🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Bolivia
✈️ Flying to Bolivia
Main Airports
El Alto International Airport (LPB) — Bolivia's main gateway, located in El Alto at 4,061m above sea level, one of the world's highest commercial airports. 13km from La Paz city center. Expect altitude effects upon arrival.
Other International Airports:
- Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) — Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia's largest city. Lower altitude, easier acclimatization. Busiest cargo and commercial hub.
- Jorge Wilstermann Airport (CBB) — Cochabamba, central Bolivia. Good alternative entry point.
💡 Altitude Warning
La Paz sits at 3,600m and El Alto airport at 4,061m. Take it slow your first day. Drink coca tea (freely offered in hotels), avoid alcohol, and rest. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Most travelers adjust within 24–48 hours.
🚌 From El Alto Airport to La Paz
Taxi (Recommended for First-Timers)
Official taxis wait outside arrivals. Fare to central La Paz: 50–150 Bolivianos (approx. $7–22 USD). Always agree on the price before entering — meters are rarely used. Ride-hailing apps Uber and InDrive are also available with upfront pricing.
City Bus (Line 212)
Connects the airport to La Paz center. Runs 5am–10pm. Journey: 30–45 minutes. Cost: 5 Bolivianos. Luggage goes on top of the bus — fine for light travelers, less ideal with large bags. Passes Plaza San Francisco.
Private Transfer
Many hotels offer pre-booked airport pickup. Recommended if arriving at night or if you're concerned about altitude and want a stress-free arrival.
⛴️ Other Ways In
From Peru — Puno to Copacabana by bus across Lake Titicaca (3–4 hours, ~$5–15). Very popular backpacker route. Buses cross by ferry at the Strait of Tiquina. Scenic and memorable. Bolivia Hop operates this route with English-speaking guides and hostel pickups.
From Chile — San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni by 4WD jeep tour (2–3 days, crossing the Altiplano). Spectacular scenery. Shared jeep tours run in both directions. Several operators available in San Pedro.
From Argentina — Villazón border crossing (south Bolivia). Train from Oruro to Villazón runs twice weekly. Bus connections from Salta or Jujuy. Less traveled route, longer journey times.
From Brazil — Corumbá to Quijarro (east Bolivia). Train "Death Train" from Quijarro to Santa Cruz (weekly, iconic journey). Also bus routes from Brazil. Remote border crossing.
Bolivia is landlocked — no sea entry. All overland routes involve mountain or jungle terrain. Plan extra time and expect variable schedules.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Bolivia visa rules vary significantly by nationality. EU citizens, Brazilians, and 50+ other nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Canadians and Australians can obtain a visa on arrival ($52 USD). US citizens must apply at a Bolivian consulate before travel ($30 USD).
Check your specific passport requirements before booking. Maximum stay is 90 days, extendable for another 90 days at the Immigration Office (180 days/year total). Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from affected countries.
Check visa requirements for Bolivia →🚗 Getting Around Bolivia
Bolivia Hop (Tourist Bus)
Bolivia's top-rated tourist transport. Hop-on hop-off passes covering La Paz, Copacabana, Uyuni, Sucre, and routes into Peru. English-speaking guides, hostel pickups, border crossing assistance. Perfect for independent travelers wanting safety and flexibility. Book at boliviahop.com
Long-Distance Buses (Flotas)
Bolivia's main intercity transport. Routes connect all major cities. "Cama" (fully flat) and "semi-cama" (reclining) seats available for overnight trips. Book at bus terminals or through agencies. Cheap but variable journey times — road quality varies widely.
Domestic Flights
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) operates domestic routes connecting La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Trinidad, and Tarija. Worth considering for long distances — flying La Paz to Santa Cruz takes 1 hour versus 12 by bus. Book via Google search for BoA flights
🎫 La Paz Teleférico (Cable Car)
La Paz has the world's longest urban cable car network — Mi Teleférico. 10 color-coded lines connecting La Paz and El Alto. Cheap (3 Bolivianos per ride), fast, and spectacular. Essential for getting around La Paz. Doubles as a tourist attraction — the views are breathtaking.
🚋 Local Transportation in La Paz
La Paz is built on steep canyon walls — geography shapes how you get around.
Teleférico (Cable Car)
- 10 lines covering La Paz and El Alto
- 3 Bolivianos per ride (~$0.45 USD)
- Buy tickets at cable car stations (cash or Mi Teleférico card)
Minibuses & Micros
- Cheap shared minibuses (2 Bolivianos) — routes called out by driver's assistant
- Confusing for first-time visitors but ultra-cheap
- Recommended for Spanish speakers or with a local guide
Uber & InDrive
- Both work well in La Paz — price shown upfront, no bargaining
- InDrive often cheaper in Bolivia
- Much safer than random street taxis
🚙 Renting a Car
Self-driving in Bolivia is challenging but rewarding. Roads range from excellent (main highways) to rough dirt tracks (rural areas). A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended outside major cities.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- International driving license recommended alongside national license
- Road quality varies dramatically — check conditions before heading to Uyuni or jungle areas
- Mountain driving requires experience — steep switchbacks, poor signage, altitude effects
- Car rental available at La Paz and Santa Cruz airports (Avis, Hertz, local agencies)
- Fuel (gasoline) subsidized and cheap by international standards
⚠️ Road Safety
Bolivia has some of the world's most dangerous roads — the Yungas Road (formerly "Death Road") is famous for a reason. Never drive at night in unfamiliar areas. Mountain routes can be narrow, unpaved, and without guardrails. Consider guided tours for remote areas instead of self-driving.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Bolivia
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Use Bolivia Hop passes: Covers multiple legs cheaper than individual bus tickets booked separately
- Fly into Santa Cruz: Sometimes cheaper international fares than La Paz, then connect domestically
- Take the Teleférico: La Paz's cable car is tourist attraction + transport at fraction of taxi cost
- Use InDrive over taxis: Much cheaper, safer, and no haggling needed in La Paz
- Bus over flights: Bolivia's buses are cheap — overnight "cama" bus saves a hotel night
- Compare car rental sites: Prices vary significantly between platforms