Getting Around

Getting Around Bolivia

The International Airports for Bolivia are La Paz (LPB) (El Alto International) which is 14km southwest of La Paz and Santa Cruz (VVI) (Viru Viru International) which is 16km from the center of Santa Cruz and is the largest airport in the country. Internal flights are operated by AeroSur. Travelling by plane is definitely the fastest way to travel around the country however it is expensive and can be quite unreliable due to cancellations and delays.

There are two rail networks in Bolivia, the Eastern and Western. The Eastern operates routes from Santa Cruz to the Brazilian borders and the Western operates routes from Oruro via Uyuni and Tupiza to Villazon and Argentina. They are two separate and unconnected networks with the Eastern run by Ferroviaria Oriental and the Western run by Empresa Ferroviaria Andina. Tickets can be purchased from offices in either Santa Cruz or La Paz.

Bus services are available, however long bus trips in rural areas can be erratic although very cheap. All fares are regulated. Taxis have fixed prices and tipping is not required. It is common practice to share taxis however this not advised for solo female travellers.

Car hire is available in Santa Cruz and La Paz and an International Driving Permit is required. The national speed limit is 90kph and the use of seat belts is not enforced. Traffic drives on the right and most of the major roads are paved however roads in rural areas are generally gravel or dirt.

Transportation strikes affecting taxis, buses and airlines are common so stay tuned to local news. They generally last one or two days and there has been some violence reported in strikes in the past.