Which direct flights arrive in Santiago, Chile?

If you’re planning a trip to Chile, your first stop will most likely be Santiago, the capital and main gateway to the country. Although it is possible to enter from Argentina by land or fly directly to other cities, most international flights land at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, located in Santiago.

In this article, we show you from which parts of the world you can take direct flights to Santiago de Chile from North America, Europe, and Oceania.

Direct Flights to Santiago from North America

Santiago de Chile is well connected with several countries in North America, making travel easy for tourists from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here are some options for direct flights:

1. The United States

   1. Miami: direct flights with a duration of approximately 8 hours.

   2. New York: although longer, this direct flight from New York lasts about 10 hours and 30 minutes.

   3. Los Angeles: one of the most popular flights from the U.S. to Santiago. Flight time is around 11 hours.

   4. Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston

      
      

2. Canada

   1. Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal: direct flights are less frequent with a duration of approximately 13 hours.

      
      

3. Mexico

   1. Mexico City: this direct flight lasts about 8 hours.

   2. Cancún: also about 8 hours but less frequent.

   
   
   
   

Direct Flights to Santiago from Europe

Santiago is also connected with some major European cities, although flights tend to be longer.

1. Spain

   1. Madrid: one of the most common direct flights, lasting approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.

   2. Barcelona: direct flights last about 13 hours and 30 minutes.

      
      

2. France

   1. Paris: direct flights take approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes.

      
      

3. The United Kingdom

   1. London: direct flights last about 14 hours and 30 minutes.

   
   
   
   

Direct Flights to Santiago from Oceania

Though less frequent than other regions, there are some direct connections between Santiago and key cities in Oceania:

1. From Australia

   1. Sydney: direct flights last approximately 14 hours.

   2. Melbourne: direct flights are available during certain times of the year, lasting about 15 hours.

      
      

2. From New Zealand

   1. Auckland: direct flights last about 13 hours and 30 minutes.

      
      

Direct Flights to Santiago from Asia

Currently, there are no direct flights from Asia to Santiago de Chile. Travelers departing from Asia will need to make at least one stopover, either in North America, Europe, or Oceania, which lengthens the total travel time. Some common routes include:

1. From Japan

   1. Tokyo: shortest route includes a stopover in Los Angeles, with total flight time of at least 22 hours. Via Europe (Madrid, Paris, or Frankfurt), the total flight time is at least 24 hours.

      
      

2. From China

   1. Beijing or Shanghai: with a stopover in Los Angeles or Europe. Total flight time of at least 24 hours.

      
      

3. From India

   1. Delhi or Mumbai: with stopovers in Europe. Total flight time is at least 22 hours.

      
      

4. From the United Arab Emirates

   1. Dubai: with a stopover in São Paulo, flight duration approximately 19 hours.

      
      

5. From Turkey

   1. Istanbul: with a stopover in São Paulo, flight duration at least 17 hours.

      
      

Flights from Asia tend to be longer due to the distance, and connection options vary depending on the airline and chosen route.

Direct Flights to Santiago from Africa

Like Asia, there are no direct flights from Africa to Santiago. Travelers must make at least one stopover. Common connection options include:

1. South Africa

   Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town with a stopover in São Paulo. Total duration approximately 14–16 hours (including the São Paulo stopover).

   
   

2. Ethiopia

   Addis Ababa with a stopover in São Paulo. Flight time at least 16 hours, depending on layover duration.

   
   

3. Morocco

   Casablanca with a stopover in São Paulo, flying at least 19 hours depending on the layover. Via Madrid, around 17 hours total.

   
   

4. Angola

   Luanda with a stopover in São Paulo, approximately 15 hours flight time depending on layover duration.

   
   

Flights from Africa to Chile are generally longer, and total travel time depends on the chosen stopovers.

Conclusions

1. Shortest Direct Flights

   If your priority is comfort and minimizing flight time, here are some of the best options:

   1. United States and Mexico in North America with about 8 to 11 hours of direct flight.

   2. Spain with approximately 12 to 13 hours.

   3. Oceania, from Sydney or Auckland, with 13 to 15 hours.

      
      

2. São Paulo as a Connection Hub for Africa and the Middle East

   Direct flights to São Paulo offer an excellent connection option. Flights from cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town to São Paulo last between 8 and 12 hours, and flights from Dubai and Istanbul to São Paulo take between 12 and 14 hours.

   
   

   São Paulo to Santiago is a very frequent and short flight of about 3 hours, making it a great option for a short layover before reaching the Chilean capital. Total travel time would be at least 14 hours including the stopover.

   
   

3. Los Angeles as the Key Connection Point Between Asia and Santiago

   Especially for travelers from major Asian cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Flights between Los Angeles and Santiago are frequent and convenient, as Los Angeles is one of the largest connection hubs in North America.

   
   

4. Book in Advance

Since options for direct flights or long layovers can vary in frequency and price, it’s advisable to book early. Booking ahead also gives you more flexibility with layovers and connections.

5. Check Entry Restrictions and Visa Requirements

Don’t forget to verify entry requirements for stopover countries, including visas or transit documents, especially when passing through Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. Some countries require a visa even if you don’t leave the airport during your layover.

6. Make the Most of Long Layovers

If you have a long layover, check if you can explore the city, provided your passport or visa allows it. Make sure you have enough time to leave the airport, get to the city center, and enjoy some attractions. If the layover is long enough (at least 8 hours — considering 5 hours for sightseeing and 3 hours for airport check-in), you might even consider a 2-3 day stopover to explore the city more deeply without rushing.

With these conclusions, you can now make more informed decisions about your route to Santiago de Chile, considering factors such as flight duration, stopovers, and the opportunity to explore new cities along the way.