Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
SCL
ICAO Code
SCEL
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
International

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is Santiago’s main airport and Chile’s busiest international gateway. Pre‑pandemic traffic was in the tens of millions annually. The airport handles long‑haul international services as well as domestic routes, and has separate areas for full‑service and low‑cost carriers.

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Elevation: 473 m
-33.3930, -70.7858

Terminal Guide for Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport #

The airport operates with distinct terminal areas for larger international services and a separate domestic/low‑cost terminal area used by some local carriers. Check‑in, security and baggage reclaim are organised by terminal; low‑cost carriers commonly use a different hall or satellite area, so verify your airline’s assigned terminal before travel.

Getting to and From Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport #

SCL is roughly 20-30 minutes from central Santiago by road in normal traffic.

  • Airport shuttle / coach: The Centropuerto shuttle coach connects the airport with central Santiago and key transport hubs; it’s a popular, cost‑effective choice.
  • Taxi / ride‑share: Metered taxis and app services operate from official ranks; fares to the city centre typically vary with traffic and time of day.
  • Public transport: Connections to the metro and bus network are possible via interchange points - check current routes and transfer options.
  • Driving / parking: Short‑ and long‑stay parking and car hire desks are at the terminal complex.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport #

SCL provides extensive passenger amenities for international and domestic travellers.

  • Lounges: Multiple airline and pay‑per‑use lounges are available in international departure areas.
  • Food & drink: A broad selection of cafés, restaurants and duty‑free shopping can be found airside.
  • Wi‑Fi & charging: Wi‑Fi and charging points are provided throughout the terminal (usage conditions may apply).
  • Luggage & services: Car hire, passenger assistance and some left‑luggage options are available; check opening hours.
  • Accessibility: Accessibility services are provided-contact your airline or the airport to arrange assistance.

Hotels and Layovers at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport #

  • Holiday Inn Santiago Airport - a known airport hotel option (IHG group, https://www.ihg.com).

These hotels are within a short drive of the terminals and commonly offer shuttle or quick taxi connections; book ahead during peak travel periods.

Tips for Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport #

  • If you’re flying domestic with low‑cost carriers, double‑check whether they use the main terminal or separate domestic facilities at SCL.
  • The Centropuerto shuttle coach is a reliable and affordable way into Santiago; it connects with major points and interchanges.
  • If heading to central Santiago by taxi, expect 20-40 minutes depending on time of day - agree on meter or use official taxi booths at arrivals.

Weather & Climate near Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport #

Climate

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 78 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 29°
31%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
3.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 28°
33%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
3.0
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
11° 26°
31%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.

81 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
33%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
18°
40%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
52%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°
52%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
42%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.8h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.

91 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
10° 25°
34%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.7h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 28°
30%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
3.3
UV Index
Extreme
14.2h daylight

Nearby Cities #