LATAM Airlines operates nonstop flights several times a week, with Qantas codesharing on the same service. It's one of only a few genuinely direct long-haul routes on this network.

How long is the direct flight from Melbourne to Santiago?

Flying nonstop, the trip takes around 12 hours and 35 minutes – a long single sector, and one of the longest nonstop flights in the world.

How much do flights from Melbourne to Santiago cost?

Fares start from AU$1,655 and climb during December-February, when it's summer in both Australia and Chile at once. Booking ahead and setting a Price Alert both help on this popular direct route.

Do Australians need a visa for Chile?

No visa is needed for tourism of up to 90 days, and the reciprocity fee for Australians was scrapped in September 2025.

Where is Santiago's airport located?

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is about 20 kilometres west of downtown Santiago. Airport buses take 25 to 40 minutes into the city, or a taxi/rideshare is quicker.

When is the best time to fly to Santiago?

Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) offer the best balance of mild weather and lower fares. December-February is the priciest, double-summer peak, while winter (June-August) is quieter outside the ski season.

What's the time difference between Melbourne and Santiago?

Melbourne is typically 13 to 15 hours ahead of Santiago, with the exact gap depending on daylight saving in each country.

About Santiago

Santiago sits in a valley ringed by the Andes, close enough to both the mountains and the coast that you can ski and swim in the same weekend. It's also one of the easier South American cities to reach from Melbourne – this is one of the few routes on this list with a genuine direct flight.

Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne to Santiago

LATAM Airlines operates nonstop flights between Melbourne and Santiago several times a week, with Qantas codesharing on the same service. It's one of the longest nonstop flights in the world, so it's worth comparing cabin options if you're booking well ahead.

Compare fares and schedules on Traveloka before you book.

Flight time from Melbourne to Santiago

Flying direct, the trip takes around 12 hours and 35 minutes – a long single sector, but far simpler than a connecting itinerary to most other South American cities.

Average price of flights between Melbourne and Santiago

Fares vary by season and how far ahead you book, with the Australian summer holiday period and Chile's own summer (December-February) both pushing demand up at once. The cheapest fares currently start from AU$1,655. Setting a Price Alert is worth it given how far in advance seats on this route tend to sell.

Cheapest time to fly to Santiago

Chile's shoulder seasons – March-May and September-November – tend to offer the best mix of mild weather and lower fares. December to February is peak season, since it overlaps both the Australian and Chilean summer holidays, while Chile's winter (June-August) is quieter and often cheaper, aside from the ski crowd heading to the Andes.

Where is the airport in Santiago?

Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is about 20 kilometres west of downtown Santiago. Airport buses (Centropuerto, TurBus) run into the city in around 25 to 40 minutes, or you can take a taxi or rideshare, which is faster but pricier.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Santiago

Australians can visit Chile visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists, and the long-standing reciprocity fee for Australians was eliminated in September 2025.

Time difference between Melbourne and Santiago

Melbourne is typically 13 to 15 hours ahead of Santiago, with the exact gap shifting depending on whether Australia and Chile are each observing daylight saving at the time you travel. Traveloka shows arrival times in local time, so no manual adjustment is needed.

Our tips for getting the best price on flights

Book well ahead: this direct route has limited weekly frequency and seats can sell out early for peak dates.
Set a Price Alert: track this specific nonstop service rather than checking manually.
Avoid the double summer peak: December-February is priciest since it's summer in both Australia and Chile.
Consider shoulder season: March-May and September-November balance good weather with better fares.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking?

Upfront pricing: no hidden fees between what you see and what you pay.
Easy Reschedule: useful flexibility on a long-haul route with limited weekly frequency.
Aussie-based support: 24/7 help on a route where seats and schedules move fast.

Santiago is a genuinely rewarding destination, and Traveloka can help with accommodation and activities once you've booked your flight. Heading back? Check flights from Santiago to Melbourne.