Major Highways & Driving Tips in Santiago, Chile
1. Autopista Central
The main north-south highway connecting Santiago to other regions. It's a toll road with fast traffic, solving congestion issues in the city.
- Toll Road: Requires payment for use
- Fast Traffic: Ideal for long-distance travel
- Connections: Links Santiago to other cities like Valparaíso and San Antonio
2. Autopista del Sol
A major east-west highway connecting the capital with the coastal towns. It reduces travel time significantly.
- East-West Connection: Links Santiago to coastline cities like San Antonio and Cartagena
- Toll Road: Requires payment for use
- Reduced Travel Time: Significantly cuts travel time between Santiago and coastal cities
3. Ruta 5 Sur
The southern extension of Ruta 5, the longest highway in Chile. It provides access to the scenic lakes district.
- Scenic Destination: Offers breathtaking views of the Chilean lakes district
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travel southward
- Toll Roads: Some sections of the road require payment
4. Ruta Vespucio Oriente y Occidente
The eastern and western ring roads surrounding Santiago. They help minimize traffic within the city.
- City Circular Routes: Circles around Santiago to avoid congested city centers
- Reduced Traffic: Helps minimize inner-city traffic issues
- Connections: Allows easy access to other major highways and key destinations within Santiago
5. Panamericana Sur
The southern extension of the Pan-American Highway. It provides travelers access to Patagonia and Argentina.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travel southward
- Scenic Destination: Offers breathtaking views of Patagonia and access to Argentina
- Toll Roads: Some sections of the road require payment
6. Ruta 7
A major highway connecting Santiago with the wine regions of Casablanca and Valle de Aconcagua.
- Wine Regions: Provides easy access to Chilean wine country
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use
- Scenic Destination: Offers beautiful views of vineyards and valleys
7. Ruta CH-30C
A scenic highway connecting Santiago with the coastal resort town of Viña del Mar.
- Scenic Destination: Offers beautiful ocean views and access to popular beach destinations
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use in some sections
- City Connection: Provides easy access to the city of Valparaíso as well
8. Autovía La Cisterna
A major highway connecting Santiago with the international airport and eastern suburbs.
- Airport Access: Provides easy access to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use
- Eastern Suburbs: Serves the eastern suburbs of Santiago, like La Cisterna and San Ramón
9. Autopista El Bosque
A major highway connecting Santiago with the coastal city of Quilpué in the north.
- Northbound Travel: Ideal for travelers heading northward
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use
- City Connection: Provides easy access to the city of Quilpué and its surroundings
10. Ruta CH-68
A scenic highway connecting Santiago with the coastal resort town of San Antonio.
- Scenic Destination: Offers beautiful ocean views and access to popular beach destinations
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use in some sections
- City Connection: Provides easy access to the city of San Bernardo as well
11. Autopista Fonck
A major highway connecting Santiago with the coastal city of Concón.
- Northbound Travel: Ideal for travelers heading northward
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use
- City Connection: Provides easy access to the city of Concón and its surroundings
12. Ruta CH-5
A major highway connecting Santiago with the Andean ski resorts.
- Ski Resorts: Provides easy access to Chilean Andean ski resorts
- Mountainous Terrain: Travels through scenic mountain landscapes
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use in some sections
13. Ruta CH-60
A major highway connecting Santiago with the coastal city of Valparaíso.
- City Connection: Provides easy access to the city of Valparaíso
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use in some sections
- Scenic Destination: Offers beautiful ocean views and access to popular beach destinations
14. Ruta CH-5 South
The southern extension of Ruta 5 from Santiago towards Talca.
- Southbound Travel: Ideal for travelers heading southward
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use in some sections
- City Connection: Provides easy access to cities like Rancagua and Talca
15. Autopista Costanera Norte
A major highway on the eastern side of Santiago connecting the city with the coastal areas.
- City Connection: Provides easy access to various coastal areas, including La Herradura and San Bernardo
- Toll Roads: Requires payment for use
- Scenic Destination: Offers beautiful ocean views and access to popular beach destinations