How to get to Linares

When planning a trip to Chile, travellers often seek information on how to reach Linares — a charming city in the Maule region, known for its unique character and proximity to natural attractions in the foothills. Located in the central part of the country, this destination enjoys excellent transport accessibility, making it easy to include in any tour itinerary. You can reach the city in various ways: by enjoying a scenic train ride, using regular bus services, driving a private car, or flying via the nearest major aviation hubs with a subsequent transfer.

Since Linares does not have its own civil airport, travellers will need to use one of the neighbouring aviation hubs. The vast majority of international tourists arrive in the country via Santiago. The capital's airport is the main international hub, receiving flights from all over the world, and is located approximately 280 km from the city. From there, it is convenient to continue the journey by train or bus, taking advantage of the well-developed ground transport network.

The closest regional option is Carriel Sur International Airport in Concepción, located at a distance of about 170 km. This hub may be convenient for those travelling domestically or finding suitable connecting flights; however, it is significantly inferior to the capital in terms of flight frequency and the number of destinations.

Travelling by rail is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to get to Linares. Unlike many other cities in the region, there is an active railway station here that receives regular passenger trains heading from the capital to the south of the country.

The main route departs from the Estación Central in Santiago towards the city of Chillán. The journey takes approximately 3–3.5 hours. Modern trains are equipped with comfortable seats and air conditioning, making the journey tireless. Outside the window, beautiful views unfold of the agricultural lands and vineyards of the Central Valley of Chile, transitioning into the foothills of the Andes.

The Linares station is located within the city limits, so upon arrival, tourists can easily reach the centre on foot or take a local taxi. This is an excellent alternative to the bus for those who value space and the smooth motion of a train.

Bus service in the central part of Chile is excellently organized, making the trip to Linares accessible and comfortable. The most popular route connects the city with Santiago: buses cover the 300 kilometres along the Pan-American Highway in about 3.5–4 hours. If you are departing from Rancagua, the trip will take even less time — about 2.5 hours for a distance of 220 kilometres.

For those planning a visit from the coast, a convenient option would be a direct route from Concepción. Buses cover the distance of 170 kilometres in an average of 2.5–3 hours, allowing passengers to enjoy the picturesque views of the Maule region. Most intercity services arrive at the city's central terminal, located within walking distance of the main streets.

Travelling by car to Linares offers the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes from vineyards to the foothills of the Andes while driving on the high-quality surface of the Pan-American Highway. The road from Santiago, spanning about 300 kilometres, will take approximately 3.5 hours, while the journey from Rancagua is shorter — 220 kilometres, which can be covered in 2.5 hours.

For those driving from the coast, the route from Concepción is about 175 kilometres and takes an average of 2.5 hours. It is worth noting that tolls are charged on major highways, and the cost of a taxi or private transfer for long distances, for example from the capital, can reach 150–200 US dollars.

Preparing for your trip to Linares will help make your holiday as comfortable and carefree as possible. We have compiled useful recommendations that will come in handy during your stay in this cozy corner of the Maule region.

1. Seasonal Clothing. The climate here is Mediterranean: summers (December–February) can be quite hot, so pack light, modest clothing and a hat. Winters (June–August) often bring rain, so a waterproof jacket and warm shoes are mandatory. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light sweater in your suitcase will be useful.
2. Getting Around the City. The city centre is quite compact and pleasant to explore on foot. For trips to more distant areas, it is convenient to use "colectivos" — black shared taxis that run on fixed routes. This is cheaper than a regular taxi and faster than a bus.
3. Currency and Payment. The official currency is the Chilean Peso. Although cards are accepted in supermarkets and large restaurants, always carry cash (small denominations) for small purchases, transport fares, and visiting markets. It is best to exchange US Dollars or Euros at official Casas de Cambio in the city centre.
4. Safety and Health. Linares is a calm city, but as everywhere, do not leave your belongings unattended in crowded places. Tap water in Chile is considered safe; however, tourists are recommended to purchase bottled water to avoid any acclimatisation issues due to differences in mineral composition.
5. Language Barrier. The main language of communication is Spanish. English is not widely spoken by all locals, especially outside tourist hotels. It is recommended to download an offline translator or learn a few basic phrases — this will help establish contact and show respect.
6. Local Etiquette. Chileans are very polite and friendly. When entering a shop or cafe, it is customary to greet people ("Hola" or "Buenos días"). Do not be surprised if locals lean in to kiss you on the cheek when introduced — this is a standard form of greeting here, even at the first meeting.
7. Sun Protection. Do not underestimate the sun's activity in this region. UV radiation in the central part of the country can be very high even in cloudy weather, so be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF.
8. Operating Hours. Please note that many small shops and institutions may close for a lunch break (siesta) in the middle of the day, usually from 13:30 to 15:30 or 16:00. Plan important shopping for the morning or evening.

Following these simple rules will help you feel confident and focus on the main thing — discovering the culture, local cuisine, and natural beauty of this wonderful Chilean city.