Getting around Bolivia
Bolivia is big, mountainous and surprisingly affordable to travel. There is no metro and limited rail, so most journeys happen by long-distance bus, by air, or by shared taxi. Plan for slow roads and high altitude.
Long-distance buses
Buses are the backbone of Bolivian travel. From the main terminal (terminal de buses) in La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and Sucre, companies like Trans Copacabana, El Dorado and Bolivar run intercity routes.
- La Paz to Uyuni: roughly 10-12 hours overnight
- La Paz to Cochabamba: about 7-8 hours
- Santa Cruz to Sucre: around 12-14 hours
- Pay a small terminal-use fee (a few bolivianos) at the gate
Choose cama or semi-cama seats for overnight trips and bring a warm layer; highland buses get cold.
Flights
For long distances, flying saves a day. Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) is the main carrier, with EcoJet serving regional routes. Useful hops include La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre and Tarija. Book a few days ahead for better fares.
Trains
Rail is scenic but limited. The eastern Ferroviaria Oriental links Santa Cruz toward the Brazilian border. In the southwest, the Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara run between Oruro, Uyuni, Tupiza and Villazon, a memorable Altiplano ride. There is no urban metro, though La Paz and El Alto are linked by Mi Teleferico, the world's longest urban cable-car network.
City transport
Within cities, share minibuses, micros and trufis (fixed-route shared taxis) for a few bolivianos. State your destination and pay the driver. In La Paz, the colorful Mi Teleferico cable cars are fast, cheap and beat traffic.
Ride apps and taxis
Uber, DiDi and InDrive work in Santa Cruz, La Paz and Cochabamba; InDrive lets you negotiate the fare. Otherwise use radio taxis booked by phone rather than hailing on the street, and agree the price first.
Car rental and driving
Renting is possible in major cities but roads can be rough, unpaved and high-altitude. A 4x4 suits the Uyuni salt flats and the south. Carry your passport, license and cash for tolls.
Intercity tips
- Buy bus tickets at the terminal the day before in high season
- Keep small bills for fares and terminal fees
- Allow buffer time; landslides and road blocks (bloqueos) happen
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