---
iata: SCL
name: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
city: Santiago
country: Chile
lastUpdated: '2026-08-31'
officialWebsite: 'https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl/'
sources:
  - 'https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl/'
  - 'https://www.nuevopudahuel.cl/servicios/centropuerto'
  - 'https://www.centropuerto.cl/'
  - >-
    https://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/chile/arturo-merino-benitez-international
quickFacts:
  - Single main international terminal (T2/Pier E) + domestic terminal
  - LATAM hub with SkyTeam and oneworld presence
  - 'Centropuerto airport bus one-way CLP 2,400 (official Centropuerto rate)'
  - 'Busiest airport in Chile, ~20M+ annual passengers'
  - Security averages ~17 min; immigration longer at peaks
  - Official transport center only—avoid curb solicitations
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 3 hours early for international
    detail: Domestic needs 2 hours; add buffer for US-bound secondary screening.
    summary: Security + immigration queues build fast for evening long-haul departures.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: International departures use Pier E post-security
    detail: >-
      Domestic and international share some facilities but separate airside
      areas.
    summary: Clear PDI passport check then security before reaching lounges/gates.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Eat before security or in lounges
    detail: Primeclass lounges offer solid included snacks/meals for day-pass users.
    summary: Airside options limited and pricey; pre-security has better variety.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Check nuevopudahuel.cl for real-time parking/transport
    detail: Avoid unofficial rideshares at arrivals curb—use designated center.
    summary: Official site shows live availability and authorized operators only.
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: SkyTeam Lounge
    zone: Pier E
    hours: '07:40-22:00'
    access:
      - SkyTeam Elite Plus
      - SkyTeam Business/First
      - Day pass available
    bestFor:
      - SkyTeam flyers
      - Layovers
    summary: 'Solid for SkyTeam passengers; restricted access, good food/wine selection.'
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: International (T2)
    amenities:
      - Snacks
      - Drinks
      - WiFi
      - Seating for 150
  - name: LATAM VIP Lounge
    zone: near Gates 12-15
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - LATAM premium
      - oneworld Sapphire/Emerald via contracts
      - Day pass ~$60
    bestFor:
      - Work
      - Long layovers
    summary: >-
      Strong LATAM premium lounge for eligible passengers — showers, buffet, and
      quiet seating for long layovers.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: International
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Buffet
      - Quiet zones
      - WiFi
  - name: Primeclass Pacifico Lounge
    zone: multiple locations
    hours: Varies by lounge
    access:
      - Priority Pass (limited)
      - Day pass ~$30-60
    bestFor:
      - Priority Pass holders
    summary: >-
      Pay-per-use Priority Pass option with basic snacks and seating — useful
      when airline lounges are unavailable, variable quality.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: International
    amenities:
      - Snacks
      - Drinks
      - Seating
  - name: Salones VIP Pacific Club
    zone: near Gate B05
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Day pass ~$37 for 3 hours
    bestFor:
      - Domestic waits
    summary: Basic domestic option; use only if you have no better lounge access.
    verdict: skip
    terminal: Domestic
    amenities:
      - Seating
      - WiFi
      - Snacks
waterOptions:
  - kind: purchase
    name: Airport shops
    zone: landside
    price: '~CLP 1,500-2,000 for 500ml'
    summary: Cheapest reliable bottled water before security; stock up here.
    location: Pre-security departures hall near check-in
    terminal: International
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: refill
    name: Water fountains
    zone: airside
    price: Free
    summary: Free refill spots post-security; bring your own bottle to save money.
    location: Airside near Pier E gates and restrooms
    terminal: International
  - kind: free
    name: Lounge water stations
    zone: airside
    price: Free with access
    summary: Unlimited free water in lounges; best quality if you have access.
    location: Inside SkyTeam or LATAM lounges
    terminal: International
    isBestQuality: true
airportistScore: 7.2
slug: scl
region: South America
---
> Markdown for [/airports/scl](/airports/scl). Append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for an agent-readable copy.

- [HTML page](/airports/scl)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/scl/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Santiago, Chile · South America
Solid mid-tier South American hub with improving facilities but predictable security/immigration queues and limited Priority Pass options.
## Airportist Score

**7.2 / 10**
- Comfort: 7.0
- Navigation: 7.3
- Food: 6.8
- Transport: 7.5
- Disruption resilience: 7.4

## At a glance

- Passengers: ~20M
- Terminals: 2 (international + domestic)
- Typical security: 17 min
- On-time: 78%
- Disruption: normal

## Best for

- LATAM/SkyTeam premium access
- New terminal comfort
- Official transport reliability

## Watch out for

- Evening international queues
- Limited independent lounge access
- Arrivals transport scams

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/scl/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/scl/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/scl/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/scl/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/scl/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/scl/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/scl/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/scl/reviews.md)