Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is in Pudahuel, about 15 km (9 mi) northwest of central Santiago. There are nonstop flights from Santiago to Cancun with LATAM Airlines, taking about 8 h 20 min.
Quick facts (checked October 2026)
- Codes: IATA SCL · ICAO SCEL
- Location: in Pudahuel, about 15 km (9 mi) northwest of central Santiago
- Terminals: 2 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 international)
- Traffic: about 25.8 million passengers (2024)
- Official website: www.nuevopudahuel.cl
- Distance to Cancun: 6,288 km (3,907 miles) in a straight line
- Nonstop to Cancun: Yes – about 8 h 20 min
- Time difference: Santiago is 1 hour ahead of Cancun in the southern winter and 2 hours ahead in the southern summer
Flights from Santiago to Cancun
| Airline | Season | Arrives at Cancun | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LATAM Airlines | Year-round | See terminal guide | Several flights a week |
Flight time is about 8 h 20 min. Airlines change their schedules every season, so check current dates on the airline’s website and confirm your Cancun terminal on your boarding pass (Cancun Airport terminals).
Other options are one stop via Panama City (Copa), Lima (LATAM), Bogotá (Avianca) or Mexico City (Aeroméxico).
Arriving at Cancun Airport
International arrivals clear immigration and customs in Cancun, which usually takes 30–60 minutes. After customs you walk through the “shark tank” of timeshare sellers – if you have booked a transfer, go straight outside to meet your driver. See Cancun Airport arrivals for what to expect step by step, and check your flight on the live arrivals board.
| From Cancun Airport to | Drive time | Private transfer from |
|---|---|---|
| Cancun Hotel Zone | 20–30 min | 44 USD per vehicle |
| Playa del Carmen | 45–60 min | 89 USD per vehicle |
| Tulum | about 1 h 45 min | 165 USD per vehicle |
Book your Cancun Airport transfer
About Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Chile’s largest airport, run under concession by Nuevo Pudahuel, is the home hub of LATAM Chile, JetSMART and Sky Airline, and one of South America’s main gateways.
Santiago to Cancun – FAQ
Is there a direct flight from Santiago to Cancun?
Yes. LATAM Airlines flies nonstop (October 2026); see the table above for seasons and frequency.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Cancun?
About 8 h 20 min nonstop.
How far is Santiago from Cancun?
About 6,288 km (3,907 miles) in a straight line.
How do I get from Cancun Airport to my hotel?
A private transfer is the easiest option: from 44 USD to the Hotel Zone, 89 USD to Playa del Carmen and 165 USD to Tulum per vehicle. See Cancun Airport transportation.