Getting around Santiago can be seen as an organized chaos through an interconnected web. And honestly, Google maps is your best friend. It is completely possible and safe to navigate the city by walking or taking public transportation. And you can also use Uber to get around the city directly and efficiently, especially in the evenings. These are the variety of Santiago transportation options you have to best explore the city.
Santiago transportation options is quite similar to that of Buenos Aires. If you’ve been to one city, you’ll be able to navigate the other. And with Google maps and some urban know-how, you can navigate the city and get around just like the locals!
Walking Around Neighborhoods
The city is large and sprawling and walking is truly only viable within a neighborhood or two. When it comes to safety, it is important to be aware of where you are walking and your surroundings. If you are aware, stay in tourist and commercial neighborhoods, and don’t walk alone through areas that seem abandoned, you will be okay in the city! It is the best way to feel the energy of the city, see the shops and sights, and experience the city. However, consider other means of transportation when getting between neighborhoods, especially Ubers or taxis in the evenings.
As a pedestrian, do not expect any vehicles to yield for you to cross the street and make sure to look both ways on one-ways for any bikes. Cars and buses travel fast and brake hard, but it won’t be hard enough to save you, so make sure to keep your head on a swivel!
You can check out various hotels for Santiago here.
Santiago Transportation of the Subway and Buses
The main option with regards to Santiago transportation is public transportation. Using the subway or buses is the most economical and sustainable way to navigate large distances throughout the city. The Santiago transportation system is extensive, including buses and a subway system. Both of these are safe and great ways to get between neighborhoods or traveling in the evenings. You will also find that the public transportation systems are clean. People have a lot of pride in these systems.
To use Santiago transportation, you need to obtain a “Red” card. You can buy them at subway stations with cash only. The card costs a flat fee but you don’t have to pay any additional fees to load money on the card. Overall, rides with the “Red” card will be a about 50 cents!
The Subway
The subway is a fast and efficient way to navigate Santiago. The first line of the system was opened in 1975 and it continues to be a reliable form of transportation within the city. Most of the time, you will not wait more than a few minutes for a train. If Google Maps shows the subway as an option to get between two places, use it! The system operates between 6 AM (Monday – Saturday) or 8 AM (Sunday) and midnight so keep that in mind if going out in the city.
The Buses
The network of buses is large. Chances are, there are a number of bus stops around your hotel or accommodations within Santiago. Use Google Maps to determine the best route. The bus stops are indicated by a bench and overhang or a number on a pole. The buses are a great way to see the city and explore the urban environment, all while getting around Santiago. There are a couple of things you need to know to best use the buses while visiting Santiago:
- You can see what bus is arriving by the number displayed on the top of the bus.
- Once the bus stops, get on the bus as quickly as possible because the bus driver will be itching to leave the stop. You will scan your card against the card reader until it gives you the green light and go through the turnstile to find a seat or stand if the bus is full.
- To get off the bus, make your way towards the middle or back doors and press the button on the pole by the doors. The bus driver will not stop unless you press the button to indicate that you want to get off at the next stop.
What About Ubers?
The city has a lot of Ubers and it is a really easy way to get around, especially if you are nervous about getting from place to place or it is later in the evening. Typically, you will not have to wait very long for a car and it is similar in price to a taxi. Ubers are efficient and eliminate the requirement of having to explain to a taxi driver what your destination is, especially if you do not speak Spanish. It is recommended to use Uber in the evenings and to get to and from the airport or main bus stations, especially with all your luggage.
Other Santiago Transportation Options: Bikes and Scooters
You may see some orange bikes around the city. These are the local shared bike service. However, you will need to download the application (linked here) and create an account. You will need data to use the app to take out a bike. Some areas of the city have bike lanes and there is an effort to make the city more biker friendly.
In addition to the bikes, there are some areas that are equipped with “Lime” and other brands of scooters. You will also need applications to use these but they could be nice way to explore the park areas of the city. Check out the scooter brands that are around your hotel and download those applications for your next ride around the city.