
Costanera Norte Santiago
Santiago's Costanera Norte: a vital highway offering stunning Andes views and crucial airport access, popular with car enthusiasts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for views & safety

Costanera Norte Santiago
Best Time
Best for views & safety

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Santiago's Costanera Norte: a vital highway offering stunning Andes views and crucial airport access, popular with car enthusiasts.
"A key artery for Santiago, offering scenic mountain vistas and essential airport connectivity."

🚗 Drive with Caution
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tunnels. Avoid stopping unnecessarily.
📸 Car Spotting
If you're a car enthusiast, keep an eye out for unique vehicles, especially on weekends.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Highway Views
Along the Costanera Norte
Enjoy panoramic views of the Andes mountains and the city skyline as you travel along this important urban artery.

Exotic Car Sightings
Various points along Costanera Norte
A popular spot for car enthusiasts to showcase and photograph unique and high-performance vehicles.

Proximity to Airport
Connecting to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Costanera Norte serves as a key access route to and from Santiago's main airport, making it a crucial part of arrival and departure logistics.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Costanera Norte
Safety and Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tunnels. Avoid stopping unnecessarily.
📸 Car Spotting
If you're a car enthusiast, keep an eye out for unique vehicles, especially on weekends.
✈️ Airport Access
Use Costanera Norte for efficient travel to and from Santiago's airport.
⛰️ Mountain Views
Enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains, particularly on clear days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tunnels. Avoid stopping unnecessarily.
📸 Car Spotting
If you're a car enthusiast, keep an eye out for unique vehicles, especially on weekends.
✈️ Airport Access
Use Costanera Norte for efficient travel to and from Santiago's airport.
⛰️ Mountain Views
Enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains, particularly on clear days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Costanera Norte is primarily recognized as a vital highway and transportation link in Santiago, offering scenic mountain views and being a key route to the airport. While appreciated for its efficiency and visual appeal, recent reports highlight safety concerns, including attempted carjackings, which travelers should be aware of.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Costanera Norte is a major highway and is best accessed by car or taxi. It connects directly to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and other key parts of Santiago. Public transport options directly on the highway are limited, but it's a crucial route for many bus lines serving the city.
Yes, Costanera Norte is a primary and often the fastest route for transfers to and from Santiago's airport, especially when heading east.
Costanera Norte is a high-speed highway designed for vehicular traffic. Walking or cycling on the main carriageways is not permitted and is extremely dangerous.
Key exits include those for the airport, General Velasquez, and connections to other major avenues like Autopista Central. It's more of a transit route than a destination with specific landmarks directly on the highway itself.
While you can't board directly on the highway, many bus routes utilize Costanera Norte to connect different parts of Santiago and the airport. Check local transit apps for routes that pass through or near its access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Costanera Norte is a toll road (autopista de peaje). You will need to pay tolls, either through a manual payment system or an electronic transponder (like TelePASE).
Toll fees vary depending on the time of day and direction of travel. It's best to check the official website of the concessionaire or use a navigation app that provides real-time toll information.
There are no specific entry fees to access the highway itself, only the standard tolls for using the road.
Costanera Norte is a highway and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Toll collection operates continuously.
While some toll booths may accept cash, it's highly recommended to have an electronic toll transponder (TelePASE) for smoother and faster passage. This is the most common method used by locals.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
Costanera Norte is primarily a highway. While it offers scenic views, activities are limited to driving, enjoying the mountain vistas, and for car enthusiasts, spotting unique vehicles.
While a vital transport link, there have been reports of safety incidents like attempted carjackings ('encerronas') and related criminal activity, particularly in tunnels. Travelers should remain vigilant and avoid stopping unnecessarily.
The highway itself offers expansive views of the Andes mountains and the Santiago skyline, especially on clear days. There aren't designated 'viewpoints' as it's a functional road, but the drive itself can be scenic.
Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak commuting hours. It's a major artery connecting the airport and various parts of the city.
While there are gas stations and services near the exits, direct rest stops with amenities are not a prominent feature of the highway itself. You'll typically find these off the main road.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photographic appeal lies in the sweeping views of the Andes mountains and the urban landscape. Car enthusiasts also find it a great spot for photographing unique vehicles.
It is generally not advisable to stop on the highway itself for photos due to safety concerns and traffic. If you wish to take photos, do so from designated safe areas or viewpoints accessible from exits.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for landscape photography, with the Andes providing a stunning backdrop. Golden hour can be particularly dramatic.
Car enthusiasts often gather at specific points, particularly on weekends, to photograph their vehicles. These are usually informal meetups rather than designated spots.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in urban areas and near airports. It's essential to check local aviation laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Costanera Norte.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
Remember that Costanera Norte is a busy highway. While it's a great place to see cool cars, it's not a designated car meet-up spot. Always prioritize safety, avoid stopping on the highway, and be mindful of traffic when trying to capture photos. The views of the Andes can also provide a stunning backdrop for your automotive shots.
✈️ Travelers Arriving/Departing Santiago
Using a reliable navigation app that accounts for real-time traffic conditions is highly recommended. If you're taking a taxi or rideshare, confirm with your driver that they will be using Costanera Norte for the most efficient route. Be aware of the toll charges that will be added to your fare.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Costanera Norte: More Than Just a Road
While not a tourist attraction in itself, Costanera Norte offers significant scenic value due to its proximity to the Cordillera de los Andes. On clear days, the mountain range provides a breathtaking backdrop to the urban sprawl, making the drive itself a visually engaging experience. For automotive enthusiasts, it's also a known spot for showcasing and photographing a variety of vehicles, from everyday cars to more exotic models.
However, it's crucial for visitors to be aware of the safety considerations associated with Costanera Norte. Recent reports have highlighted incidents of attempted carjackings and related criminal activities, particularly within its tunnels. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, keep doors locked, and avoid stopping unnecessarily, especially during nighttime hours.
Navigating Tolls and Traffic
Traffic on Costanera Norte can be substantial, particularly during peak commuting hours. It serves as a critical link for thousands of commuters daily, connecting residential areas with business districts and the airport. Drivers should anticipate potential congestion and plan their journeys accordingly, especially if heading to the airport or needing to catch a flight. Using a GPS navigation app that provides live traffic updates can be invaluable for optimizing travel time.
For those unfamiliar with Santiago's road network, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the highway's layout and major exits before your journey. Understanding where to exit for your specific destination will prevent confusion and ensure a smoother travel experience.



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