Getting to Uyuni from La Paz
Quick answer: You can get to Uyuni from La Paz by air (about 45 minutes to 1 hour), by overnight direct bus (6–8 hours), by bus via Oruro (6–7 hours), or by bus to Oruro followed by the tourist train. The overnight bus is the most popular choice because it is economical and safe.
Uyuni is one of the most visited towns in Bolivia, if not the continent, because it is home to the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni. This dilapidated town in south-western Bolivia is well connected to the country’s major cities by air, road and rail.
Here’s a brief guide on getting to Uyuni from La Paz.
La Paz to Uyuni: Options at a Glance
| Option | Time | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | 45 mins – 1 hr | USD 90–100 (plus taxis) |
| Direct overnight bus | 6–8 hours | 120–170 Bolivianos (17–24 USD) |
| Bus via Oruro | 6–7 hours | 100–120 Bolivianos (14–17 USD) |
| Train from Oruro | 6–7 hours | 12–21 USD depending on class |
Getting to Uyuni from La Paz by Air
There are two morning and two evening departures from La Paz to Uyuni. The route is operated by Boliviana Aviacion, the country’s largest airline, nicknamed BOA, and by Amaszonas.
The one-hour flight costs approximately 100 USD. Book your ticket well in advance, as prices tend to rise and seats sell out quickly.
Here’s the schedule:
Getting to and from the airports
- La Paz: The safest and most convenient way to reach El Alto airport is by taxi. It costs somewhere between 160–200 Bolivianos and can easily be arranged through your hostel. Uber is also gaining popularity among travellers.
- Uyuni: The airport is just a kilometre from the town centre, and a taxi costs 20–30 Bolivianos. If you have pre-booked a Salt Flats tour, the agency may offer a free airport transfer.
Time: 45 mins / 1 hr | Cost: Approx. USD 90 (flight) | USD 20 (taxi in La Paz) | USD 7 (taxi in Uyuni)
La Paz to Uyuni by Bus
Direct overnight service
This is the most popular option among travellers because it is economical and safe. Buses leave the main bus terminal in La Paz regularly at night between 20:30 and 22:00 and reach Uyuni by 05:30–06:00 the next morning.
Todo Tourismo and Trans Omar are two reliable operators on this route, though Todo Tourismo is pricier than Trans Omar.
Time: 6–8 hours (overnight) | Cost: 120–170 Bolivianos (17–24 USD)
Through Oruro
If you want to leave La Paz in the morning, this is the only option. Regular buses run from La Paz to Oruro, a three-hour ride costing 25–30 Bolivianos. In Oruro, take a minivan to Uyuni, which costs another 50 Bolivianos for a roughly three-hour ride.
Time: 6–7 hours | Cost: 100–120 Bolivianos (14–17 USD)
La Paz to Uyuni by Train
If you have more time and want a memorable ride, the train is ideal. Bolivian trains are quite comfortable and exclusive to tourists, but they don’t depart from La Paz.
Travel from La Paz to Oruro first, then take a taxi to the train station in Oruro to board the train to Uyuni. The service runs only on Wednesdays and Sundays, departing Oruro at 19:00 and arriving in Uyuni at around 02:30 the following morning.
Time: 6–7 hours | Cost: 12–21 USD depending on the class of travel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from La Paz to Uyuni?
Going by bus via Oruro, at around 100–120 Bolivianos (14–17 USD), is the cheapest option, closely followed by the direct overnight bus.
How long is the flight from La Paz to Uyuni?
The flight takes around 45 minutes to an hour, with two morning and two evening departures.
Is there a train from La Paz to Uyuni?
Not directly. You need to get to Oruro first, where the train to Uyuni departs on Wednesdays and Sundays at 19:00.
Conclusion
Getting to Uyuni from La Paz is easy whichever way you choose. Fly if you’re short on time, take the overnight bus for the best value, or ride the train from Oruro for a memorable journey to the world’s largest salt flat.
