Exploring Chile: Bus Ride From Santiago To Varas Duration

The bus ride from Santiago to Puerto Varas can take anywhere from 11 hours to 13 hours, depending on the bus company and the day of the week. The distance between the two cities is approximately 557 to 562 miles (about 900 kilometres).

There are multiple bus companies that offer this route, including Buses Fierro, Lago Sur, and ETM. The price of a one-way ticket can range from $17 to $61, depending on the company and the date of travel.

Flying is a faster alternative, with a plane ride of about 1.5 hours and an additional 30-minute drive from the Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas.

Bus companies and prices

The price of a bus ticket from Santiago to Puerto Varas varies depending on the bus company and the date of travel. The average price of a one-way ticket is $36, with prices ranging from $18 to $61. It is recommended to book in advance to get the best price.

Several bus companies offer direct services between Santiago and Puerto Varas, including:

• Lago Sur: Tickets start at $19. The journey takes approximately 12 hours.
• Cruz del Sur: Ticket prices start at $31. The journey takes about 12 hours.
• Thaebus: Tickets start at $18. The journey takes about 13 hours.
• Buses Fierro: Ticket prices start at $21. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 25 minutes.
• Buses ETM: Ticket prices start at $27. The journey takes about 12 hours.
• Buses Cidher
• Buses Los Conquistadores
• Bus Norte
• Condor Bus
• Andesmar Chile
• Buses Via-Tur
• Los Libertadores
• Pullman

These bus companies offer a range of services, including Salón Cama, Classic, Semi Cama, and Premium 180°. The specific services available depend on the bus company.

Bus schedules

The bus journey from Santiago to Puerto Varas takes between 11 hours 25 minutes and 13 hours, with an average travel time of 11 hours 45 minutes. The distance between the two cities is about 560 miles (900 kilometres).

There are 13 daily buses from Santiago to Puerto Varas, with the earliest bus departing at 4:45 PM and the latest at 11:00 PM. The bus operators for this route include ETM, Buses Fierro, and Lago Sur. The price of a bus ticket starts at $17, with the cheapest days to travel being Tuesday and Thursday.

The departure point in Santiago is usually the Terminal Sur bus station, while the arrival point in Puerto Varas is the Terminal Cruz del Sur de Puerto Varas bus station.

The bus journey from Puerto Varas to Santiago takes between 11 hours 25 minutes and 13 hours, with an average travel time of 12 hours. The distance between the two cities is about 560 miles (900 kilometres).

There are 13 daily buses from Puerto Varas to Santiago, with departure times ranging from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The bus operators for this route include Buses Fierro, Lago Sur, and Buses ETM. The price of a bus ticket starts at $18, with the cheapest days to travel being Tuesday and Wednesday.

The departure point in Puerto Varas is usually the C. Ramón Ricardo Rosas esquina San Francisco bus stop, while the arrival point in Santiago is the Terminal Sur bus station.

Bus trip duration

The bus trip duration from Santiago to Puerto Varas can vary depending on the day of the week, the time of day, and the bus company. On average, the trip takes around 11 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 561 miles (905 km) between the two cities. However, the fastest bus can get you there in about 11 hours and 25 minutes.

The earliest bus usually departs around 4:45 pm, while the latest departure is typically around 11:00 pm. The frequency of buses on this route also varies, with Saturday being the busiest day, offering more than 21 daily buses, and Monday being the quietest with only 15 daily buses.

The price of tickets can also vary depending on the day of the week and the bus company. Tickets can range from $17 to $53 one way, with Tuesday typically being the cheapest day to travel.

Several bus companies service this route, including ETM, Buses Fierro, Lago Sur, Cruz del Sur, Thaebus, and Condor Bus, each offering different levels of comfort and amenities.

Bus route and scenery

The bus route from Santiago to Puerto Varas is a popular travel option, with multiple companies offering services. The journey covers a distance of about 557 to 562 miles (approximately 900 kilometres) and takes around 11 to 13 hours, depending on the bus company and traffic conditions. Here is a detailed overview of the bus route and scenery:

The bus journey from Santiago to Puerto Varas offers travellers a glimpse of the diverse Chilean landscape. The route typically passes through or near several notable locations, including:

• Santiago: The trip begins in Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital city. Santiago is known for its bustling metropolitan areas, cultural attractions, and surrounding wine regions.
• Curico Valley: Taking the Wine Route option will lead travellers through the picturesque Curico Valley, renowned for its lush vineyards and wine-tasting opportunities.
• Radal Siete Tazas National Park: This national park, also known as Seven Cups, offers a unique natural landscape with radial waterfalls and pristine forest scenery.
• Altos del Lircay: A popular stop along the Wine Route, Altos del Lircay provides opportunities for swimming and trekking amidst stunning natural surroundings.
• Colchagua Valley: Another renowned wine region, the Colchagua Valley is accessible by taking Route 90 from Route 5. It boasts some of the best vineyards in Chile and South America.
• Los Angeles: The route continues towards Los Angeles, a city in southern Chile known for its blend of urban development and natural attractions.
• Valdivia National Reserve: This reserve offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature and even spend the night, with the majestic Mocho Coshuenco Volcano as a highlight.
• Termas de Chillán: A culinary pit stop, Termas de Chillán is known for its Chilean specialities, including longaniza and arrolado huaso.
• Puerto Montt: As the journey nears its end, you'll pass through Puerto Montt, a city located on the shore of Llanquihue Lake.
• Llanquihue Lake: This lake is the second-largest in Chile, and the conical Osorno Volcano, Mt. Calbuco, and Mt. Tronador are visible from its shores.
• Puerto Varas: Finally, the bus arrives in Puerto Varas, a charming city known for its German influences, natural environment, and proximity to mountains, lakes, and national parks.

The scenery along the route encompasses a mix of urban centres, vineyards, national parks, lakes, and volcanoes, providing travellers with a diverse and captivating visual experience.

Alternatives to the bus

The bus is the most common way to travel between Santiago and Puerto Varas, but there are other options for those who don't want to take the 11-13 hour bus journey. Here are some alternatives:

By Car

Driving is a good option if you want more flexibility and freedom to stop along the way. The distance between Santiago and Puerto Varas is around 557 miles (897 km), so be prepared for a long drive! The route takes you through some beautiful scenery, including mountains, lakes and national parks.

By Plane

If you're short on time, flying is the quickest way to get between the two cities. The exact travel time will depend on your flight, but it will certainly be faster than the bus! Keep in mind that you'll need to factor in the time and cost of getting to and from the airports.

By Train

Taking the train is a great option if you want to relax and enjoy the journey. The train network in Chile is reliable and affordable. While there may not be a direct train between Santiago and Puerto Varas, you can easily connect via other cities.

By Ferry

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking a ferry. This option will likely involve some additional travel arrangements, such as taking a bus or train to a port city, but it could be a fun and unique way to travel.

By Taxi or Ride-Share

If you're looking for a more comfortable and convenient option, you can always opt for a taxi or ride-share service. This will likely be more expensive than the bus, but it could be worth it for the added convenience and speed.

Frequently asked questions