Santiago is set to launch Metro Line A, an underground extension connecting the city to Arturo Merino Benítez Airport by 2032. According to transport authorities, the 6.5-kilometer project will link the urban network via a new Huelén Station, reducing travel time to just seven minutes.
How will the new airport Metro route operate?
The underground route will feature two terminal stations: Huelén and the Airport. Passengers will transfer to the line at the future Huelén Station on Line 7, which is currently under construction in the Cerro Navia commune near Hospital Félix Bulnes.
The project was originally conceived as a private concession through the Ministry of Public Works (MOP). It will be fully integrated into the Metro de Santiago and the RED Movilidad system.
The Line A extension will consist of a 6.5-kilometer underground route that operates without any intermediate stops on the surface.
What are the expected travel times and costs?
The journey between the urban network and the airport terminal is expected to take seven minutes. This provides a significant contrast to current transit options, such as taxis or ride-sharing applications, which typically cost between $15,000 and $25,000.
The fare for the special segment of Line A is estimated to be approximately $3,000 pesos. Travelers can use existing digital and physical validation methods used for the Metro and local buses.
The integration of this high-speed, autonomous link into the existing RED Movilidad system could significantly shift how travelers manage airport transit, potentially reducing the reliance on high-cost private transport and mitigating congestion on major routes like Américo Vespucio.
What technology will be used on Line A?
The line will utilize smaller light trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. According to project details, the convoys will feature 100% autonomous driving, air conditioning, and universal accessibility.
To ensure passenger safety, the stations will include platform doors to prevent falls onto the tracks. The project is expected to accommodate an annual flow of 9.5 million passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Metro to the airport scheduled to begin operations?
The official inauguration of Line A is scheduled for the year 2032.
Where can passengers transfer to the airport line?
Passengers can transfer at the future Huelén Station on Line 7, located in the Cerro Navia commune near Hospital Félix Bulnes.
How much will the trip to the airport cost?
The fare for the special segment is estimated to be around $3,000 pesos.
How would a seven-minute transit time to the airport affect your travel routine?
