In Viña del Mar you mostly get around by Merval, the train running along the coast, and by micro. Every station in Viña and Valparaíso is in the same zone A of the Merval, so going from one city to the other costs the single-zone fare. Micros cost 390 to 840 pesos depending on the route (€0.36 to €0.77) and are cash only, while the Merval takes contactless bank cards. And since the city is flat, cycling and walking cover a good share of your trips. To get a feel for daily life in the city, see also student life in Viña del Mar.
1. The network at a glance
Viña runs on two main modes of transport, topped up by cycling and walking.
- The Merval: the Limache-Puerto train, crossing Viña with stations at Recreo, Miramar, Viña del Mar, Hospital, Chorrillos and El Salto, and carrying on to Valparaíso.
- Micros: the Gran Valparaíso buses, serving every neighbourhood, the higher parts of town and the beaches to the north.
- Cycling and walking: the centre is flat, with cycle lanes along the coast.
Moovit and Google Maps cover the Merval and most micro routes for planning your trips.
2. The Merval, and Valparaíso in the same zone
The Merval is the quickest way to cross Viña and reach Valparaíso. Every station in Viña and Valparaíso, from El Salto to Puerto, is in the same zone A: a trip between the two cities costs the single-zone fare, the cheapest on the network.
The price depends on the time: it is higher at peak time, Monday to Friday from 6:30 to 9:29 and from 16:00 to 19:59, and lower the rest of the time, at weekends and on public holidays. Fares are adjusted every January.
How to pay
The network's standard card costs 3,000 pesos (€2.76), including 500 pesos of credit, from station ticket offices. The Merval also takes contactless Visa and Mastercard cards, phone wallets and QR. Just check that your foreign card is enabled for contactless.
Between Viña and Valparaíso, the Merval changes everything: it is a single zone, and the next city becomes almost part of your neighbourhood.
Matthieu, cofounder of Flatmaters3. Micros
Micros go everywhere the train does not: residential areas, the higher parts of town and the beaches to the north, such as Reñaca for a day in the sun. The fare depends on the type of route.
| Type of route | Adult fare |
|---|---|
| Local services | 390 to 450 CLP (€0.36 to €0.41) |
| Routes to the higher areas | 480 to 640 CLP (€0.44 to €0.59) |
| Direct routes | up to 840 CLP (€0.77) |
Key point: micros are still paid in cash, to the driver. Electronic payment is being phased in, with a trial announced for the first half of 2027. Until then, always carry coins and small notes.
Browse the rooms available for your semester and check the nearest station before you book.
See housing in Viña del Mar4. Cycling and walking
In Viña, cycling works well day to day thanks to the flat centre and the seafront. The council is building out a network of cycle lanes along the coast, including those on Avenida Perú and Avenida Los Héroes and the one running alongside Las Salinas beach.
On Sunday mornings, from 9am to 1pm, the CicloRecreovía closes part of the seafront to cars between Calle 15 Norte and the Reloj de Flores: a 3-kilometre stretch for bikes, skaters and pedestrians.
For short trips in the centre, between Viña del Mar station, the beach and the shops, walking is often enough. It is also a good way to get to know the city in your first days.
5. Late nights and ride-hailing
The Merval does not run all night. To get home late, especially after a night out in Valparaíso, students often use Uber or DiDi and split the fare, which brings the price down a lot.
For your full budget, see our article on the cost of living in Viña del Mar. To book from home, everything is on how it works, and you can find out who we are on the about page.
6. Frequently asked questions
How much is the Merval between Viña del Mar and Valparaíso?
The single-zone fare, the cheapest on the network, since every station in both cities is in zone A. The price is higher at peak time, on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
Can I pay for micros in Viña del Mar by card?
Not yet. Micros are paid in cash to the driver, between 390 and 840 pesos depending on the route. Electronic payment is announced from 2027. The Merval, on the other hand, takes contactless bank cards.
Can I get around Viña del Mar by bike?
Yes: the centre is flat and several cycle lanes run along the coast, especially by Las Salinas beach. On Sunday mornings, the CicloRecreovía closes part of the seafront to cars.
Where can I buy the Merval card?
At station ticket offices. It costs 3,000 pesos (€2.76), including 500 pesos of credit. It is not compulsory: a contactless bank card also works on the train.
How do I get back from Valparaíso at night?
By Merval until the service ends, then by micro or ride-hailing. Uber and DiDi are widely used, and splitting the fare between a few people keeps it cheap.