Transportation in Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country and has many entry points. Some of these are easily accessible but the others, especially those in the remote border areas, will appeal only to the most intrepid traveller who has time and does not shy away from the unpredictable.
As one of the most isolated and hardest to reach countries in South America, travelling to and around Bolivia is both a challenge and an adventure well worth the effort.
This Bolivia Transportation Guide lists details about both getting to and from Bolivia, as well as getting around Bolivia once you are there. One excellent option for getting around and exploring Bolivia is taking a Bolivia tour. For information about local transport, you can go directly to our La Paz and Salar de Uyuni.
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Bolivia Transportation Guide
Getting To BoliviaBy AirVery few airlines operate direct flights to Bolivia as a result of which the fares to Bolivia are as high as its altitude. There are two major international airports in Bolivia. They are the El Alto airport (previously known as the John F Kennedy Memorial Airport) at La Paz in the west of Bolivia and the Viru-Viru International airport at Santa Cruz in the east of Bolivia. Since La Paz is at a higher altitude than Santa Cruz, flying costs are higher. It is therefore cheaper to fly into Santa Cruz than into La Paz. Santa Cruz is also the preferred entry point from West European destinations. Direct flights operate between Bolivia and most of the major cities of South America. Peak season fares are applicable between June and September and between mid December and mid January.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
By Train
Bolivia has many train lines with varying degrees of efficiency and quality. Rail transportation in Bolivia is adequate and easily accessible.
By Car and Motorcycle
Tourists can enter Bolivia by road from any of its neighbouring countries. The routes from Chile and Brazil are not good while the road from Paraguay can be negotiated only with a 4-wheel drive. Foreigners who enter Bolivia must procure a circulation card (hoja de ruta) from the Servicio Nacional de Tránsito at the borders. Toll fees (Peajes) are collected at these check points and vehicles are checked for contraband.
By Bus
Buses from certain neighbouring countries ply directly to cities and towns in Bolivia. However, tourists entering Bolivia by local buses have to change buses for the onward journey into Bolivia, after they cross the border.
http://www.boliviabus.com/ gives all the information pertaining to bus transportation in Bolivia.
By Boat
Visitors can enter Bolivia by boat from Puno in Peru by crossing Lake Titicaca.
Getting Around Bolivia
Tourists are advised to keep themselves updated about current happenings in Bolivia. Bloqueos or transportation strikes are very common in Bolivia. These strikes involve local as well as long distance transport service and generally last only for a few days. Do wait for the strikes to pass as circumventing blockades (lumber, burning tyres or rocks) or travelling during the strikes provokes the strikers into violence.
By Plane
The domestic flight network in Bolivia is reliable, quick and economical.
- Aerosur is the most preferred national airlines and connects most of the important cities of Bolivia. It operates daily flights from Santa Cruz to La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba.
- Aerocon operates flights from Trinidad to the more remote areas of Bolivia like Cobija, Riberalta, Quayaremerin and Santa Ana in La Paz. It also operates flights to and from La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.
- Amazonas is an airline operator which flies the popular sector from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. It also flies to Trinidad, Guayamerin, Riberalta, Cobija, Cochabamba, San Borja and Santa Cruz.
- Transporte Aéreo Militair is another reliable and well organised airline.
By Bus
Travelling by bus is an ideal way to savour the beauty of Bolivia except that most buses cover the distance in the night. Sometimes, they are also hampered by flash protests which could last for days.
By Train
Due to the pathetic condition of roads in certain areas, tourists are advised to use trains. Trains in Bolivia are fairly comfortable with reclining seats and the routes are scenic. The journey from Oruro to Uyuni merits special mention, as the train passes through a beautiful Andean lake. Journeys to Pantanal and Salar de Uyuni are best made by train.
By Taxi
Shared taxis are used for longer trips between cities and towns that are not covered by the bus network.
