Getting There & Away: Salar De Uyuni

Air Travel to Uyuni

Airport Overview

The closest airport is Joya Andina Airport (UYU) in Uyuni. It is a small domestic airport. Major international airports in Bolivia include El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz and Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz. Most international travelers will fly into LPB or VVI first. There are no direct international flights to Uyuni (UYU).

Flight Logistics

Amaszonas and Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) are main domestic airlines to Uyuni.
La Paz (LPB) to Uyuni (UYU) is the most common route (approx. 1 hour).
Flights are generally available year-round, with higher prices in peak seasons (July-Aug, Dec-Mar).

Airport Transfers & Facilities

Joya Andina Airport (UYU) is small with basic facilities: a small waiting area, a single luggage carousel, and very limited food or drink options. La Paz (LPB) and Santa Cruz (VVI) airports are larger, with more amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, ATMs, and currency exchange services.

Transfer Information

Uyuni (UYU): Taxis are available; ride to town is 10-15 min, approx. 20-30 BOB.
La Paz (LPB): Taxis are the main transfer to downtown (30-60 min). Mi Teleférico cable car also serves the airport area.
Booking flights in advance is wise, especially during peak times. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Train Connections

Empresa Ferroviaria Andina (FCA) operates passenger trains to Uyuni from Oruro. Travel time approx. 7-8 hours. More comfortable and scenic than buses for some sections, generally safer.

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are a common and economical way. Major routes: La Paz to Uyuni (overnight, 8-12 hrs), Potosí to Uyuni (6-7 hrs). Companies: Trans Omar, Todo Turismo (more comfortable, tourist-oriented). Book in advance for Todo Turismo.

Self-Driving Caution

Self-driving to Salar de Uyuni is generally not a suggestion for tourists. Roads can be rough, the Salar has no marked roads, GPS can be unreliable, and a high-clearance 4x4 is important. Local tour drivers have valuable knowledge.

Border Crossing & Road Conditions

Border Crossing Chile

For Salar de Uyuni with San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), Hito Cajón is the common crossing.
Valid passport, Chilean visa (if needed), and proof of onward travel are required.
Most multi-day tours drop you at the border for transfer to a Chilean vehicle.
Expect a basic border post with no amenities. No specific exit fees from Bolivia at this border.

Road & Bus Safety

Roads to Uyuni from major cities can be rough, especially final stretches.
Road accidents are less common on major tourist routes but still possible.
Secure your valuables carefully on buses, especially overnight ones.
Occasional theft reports on cheaper, less reputable bus lines.

Getting Around in Bolivia

Train Experience

Train types: Expreso del Sur (faster, more comfortable, few times a week) and Wara Wara del Sur (slower, more basic, few times a week).

Bus Classes

Semi-cama (semi-reclining seats) and Cama (fully reclining seats) are the most comfortable options for long-distance buses. Book in advance for comfort.

Car Rental Note

Self-driving for tour is not typical for visitors. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed if you plan to drive elsewhere in Bolivia. For rentals, try DiscoverCars.com.

Departure Information

Departure Logistics

No specific departure taxes for international flights from Bolivia if the fee is included in your ticket price. Check with your airline or travel agent. No exit fees are typically charged for land border crossings, but confirm with local authorities or your tour operator if crossing into Chile.

Timing for Departure

Air Travel (Uyuni Airport - UYU): Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
Bus/Train Travel (Uyuni Station): Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
Confirm departure times as they sometimes vary.

Airport & Station Services

Uyuni Airport (UYU) has very limited facilities. There are no restaurants, only basic restrooms. Uyuni Bus Station provides basic facilities, some small shops selling snacks and drinks. Restrooms may be available for a small fee.

Transfer to Departure Points

Ensure your tour operator drops you off at the airport or station in time for your departure.
Purchase any last-minute snacks or drinks before heading to the departure gate/platform.
Prepare for basic services and adjust expectations accordingly.

Pre-Departure Steps

Before leaving Uyuni, double-check your tickets, passport, and any necessary travel documents. Consider getting cash for any small purchases during your journey. Confirm that your accommodation or tour operator knows your departure details.

Checklist

Confirm flight/bus/train times.
Have all documents ready.
Carry necessary local currency.

Crossing to Tupiza

For travelers combining Salar de Uyuni with Tupiza (Bolivia), multi-day tours often start from Tupiza and end in Uyuni (or vice-versa), traversing different routes through the Andean highlands. This is an internal Bolivian route, so no border crossing procedures are involved. This journey offers distinct scenery compared to the Chilean border route.

Tupiza Travel Notes

Internal Bolivian route.
No additional immigration procedures.
Offers distinct scenery and different tour operator options.

Departure Reminders

Ensure all immigration formalities are complete before departing Bolivia.
Be mindful of local time changes and potential delays.
Keep enough small bills for small purchases or last-minute transport.

If continuing to another country, confirm its entry requirements beforehand.
Your tour operator for the Salar trip might assist with transport to departure points.
Flight cancellations or delays can happen; monitor your flight status.

Travel Hack

Smart Arrival Strategy

Book an overnight semi-cama or cama bus from La Paz to Uyuni. This approach saves on accommodation costs for one night and allows you to arrive refreshed for your tour. It also reduces travel during daylight hours, which means more sightseeing opportunities.

Getting There & Away