A journey from La Paz to Uyuni unfolds an adventure through some of Bolivia’s most stunning landscapes, eventually leading you to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni.
But for you to plan to experience the magical beauty of this remote place, the obvious first question would be, “How to get to Uyuni?“.
We have got you covered.
We start with La Paz, because La Paz and Uyuni are likely to be the two solid spots on your Bolivia itinerary.
The route from La Paz to Uyuni offers several options, each with its own allure.
From the convenience of flight to the scenic views of a bus journey or the comprehensive experience of organized tours, there is a choice suitable for every traveler’s needs.
This article aims to guide you through all these options so that you can make an informed decision of the best way suited for you to get from La Paz to Uyuni.
Traveling from Sucre to Uyuni? Read this.
La Paz to Uyuni Bus
For travelers on a budget or those who wish to immerse in the scenic beauty of Bolivia’s highlands, taking a bus from La Paz to Uyuni is an attractive option.
Why Choose La Paz to Uyuni Bus? While the bus ride is longer, it allows travelers to witness the changing landscapes, from the bustling streets of La Paz to the serene vastness of the Bolivian altiplano, for a fraction of the price of airfare.
Trip Duration: The journey spans approximately 9 to 12 hours.
Bus Companies: Some of the bus companies operating the route include Trans Titicaca, Todo Turismo, Trans Omar, Cisne Bus, Uyuni Panasur, Cruz del Norte and Autobuses Emperador. Most of the fleet are sleeper buses with recliner lie-flat seats. Some operators may provide additional onboard amenities like blankets and bottled water for a comfortable overnight journey.
Cost: You can book a decent seat for one-way bus ride for 15-30 USD per person. Buses of higher luxury category may have higher priced tickets.
Tip: Book an overnight bus to save on one night’s accommodation.
Pro Tip: Carry toilet paper!
How to Book: Book bus tickets online on Tickets Bolivia. Or browse bus route options here on Bookaway.
Tickets Bolivia and Bookaway
We have used Tickets Bolivia for our bus ticket bookings in Bolivia. It is easy to use, gives a good comparison of prices and features across bus companies, and they have a good online chat support via WhatsApp.
Bookaway is a trusted name globally for booking bus tickets, shuttle transfers, train routes, and even boat transfers and small carrier domestic flights in some countries.
La Paz to Uyuni Flight
Catching a flight is the quickest and most straightforward way to travel from La Paz to Uyuni.
📍Airport serving La Paz: El Alto International Airport
📍Airport serving Uyuni: Joya Andina Airport
Why Choose La Paz to Uyuni Flight? Opting for a flight lets you maximize your time in this ethereal landscape. This is an ideal choice for travelers on a tight schedule, and those who do not mind spending the extra bucks.
Trip Duration: The journey typically takes about 1 hour, offering a speedy and comfortable alternative to longer land routes.
Airline: The national carrier of Bolivia, Boliviana de Aviación, also known as BoA, operates daily flights from La Paz to Uyuni.
Cost: Of course, the convenience of a shorter travel time comes with a premium. Prices vary but expect to pay somewhere between 75-125 USD for a one-way flight.
Tip: Book in advance as flights can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
How to Book: Book your flight tickets online directly on BoA website.
La Paz to Uyuni Tour
For those seeking a hassle-free and comprehensive travel experience, booking a tour from La Paz to Uyuni might be the perfect solution.
Why Choose La Paz to Uyuni Tour? Tours not only cover transportation but also include guided visits to some of the region’s most iconic sights. Additionally, the convenience of having all logistics handled takes out the stress of planning each detail.
Tour options range from budget to luxury tours, with itineraries typically lasting from two to four days. Whether you are a solo traveler looking to meet like-minded adventurers or part of a group wanting a tailored experience, there is a tour option to suit your preferences.
Check out these tours originating in La Paz, taking visitors to the best attractions in and around Uyuni, and then either returning them to La Paz, or dropping them off across the border, towards San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
1-Day Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats + Roundtrip Bus Rides
This tour starts and ends in La Paz, and takes you to all the attractions of Salar de Uyuni. The tour price includes roundtrip bus tickets, transportation in shared 4X4 vehicle for the salt flats tour, all meals on the day of the tour, hotel pick and drop, and the services of driver and bilingual guide.
This is how the tentative tour itinerary looks like:
➡️ Day 1 – Pickup from hotel in La Paz, overnight bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni with dinner onboard.
➡️ Day 2 – Buffet breakfast prior to the start of the tour. During the day, visit Uyuni salt flats and other nearby attractions like Train Cemetery and Incahuasi Island. Sunset over salt flats before heading back to the Uyuni bus station to board overnight bus for La Paz.
➡️ Day 3 – Morning arrival at La Paz and transfer to hotel.
4-Day Tour of Uyuni and Atacama + Bus Ride + Cross Border to Chile
This tour starts in La Paz, Bolivia and ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The tour price includes bus tickets, all transfers, all major meals during the tour, accommodation for two nights, and services of driver and bilingual guide.
This is how the tentative tour itinerary looks like:
➡️ Day 1 – Pickup from hotel in La Paz and overnight bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni.
➡️ Day 2 – Buffet breakfast prior to the start of the tour. During the day, visit Uyuni salt flats and other nearby attractions like Train Cemetery and Incahuasi Island. Sunset over salt flats. Overnight stay at a salt hotel.
➡️ Day 3 – Visit attractions of the Altiplano region, like Laguna Colorada and spot flamingos. Sunset and overnight stay at a hostel.
➡️ Day 4 – See secondary volcanic activities like geysers, enjoy hot springs and get dropped off in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
3-Day Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats + Roundtrip Flights
The tour starts and ends in La Paz. The tour price includes roundtrip flights between La Paz and Uyuni, 1 night accommodation at a salt hotel, 1 night accommodation at a basic hotel, and 1 night accommodation at a nice hotel in Uyuni town. Airport transfers, all meals during the tour, and services of driver and bilingual guide are included.
This is how the tentative tour itinerary looks like:
➡️ Day 1 – Flight from La Paz to Uyuni. Learn about salt gathering process in the village of Colchani, see Uyuni Salt Flats, visit Incahuasi Island and stay overnight at a salt hotel.
➡️ Day 2 – Attractions of Bolivian altiplano, see stunning lakes and spot thousands of flamingos. Overnight stay at a basic hotel.
➡️ Day 3 – Visit attractions like the boiling waters and gases of natural volcanic geysers, altiplano lakes like Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorada, surrounded by surreal landscapes with towering volcanoes in the backdrop. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Uyuni.
➡️ Day 4 – Hotel pickup, airport transfer, and flight from Uyuni to La Paz.
What Next?
After deciding on your preferred mode of transport and booking your trip from La Paz to Uyuni, it is time to prepare for the adventure. Whether you choose the efficiency of flying, the scenic route by bus, or the enriched experience of a guided tour, you are about to witness one of the most remarkable natural spectacles on earth.
Here are some planning resources for traveling in Uyuni, Bolivia:
- Things to do in Uyuni, Bolivia
- How to Choose the Best Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
- Uyuni, Bolivia to Atacama, Chile: Our 3-Day Tour Experience
Plan Your Bolivia Trip:
- 2 Weeks in Bolivia Itinerary
- Bolivia and Peru Itinerary
- Chile Bolivia Peru Itinerary
- Is Bolivia Worth Visiting?
- How to Get Around in Bolivia?
- Bolivia Bucket List Experiences
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