Cheap Flights from Lima to Santiago in 2026

Cheap Flights from Lima to Santiago in 2026

Cheap flights from Lima to Santiago are easier to find than on almost any other long route in South America — return fares start from around $120 on this high-frequency corridor. Search and book your flight now to see today’s lowest fares across all airlines.

The Lima–Santiago route connects two of South America’s most visited capitals in about 3 hours 40 minutes of flight time. With multiple daily departures from LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART, competition keeps prices reasonable year-round — if you know when and how to book.

Airlines flying Lima to Santiago

This is one of the most competitive routes in the region:

  • LATAM Airlines: the largest operator, with several direct flights daily, full-service fares and a reliable frequent-flyer program. Direct fares from around $90 one way.
  • Sky Airline: Chilean low-cost carrier with daily direct flights, often the cheapest full-size option.
  • JetSMART: ultra-low-cost, with frequent promotions — seats have been seen from $60 one way if you travel with hand luggage only.
  • Avianca / Copa (connecting): occasionally competitive via San Salvador or Panama City, but rarely worth the extra hours unless there is a fare war.

Because low-cost carriers dominate the bottom of the price range, always compare the final price with bags included before booking.

Airports: Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM) and Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL)

Lima Jorge Chávez International (LIM) is Peru’s main hub, roughly 30–45 minutes from Miraflores by taxi or shuttle. Arrive 3 hours before international departures — security and emigration lines can be slow at peak evening hours when most Chile-bound flights leave.

Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) sits about 20 km west of downtown. The Tur Bus / Centropuerto airport buses reach the city centre in 30–45 minutes for a few dollars; a taxi or Uber costs more but is faster with luggage. Note that Chile requires arriving passengers to complete a digital customs declaration (SAG) — have it ready before landing.

Best time to fly Lima–Santiago

  • Cheapest: March–May and September–November, with returns from $120–160.
  • Peak pricing: July (Chilean winter holidays and ski season), December–January (summer holidays), and Fiestas Patrias in mid-September.
  • Sweet spot: late April and late October — good weather in both cities and fares near their floor.

Flying Tuesday to Thursday is typically $20–40 cheaper than weekend departures.

Flight duration and time difference

The direct flight takes approximately 3 hours 40 minutes. Santiago is 1–2 hours ahead of Lima depending on the season (Chile changes clocks, Peru does not), so plan same-day connections accordingly.

Money-saving tips

  1. Fly low-cost with hand luggage only. JetSMART and Sky Airline fares can be half the LATAM price if you pack light.
  2. Avoid Chilean holiday weeks — especially the week of September 18 and the second half of July.
  3. Book 4–8 weeks ahead. This route rarely has last-minute deals; prices climb steadily inside 3 weeks.
  4. Check both one-way combinations. Mixing airlines (e.g., LATAM out, JetSMART back) is sometimes cheaper than a single return ticket.
  5. Pay in local currency where possible and watch for card fees on ultra-low-cost carriers.

What to expect on arrival in Santiago

Chile’s capital sits in a valley below the Andes, and clear days deliver views that justify a window seat on the Lima–Santiago approach. From the airport, the metro-connected city centre puts you within reach of the Mercado Central for seafood, Cerro San Cristóbal for the panorama, and the Bellavista neighbourhood for evenings. If your trip is a stopover rather than a destination, Santiago also works as a springboard: wine valleys such as Casablanca are an hour away, and ski resorts operate June–September. Because the flight from Lima is short and frequent, many travellers build a Peru–Chile combination on a single trip — Cusco or Arequipa first, Santiago and Valparaíso after — using the midweek fares this route regularly offers.

FAQ

How long is the flight from Lima to Santiago? About 3 hours 40 minutes direct. Every major airline on the route flies nonstop.

Which airlines fly direct? LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART all operate daily nonstop flights between Lima and Santiago.

What is the cheapest month to fly? Typically April–May and September–November, with return fares from around $120.

Do I need a visa to enter Chile? Most Latin American and Western passport holders enter visa-free. All arriving passengers must complete the SAG online declaration before landing.

Is Santiago airport far from the city? No — 30–45 minutes by airport bus or 25 minutes by car from the city centre.

Book your Lima–Santiago flight

With three airlines competing daily, the lowest fares disappear fast. Search and book your flight today and grab the best price before it moves.