Santiago to Temuco: Best and Cheapest Ways to Travel in 2026

Planning your trip from Santiago to Temuco and looking for the best and cheapest options? It is a long trip, about 680 km, so your choice really matters for comfort, time, and budget.

I have done the Santiago to Temuco route several times, and this guide breaks down the options in a simple, practical way so you can choose what fits your trip.

I personally flew with LATAM Airlines from Santiago to Temuco and back, but flying is not the only option worth considering.

Overview of Santiago to Temuco

Traveling from Santiago to Temuco means crossing a big part of central and southern Chile. The distance is roughly 680 km, so this is not a short hop. Planning ahead makes a real difference.

Here is what you should expect on this route:

• Travel times range from 1 hour 20 minutes by plane to 9–10 hours by bus or car
• Most travelers choose flying or overnight buses
• Roads are generally good, but the trip is long if you drive
• Prices vary a lot depending on season and booking time

This route is popular with both locals and international travelers heading into the Araucanía region, especially in summer and during holidays.

Choosing the right transport depends on how much time you have, how much luggage you carry, and how flexible your budget is.

Travel methods

Personal experience taught me that there are comfortable ways to travel from Santiago to Temuco, and some that feel long very quickly.

Your choice depends mainly on:

• Budget
• Time available
• Comfort expectations
• How much luggage you travel with

Below are the main travel methods, with what you realistically need to know.

By plane

Flying is the fastest and often the most comfortable way to travel from Santiago to Temuco.

What to expect when flying:

• Airlines mainly include LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline
• Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes
• Flights leave from Santiago Airport and land at La Araucanía International Airport, about 20 minutes from Temuco

Things to watch out for:

• Basic fares often include no checked luggage
• Seat selection and bags cost extra
• Prices rise fast close to departure dates

I flew with LATAM on this route and it was smooth, but baggage rules can catch you by surprise.
Read my LATAM Airlines review for Santiago to Temuco flights to avoid common mistakes.

By bus

Buses are the most popular option for budget travelers and locals.

Here is how bus travel looks on this route:

• Several companies operate daily, including Tur Bus and Pullman
• Comfort ranges from semi cama to full cama seats
• Travel time is usually 9 to 10 hours

Key differences to consider:

• Night buses save on accommodation and are usually quieter
• Day buses let you see the landscape but feel longer
• Comfort depends heavily on seat type, not just the company

Bus terminals:

• Santiago departures usually leave from Terminal Alameda
• Buses arrive at Temuco Bus Terminal, close to the city center

If budget matters more than speed, this is often the best value option.

By car

Driving gives you flexibility, but it is not always the easiest choice.

Important points about driving:

• Distance is about 680 km
• Driving time is 8 to 9 hours, without long stops
• Roads are generally in good condition, mostly on Route 5

When renting a car makes sense:

• You plan to explore rural areas around Temuco
• You travel with multiple people
• You want full flexibility after arrival

Downsides to consider:

• Fuel and toll costs add up
• It is a long day behind the wheel
• Renting one way can be expensive

If you want full control of your route, driving works. If Temuco is your final stop, flying or buses are usually easier. You could also rent a car in Temuco. You can read more in my renting a car in Santiago guide if you consider this option.

Comparing costs and time

Costs and travel time from Santiago to Temuco can be very different depending on how you travel, how far in advance you book, and the season.

Flying can be cheap and fast if you book early and travel light, but prices jump quickly close to departure.
Buses are slower, but prices stay much more stable throughout the year.

Driving sits on the other end of the scale. It gives flexibility, but fuel, tolls, and rental costs add up fast.

The table below shows a realistic comparison based on typical traveler experiences, not just best case prices.
It should help you decide quickly which option fits your schedule and budget best.

Travel method	Travel time	One way cost	Best for
Plane	1h 20m flight+ airport time	USD 40–120	Speed and comfort
Bus (night)	9–10 hours	USD 25–45	Budget travelers
Bus (day)	9–10 hours	USD 25–45	Scenic travel
Car (rental)	8–9 hours	USD 120–200+	Flexibility

A few things to keep in mind:

• Flights are often cheapest if booked early and with light luggage (check Google Flights for best pricing)
• Night buses offer the best value for money
• Driving only makes sense if you need a car after arriving

If time is limited, flying wins easily. If budget matters most, overnight buses are hard to beat. This comparison usually makes the choice clearer before you book.

Go further south

For most travelers, Temuco is not the final destination. It is more of a gateway to southern Chile. From Temuco, you are well placed to explore the Lake District, one of the most diverse and scenic areas in the country.

Popular places to continue your trip include:

• Pucón for volcano views, hot springs, and outdoor activities
• Valdivia for rivers, seafood, and a relaxed vibe
• Puerto Montt as a hub for Patagonia and Chiloé

If you want ideas, routes, and realistic travel times, check our Lake District guide to see what fits your itinerary best.

From here, going further south is easy, whether by bus, car, or short flights.