How to get from Santiago to Atacama Desert (San Pedro)
Adventure & Exploration · Chile · Remote & Off-the-Beaten-Path · Calama · San Pedro de Atacama · Santiago
Santiago to the Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama) is easiest by flying to Calama (CJC) and taking a 1.5-hour shuttle or private transfer. You can also go by long-distance bus (budget, 20–24h), fly to Antofagasta (ANF) and connect by bus, or rent a car for full flexibility around Valle de la Luna, Tatio geysers, and altiplano lagoons. Pick your option below and follow the step-by-steps.
At A Glance (Santiago to Atacama Desert (San Pedro))
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (SCL → CJC) + Shared Shuttle | ~2h flight + ~1.5h road | Fastest & most reliable |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CLP 40k–140k (flight, seasonal) + ~CLP 12k–20k shuttle » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Direct Intercity Bus (Overnight) | ~20–24h (direct) | Lowest cost, no flights |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CLP 35k–75k (seat class/date). Check kiosks or operators; curated options on Trip.com activities | ||
| 🚘 Flight (SCL → CJC) + Car Rental | ~2h flight + ~1.5h drive | Photographers & flexible explorers |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~CLP 35k–80k/day + fuel » compare rentals (Calama) | Trip.com Car Hire | ||
| 🛫🚌 Flight (SCL → ANF) + Intercity Bus | ~1h50 flight + ~4.5–5.5h bus | Deal hunters when CJC is pricey |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CLP 35k–120k flight + ~CLP 12k–25k bus » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Airport → San Pedro) | ~1.5–2h from CJC | Families, bulky gear, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CLP 55k–160k per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly to Calama (CJC) + shared shuttle to San Pedro.
- Cheapest without flying: Overnight direct bus from Santiago to San Pedro.
- Most Flexible/Scenic: Fly + rent a car from Calama for sunrise/sunset timing at sights.
- Backup for sold-out CJC flights: Fly to Antofagasta (ANF) + bus to San Pedro.
- Door-to-door with luggage/children: Private transfer from CJC straight to your lodge.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book early (peak: Jun–Oct & holiday weeks): Compare fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
- Transfers & tours: Prearrange hotel pickup or browse GetYourGuide tours and Klook experiences.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing on layovers? Use Radical Storage Santiago.
- Ride-hailing: In Santiago, Uber/Cabify operate; for fixed quotes in English, check GetTransfer.
- Altitude & weather: San Pedro (~2,400 m). Hydrate, carry layers, sun protection; nights get cold year-round.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight to Calama (CJC) + Shared Shuttle (Fastest & Most Popular)
Quickest Frequent flights Simple transfers
- Overview: Fly SCL → CJC (~2h). From Calama airport, take a shared shuttle or prebooked private car to San Pedro (90–100 minutes). Many lodges offer drop-off.
- How to book (with price): Flights typically CLP 40k–140k one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Private meet-and-greet from CJC via GetTransfer; tours/transfers on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Fast, reliable, lots of daily flights. Cons: Flight prices swing with season; shuttle waits if sharing.
Step-by-step: Flight to Calama + Shuttle
- Get to SCL (Arturo Merino Benítez) by ride-hail or taxi; arrive 2–3 hours pre-flight.
- Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or compare on Trip.com.
- Land at Calama (CJC); follow signs to shuttle desks or meet your prebooked transfer.
- Ride ~1.5h to San Pedro de Atacama; confirm hotel drop-off point with the driver.
Getting to the main embarking points (SCL & CJC)
- Santiago SCL: Allow for security queues; food options pre- and post-security.
- Calama CJC: Shuttles, taxis, and car-rental desks in arrivals hall; ATMs usually available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct Intercity Bus (Overnight, Cheapest No-Flight)
Budget Seats & sleepers Long ride
- Overview: Several companies run Santiago → San Pedro de Atacama direct services (semi-cama/cama seats) with rest-stops. Leaves late afternoon/evening, arrives next day.
- How to book (with price): Typically CLP 35k–75k one-way depending on class/date. Buy at terminal agencies or compare curated options on Trip.com activities.
- Pros: Cheapest, no airport. Cons: 20–24h seat time; arrival can vary with traffic/roadworks.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus
- Go to Terminal Alameda (or the operator’s listed terminal) in Santiago by metro/taxi/ride-hail.
- Select seat type (semi-cama/cama) and buy tickets earlier the same day or online via agents listed on Trip.com activities.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure; keep valuables with you and pack snacks, water, layers.
- Arrive at San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal; walk/taxi to your lodge (many are within 10–15 minutes on foot).
Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal Alameda / San Pedro Bus Terminal)
- Santiago: Terminal Alameda sits near Universidad de Santiago metro; signage for platforms is clear.
- San Pedro: Small terminal just outside the adobe center; taxis often wait at arrivals.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #3 — Flight to Calama + Car Rental (Maximum Flexibility)
Sunrise/sunset timing Beyond tour routes Desert driving care
- Overview: Fly SCL → CJC, pick up a car at the airport, and drive 100 km to San Pedro. Perfect for golden-hour Valle de la Luna, Lagunas Altiplánicas day trips, and off-peak visits.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~CLP 35k–80k/day (compact–SUV). Compare suppliers and insurance on Booking.com Cars (Calama) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Total freedom, easy paved access to major sights. Cons: Gravel sections, occasional checkpoints; carry water and obey park rules.
Step-by-step: Fly + Drive
- Book SCL → CJC flight on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- On arrival at CJC, pick up your car (inspect tires/spare and fuel policy).
- Drive Route 23 ~100 km to San Pedro; check into your lodge and plan sunrise/sunset runs.
- For tours you’d rather not self-drive, mix in day trips from GetYourGuide or Klook.
Getting to the main embarking points (CJC Rentals & Route 23)
- Car hire desks: In CJC arrivals; book ahead for automatics/SUVs in peak months.
- Route tips: Fuel up in Calama or San Pedro; watch for wildlife at dusk/dawn.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫🚌 Option #4 — Flight to Antofagasta (ANF) + Bus to San Pedro (Good for Deals)
Extra inventory One connection Longer overall
- Overview: If CJC fares spike, fly SCL → ANF, transfer to Antofagasta bus terminal, then a bus to San Pedro (~4.5–5.5h).
- How to book (with price): Flights often CLP 35k–120k. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Buy bus tickets at terminal/online via local operators; curated options on Trip.com activities.
- Pros: More flight choices; sometimes cheaper. Cons: Adds airport→terminal transfer and longer bus ride.
Step-by-step: SCL → ANF + Bus
- Fly to Antofagasta (ANF) from SCL (book on Booking.com Flights / Trip.com).
- Transfer to Terminal de Buses Antofagasta by taxi/ride-hail or airport bus.
- Buy a bus to San Pedro de Atacama (4.5–5.5h) and keep a warm layer for AC.
- Walk/taxi from San Pedro terminal to your lodge.
Getting to the main embarking points (ANF & Antofagasta Terminal)
- ANF arrivals: Taxis and airport buses serve the city and the bus terminal.
- Antofagasta terminal: Multiple operators sell same-day seats; arrive early in peak season.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer (Airport → San Pedro, Door-to-Door)
Hassle-free Great with kids/gear Higher cost
- Overview: Meet-and-greet at CJC (or ANF) with a sedan/van to your lodge in San Pedro. Ideal for late flights or bulky luggage.
- How to book (with price): From ~CLP 55k–160k per vehicle (CJC→San Pedro) depending on size/hour. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer (Calama) or browse GetYourGuide transfers.
- Pros: Fastest exit, door-to-door, child seats on request. Cons: More expensive than shared shuttles.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter your flight number, arrival time, and luggage count when requesting quotes on GetTransfer.
- Confirm what’s included (tolls, waiting time) and share your lodge’s access instructions.
- Meet your driver in arrivals; ride ~1.5–2h to San Pedro and coordinate the return pickup if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (CJC/ANF Arrivals)
- Calama (CJC): Drivers wait at the public arrivals exit; message them if baggage is delayed.
- Antofagasta (ANF): For ANF pickups, expect a longer (4.5–5.5h) road leg to San Pedro.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Santiago to Atacama Desert (San Pedro))
How far is San Pedro from Calama Airport?
About 100 km; the shuttle/drive takes roughly 90–100 minutes.
Is renting a car necessary?
Not required—tours cover all highlights—but a car offers sunrise/sunset flexibility and access to lesser-visited viewpoints.
Can I fly directly to San Pedro?
No. The nearest airport is Calama (CJC). From there, shuttle, private car, or rental to San Pedro.
What’s the best time to visit?
Year-round works; April–November offers crisp skies and milder days. Nights are cold even in summer—pack layers.
Do I need to acclimatize?
San Pedro sits ~2,400 m. Take it easy on day 1, hydrate, and plan higher-altitude trips (e.g., Tatio geysers) for day 2 or 3.
Where should I stay?
Near the adobe center (walkable to restaurants) or in quiet outlying ayllus. Compare options on Booking.com and pair with tours from GetYourGuide.