Airports We Cover in Southern Chile ✈
Executive transfer service to the main airports in the region
Pichoy Airport (ZAL)
Valdivia - Your Closest Option
The local airport, just 30 minutes from downtown Valdivia. Best option when flights are available.
- IATA Code: ZAL
- Full name: Pichoy Aerodrome
- Airlines: LATAM, JetSmart, Sky (seasonal)
- Direct from Santiago: Yes (1-3 daily flights)
- Best for: Fastest access to Valdivia when flights are available
Canal Bajo Airport (ZOS)
Osorno - Nearest Alternative
A convenient alternative when Pichoy flights are unavailable. Comfortable 1.5-hour drive to Valdivia.
- IATA Code: ZOS
- Full name: Canal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert Airport
- Airlines: LATAM, JetSmart
- Direct from Santiago: Yes (1-2 daily flights)
- Best for: Affordable flights + reasonable drive time to Valdivia
La Araucania Airport (ZCO)
Temuco - Most Flight Options
Major regional airport with the most daily flights from Santiago. Ideal when looking for the cheapest airfare.
- IATA Code: ZCO
- Full name: La Araucania Airport (Freire)
- Airlines: LATAM, JetSmart, Sky Airline
- Direct from Santiago: Yes (5-8 daily flights)
- Best for: Cheapest airfares and most flight schedule flexibility
El Tepual Airport (PMC)
Puerto Montt - Southern Hub
The largest airport in southern Chile. Best option when combining a visit to Valdivia with Puerto Varas or the Lakes District.
- IATA Code: PMC
- Full name: El Tepual Airport
- Airlines: LATAM, JetSmart, Sky Airline
- Direct from Santiago: Yes (6-10 daily flights)
- Best for: Multi-destination trips, cheapest airfares, most flight options
Airport Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right airport
| Airport | IATA | Distance | Transfer Time | Transfer Price (from) | Daily Flights from Santiago | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pichoy (Valdivia) | ZAL | 32 km | 30 min | $23,000 CLP | 1-3 | LATAM, JetSmart |
| Canal Bajo (Osorno) | ZOS | 110 km | 1h 30min | $106,000 CLP | 1-2 | LATAM, JetSmart |
| La Araucania (Temuco) | ZCO | 280 km | 3h | $129,000 CLP | 5-8 | LATAM, JetSmart, Sky |
| El Tepual (Puerto Montt) | PMC | 320 km | 3h 45min | $211,000 CLP | 6-10 | LATAM, JetSmart, Sky |
* Transfer prices are for a sedan vehicle (up to 3 passengers). Van and premium options available. All prices in Chilean Pesos (CLP). See our full price list for details.
Which Airport Should I Fly Into?
A practical decision guide for international travelers visiting Valdivia
⚡ Fastest Route to Valdivia
Fly into Pichoy (ZAL)
Only 30 minutes from the city center. Perfect if flight schedules and prices work for you. Limited to 1-3 daily flights from Santiago, so book early.
💰 Best Value (Price vs. Time)
Fly into Osorno (ZOS)
Often cheaper airfares than Pichoy with only a 1.5-hour drive. The sweet spot between cost savings on your flight and a manageable transfer time.
💸 Cheapest Airfare
Fly into Temuco (ZCO) or Puerto Montt (PMC)
These larger airports have the most competition between airlines, often resulting in the cheapest airfares. The longer transfer time (3-4 hours) lets you enjoy scenic southern Chile landscapes.
🌎 Multi-Destination Trip
Fly into Puerto Montt (PMC)
If you plan to also visit Puerto Varas, Frutillar, or the Lakes District, landing at Puerto Montt lets you explore on the way to Valdivia. We offer one-way and multi-stop transfers.
⚠ Pichoy Airport Partial Closure - 2026
Pichoy Airport (ZAL) is undergoing runway improvement works during 2026, which may cause temporary flight cancellations or schedule changes. During closure periods, flights are typically rerouted to Osorno (ZOS) or Temuco (ZCO).
How TRAE Valdivia helps: We monitor all airport status changes in real time. If your flight is rerouted, we automatically adjust your transfer at no extra hassle. Just contact us via WhatsApp with your new flight details.
Check the latest airport status on the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from travelers about airports near Valdivia
Need an Airport Transfer?
Book your executive transfer now and travel with peace of mind. Bilingual drivers, flight monitoring, and door-to-door service.
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