Getting around Boliviais an adventure in itself! From the colorful buses that wind their way through the Andes, to the time-saving domestic flights, the old-fashioned charm of the trains or the freedom of a 4×4 to explore the most remote corners… there’s a solution for every traveler.
But beware: bumpy roads, flexible schedules and the unexpected are all part of the game. So it’s best to plan ahead if you want to travel in style!
In this guide, I offer you a complete and concrete overview of transport in Bolivia: long-distance buses or local minibuses, trains, planes, car rentals, cabs, useful apps… Plus field-tested advice on how to book, avoid problems and save time (and sometimes money!).
Ready to plan a stress-free Bolivian roadtrip? Let’s get started!
🚌 Buses in Bolivia: travelers’ choice
Buses are the number 1 means of transport in Bolivia for long-distance travellers, locals and backpackers alike. Convenient, economical and available everywhere, they link virtually every major region of the country.
🚌 Long-distance buses
- Bus types:
- Cama (almost sleeper): very reclining seats, great comfort, perfect for overnight journeys (La Paz ↔ Uyuni, Sucre ↔ La Paz…).
- Semi-cama: standard comfort, 140° reclining seats, good price/comfort ratio.
- Standard: basic, for tight budgets and short trips.
- Reliable companies:
- Todo Turismo, Trans Copacabana, Omar, Panamericana, El Dorado (always check for updated reviews!)
- Rates:
- Around €10 to €30 for a long-distance trip (e.g. La Paz ↔ Uyuni)
- 1 to €5 for shorter journeys between nearby towns
- Reservations:
- At bus stations or via agencies, sometimes online on specialized platforms (Bookaway, TicketsBolivia).
- In high season or for popular routes (Uyuni, Titicaca…), it’s best to book the day before.
🚐 Local buses and minibuses
- Perfect for linking villages, markets and small towns
- Can leave when full: flexible hours, low prices
- Ideal for journeys between La Paz and the Valley of the Moon, or to reach Copacabana from Lake Titicaca.
💡 Practical tips
- Always take a little wool: the air-conditioning (or natural cold) can be surprising on night buses!
- Keep your valuables with you (money, phone, passport)
- Pack a snack and some cash: breaks can be very short.
- Delays are frequent… patience is a must!
✈️ Internal flights: when and how to use them
If you want to save time (or avoid 12 to 20 hours of bus travel on sometimes chaotic roads), domestic flights are an excellent option for crossing Bolivia. Bolivia.
✈️ The main links
- La Paz ↔ Sucre / Santa Cruz / Uyuni / Rurrenabaque
- Santa Cruz ↔ Sucre / La Paz / Tarija / Trinidad
- Uyuni ↔ La Paz: ideal for linking Salar and Titicaca without losing time
💡 When should you fly?
- If you’re short on time and want to maximize your discoveries
- To reach the Bolivian Amazon (Rurrenabaque) quickly and without an 18h bus journey
- In the event of rain or road blockages (frequent in the wet season)
🛫 Companies and reservations
- Main airlines: BOA (Boliviana de Aviación), Amaszonas, Ecojet
- Fares: between €50 and €120 depending on line, season and anticipation
- Compare and book on Skyscanner to get the best prices
⚠️ Tips & tricks
- Get a Holafly eSIM to book or change your flights at the last minute, even without reliable wifi
- Be at the airport at least 1h30 before departure (delays or gate changes possible)
- Check the authorized weight of your carry-on baggage (often more restrictive than in Europe).
🚆 The train in Bolivia: lines available and for whom?
Although trains don’t cover the whole country, they remain an original (and sometimes nostalgic!) option for certain journeys. Bolivia’s rail network mainly links the south and east of the country, offering a journey at the leisurely pace of Andean or tropical landscapes.
🛤️ Where do the trains run in Bolivia?
- Oruro ↔ Uyuni ↔ Villazón (Argentine border)
- Perfect for linking the Salar d’Uyuni region from the south (Villazón) or Oruro.
- Expreso del Sur” (comfortable) and “Wara Wara del Sur” (slower, cheaper) trains.
- Santa Cruz ↔ Quijarro (Brazilian border)
- Allows you to reach Brazil or the Chiquitania region.
🚆 Why take the train?
- For the old-fashioned charm, the scenery, the atmosphere and the price (€10-25 depending on route and class).
- To avoid chaotic bus journeys, especially if you’re travelling to Argentina or Brazil.
- Convenient for large luggage or overnight travel (sleeper berths depending on train)
🎫 Rates and booking
- Buy ticket at station (possible in advance)
- On specialized websites or via an agency in La Paz / Uyuni
- Remember to take a snack: there is often a dining car, but options are limited.
💡 A bove all, the train is an experience apart: perfect if you’re not in a hurry and want to travel differently!
🚗 Car and 4×4 rental in Bolivia
Fancy total freedom, stopping wherever you like or exploring the wildest corners? Renting a car or 4×4 is possible in Bolivia, but requires a few precautions and a good dose of adventurous spirit!
🚙 Where to rent (and at what price)?
- Rentals available in major cities: La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Cochabamba, Uyuni
- Several local and international agencies (Hertz, Europcar, Localiza, local companies)
- Price: allow €40-80 per day for a single car, €100-150 for a 4×4 (often more useful in the South Lipez, Sajama or Amazon regions).
- Unlimited mileage recommended
🏞️ When should you rent?
- To explore isolated regions (Sajama Park, South Lipez, Torotoro…)
- If you’re travelling with your family or in a small group to share costs
- For greater autonomy and to get off the beaten track
⚠️ Precautions and advice
- Road conditions: number of unpaved secondary roads, sometimes difficult to cross in the rainy season
- International license recommended
- Check insurance, spare wheel, jack and water jerry cans
- Bring cash for petrol (filling stations rare in some areas)
- When renting with a driver, the price goes up, but local expertise can be invaluable.
🧭 Alternative: rent a 4×4 with driver
Practical for South Lipez/Uyuni, where off-road navigation is complex, and to benefit from the advice of a local expert.
💡 F or offline navigation, download Maps.me or Organic Maps, and get a Holafly eSIM to handle the unexpected in the city.
🚖 Taxis, collectivos and urban transport
In town or for short trips, Bolivia offers a multitude of practical and affordable local options. Knowing how to use them is the assurance of saving time (and money) while experiencing the daily life of Bolivians.
🚖 Taxis
- Available everywhere, easy to find
- Price: negotiated before going up (no meter)
- Price: €1 to €3 in town, a little more at night or to cross several districts
- In La Paz, use “radio-taxis” or hotel cabs for greater safety
🚐 Collectivos
- Shared minibuses (usually 8 to 15 people), fixed routes, stop wherever you like
- Ultra economical: around €0.30 to €0.50
- Convenient for connecting neighborhoods, markets and bus stations
🏙️ Alternative urban transport
- Mi Teleférico (La Paz ): the world’s highest urban cable car, economical and great for panoramic views of the city (€0.40 per ride).
- Municipal buses, trufis (shared cabs on a fixed route)
- Useful apps: Uber and inDriver are available in major cities, but always check the price before you leave.
⚠️ Safety tips
- Keep your bag in the front and avoid taking out your phone at stops.
- Take the cab’s plate number or the photo from the app if you’re travelling alone at night.
- Always bring spare change
💡 The diversity of urban transport is a unique opportunity to experience local daily life and adapt to Bolivian habits!
🛠️ Practical tips and tricks for getting around Bolivia
For stress-free (or almost stress-free) travel and to avoid the little pitfalls, here are a few field-tested tips:
📆 To book in advance or not?
- For long-distance buses and internal flights, it’s best to book the day before, or even several days before in high season.
- For local buses, collectivos or cabs: there’s no need to book, you can find them on the spot.
⏰ Managing the unexpected
- Frequent delays on buses and sometimes flights: always leave a margin in your schedule, especially for important connections.
- In the event of a strike or roadblock: ask your accommodation or a local agency to find an alternative.
📲 Useful applications
- Maps.me or Organic Maps: for offline navigation, useful in areas without a network
- Uber, inDriver for city cabs
- Bus/plane booking platforms: TicketsBolivia, Bookaway, Skyscanner
💰 Cash management
- Always carry local currency (bolivianos), as card payments are rare outside major cities.
- Retire to La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz or Cochabamba before heading off to remote areas
🌐 Connection: stay connected
- Take a Holafly eSIM to book, communicate or navigate easily, even without wifi
🏞️ Avoiding tourist traps
- Beware of cheap agencies and bogus cabs
- Ask other travellers or your accommodation for transport recommendations
💡 A little anticipation, a lot of flexibility and a dash of humor: that’s the recipe for a serene trip on Bolivian roads!
❓ FAQ transports Bolivia
Is it safe to travel at night?
Yes, by choosing reputable bus companies and remaining vigilant: keep your belongings close to you and prefer cama buses for greater comfort and safety.
Should I book my tickets online or on the spot?
For long-distance buses and internal flights, it’s best to book online or at the station the day before, especially in high season. For minibuses, cabs and collectivos, there’s no need to book.
Are the buses punctual?
Delays are common, especially over long distances or during the rainy season. Allow a margin in your planning.
Can I rent a car without an international license?
Theoretically, a French driver’s license is accepted by international agencies, but an international license is sometimes required, especially in the event of a control or accident.
How to transport cash safely?
Carry a discreet belt or a pouch under your clothes, withdraw money in big cities and divide it between different parts of your luggage.
✅ Conclusion
Getting around BoliviaGetting around in Bolivia is quite an art… but it’s also an integral part of the trip! Between night buses, fast flights to save time, a retro train or the freedom of a 4×4 for lost corners, you have all the cards in hand to draw your own itinerary.
By adapting to the unexpected, choosing the right mode of transport for each stage, and planning just the right amount of organization, you’ll enjoy a Bolivian roadtrip rich in encounters and landscapes.
Don’t forget to be flexible, to leave room in your schedule, and to use an Holafly eSIM Need more info? Browse our other regional guides, our itinerary tips and our budget comparison to plan everything to the best of your ability.
Bonne route, and bon voyage on the roads of Bolivia!
