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Photo Credit: Daniel Peppes Gauer
Buses
The most common way to travel in Bolivia is via the country’s extensive bus network. Reasonably frequent and generally reliable, buses run everywhere throughout the country’s major towns and cities. Long Bus Journeys Longer journeys are typically serviced by large double-decker buses called “Flotas” which tend to be newer and more comfortable than city buses. Referred to as “cama” (bed in Spanish), these types of buses hold up to 80 passangers and are equipped with reclining seats allowing comfortable travel during long-distance and overnight journeys. Passengers can choose from the following seat types:- Cama Premium – the most expensive option offering fully reclining seats (180-degree angle between the seat cushion and backrest)
- Cama – mid range price offering 160-degree reclining seats with decent leg room
- Semi-Cama – cheapest option offering 140-degree reclining seats with reasonable leg room

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Location | Address | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
La Paz | Calle Uruguay - Plaza Antofagasta | (591-2) 228-0551 |
Oruro | Calle Vacovic and Villarroel | (591-2) 527-9535 |
Potosi | Avenue Universitaria | (591-2) 624-3361 |
Cochabamba | Corner of Avenue Ayacucho and Tarata | (591-4) 423-4600 |
Chuquisaca | Calle Ostira Gutierrez | (591-4) 644-1292 |
Pando | Avenue 9 de Febrero | (591-2) 842-3122 |
Beni | Calle Beni and Monasterio | (591-3) 462-4607 |
Santa Cruz | Avenue Montes and 3 Pasos al Frente | (591-3) 348-8482 |
Tarija | Corner of Avenue Victor Paz and Calle La Paz | (591-4) 663-6508 |
Yacuiba | Calle Martin Barroso | (591-4) 682-4794 |
Bolivian Life Quick Tip:
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Taxis
Taxis are the safest mode of transport in Bolivia and can usually be called upon anytime and anywhere. There are two types of official taxis available in major cities: Radio taxis are dispatched based on calls they receive from private clients, usually hotels or restaurants. They drive to where passengers are located and take them directly to their destination. This is the safer, albeit more expensive option costing around Bs 6 ($0.90) to Bs 40 ($6 US) depending on distance and number of people sharing the taxi. You can identify radio taxis by their roof bubbles which advertise their logo, telephone number and name of the company. Regular taxis drive all over the city picking up people on the side of the street, costing around Bs 4 ($0.60 US) per person for a one way trip.
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Cable Car
An urban cable care system (“teleferico”) constructed in La Paz has taken transport in Bolivia to a whole new level. Operating at 4000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, the highest cable car in the world connects La Paz to neighboring El Alto. This mode of transport provides stunning views of the city and also ensures access from the poorer neighborhoods to the central downtown area. The cable car system consists of three lines, colored red, yellow and green in line with Bolivia’s flag and is able to transport 3000 passengers per hour between the two cities, in just 10 minutes (currently land transport between the two cities takes approximately 1hr).
Photo Credit: David Almeida

Photo Credit: David Almeida
Flying
The main reason to fly within Bolivia is to cover large distances in the least amount of time possible. Tropical and rural areas in particular can be difficult to reach via bus so taking a plane is often the most sensible option. Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) is Bolivia’s nationally-owned airline making more than 70 flights per day to a growing number of Bolivian and international destinations. Internal flights cost anywhere between Bs 350 ($50 US) and Bs 700 ($100 US) for a one way ticket and baggage allowance is usually 15 kg per passenger. Experiencing the stunning views over Bolivia’s vast and mysterious jungle, makes flying to the Amazon the preferred option to taking the boat. Flights are largely operated by Amazonas, serving La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Unfortunately flight times are limited and delays/cancellations are common so it’s best to book a few days in advance and to reconfirm the day before departure.
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Trains
Once the height of luxury in Bolivia, train travel is now one of the least popular modes of transport in the country. Today there are two separate networks operating in Bolivia: Ferroviaria Oriental – Eastern network running two lines from Santa Cruz; one to the Brazilian border at Quijarro; the other south to Yacuiba in the Chaco on the Argentine border. The scenery on this train route is fairly uninspiring, therefore it’s recommended to bring along some form of entertainment to stave off boredom. Empresa Ferroviaria Andina (or Occidental) – Western network running passenger trains from Oruro, south across the Altiplano via Uyuni and Tupiza to Villazón on the Argentine border. From Uyuni, a weekly passenger train runs southeast to Calama in Chile. The scenery on both these routes is breathtaking, making it a great alternative to taking the bumpy bus ride between La Paz and Uyuni. The company also runs a scenic route between Sucre and Potosí.
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Driving
Due to the poor road conditions between Bolivia’s main tourist attractions, traversing the country by car is not highly recommended. While hiring a private driver for the day is a much easier/safer option, for those desperate to visit some out-of-the-way destinations, renting a car from a local company is possible. You won’t find many of the major international car rental companies in Bolivia, however there are a number of local rental companies to choose from in all the major cities. You’ll need to be over 25 to rent a car and expect to pay between Bs 420–700 ($60 –100 US) per day for a four-wheel-drive which is essential to navigating Bolivia’s unpaved roads. Insurance can be arranged through most of the rental companies, however make sure to read the small print carefully.
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Travel Routes
All of Bolivia’s major cities and towns are connected by public transport. The following links and table provide information on the different routes and travel options between the most popular travel destinations in the country:- Traveling between Copacabana and La Paz
- Traveling between Uyuni and La Paz
- Traveling between Uyuni and Sucre
- Traveling between Potosi and Sucre
- Traveling between La Paz and Sucre (via Potosi)
- Traveling between Santa Cruz and Sucre
- Traveling between Santa Cruz and La Paz
Bus Route | Frequency | Time (hrs) | Distance (kms) | Price ($US) |
---|---|---|---|---|
La Paz to Oruro | Daily / Every 1/2 hour | 3 | 225 | 5 |
La Paz to Sucre | Daily / Evenings only | 14 | 500 | 15 |
La Paz to Copacabana | Daily / Every few hours | 3.5 | 165 | 2 |
La Paz to Tiwanaku | Daily / Every few hours | 2 | 60 | 4 |
La Paz to Potosi | Daily / Evening only | 7 | 550 | 12 |
La Paz to Cochabamba | Daily / Morning and Evening | 6 | 350 | 10 |
La Paz to Coroico | Daily | 4 | 90 | 2 |
Potosi to Villazon | Daily | 12 | 360 | 11 |
Potosi to Sucre | Daily / Every few hours | 3 | 165 | 4 |
Potosi to Uyuni | Daily / Morning and evening | 8 | 210 | 6 |
Potosi to Tupiza | Daily / Mornings only | 8 | 300 | 4 |
Sucre to Cochabamba | Daily / Evenings only | 12 | 280 | 10 |
Sucre to Tarabuco | Daily / Sunday for the market | 1 | 55 | 1 |
Santa Cruz to Yacuiba | Daily | 10 | 550 | 12 |
Santa Cruz to Cochabamba | Daily / Morning and evening | 8 | 445 | 10 |
Santa Cruz to Trinidad | Daily / Morning and evening | 8.5 | 550 | 4 |
Oruro to Uyuni | Daily / Evenings only | 7 | 310 | 5 |
Villazon to Tupiza | Daily | 3 | 85 | 2 |
Rurrenbaque to Trinidad | Thursdays & Saturdays | 18 | 360 | 18 |
Safety Tips
- When taking public transport, safeguard valuables by keeping them on your body at all times. If you do have to stow your bag in the luggage compartment, pack all your main valuables into a separate day pack and bring this onto the bus with you
- Always padlock your bag as this is a huge deterrent for would-be thieves. If you take an overnight bus, try to padlock your bag to a seat or luggage rack, so if you do fall asleep, no one can run off with your bag
- Unfortunately drunk driving does occur in Bolivia, so make sure to assess the state of your driver before getting on the bus
- On longer bus journeys make sure to pack enough water and snacks to last the distance as stops can be far and few between. Also make sure to bring spare toilet paper and hand sanitizer as toilets in bus terminals aren’t always well serviced
- If traveling alone at night, it’s advisable to call a taxi instead of hailing one in the street; ask your hotel, bar or restaurant to call one for you
- Always be alert when hanging around bus terminals or bus stops as this is prime ground for opportunistic pickpockets and bag snatchers
- If your bus has a seat-belt, wear it, as this could mean the difference between life and death if an accident does occur

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