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How to Get to Cochabamba

How to Get to Cochabamba

Cochabamba Bolivia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Jorge Wilstermann International Airport CBB

Cochabamba's main airport, mainly serving domestic connections within Bolivia, with not many international routes.

Flights & Connections

  • Domestic Airlines: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), Amaszonas, EcoJet.
  • Domestic Routes: CBB to Chuqi Yapu (LPB), Santa Cruz (VVI), Sucre (SRE), Tarija (TJA).
  • International: Limited BoA flights (Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Madrid), often with a stop in Santa Cruz or La Paz.

Airport Services & Transfers

CBB is a relatively small airport with basic facilities. Transfer options to the city are straightforward.

Facilities & Transport

  • Facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, shops, cafes, car rental desks. Wi-Fi available.
  • Taxi: Most common. Licensed airport taxis outside terminal. Agree on price (BOB 30-50 to city).
  • Trufi (Shared Taxi): Cheaper. Walk a short distance from airport exit.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices increase during Bolivia's peak tourist season (June-September) and public holidays.

Booking Ahead

Booking in advance for peak times yields better rates for domestic flights.

International Travel

Most travelers connect via a larger South American hub or within Bolivia (Santa Cruz, Chuqi Yapu).

Flight Resources

Flight Search Engines

  • Skyscanner: A popular search engine for comparing flight prices globally.
  • Dollar Flight Club: Warnings for cheap flights, including international deals.
  • Track prices and set alerts for your preferred routes.
  • Flexibility with travel dates can yield lower fares.

Airport Taxi Information

  • Official airport taxis at CBB offer a secure transfer.
  • Agree on the fare to your destination before starting the ride.
  • Standard costs to the city center: BOB 30-50.
  • Confirm your accommodation address clearly with the driver.

Airport Facilities

Money Services

ATMs are available for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange services are also present.

Food & Retail

A few shops sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Cafes offer light meals.

Car Rentals

Vehicle rental desks from various agencies are located at the airport for convenient pick-up.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Network

Bolivia features an extensive bus network, a popular option for reaching Cochabamba from different parts of the country or neighboring nations.

Bus Routes & Companies

  • Bus Terminal: Cochabamba's main the terminal is Terminal de Buses Cochabamba.
  • Routes: Cochabamba to Chuqi Yapu (6-8 hrs, BOB 30-70), Santa Cruz (8-10 hrs, BOB 40-100), Sucre (5-7 hrs, BOB 30-60).
  • Companies: Reputable choices include El Dorado, Trans Copacabana, Bolivar.

Self-Driving & Car Rental

Car rental for independence, but be aware of varied road quality and driving practices.

Considerations for Driving

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside home license.
  • Rental: Available in Cochabamba. A 4x4 vehicle is something to think about for rural roads. DiscoverCars.com.
  • Road Conditions: Vary; main arteries mostly paved, but potholes and unpaved sections exist.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary significantly. For bus travel, choose reputable companies. Avoid night buses on winding routes.

Driving Safety Notes

  • Poor road signage, reckless driving, lack of streetlights outside urban areas.
  • Animals (cattle, dogs) on roads are common.
  • Occasional roadblocks (bloqueos) due to social protests cause delays.

Border Crossings & Trains

Bolivia shares land borders with Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Passenger train limited services are available.

Crossing & Rail Details

  • Border Crossings: Common crossings include Desaguadero/Kasani (Peru) and Villazón/La Quiaca (Argentina).
  • Documentation: Passport, Bolivian entry stamp, and visa (if applicable) are essential.
  • Train Services: No direct train service connects Cochabamba to major tourist hubs. Buses or flights are primary.

Important Border Procedures

  • Ensure immigration officials stamp your passport correctly upon arrival and exit.
  • Be aware that exit and entry fees may apply at some land borders, collected directly.
  • Carry exact change for any fees to avoid complications.
  • Do not place valuable items in under-bus storage for bus travel; keep them to you.
  • Check up-to-date travel warnings for specific border points before you set off.
  • Always use a secure Pacsafe bag or alternative for important documents and valuables.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Cochabamba by understanding exit methods and timings.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights: Arrive at CBB 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • This allows time for check-in, security, and unforeseen delays.

Bus Departure Information

Plan your coach terminal arrival at ensure a smooth boarding process.

Terminal Timing & Tips

  • The Times buses depart: Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Time to purchase tickets (if not pre-bought), locate the bus you are taking, and load luggage.
  • During busy holidays or peak travel, arrive even earlier for bus travel.

Exit Fees

Currently, no specific exit fees apply to international flights from Bolivia, as these are commonly included in ticket prices. Confirm with your airline.

Land Border Fees

Small fees may be collected directly at immigration points for land border crossings. Keep some local currency in small denominations.

Airport Facilities

CBB Airport facilities include check-in counters, security, small duty-free shops, cafes, and waiting areas for comfortable departures.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City Status

Cochabamba is an inland city in Bolivia. This geographic location means that sea or river arrivals do not pertain to this destination.

Access to Cochabamba

  • Access to Cochabamba is mainly via air or land transportation.
  • Air travel through Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB).
  • Extensive bus network connects to other Bolivian cities and adjoining countries.

Alternative Transport

For travel destinations with river access in Bolivia, like parts of the Amazon rainforest basin, different travel methods are typical.

Examples of River Travel

  • Boats on the Beni River for trips to Rurrenabaque.
  • Canoes or small motorboats for eco-tourism in jungle regions.
  • These are specific to tropical lowland areas, not the Andean valley of Cochabamba.

Departure Facilities at Bus Terminal

Ticket Offices

Numerous ticket offices for various bus companies are available for last-minute purchases or inquiries.

Waiting Areas

Designated areas provide seating while in line for your bus departure.

Shops & Food Stalls

Small shops and food stalls at the terminal provide snacks and drinks prior to your trip.