bus, train and ships

Buses

Buses in Chile are very comfortable and offer even a better service than in Europe or North America and are generally very inexpensive. You can calculate about USD$1-2 per hour of travel. For travelling on bus in Chile remember that the distances are huge! Halfway down Chile is still more than 15 hours by bus. Fortunately, the overnight sleeper services are great.

Chilean buses run on time and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Seats are assigned and on busy holiday weekends, try to buy ticket the day before. The ticket is only good for the exact bus, i.e. 6pm bus, and not for the route in general. If you miss your bus you have to get a reissue (free).

The number of terminals is very confusing and their are too many different bus schedules to publish here. It is often easier to decide your destination first then go to the corresponding table.

Here is a brief guide

Headed North                          Terminal Los Heroes o San Borja

Headed to the Coast                Estacion Central Terminal

Headed South                          Estacion Central Terminal

Headed to Argentina, Brazil     Estacion Central Terminal

Most of the citties in Chile have central bus terminals where you find booking offices.

Trains

No national railway lines operate north of Santiago, and what lines are left south of the capital are in ramshackle conditions. In general the train can´t compete with the speed, low fares and punctuality of the buses. The only exception is the train to Chillan. This is modern, fast and convenient. As of early 2004, the route was being ugraded, check for latest conditions when you are in town, but in general the trains are slow and inconvenient.

Ships

Cruise ships are increasingly making stops at Valparaiso and Punta Arenas. Sailboat rentals are available at certain central coast resorts and around the island of Chiloe.

Cars for rent

While Chile´s towns and cities are linked by plenty of buses, the main reason to rent a car is often to go in the country´s wilderness areas. Much of Chile´s prime attractions are remote, including the Atacama Desert and the Carretera Austral to the south.

To rent a car you have to be at least 21 years old and have a major credit card so you can leave a blank voucher as a guarantee.

Several international car-rental companies have offices throughout Chile, including Hertz, Avis, Budget and First. In addition to these you find many local firms, which are cheaper. In general the prizes are more expensive than in North America.

Drivers license

An international driver's license is not necessary for driving in Chile. However, if you have time grab one it makes certain business or customs transactions easier.