Valparaiso to Santiago Airport - How Much Time to Allow?
 

We will be traveling by car from Valparaiso to Santiago airport and need to be there in plenty of time to make a 10:00 p.m. departure to Miami. This will be a weekday - how much time should we allow, door to door? Thank you in advance.

This is just an approximation as I have no idea what time of day will do to your traffic/

Drive time is about 90 minutes, allow 2 hours, plus time to return the car, and be at the airport 3 hours ahead is the usual recommendation.

Hopefully someone who has done this can chime in. You might also ask at your hotel or when you pick up the rental car (assuming it's in Santiago).

Even with an evening flight I would leave ample time; more than the 2 hour drive and 3 hour window for check-in. If this is in high season, then you may find a lot more traffic than you expected and forest fires near the highway can sometimes close it for an hour or more. Any large accident will also have an impact. I would leave a generous 6 hours, even if it means more time at the airport. You could have dinner at the Holiday Inn inside the airport grounds after dropping the car off.

I was hoping local expert Huentetu would reply! Not surprised by his response.

I am so glad I asked - never would have thought I'd need to allow so much time! Thank you