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 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 advantages.
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 La Paz to Uyuni: An Overview
Take the overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni (9 to 12 hours) for the best value, fly (~1 hour) if you are short on time, or book a tour from La Paz if you want the logistics planned for you.
| Option | Features | How |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Most economic, long ride of 9-12 hours. | Book here Use code PARADISE5 for 5% off |
| Domestic Flights | Fastest, 1 hour ride. | Check availability |
| Tour (round trip from La Paz) | Easy and organized way to visit the world’s largest salt flats. | 1-Day Tour of Uyuni from La Paz: Round trip bus tickets + Uyuni Salt Flats tour |
| Tour (one-way from La Paz) | Easy and organized way to travel for multi-day tour of salt flats, altiplano. | 4-Day Tour of Uyuni from La Paz: Overnight bus + multi-day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats and Altiplano. |
Quick Decision
- Choose the bus if you want the most economic option and don’t mind a long ride.
- Choose the flight if you want the fastest option.
- Choose a tour if you want the most organized option.
➡️ Related Readings:
La Paz to Uyuni Bus
For travelers on a budget, use the night for traveling 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, the buses offer comfortable seats and you can sleep through the night if you take the overnight bus 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 or lie-flat seats. Some operators may provide additional onboard amenities like blankets and bottled water for a comfortable overnight journey.
We used Trans Titicaca and had a goo experience during the ride.
Cost: You can book a decent seat for one-way bus ride for 32 – 50 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! The bathrooms at the stops are not always well-equipped.
How to Book: You can browse and book bus tickets online here on Bookaway.
We looked for a suitable departure time based on our time in La Paz. Also, look at the sleeper or semi-sleeper options.
🚐 Book your transfer here on Bookaway →
💰 Get 5% discount by using our exclusive promo code PARADISE5
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: You can check the availability and book your flight tickets online here.
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 aboutsalt 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 bus route, or the enriched experience of a guided tour, you are about to witness one of the most remarkable natural spectacles on earth.
Check out our 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
If you enjoy reading our free travel guides, tips and stories, you can buy us a coffee and help us create more such travel planning tools for you. Thanks for supporting Paradise Catchers.
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
Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
