Guide for Navigating Public Transportation While Learning Spanish in Chile
Don’t feel overwhelmed by Santiago, Chile’s local transportation system while learning Spanish there. Santiago boasts the most exceptional public transport in all of South America, ensuring you can effortlessly and affordably explore any destination you desire.
Transantiago
Santiago’s modern public transportation system, known as Transantiago, was implemented in 2007 and may be unfamiliar to you. However, it is regarded as one of the most remarkable transportation initiatives ever undertaken by a developing nation. Transantiago encompasses local buses, main bus lines, and the subway.
Passengers can conveniently travel using both buses and the subway with a single ticket in Santiago. When attending Spanish schools in Chile, it is highly recommended to take advantage of the Bip smartcard, which enables seamless transfers within the city. This prepaid card can be used on buses and the metro. Furthermore, thanks to the implementation of Transantiago, outdated buses have been replaced with brand-new models. By 2010, all old buses had been updated. These modern buses come with attractive features such as low floors and a system that ensures all doors are closed before the bus starts moving. This guarantees a smooth and secure journey when opting for bus transportation.
Metro de Santiago
Santiago is home to the Metro de Santiago, the most extensive subway system in South America, catering to over 2 million commuters daily. The construction of the Metro de Santiago stands as one of Chile’s most significant projects to date. You will be pleasantly surprised by the user-friendly nature of this system. Moreover, many metro stations showcase remarkable artwork, enhancing the overall experience. For instance, the Universidad de Chile station boasts a massive mural by artist Mario Toral, depicting Chilean history. This means that when you study Spanish in Santiago, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and travel throughout the city with the cost of a single ticket!
When you’re in Santiago, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beach. The great news is that the long-distance buses maintain the same high standards as the ones within the city. To reach the beach from Santiago, simply take the metro to Pajaritos and then catch a bus to Via del Mar. These buses are incredibly convenient, departing for the beach every 15 minutes and offering luggage checks.
Students attending Spanish schools in Chile often find themselves overwhelmed by the abundance of activities available throughout the country. Thankfully, the public transportation system in Chile provides effortless access to any destination you wish to explore. There is no shortage of exciting activities to partake in throughout the region, and the country’s public transportation makes it easily accessible.