 23:00, so you rarely wait long unless you land very late. The route to Pajaritos lines you up for the Metro Line 1 and intercity buses, which keeps total airport-to-city cost low compared with a 20,000–30,000 CLP taxi. Expect traffic to push you closer to the 60‑minute mark at rush hour.
You usually pay the driver directly in cash for a one‑way ticket if you have 2,000–5,000 CLP handy, and some riders grab a round‑trip so they skip the ticket queue on the way back to SCL. Drivers are used to air passengers with carry‑ons and medium bags, and TurBus prices track Centropuerto closely on this airport–Pajaritos segment.
At the curb outside T1/T2, look at the side destination boards and confirm it says Pajaritos, not another regional TurBus service like one heading toward Valparaíso or Viña. Regulars treat TurBus and Centropuerto as interchangeable airport shuttles and just follow the first driver calling out for Pajaritos or Alameda.
Inside, reviews call some TurBus coaches a bit more worn than Centropuerto, with weaker air‑conditioning on hot January–February afternoons and standing‑room crowds during 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00. Overhead racks handle smaller bags, but stashing a 20–23 kg suitcase in the cabin can get awkward when every seat is full.
Step-by-step from SCL to Pajaritos:
- 1. Clear immigration and customs in T1 or T2, then exit to the public arrivals hall.
- 2. Follow signs for “Buses” and walk to the curbside stops outside the terminal doors (you’ll see both TurBus and Centropuerto bays).
- 3. Check the TurBus coach’s front or side sign for “Pajaritos” before boarding so you don’t end up on a regional route.
- 4. Pay the driver in cash (around US $2–5, usually a few thousand pesos) and grab a paper ticket; ask for ida y vuelta if you want a round‑trip.
- 5. Store large bags in the luggage hold, keep valuables with you, and expect a 35–60 minute ride to Pajaritos depending on traffic.
- 6. At Pajaritos, follow signs downstairs to the Metro Line 1 platforms or upstairs to the intercity bus terminal.
One tip: if you step outside and a Centropuerto is loading while TurBus is still pulling in, just take the one at the curb; the time and cost to Pajaritos are effectively the same.