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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Bolivia

Air Travel

Airport & Routes

El Alto International Airport (LPB) is the airport for La Paz, located in El Alto.

Airport Info

  • LPB is approx. 8 miles (13 km) southwest of downtown La Paz.
  • Airport's elevation is 13,325 feet (4,061 meters) above sea level.
  • Major airlines: LATAM, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), Avianca, Copa Airlines.

Flight Details

Direct flights to La Paz mainly originate from regional hubs in South and Central America.

Connections

  • Typical International Routes: Lima, Bogotá, Santiago, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Panama City.
  • No direct flights from major global hubs outside of South America and Central America.
  • Plan for longer travel times and connecting flights.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices generally increase during the dry season (May-October), which is peak tourist season.

Airport Facilities

LPB offers basic facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, and cafes.

Wi-Fi & Customs

Wi-Fi at LPB can be limited or paid. Do not rely solely on airport Wi-Fi for immediate communication.

Airport Transfers

Taxi & Ride-Share

  • Taxi: Most common, BOB 50-80 to central La Paz (approx. 30-45 min).
  • Uber/Didi: Safer option, pre-determined fares, tracked journeys.
  • Hotel Shuttle: Convenient and often safer; inquire when booking accommodation.
  • Minibus/Combi: Cheaper (BOB 5-10), fixed routes, less convenient for travelers with luggage.

Safety Tips

  • Settle the fare with the taxi driver before beginning your journey.
  • Confirm your pick-up location with the driver through the app for ride-sharing services.
  • Upon arrival at El Alto Airport, take your time. Move slowly to help your body adapt to the high altitude.
  • Avoid strenuous activities immediately after landing.

Flight Booking

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club

Flight Search

Skyscanner

Booking Advice

Book your flights well in advance, especially for peak times, to find better rates.

Land Transportation

Bus Network

Bolivia's extensive bus network connects La Paz to other major cities and neighboring countries.

Bus Terminal & Routes

  • Terminal de Buses de La Paz: The main terminal for inter-city and international routes.
  • Companies: Major bus companies include El Dorado, Trans Copacabana S.A., and Bolivar.
  • Routes: Regular services connect to Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Potosí, Uyuni, and international destinations like Peru and Chile.

Bus Types & Safety

Choose bus types based on comfort, especially for long or overnight journeys.

Comfort Levels

  • "Normal" (Standard): Basic seating.
  • "Semicama" (Semi-bed): Seats recline further, bringing more comfort.
  • "Cama" (Bed): Seats recline almost flat, offering the most comfort for overnight trips.

Border Crossings

If traveling overland to or from La Paz, be aware of procedures at border crossings.

Crossings

  • Peru: Desaguadero and Copacabana, leading to Puno and Lake Titicaca.
  • Chile: Tambo Quemado (to Arica) and Ollagüe (to Calama and Uyuni Salt Flats region).
  • Argentina: La Quiaca/Villazón, often used for combining Uyuni Salt Flats with northern Argentina.

Self-Driving & Trains

Self-driving is not generally recommended for most tourists in Bolivia due to road conditions and traffic.

Other Options

  • Train Services: Limited for passenger travel. No direct passenger trains from La Paz.
  • Main Route: "Expreso del Sur" or "Wara Wara del Sur" from Oruro (bus-accessible from La Paz) to Uyuni and Villazón.
  • Self-Driving: IDP needed. Road conditions can be poor, and traffic aggressive. High altitude also impacts vehicle performance.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Major roads connecting cities can still be unpaved in sections.
  • Roads wind through mountainous terrain and may experience closures.
  • Closures during the wet season are possible due to landslides or floods.
  • Drivers often exceed speed limits, and passing can be risky.
  • For night buses, keep valuables on your person, not in overhead compartments or checked luggage.
  • Choose reputable bus companies for inter-city travel.

Departure Information

Airport Departures

No specific departure tax is typically levied at El Alto International Airport (LPB) for international flights; it is usually included in your airfare.

International Flights

  • Arrive at LPB at least three hours before your scheduled international departure.
  • For domestic flights from LPB, attempt to arrive at least two hours before departure.
  • Confirm with your airline or travel agent if any additional fees apply.

Bus Departures

When departing by long-distance bus from the Terminal de Buses de La Paz, arrive early.

Terminal Procedures

  • Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure for domestic buses, longer for international.
  • Pay the small "uso de terminal" fee (typically BOB 2.50) for using terminal facilities.
  • Boarding typically starts 15-30 minutes before departure.

Airport Facilities

LPB offers basic facilities for departing travelers, including check-in counters, security screening, cafes, and small shops.

Bus Terminal Facilities

The Terminal de Buses de La Paz provides waiting areas, restrooms, small shops, and food stalls.

Reconfirm Travel

Always reconfirm your flight or bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure to avoid unexpected changes.

Travel Tip

Upon arrival at El Alto Airport, take your time. Move slowly to help your body adapt to the high altitude. Avoid strenuous activities immediately after landing.