โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
San Rafael Airport (LOB), identified by its ICAO code SCAN, is a public aviation facility serving the city of Los Andes in the Valparaรญso Region of Chile. Situated approximately five kilometers west-northwest of the city center, the airport primarily acts as a hub for general aviation, flight training, and regional aeroclub operations. The facility operates from a single, basic terminal structure that houses the administrative offices for the Club Aรฉreo Los Andes and specialized flight schools.
Infrastructure at the San Rafael terminal is minimalist and focused on providing functional support for private pilots and aviation students. As there are currently no regular scheduled commercial airline services operating at LOB, the terminal lacks standard metropolitan amenities such as retail shops, professional lounges, or diverse dining facilities. Instead, the facility provides essential administrative areas, briefing rooms for flight crews, and basic waiting spaces for private charter travelers. The airport is also a prominent base for the Latin American Aviation Training (LAAT) school, emphasizing its role as an educational center.
Ground transportation to and from the terminal is highly convenient due to its proximity to downtown Los Andes, with local taxis and private vehicles being the primary modes of access. The airfield features a single 750-meter asphalt runway (05/23) and is situated within a scenic mountain basin, requiring specialized pilot skills for navigation. For travelers seeking scheduled commercial airline connections in the region, Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago remains the primary gateway, located approximately 80 kilometers to the south. Travelers utilizing the LOB facility are advised to coordinate their arrival directly with the local aero club or flight school to ensure access to the terminal area.
๐ Connection Tips
San Rafael Airport (LOB) is a specialized regional aviation facility located in the Aconcagua Valley of central Chile, serving the city of Los Andes and the surrounding mountain communities. For those arriving at LOB via private aircraft, ground transportation should be pre-arranged. Los Andes is world-famous for its spectacular mountain scenery and its role as a primary gateway to the Portillo ski resort and the Cristo Redentor tunnel to Argentina; renting a car in Santiago or Los Andes is the most practical way to explore the region's diverse natural and historic wonders at your own pace. When planning a return trip to a major international carrier from Santiago, always allow for a generous buffer timeโideally 3 to 4 hoursโto account for potential road delays on the busy mountain highways.
While the airport primarily handles general aviation, flight training, and private charters, it is critical for travelers to understand that LOB currently lacks regularly scheduled commercial airline services. The airfield is located just 2 kilometers from the Los Andes city center. The terminal facilities at San Rafael are functional and professional, offering basic passenger amenities including a small waiting lounge and a pilot briefing room. LOB provide a professional and remarkably quiet arrival experience for private flyers seeking direct access to the heart of the Chilean Andes.
For commercial domestic or international connections to the Los Andes or Aconcagua regions, the primary gateway is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, located approximately 80 kilometers (a 90-minute drive) to the southwest via the CH-60 and Route 57. While local taxis can be arranged with prior notice, it is highly recommended to coordinate a pickup through your host or a local service, as on-demand options directly at the quiet terminal can be limited. The regional climate is Mediterranean and pleasant year-round, but mountain fog and strong winds can occasionally lead to flight delays for light aircraft.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP), also identified by its ICAO code SCIE, is a major international airport serving Concepciรณn and the Bio Bรญo Region of Chile. Located approximately 6 to 8 kilometers from Concepciรณn's city center, it is one of the largest and busiest airports in Chile, acting as a crucial hub for domestic trunk routes and select international services. The airport is also a primary alternate for international flights to Santiago's Arturo Merino Benรญtez Airport during adverse weather conditions.
The airport features a single, modern two-story passenger terminal that efficiently handles both domestic and international flights. The ground floor is dedicated to arrivals, including luggage claim and customs control for international passengers, while the upper level facilitates departures. The terminal underwent significant renovations in the 2000s, enhancing its facilities with various cafes, restaurants, and shops offering local products. Passengers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to VIP lounges for a more comfortable experience.
Operational infrastructure at CCP is designed to support high volumes of traffic, accommodating a wide range of aircraft types. Ground transportation options are comprehensive, with car rental services available directly at the airport, and taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify providing convenient access to the city center. The airport is also environmentally conscious, offering a charging point for electric vehicles, and its efficient operations make it a preferred gateway for travelers to south-central Chile.
๐ Connection Tips
Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) is the second-largest aviation hub in Chile and the primary gateway to Concepciรณn and the Biobรญo Region. While the airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate, most travelers will connect here through Santiagoโs Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL). If you are arriving on an international flight to Santiago, you will land at the newer Terminal 2. You must clear immigration, collect your luggage, and pass through the SAG (agricultural inspection) and customs before walking to Terminal 1 (Domestic) to re-check your bags for your flight to Concepciรณn.
It is highly recommended to allow a minimum of 3 hours for this transfer in Santiago, as queues for immigration and customs can be lengthy during peak morning and evening banks. Upon arrival at CCP, you will find a modern, two-story terminal where the ground floor is dedicated to arrivals and baggage claim. For onward transportation, official taxi desks (such as Ejecu-express) are located inside the arrivals hall, offering fixed rates to downtown Concepciรณn (approximately 6 km away). Rideshare services like Uber and Cabify are also widely available and often pick up on the second floor (departures) for convenience.
If you are traveling alone or on a budget, shared van shuttles (Transfers) are a reliable option that will drop you directly at your hotel for a lower per-person fee. For those planning to explore the coast or the nearby Andes, major car rental agencies like Avis, Budget, and Europcar have desks in the main arrivals area. Note that while CCP is an international airport, its international routes are limited, and it serves as the primary alternate for SCL when fog or weather impacts landings in the capital.
โ Back to San Rafael Airport