About the Santiago → Buenos Aires route
Santiago to Buenos Aires is one of South America's classic short hops — just 1,138 km and about 1 hour 20 minutes in the air, which honestly feels shorter than the security line at SCL. LATAM (LA) dominates this route, though you'll also find options through Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR) and a handful of others. It's a mixed crowd — suits heading over for regional business meetings, Chileans visiting family, and a steady stream of travelers who've heard enough about Buenos Aires steakhouses that they've finally decided to see what the fuss is about.
Why travel from Santiago to Buenos Aires?
Palermo alone is worth the trip. The neighborhood is wall-to-wall wine bars, concept restaurants, and bookshops that stay open until midnight. But honestly, most Chileans I know fly over for a combination of things — a long weekend of live music and football, a proper asado that isn't their own, or a tango show that doesn't feel like a tourist trap. Buenos Aires also pulls serious business traffic; it's Argentina's commercial center, and the city's financial district runs on regional flights. EZE connects onward to 76 destinations, so plenty of travelers use Buenos Aires as a jumping-off point for Patagonia or Brazil without backtracking through Santiago.
Quick stats
- Distance: 1,138 km
- Estimated flight time: 1h 20m
- Operating airlines: AR, H2, JA, KL, LA
- Direct route: yes
Practical tips for SCL → EZE
Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) hit the sweet spot — mild weather and fares tend to dip outside peak summer. EZE is Ezeiza International, about 35 km from downtown; budget at least an hour for the taxi or pre-booked transfer into the city, and don't count on a quick ride. Argentina uses the Argentine peso — the exchange situation can be complicated, so look into your options before you land. Spanish carries you everywhere. No visa needed for most Western passport holders. If you're flying a low-cost carrier, double-check your baggage allowance — carry-on-only rules catch people out constantly.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Santiago to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Santiago (SCL) to Buenos Aires (EZE) is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes for a distance of 1,138 km. This is one of South America's shortest major routes, making it ideal for a quick regional hop.
Which airlines fly the Santiago to Buenos Aires route?
Five airlines operate this route: Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Air Europa (H2), JetSMART (JA), KLM (KL), and LATAM (LA). You'll have multiple options for scheduling and pricing flexibility.
What's the best time of year to fly SCL to EZE?
April–May (autumn in South America) and September–October (spring) offer the most pleasant weather in both cities with moderate temperatures and lower rainfall, while also typically featuring better airfare deals than peak summer and winter seasons.
Do I need a visa to travel from Chile to Argentina?
Most nationalities can travel visa-free between Chile and Argentina for tourism; however, you should carry a valid passport and check your specific country's requirements, as some nationalities may need advance visas or tourist cards.
What should I know about luggage, jet lag, and transit for this route?
Baggage policies vary by airline, so confirm your allowance when booking; there is no major jet lag on this short flight since both cities are in the same time zone; and the flight is so quick that ground transit time often exceeds flight time, so plan accordingly at the airport.