Santiago, Chile → Buenos Aires, Argentina · ✈ 1h 55min · 🚗 18h 31min
615 nautical miles · Time difference: +1h ahead · Direction: east
The distance from Santiago to Buenos Aires 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 Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
Buenos Aires is located east of Santiago. Santiago is in South America, in the Santiago Metropolitan region of Chile, while Buenos Aires is in South America, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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 Santiago to Buenos Aires. 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 Santiago to Buenos Aires 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.
Santiago sits at 33.4489°S, 70.6693°W, while Buenos Aires is located at 34.6037°S, 58.3816°W. The initial compass bearing from Santiago to Buenos Aires is 100° (E), so a great-circle flight path leaves Santiago heading roughly E. 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 Santiago and Buenos Aires 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.
Buenos Aires is roughly 1 hour ahead of Santiago. When it is 09:00 in Santiago, it is approximately 10:00 in Buenos Aires. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Santiago uses the Chilean Peso (CLP), while Buenos Aires uses the Argentine Peso (ARS). 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.
Santiago is a major city in Chile with a population of approximately 5,614,000. Located in the Santiago Metropolitan region, it is an important hub in South America. As one of the largest cities in Chile, Santiago is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Santiago
Buenos Aires is a notable city in Argentina with a population of approximately 3,075,646. Situated in the Buenos Aires region, it serves as a key destination in South America. Buenos Aires offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Argentina.
→ See all distances from Buenos Aires
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 Santiago-Buenos Aires route is about 2.8% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 55min.
See how the Santiago to Buenos Aires distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Santiago to Buenos Aires 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.
Buenos Aires is approximately +1h ahead compared to Santiago.
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.