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AndesTransit > Amazing Routes > Santiago to Puerto Montt Bus

Book the best bus tickets from Santiago to Puerto Montt

Reviewed

on: 2023-06-06

by: Lisa Gembrini

Quick Facts

  • Duration

    14 hours 00 minutes

  • Rating

  • Experience

    Patagonia, ferry trips, salmon

  • Best Price

    USD $ 45

  • Maximum comfort or class

    Good

  • Departures

    25 daily departures

  • Recommended by

    558 explorers

Price may fluctuate due to seasonal demand and other market-driven and regulatory events.

Bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt

Angelmo market pier, Puerto Montt.

Even though Chile stretches farther south than any other nation on earth, Santiago is not truly southern Chile. It is not even part of Patagonia. If you came to Chile wanting to see Patagonia, we welcome you to hop on a bus to Puerto Montt, a fabulous hub where you can go in all directions to other parts of Patagonia.

On the way you’ll see some of Chile’s beautiful vineyards, pass by some of Chile’s 1300 volcanoes, and not have to worry about any poisonous snakes (Chile has only two types of snakes and both are non-venomous).

What are the buses between Santiago and Puerto Montt like?

Chile is one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in South America, and they take great pride in their public transportation being classy but affordable. 

Depending on how much you want to spend, you can choose between cabins on the bus that are either semi-cama (seats that recline to 140 degrees) or cama (reclining to 160 degrees). The seats are quite comfortable and have footrests. Other features on the buses include an onboard restroom, music, movies, and service personnel. Meals (a range of special menus may be available) and drinks (including wine!) will be supplied based on the level of service you select.

Once you get to Puerto Montt, you’ll also have the option to travel by Chile’s fantastic ferry system, which goes to all parts of the Chiloé archipelago, which are islands spread across the massive Gulf of Ancud.  Many people bring their tents and camp on board the ferries, but the vessels also have plenty of sleeper cabins.

How long is the bus ride from Santiago to Puerto Montt?

It takes around an average of 14 hours to go from Santiago to Puerto Montt by bus, but there are services that are more rapid, arriving after 12 hours and 30 minutes. 

Most buses for this length of a journey are used to a high level of service, including meals and rest breaks, sleeping blankets, and entertainment.

Keep in mind that traffic out of and into these two cities might be affected by weather conditions, but this is rare as the route is entirely in the valleys and lowlands.  The longer end of the range for the length of the trip is mostly due to additional stops and layovers.

What is the cost of traveling by bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt?

The bus ticket costs between $45 and $58 USD (about 37,600-48,500 CLP) from Santiago to Puerto Montt. When you make your reservation with AndesTransit online, you won't have to worry about the exchange rate as we conduct our commerce on the stability of the US dollar.

The semi-cama class of buses, which do not completely recline, will, of course, be less expensive. Most passengers, however, believe that traveling on a bus with a fully reclining cama service is worth the slightly greater spend. It's impossible to pass up the opportunity to relax with a tasty meal and a bottle of wine while watching the breathtakingly magnificent countryside pass by!

What are the bus schedules from Santiago to Puerto Montt?

When it’s time to depart from Santiago, you have currently 25 separate departures to choose from, although not all of those can be reserved online. Departures start shortly after 6:00 a.m. and continue until midnight. However, most of the buses to Puerto Montt leave in the evening hours because passengers like to save on lodging costs. Check AndesTransit for detailed timetable information and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Taking the early bus allows you to take in the breathtaking landscape and arrive in Puerto Montt at their traditional time for supper.  An overnighter, on the other hand, might be a better option if you want to save money on a hostel room and don't mind sleeping on a bus.

Where can I book bus tickets from Santiago to Puerto Montt?

You have two options for purchasing a ticket for your trip from Santiago to Puerto Montt. 

In person

Purchasing a ticket in person might be a lengthy process. This includes walking down to the bus station with your luggage in tow and checking out the timetables and costs at each ticket window. Hopefully, seats on a bus that will be departing soon will still be available.

Online

Purchasing your ticket online with AndesTransit is a more convenient and time-saving option. You can check out the timetables from the comfort of your own home or hotel, pick the day and time you wish to go, and then pay for it using our secure payment platform. You won't have to worry about any "adventures" at the bus station, money conversion rates, or getting the wrong message because of not understanding the local dialect of Spanish.

What is the best bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt?

There are several bus companies that run between Santiago and Puerto Montt. In our opinion, though, Bus Norte slightly edges out the rest. Their semi-cama service is clean and basic for a good rate, and their cama service delivers nicely if you truly want to travel in elegance and comfort.  They also provide one of the most direct services to Puerto Montt, with shorter delays at only the most necessary stops.

What to see in Puerto Montt

Angelmo market pier, Puerto Montt.

While it should not dissuade you from visiting this incredibly beautiful region, do wear protective clothing and use lots of sunscreen to avoid the effects of UV rays. The region is exposed to ozone-depleted air masses from the Antarctic polar vortex, resulting in increased UV radiation from the sun.

You may be coming to Puerto Montt solely as a transfer point to go further into Patagonia’s national parks like Torres del Paine, or to visit the archipelago islands. Yet, there’s plenty to do in the city itself.  Here’s our top five ideas.

Puerto Montt Historical Museum Juan Pablo II

Right next door to the bus terminal is Puerto Montt’s notable history museum. It bears the name of Pope John Paul II, and he did visit the city in 1987 and there is a large exhibit devoted to his life and work.  However, the museum also documents in vivid detail the earthquake that leveled the city in 1960.

Monte Verde

Just a short distance outside Puerto Montt is Monte Verde, the site where archaeologists have discovered the remains of the earliest known inhabitants of the Americas, dating back 18,500 years.  They predate the earliest documented civilization period, called Clovis, by over 1,000 years!  The site has easy walking trails with interpretive signs and in the setting of surrounding farms of the Chilean countryside. 

Plaza de Armas and German Monument

On the harbor shoreline in the oldest section of the city, you will find the stately Plaza de Armas, essentially the city’s town square. Not only does it boast some of the city’s oldest buildings, but also is a good place to stroll through the various stalls of sidewalk artists and souvenir vendors.  In the same square is the monument to German colonization, which is the most influential immigrant group from Europe that has shaped the culture of the city for the past century.

Salmon and seafood dining in Angelmó

Angelmó is the name of the city’s pier and port area where all the freshest fish comes in from the ocean and aquafarms.  Puerto Montt is the second-largest salmon producer in the4 world, so you must simply not leave without coming down to Angelmó and dine on salmon or the vast amount of other seafood being served at restaurants large and small.

Get a sweeping view at Mirador Manuel Montt

This high point is more or less a bluff right in the middle of the city with a simple park from which to get an unobstructed view over the city and harbor stretching out into Patagonia.  It is backed by residential houses and is quite safe any time of day for a visit.

Conclusion

Delay no more, and get your tickets to start your Patagonian adventure in Puerto Montt. Several departures are available online departing from Santiago, which tells you how popular a draw it is for travelers ready to explore Chile’s southern region.

Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a bus from Argentina to Puerto Montt?
There are also buses from Argentina, but they don’t go direct to Puerto Montt and they are often only operative in the austral summer season (October - April). These buses go from Bariloche to Osorno (closest to Puerto Montt), Neuquen to Temuco, and Mendoza to Santiago.
Does the train go all the way to Puerto Montt?
No, the Chilean train system is fantastic, but it is broken up into islands of smaller systems that are not all interconnected. The train from Santiago only goes as far south as Rancagua, and from there you would need to take a bus to Puerto Montt.
Does the bus service from Santiago to Puerto Montt include meals?
As this is a long route, yes, bus companies are required to either serve meals on board, or make meal breaks at servicing restaurants, which are usually cafeterias with good bathrooms suited for large crowds.
What are the ticket policies?
It depends on the carrier you choose, but their specific policies can be previewed during checkout or in the summaries printed on your ticket email. For a general overview, see the Ticket Policy page.

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