Buenos Aires, Argentina → Santiago, Chile · ✈ 1h 55min · 🚗 18h 31min
615 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: west
The distance from Buenos Aires to Santiago is 1,139 km (708 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 55min.
The straight-line distance from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile is approximately 1,139 kilometers (708 miles or 615 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Santiago is located west of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is in South America, in the Buenos Aires region of Argentina, while Santiago is in South America, in Santiago Metropolitan, Chile. Both cities are in South America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,139 km | ~1h 55min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,481 km | ~18h 31min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,367 km | ~11h 23min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Buenos Aires to Santiago. For 1,139 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,481 km, fuel costs for driving from Buenos Aires to Santiago are approximately $118–$222 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Buenos Aires sits at 34.6037°S, 58.3816°W, while Santiago is located at 33.4489°S, 70.6693°W. The initial compass bearing from Buenos Aires to Santiago is 273° (W), so a great-circle flight path leaves Buenos Aires heading roughly W. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 1.15° and the longitude difference is 12.29°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Buenos Aires and Santiago is approximately 34.1795°S, 64.5674°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 570 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Santiago is roughly 1 hour behind Buenos Aires. When it is 09:00 in Buenos Aires, it is approximately 08:00 in Santiago. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Buenos Aires uses the Argentine Peso (ARS), while Santiago uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. Both destinations share Spanish as a primary language, simplifying signage, transit, and everyday interactions.
Buenos Aires is a major city in Argentina with a population of approximately 3,075,646. Located in the Buenos Aires region, it is an important hub in South America. Buenos Aires is a significant metropolitan area in Argentina with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Buenos Aires
Santiago is a notable city in Chile with a population of approximately 5,614,000. Situated in the Santiago Metropolitan region, it serves as a key destination in South America. Santiago is one of Chile's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Santiago
1,139 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,139 km, the Buenos Aires-Santiago route is about 2.8% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 55min.
See how the Buenos Aires to Santiago distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Buenos Aires to Santiago is approximately 1,139 kilometers (708 miles, 615 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 55min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 18h 31min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Santiago is approximately -1h behind compared to Buenos Aires.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,481 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,139 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.