⚖️ Airport Comparison Tool

Compare Minimum Connection Times worldwide

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

Santiago, Chile
SCL SCEL

⏰ Minimum Connection Times

Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
80
minutes
International → Domestic
80
minutes
International → International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes

🏢 Terminal Information

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport operates through two distinct terminals handling over 26 million annual passengers as one of South America's busiest hubs. Terminal 1 (Domestic) serves LATAM, Sky, and JetSmart through a four-level structure: Level 1 for arrivals with baggage claim and customs, Level 2 for departures with check-in counters and security screening, Level 3 for additional passenger services and VIP lounges, plus Level 4 housing restaurants and LATAM VIP check-in facilities. Terminal 2 (International), opened in 2021, accommodates 40+ global carriers through a modern facility designed for international operations. Inter-terminal connections utilize free shuttle buses running every 10-15 minutes 24/7, supplemented by a 15-minute pedestrian walkway, though domestic-to-international transfers require 110-minute minimum connection times due to immigration, baggage claim, and re-security requirements. Security infrastructure includes standard checkpoints plus VIP Fast Track services for expedited security, immigration, and customs clearance, while international arrivals must complete SAG affidavit declarations for food products. Premium facilities encompass multiple lounges including LATAM VIP Lounge (Level 4, Gates 14-15), 24-hour Salones VIP Pacific Club near Gate 20A, and The Lounge opposite Gate 20A, all featuring buffet dining, showers, work areas, and children's play zones. Dining spans both terminals with 24-hour options including Bakery & Co., Burger Truck, Cerveceria del Norte, and Dunkin' Donuts internationally, plus Starbucks, McDonald's, and Briciole Bar domestically. Family amenities include mother's rooms, kids' play areas, chapels, medical services, and pharmacies, complemented by free Wi-Fi (30-minute reconnection intervals), charging stations at every gate, duty-free shopping featuring international and local products, plus comprehensive ground transportation including official taxis, TransVip shuttles, and Centropuerto buses connecting to Santiago Metro's Los Héroes station every 10-15 minutes.

🔄 Connection Tips

Peak in evening long‑haul bank; allow buffer.

📍 Location

Carriel Sur International Airport

Concepción, Chile
CCP SCIE

⏰ Minimum Connection Times

Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
International → Domestic
90
minutes
International → International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes

🏢 Terminal Information

Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP), also identified by its ICAO code SCIE, is a major international airport serving Concepción and the Bio Bío Region of Chile. Located approximately 6 to 8 kilometers from Concepción'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 Benítez 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.

🔄 Connection Tips

Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) is the second-largest aviation hub in Chile and the primary gateway to Concepción and the Biobío Region. While the airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate, most travelers will connect here through Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez 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 Concepción. 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 Concepción (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.

📍 Location

← Back to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport