Sucre and La Paz are two of Bolivia’s most iconic cities, each boasting unique attractions and rich cultural experiences.
La Paz, the administrative capital nestled high in the Andes, contrasts beautifully with Sucre, the constitutional capital known for its colonial architecture and a more temperate climate.
While La Paz and Uyuni (the gateway to the world’s largest salt flats, Salar de Uyuni) are often at the top of travelers’ itineraries in Bolivia,
Sucre is also definitely worth a visit. Spending a few days in Sucre will allow you to explore the ‘White City’, which played a pivotal role in Bolivia’s fight for independence.
Wondering how to fit both La Paz and Sucre in your Bolivia itinerary?
In this article, we guide you through the different ways to travel from La Paz to Sucre, covering the options by road and by air, and highlighting essential things to keep in mind during your journey.
How to Get from La Paz to Sucre: Overview
Take the direct bus if you want the most budget-friendly choice, or fly if you want to get there fast and skip the long ride.
| Option | Features | How |
|---|---|---|
| Direct bus | Simple, long ride, budget-friendly | Browse and book here Use code PARADISE5 for 5% off |
| Flight | Fastest (~ 1 hour) | Flights are typically operated by BoA |
➡️ Related Readings:
La Paz to Sucre Bus
Traveling by bus is a cost-effective way to journey from La Paz to Sucre. You have multiple options of buses from the main terminal of La Paz. The journey takes approximately 11 hours, making overnight buses a popular choice.
Why Choose La Paz to Sucre Bus? The buses are comfortable and economical. Also, given the departure and arrival timings, you can save a night’s stay.
Trip Duration: The journey spans approximately 11-13 hours. The buses generally start from La Paz in the evening and reach Sucre next morning.
Bus Companies: Some of the bus companies operating the route include Trans Copacabana and 6 de Octubre. The buses are sleeper buses with recliner lie-flat or almost lie-flat seats.
Some operators may provide additional onboard amenities like blankets and bottled water for a comfortable overnight journey.
Cost: The cost of seat can range between 31-50 USD per person.
Tip: Book an overnight bus to save on one night’s accommodation.
Pro Tip: Carry toilet paper! Do not expect the bathroom during the night stop to be sparking clean.
How to Book: You can also browse bus route options here on Bookaway, or use this search box below.
🚐 Book your transfer here on Bookaway →
💰 Get 5% discount by using our exclusive promo code PARADISE5
Our La Paz-Sucre Bus Experience
We had a comfortable ride in a Trans Copacabana bus from La Paz to Sucre.
The reclining seat and good thigh support helped us sleep well throughout the night.
Just that, our bus took 13 hours to reach Sucre, instead of the scheduled 11. Things we got used to when traveling long distances by bus in South America.
Our bus stopped once for a quick bathroom break at a very basic place. There were options to buy some quick late night snacks there.
If you book a premium category bus for your journey to Sucre, you can catch a movie as well on the entertainment screen. However, chances are high that the entire playlist will be in Spanish only. So why not try and pick up a few words before sleeping?
La Paz to Sucre Flight
Catching a flight is the quickest way to travel from La Paz to Sucre. However, plan in advance as the options of direct flights from La Paz are limited.
📍Airport serving La Paz: El Alto International Airport
📍Airport serving Sucre: Alcantarí International Airport
Why Choose La Paz to Sucre Flight? If you are short on time, then you can choose the flight route to Sucre. You will need planning ahead to get the best flight options from La Paz.
Trip Duration: The direct flight takes about 1 hour and 1-stop flights through Cochabamba or Santa Cruz can take 2 hours or more.
Airline: The national carrier of Bolivia, Boliviana de Aviación, also known as BoA, operates daily flights from La Paz to Sucre – direct or with stops at Cochabamba or Santa Cruz.
Cost: Of course, the convenience of a shorter travel time comes with a premium. Prices vary but expect to pay somewhere between 75-150 USD for a one-way flight.
Tip: Direct flights are limited so plan in advance.
How to Book: Book your flight tickets online directly on BoA website.
What Next?
After you have finalized the trip to Sucre, get ready to explore the city with white-washed colonial buildings with terracotta roof, museums that talk about the history of Bolivia or the indigenous art, food, markets and more.
Read our Sucre travel guide on the best things to do, where to stay, when to visit and other details.
Plan Your Bolivia Trip
- 2 Weeks in Bolivia Itinerary
- Bolivia and Peru Itinerary
- Chile Bolivia Peru Itinerary
- 4-Day La Paz Itinerary
- Things to do in Sucre, Bolivia
- Things to do in Uyuni, Bolivia
- Is Potosi Worth Visiting?
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Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
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