Air Travel: Uyuni

Airports and Airlines

Major Airports

Know your entry and exit points for air travel in Bolivia.

Air Hubs

Joya Andina Airport (UYU): Located just outside Uyuni town, this is the closest airport for direct access to Uyuni.
El Alto International Airport (LPB): In La Paz. This serves as the main international gateway to Bolivia. Many travelers fly into LPB and then connect to Uyuni.
Viru Viru International Airport (VVI): In Santa Cruz. Another major international airport, though further from Uyuni than La Paz.

Airlines and Routes

Bolivia has limited direct international flights to Uyuni.

Domestic & International

Domestic Flights to Uyuni (UYU): Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), the national airline, offers daily flights from La Paz (LPB) to Uyuni (UYU). Flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
International Routes to Bolivia: No direct international flights to Uyuni (UYU). All international travelers must first fly into a major Bolivian hub (like La Paz or Santa Cruz) and then take a domestic flight or ground transportation to Uyuni.
Direct international flights to La Paz (LPB) or Santa Cruz (VVI) are available from select cities in Latin America (e.g., Lima, Bogotá, Santiago, Buenos Aires, São Paulo) and a few international connections (e.g., Madrid).

Seasonal Availability

High Season (July-September): Flights to Uyuni are more frequent and prices are higher due to increased demand.

Weather Impact

Wet Season (January-March): Flights can be affected by weather conditions (fog, heavy rain) leading to delays or cancellations. Domestic flight prices vary, booking a few weeks in advance usually yields better rates. Consider using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Facilities

UYU (Uyuni Airport): Small and basic. LPB (La Paz) and VVI (Santa Cruz) are larger with more services including ATMs, currency exchange, and cafes.

Airport Transfers

UYU to Uyuni Town

Taxi: Readily available outside the terminal. Ride is short (10-15 minutes), costs around Bs. 15-25 ($2-3.50 USD).
Tour Operator Pick-up: Some operators can offer airport pick-up if arranged in advance, especially for private tours.
No public shuttle buses specifically for the airport.
The small size of the airport makes transfers simple.

LPB/VVI to City Centers

Taxis: Official airport taxis are available (fixed rates for safety).
Minibuses/Colectivos: Cheaper, but less comfortable and may need transfers.
Ride-sharing Apps: Limited availability and reliability in Bolivia.
Distance to city centers can vary, plan accordingly.

Air Travel Checklist

Book Domestic Early

Especially during high season, domestic flights to Uyuni book up quickly. Secure your seat well in advance.

Allow Connection Time

If flying internationally into La Paz or Santa Cruz, give yourself ample time for connecting to Uyuni. Delays are possible.

Confirm Airport Codes

LPB (La Paz), VVI (Santa Cruz), UYU (Uyuni). Know where you are flying to/from for smooth travel.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Ferroviaria Andina (FCA) operates passenger trains to and from Uyuni.

Train Details

Route: Oruro to Uyuni (and further south to Villazón on the Argentine border).
Frequency: Trains typically run a few times a week.
Classes: Wawa Express (basic, cheaper) and Expreso del Sur/Expreso del Altiplano (more comfortable, tourist-focused with dining car).

Long-Distance Buses

This is a very common and economical way to reach Uyuni.

Bus Options

Main Route: La Paz to Uyuni, typically an overnight journey.
Companies: Numerous companies operate this route, including Todo Turismo (tourist-oriented, includes meals, heating, sometimes English-speaking staff), Trans Omar, Panasur, Litoral.
Bus Types: Semi-Cama (reclining seats) and Cama (fully reclining, more spacious).

Border Crossings

For those traveling from neighboring countries.

Chile & Argentina

To/From Chile: Hito Cajón (Bolivia) / San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) is a common border crossing for 3-day tours.
To/From Argentina: Villazón (Bolivia) / La Quiaca (Argentina). Accessed via bus/train from Uyuni.
Procedure: Ensure you get all necessary exit and entry stamps at both posts. Be ready for potential queues.

Self-Driving & Roads

Important Road Notes

Self-Driving: Not recommended for the Salar de Uyuni due to lack of marked roads, extreme conditions, and limited services.
Road Conditions: Main highways between major cities are generally paved. Many roads to and around Uyuni are unpaved, dusty, or muddy.
Safety: Avoid driving at night on unpaved roads. Choose reputable bus companies. For 4x4 tours, the safety of the vehicle and the driver's experience are very important.

Land Travel Warnings

Self-driving on the salt flats without local expertise is dangerous.
Unpaved roads outside Uyuni can be very rough and dusty/muddy.
Night driving on remote roads is not advised due to hazards.

Bus safety varies; choose established companies for overnight journeys.
Border crossing procedures can take time; allow extra hours.
Train tickets should be booked in advance, especially for higher classes.

Sea/River Arrivals

No Sea or River Access

This section does not apply to Uyuni.

Landlocked Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country, with no access to the sea.
Uyuni is situated deep within the continent, far from any major rivers suitable for transportation.
Therefore, no sea or major river transportation options serve the Uyuni area.

Focus on Air and Land Travel

Travel to Uyuni relies solely on air and land transport methods.

Main Travel Modes

Air Travel: Domestic flights from La Paz and other major cities.
Bus Travel: Long-distance buses connect Uyuni to La Paz, Potosí, Sucre, and border towns.
Train Travel: Connections from Oruro provide another land option.

Book Ahead

Especially for flights and popular bus routes, booking in advance is a good idea to secure your spot.

Travel Light

Ease of movement on land transport benefits from a lighter packing strategy.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

Be aware of potential fees when leaving Bolivia by air or land.

Departure Costs

Airport Departure Tax: For international flights from major Bolivian airports (LPB, VVI), it may be included in the ticket price. If not, it is typically around $25 USD.
Domestic Flights from Uyuni (UYU): A smaller airport tax (approx. Bs. 11-15) may be charged, often paid at the airport.
Land Border Exit Fee: Small fees (Bs. 2-20, ~$0.30-3 USD) can be charged at some land borders (e.g., Hito Cajón to Chile) by immigration officials or for facility use. Get a receipt if charged.

Departure Procedures

Plan your arrival time at airports or stations for a smooth departure.

Timing Your Exit

Airport (UYU): Arrive at Uyuni airport at least 1-1.5 hours before a domestic flight. It is a small airport with quick check-in.
International Flights (LPB/VVI): Arrive 2-3 hours prior for international departures.
Bus Terminal: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before bus departure.

Departure Facilities

Uyuni Airport UYU

Very basic, limited seating, no shops or cafes. Prepare accordingly.

Uyuni Bus/Train Station

Basic facilities, small shops for snacks, and restrooms. Not extensive.

La Paz/Santa Cruz Airports

Offer more extensive facilities including shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free. These are better equipped.

Smooth Departures

Be aware of any applicable exit fees and give yourself plenty of time at the airport or station. Facilities can be basic, especially in Uyuni.

Air Travel