CPOUpdated March 28, 2025

Getting to and from Copiapó Atacama airport

Copiapo · Chile

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Departures Arrivals
CPO · Transportation

Ground transportation options

Public transportation, licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, private transfers and car rental at Desierto de Atacama airport (CPO), 50 km from Copiapo. See also the airport guide for general information.

Bus

Private and shared Transfer Casther services (Tel +56 52 223 5891 / 52 221 8413 / 9 9645 6386 / 9 8240 7383) to destinations inside and outside the city.

More information and reservations

Taxi

There are vehicles of different operators next to the entrance to the terminal building. Travel time to Copiapó is 45 minutes and to Caldera 20 minutes.

List of official operators

Book ahead

Private transfer from CPO Rent a car at CPO

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Tips for getting to and from CPO

Going to the airport

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to: Desierto de Atacama airport is 50 km from Copiapo. Allow for rush-hour traffic, strikes or events, and check the local news before you go.
  2. On public transportation, check the schedule (weekends and holidays usually have fewer services), whether you need to change lines and how to pay: transit card, contactless or cash.
  3. If you booked a shared shuttle, keep the company's phone number at hand in case the pickup is late.
  4. Returning a rental car? Follow the signs to the rental car return area. If you drive your own car, check parking at CPO.

Leaving the airport

  1. After baggage claim and customs, follow the ground transportation signs. The arrivals page has a step-by-step guide.
  2. Arriving late at night? Not every bus or train runs 24 hours: check the last departure in advance. Ride-hailing apps usually pick up at a designated zone, not at the curb.
  3. With a private transfer, the driver usually waits in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name.
  4. Renting a car? Booking ahead gives you better rates; see car rental at CPO.
  5. Staying near the airport? See hotels and overnight stay or hotels near CPO.
German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.