Getting Around Bolivia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient micros and teleféricos for La Paz and Santa Cruz. Rural: Rent a car for altiplano exploration. Remote: Buses and tours for Uyuni salt flats. For convenience, book airport transfers from La Paz to your destination.
Train Travel
Ferrocarril Andino
Luxury train network connecting La Paz to Uyuni with scenic Andean routes and frequent services.
Cost: La Paz to Uyuni 200-400 BOB, journeys 10-22 hours with overnight options.
Tickets: Buy via official website, app, or station offices. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid dry season (May-Oct) for better prices and availability.
Rail Passes
Multi-journey passes for Andean routes offer 3-5 trips for 500-800 BOB, ideal for salt flats access.
Best For: Multiple remote visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, official website, or app with instant activation.
Scenic Options
Expreso del Sur connects Oruro to Tupiza, with connections to Uyuni and border towns.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30%.
Main Stations: La Paz Central, with connections to Oruro and Uyuni hubs.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring altiplano and rural areas. Compare rental prices from 150-300 BOB/day at La Paz Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage essential due to road conditions, check gravel road inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main routes like La Paz to Cochabamba, pay in cash (10-20 BOB).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads, altitude sickness precautions needed.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered 5-10 BOB/hour in cities like La Paz.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available at 4-6 BOB/liter for petrol, 3.5-5 BOB for diesel, scarcer in remote areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps for altiplano.
Traffic: Expect congestion in La Paz during rush hours and blockades on rural roads.
Urban Transport
La Paz Teleférico
World's highest cable car system covering the city, single ride 3 BOB, day pass 20 BOB, multi-line access.
Validation: Pay at stations, no tickets needed, inspections rare but fines apply.
Apps: Mi Teleférico app for routes, real-time updates, and line information.
Bike Rentals
BiciLaPaz sharing in La Paz and other cities, 10-20 BOB/day with stations in urban areas.
Routes: Dedicated paths in valleys, but hilly terrain limits use in highlands.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in Cochabamba, combining sightseeing with adventure.
Buses & Local Services
Mi Teleférico and municipal buses operate networks in La Paz, Santa Cruz micros cover routes.
Tickets: 2-5 BOB per ride, pay driver in cash or use contactless where available.
Trufis: Shared taxis connecting suburbs, 5-10 BOB depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, central La Paz or Sucre for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and major festivals like Carnaval.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable road conditions.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, hot water inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities, 3G in rural Bolivia including altiplano areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 20 BOB for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Entel, Tigo, and Viva offer prepaid SIMs from 20-50 BOB with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 50 BOB, 10GB for 100 BOB, unlimited for 200 BOB/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, cafes, and plazas in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Bus terminals and tourist sites have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally moderate (5-50 Mbps) in cities, slower in remote regions.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Bolivia Time (BOT), UTC-4 year-round, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: El Alto Airport 13km from La Paz center, cable car 10 BOB (30 min), taxi 50 BOB, or book private transfer for 100-200 BOB.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals (20-50 BOB/day) and services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Cable cars and modern buses accessible, many highland sites limited by terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large 20 BOB), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for 20 BOB, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bolivia
El Alto Airport (LPB) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
El Alto La Paz (LPB): Primary international gateway, 13km from city center with cable car connections.
Viru Viru Santa Cruz (VVI): Major hub 15km east, taxi to city 50 BOB (30 min).
Cochabamba (CBB): Regional airport with domestic flights, convenient for central Bolivia.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (May-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Lima or Buenos Aires and taking bus to Bolivia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Boliviana de Aviación, Amaszonas, and LATAM serve domestic routes with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, typical withdrawal fee 10-20 BOB, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, American Express rare outside major cities.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, cash preferred in markets and rural areas.
- Cash: Essential for buses, taxis, and remote spots, keep 200-500 BOB in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.