Getting to Uyuni from La Paz - backpackways.com

Uyuni is one of the most visited towns in Bolivia if not the coninent. It’s home to the world’s largest salt flats – Salar De Uyuni. This diapidated town in South- Eastern Bolivia is well connected to major cities in the country by air, road and rail.

Here’s a brief guide on how you can travel to Uyuni from La Paz.

By Air:

Uyuni has two morning flights and two evening deaprtures from La Paz. This route is operated by the country’s largest airline Boliviana Aviacion, nicknamed as BOA and Amaszonas. The one hour flight would approximately cost 100 USD. It is advisable to book your ticket well in advance as the price tend to rise as tickets get sold soon.

Here’s the schedule:

The safest and the convinient way to reach La Paz’s El Alto airport is by taxi. It would cost somewhere between 160-200 Bolivianos and can easily be arranged through the hostel. Alternatively, Uber is gaining popularity among the travellers.

Uyuni airport is located just a kilometer away from the centre of the town. A taxi ride would cost 20-30 Bolivianos. However, normally if you have a pre-booked tour to the Salt Flats the agency could 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) |

By Bus:

Direct Service:

This is a popular option amongst most travellers as it is economic and safe. Busses leave regularly at night from 08:30 – 10:00 from the main bus terminal in La Paz and reaches Uyuni by 05:30 – 06:00 the next morning. Todo Tourismo and Trans Omar are two reliable operators on this route. However, Todo Tourismo is too pricier than the latter.

Time: 06-08 Hours (overnight) | Cost: 120-170 Bolivianos (17-24 USD)

Through Oruro:

If you want to leave from La Paz in the morning then this would be the only option. There are regular busses to Oruro from La Paz and the three hours’ ride costs 25-30 Bolivianos. Once in Oruro you can take a mini-van which costs another 50 Bolivianos for a three hours’ ride to Uyuni.

Time: 06-07 Hours | Cost: 100-120 Bolivianos (14-17 USD)

By Train:

If you have more time and are looking for a memorable ride then this is ideal for you. Trains in Bolivia are quite comfortable and are exclusive to tourists. However, they don’t depart from La Paz. You will have to go travel from La Paz to Oruro and then take a taxi to the train station in Oruro to board the train to Uyuni. The train service is only on Wednesdays and Sundays and departs from Oruro at 19.00 arriving in Uyuni at around 02.30 the following morning.