How to Get to Valparaíso: Buses from Santiago (Route 68) & Coastal Train

Located 120 kilometres northwest of Santiago along the modern four-lane Route 68 (Ruta 68) highway across the Coastal Range and the Casablanca Valley, Valparaíso is one of the easiest and most frequent intercity journeys in South America, whether you are coming for a multi-day stay or transferring straight from your international flight.

1. By Bus from Santiago & Santiago International Airport (SCL)

• From Central Santiago (Terminal Alameda & Estación Pajaritos): Comfortable coaches operated by Turbus, Pullman Bus, Condor Bus, and FlixBus depart every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day from Terminal Alameda (at Universidad de Santiago Metro station on Line 1) and Estación Pajaritos (five stops west on Line 1). The highway drive takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, arriving at the Terminal Rodoviario de Valparaíso on Avenida Pedro Montt 2860 (next to the National Congress in El Almendral).
• Direct Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL) via Pajaritos: You do not need to enter downtown Santiago when landing at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). Outside baggage claim, board the official Centropuerto or Turbus airport shuttle for a 20-minute ride to the Pajaritos intermodal station, walk across the platform to the intercity bus bays, and take the next coach straight to Valparaíso or Viña del Mar.
• Via the Casablanca Valley by Private Transfer or Car: Many travellers moving between Santiago and a hotel on Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción book a half-day private transfer that stops for lunch and wine tasting at one or two estates in the Casablanca Valley along Route 68 while your luggage stays safely locked in the vehicle.

2. Getting Around Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

• EFE Tren Limache-Puerto (Coastal Metro Train): Stretching along the waterfront from Estación Puerto (on Plaza Sotomayor) through Barón, Portales, and Miramar to Viña del Mar (in 12 to 15 minutes), Quilpué, and Limache, the electric coastal train is clean, fast, and scenic; tap in with a rechargeable Tarjeta Conecta or a contactless bank card.
• Ascensores, Trolebuses & Uber: From the Valparaíso bus terminal, take the Line 802 Trolebús or an Uber 10 minutes west along Avenida Pedro Montt to the base of the historic ascensores.