How do you get to La Paz?
Getting There4.9/10Harder to reach than about 55% of cities
- Main airport
- El Alto International Airport (LPB)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: airporttransferportal.com, airmundo.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- El Alto airport sits at extremely high altitude (4,061m). Altitude sickness is common on arrival—move slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol for the first day.
- Public buses from airport fill quickly during peak hours. If traveling with luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is far more practical.
- Taxi fares are negotiable and drivers often start higher with foreign travelers. Having the fare written down or speaking Spanish helps. Always use official radio taxis (numbered dome light, company name).
- ATMs at the airport are unreliable; arrive with BOB cash or exchange USD at airport counters. US dollars are not directly accepted for taxis.
- Pickpocketing can occur on crowded public buses, especially at peak times. Keep belongings close.
- Uber does not operate in Bolivia as of 2026. Ride-hailing options are limited; taxis, minibuses, and pre-booked transfers are the main options.
- Many day-trip destinations (Tiwanaku, Lake Titicaca, Death Road) are well-developed on the tour circuit. Reputable local operators can arrange transportation, guides, and meals.
- The main bus terminal is a short taxi ride from city center; buses to regional destinations (Uyuni, Sucre, Puno) depart regularly, especially overnight routes.
Day Trips Nearby
El Alto
- Distance
- ~12 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 30
- Description
- Sister city with famous colorful architecture ('cholets'); cable car or minibus access; easily accessible.
Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
- Distance
- ~70 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120
- Description
- Pre-Incan ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half-day or full-day guided tours widely available.
Lake Titicaca & Copacabana
- Distance
- ~150 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 210
- Description
- World's highest navigable lake; town of Copacabana; day or overnight trips. Access to Isla del Sol (Sun Island) with Inca ruins.
Valle De Las ÁNimas (Valley of the Souls)
- Distance
- ~20 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 45
- Description
- Mystical rock formations; popular for short hikes and photography. Half-day or full-day tours.
Moon Valley (Valle De La Luna)
- Distance
- ~10 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 30
- Description
- Otherworldly geological formations; often combined with city tours or as a half-day outing.
Death Road / Yungas Road (Camino a Los Yungas)
- Distance
- ~65 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 90
- Description
- Famous mountain biking and scenic drive route descending 3,450m from La Cumbre pass to Coroico. Full-day adventure tours (biking or driving) widely offered.
Coroico
- Distance
- ~120 km
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120
- Description
- Mountain town in Yungas cloud forest region; popular for coffee plantations, hiking, relaxation. Accessible via Death Road or direct transport.
Airport To City Transport
Minibus / Trufi (Shared)
- Cost
- BOB 5.00
- Duration Minutes
- 30
- Notes
- Routes: Bus line 212, or dedicated minibuses like Aereopuerto-Contratur to Sopocachi. Cheap but crowded, limited luggage space, fills quickly.
Official Radio Taxi
- Cost
- BOB 70
- Duration Minutes
- 35
- Notes
- Must have numbered dome light and company name. Agree fare in advance (no meters). Avoid unmarked/unofficial taxis. Cash only (BOB).
Pre-booked Private Transfer (Sedan)
- Cost
- BOB 100
- Duration Minutes
- 35
- Notes
- Fixed fare, meet-and-greet included, can be booked in advance online. Better for luggage and first-time visitors.
Car Rental
- Notes
- Avis and Hertz counters in Arrivals Hall. Not recommended unless experienced with high-altitude mountain driving.
Airport
- Code
- LPB
- Fact
- Highest international airport in the world
- Name
- El Alto International Airport (LPB)
- Altitude
- 4,061 meters (13,325 feet)
- Distance From Center
- 13 km / ~8 miles
Rail Ferry
- Reason
- No train or ferry connections to/from La Paz or its airport.
Long Distance Ground
- Distance To Center
- ~4 minutes by taxi
- Bus Terminal Location
- Plaza Antofagasta at Avenida Uruguay intersection
- Notes
- La Paz is a hub for intercity and international buses. Overnight coaches available to Uyuni, Sucre, Potosí, Puno (Peru). Quality and comfort vary widely; reputable operators recommended for long journeys.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About La Paz
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.