$243 Cheap Flights to Santa Maria

Flights to Santa Maria at a glance

Traveling to Santa Maria is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare flight durations and select the option that best fits your budget and schedule while planning to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Santa Maria: Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)
• Flights per week: 950+ flights arriving at Santa Maria airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Santa Maria: around 15+ carriers

Popular airport near Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, romantic getaways, and adventure seekers. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery and range of activities, including sports and skiing. The city is conveniently served by a major airport.

• Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL): Situated in Santiago Province within the Santiago Metropolitan Region, this airport is approximately 45 miles from Santa Maria. It caters to both domestic and international travelers, linking to about 15 domestic cities and over 100 global destinations. Passengers have the option to elevate their travel experience by selecting premium economy or business class service for extra comfort, depending on their chosen routes and airlines. Notable carriers at this airport include LATAM Airlines Group, Sky Airlines, and Delta.

Top routes to Santa Maria

• Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE) to Santa Maria (SCL), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Miami (MIA) to Santa Maria (SCL), with one-way tickets available from around $220
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Santa Maria (SCL), with one-way flights starting at around $320
• Puerto Natales (PNT) to Santa Maria (SCL), with one-way fares starting at around $70
• Mendoza (MDZ) to Santa Maria (SCL), with one-way fares starting at around $70

Cheapest routes to Santa Maria

• La Serena (LSC) to Santa Maria (SCL), with low one-way fares from around $30
• Concepcion (CCP) to Santa Maria (SCL), with affordable one-way prices from around $35
• Copiapo (CPO) to Santa Maria (SCL), with budget one-way fares from around $35
• Temuco (ZCO) to Santa Maria (SCL), with affordable one-way prices from around $40
• Osorno (ZOS) to Santa Maria (SCL), with affordable one-way prices from around $40

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Santa Maria

• LATAM Airlines Group: Operating flights to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL), LATAM Airlines Group represents about 34% of arrivals to Santa Maria. The typical one-way fare is around $450, with premium service options that may include business class and premium economy depending on the route.
• Sky Airlines: Servicing Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL), Sky Airlines makes up roughly 14% of the arrivals at Santa Maria. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $170.
• Delta: With flights to Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL), Delta accounts for approximately 12% of arrivals to Santa Maria. The average one-way ticket costs around $540, and premium service options may feature business class and premium economy depending on the specific route.
• American Airlines: Flying into Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL), American Airlines also contributes to about 12% of Santa Maria's arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $520, with premium service options that may include business class and premium economy based on the route.
• Copa: Serving the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL), Copa represents around 8% of arrivals to Santa Maria. The average one-way fare is about $470, with business class as a possible premium service option depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Santa Maria

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Santa Maria are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Santa Maria can reach up to 70.3°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 48.7°F. For better deals, November usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $364, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? January, June, and September offer average one-way fares of around $374, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Santa Maria

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Santa Maria is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Santa Maria flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Santa Maria

Santa Maria welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Santa Maria efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Barrancas Station, a metro station, is located about 6.6 miles away by car, while Lo Cruzat Metro Station, a train station, is situated approximately 8.3 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transport options for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Maria, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Maria is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Santa Maria on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Santa Maria

• San Esteban: Located 6 miles away from Santa Maria, San Esteban is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Known for its ski resorts and adventure activities, this city invites travelers to experience exhilarating skiing and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Among its attractions, the San Francisco de Los Andes Native Park offers a family-friendly environment for eco-conscious vacations, while the Archaeological Museum of the Andes provides fascinating insights into local history. Don't miss a visit to Paidahuén Hill, a historic site that enriches your cultural journey in this picturesque area.
• San Felipe: San Felipe is located 4 miles away from Santa Maria and is a charming destination that blends romance and adventure. Renowned for its ski fields, this city is ideal for couples and thrill-seekers alike. Explore the serene Santuario Teresa de Los Andes, a beautiful church that adds a cultural touch to your visit. The Archaeological Museum of the Andes showcases remarkable artifacts, while Calle Larga Square invites you to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. San Felipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy both culture and outdoor activities.
• Almendral: Almendral is located 3 miles away from Santa Maria and offers a quaint village experience perfect for cultural explorers. Known for its rich history, visitors can delve into the past at the Museo Antiguo Monasterio del Espíritu Santo. The Archaeological Museum of the Andes also provides an enlightening glimpse into the region's heritage. Strolling through Calle Larga Square allows you to appreciate the local charm and vibrant community life, making Almendral an excellent stop for those seeking a more intimate and historical experience.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Maria

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more cost-effective. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits carefully. This approach also allows you to avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and don’t forget to pack a book. Make sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Maria

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer earlier seat selection than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if time permits, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Maria

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Santa Maria on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Santa Maria. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Santa Maria. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Santa Maria, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Santa Maria

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Santa Maria in 2026 starts from $498, while one-way tickets start from from $243. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Santa Maria. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Santa Maria

Sterling Blue, Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines, LATAM Airlines Group, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Santa Maria. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Santa Maria and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Santa Maria, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Santa Maria. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Santa Maria plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Santa Maria

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Santa Maria.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Santa Maria are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Santa Maria. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Santa Maria for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Santa Maria. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Santa Maria flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Santa Maria. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.