La Paz to Uyuni

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Uyuni sits on the southern Bolivian altiplano at over 3,600 metres above sea level, and the great Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat — begins just a few kilometres from town. Getting there from La Paz is an adventure in itself, whether you choose the overnight bus, the old-fashioned train via Oruro, or the short flight. Here is how each option works, along with the altitude considerations you need to take seriously.

The most popular way: overnight cama bus

The overnight cama bus is the route most travellers take, and for good reason. Semi-cama (reclining) and full cama (near-flat) seats are available on several operators, including Todo Turismo and Trans Copacabana, departing from La Paz's main bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre) in the evening and arriving in Uyuni in the early morning after around 10–11 hours.

The journey crosses the stark, extraordinary altiplano through the night, and arriving in Uyuni at dawn — when tour operators collect passengers for salt flat sunrise tours — is actually well timed. Full cama seats are worth paying a little extra for on this stretch; the road is paved but the altitude and overnight cold make a comfortable seat a genuine investment.

Bring warm layers regardless of season. Temperatures on the altiplano drop significantly at night even in summer, and bus heating can be unreliable. A neck pillow and an eye mask will help you sleep.

The scenic alternative: Wara Wara del Sur train via Oruro

Bolivia still has a passenger rail network, and the Ferroviaria Andina (FCA) operates the Wara Wara del Sur service from Oruro to Uyuni — a slow, atmospheric journey across the altiplano that takes about 6–7 hours from Oruro. The catch is that there is no direct train from La Paz to Uyuni; you first need to travel from La Paz to Oruro (roughly 3.5–4 hours by bus or shared taxi), then pick up the train.

The Wara Wara del Sur runs only a few times a week, so check the current schedule at the Oruro station or via FCA's website before planning around it. Seats come in first-class (with slightly wider, more comfortable chairs) and regular class. The train is popular with locals and has a genuine old-world character that the bus cannot match; the views of the high plateau in daylight are sweeping.

Combined journey La Paz → Oruro → Uyuni: allow at least a full day, or use the bus-to-Oruro leg as an opportunity to explore Oruro town (known for its famous Carnival) before the evening train onward.

The fastest way: flying

Both Amaszonas and BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) operate small-aircraft flights between El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz and Uyuni Airport (UYU). The flight itself takes roughly 45–55 minutes, and is an extraordinary experience: the approach to Uyuni crosses the salt flat at low altitude, giving you a bird's-eye view before you land.

Flights operate several times a week rather than daily, and schedules can change seasonally. Seat numbers are limited — these are turboprop aircraft on a small regional route — so book well ahead, especially in dry season (May–October) when the salt flat is at its most photogenic and Uyuni is busiest. Fares are higher than the bus but comparable with or cheaper than European domestic flights when booked early.

One practical note: Uyuni airport is small, but the connection to the town and salt flat tours is easy. Most tour operators will collect passengers at the airport.

Organising a salt flat tour

Almost all visitors to Uyuni join a guided jeep tour of the Salar — typically one-day, two-day or three-day circuits that take in the salt flat's geometric hexagonal patterns, the Incahuasi Island of cacti, flamingo-rich lagoons on the Chilean border and the Eduardo Avaroa reserve. Book through one of the licensed agencies in Uyuni town; comparison-shopping the day before departure is entirely normal and perfectly safe. Prices are fairly standardised and competition keeps quality reasonable.

The three-day tour ending at the Chilean border (San Pedro de Atacama) is a popular onward route into Chile, avoiding the need to return to La Paz — worth planning if your route takes you south. See our guide to visa requirements by destination if you are crossing into Chile.

Which should you choose?

The overnight cama bus is the default for most travellers: a good balance of cost, convenience and timing (you arrive at sunrise, which suits early salt flat tours). The train via Oruro is the choice for anyone who values a slower, more characterful journey and has a flexible schedule — it is genuinely beautiful. Flying makes sense if time is short or if the salt flat view from the air is itself on your wish list; just book early and confirm the schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the bus from La Paz to Uyuni?

Approximately 10–11 hours on an overnight cama service, departing La Paz in the evening and arriving in Uyuni early the following morning.

Is there a direct train from La Paz to Uyuni?

No direct service. You travel to Oruro first (about 3.5–4 hours by bus), then pick up the Ferroviaria Andina Wara Wara del Sur train to Uyuni — around 6–7 hours from Oruro, running only a few times a week.

Which airlines fly La Paz to Uyuni?

Amaszonas and BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) are the main operators on this regional route. Flights take roughly 45–55 minutes but do not run daily, so check current schedules and book ahead.

Should I worry about altitude sickness on this route?

Altitude is a real consideration. The entire journey takes place above 3,600 metres. Allow time to acclimatise in La Paz before travelling, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol in the first days, and seek medical advice if you feel unwell. Most travellers acclimatise without difficulty, but the risk is genuine and should not be dismissed.