Exploring Bolivia: A Direct Flight From New York?

Yes, you can travel from New York to Bolivia by plane. There are no direct flights, but you can get a connecting flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The average duration of flights with one stopover is 14 hours.

Flight prices and best times to book

One-Way Flights

The cheapest one-way flights from New York to Bolivia are around $254-$258. However, these prices are not fixed and may change depending on the date of departure and the chosen airline.

Return Flights

The cheapest return flights from New York to Bolivia are around $548. As with one-way flights, these prices are subject to change.

Best Time to Book

It is recommended that you book your flight from New York to Bolivia at least 47 days in advance to save up to 46% on the ticket price. Booking 1-2 weeks out can also lead to cheaper prices, with tickets from $730.

The cheapest month to fly to Bolivia is September, with prices as low as $497. Conversely, the most expensive month to fly is December.

The cheapest day of the week to fly is Friday, whereas the most expensive day is Sunday.

Airlines

Popular airlines for this route include United Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca, and LATAM Airlines.

Airports in Bolivia

Bolivia has 3 international airports located in the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.

El Alto International Airport, La Paz

This is one of the alternatives for passengers flying from New York to Bolivia.

Jorge Wilsterman International Airport, Cochabamba

This airport is located in Cochabamba.

Viru Viru International Airport, Santa Cruz

This is Bolivia's largest airport and the busiest airport in the country, with about 186 domestic and 60 international flights per week.

Other airports in Bolivia

• La Joya Andina Airport, Uyuni
• Rurrenabaque Airport, Rurrenabaque
• Copacabana Airport, Copacabana
• Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport, Sucre
• Alcantarí Airport, Sucre
• El Trompillo Airport, Santa Cruz
• Juan Mendoza Airport, Oruro
• Capitan Nicolas Rojas Airport, Potosí
• Teniente Jorge Henrich Arauz Airport, Trinidad
• Zelin Zeltun Lopez Airport, Riberalta
• Capitan Oriel Lea Plaza Airport, Tarija
• Cap. Germán Quiroga Guardia Airport, San Borja
• Yacuiba Airport, Yacuiba

There are also a number of new airports that are set to open in Bolivia, including in the cities of Oruro, Potosi, Copacabana, Monteagudo, Camiri, San Ignacio de Velasco, and Ramón Darío.

Airlines that fly to Bolivia

There are several airlines that offer flights from New York to Bolivia. These include:

• Avianca
• Copa Airlines
• LATAM Airlines
• United Airlines

Avianca

Avianca offers flights from New York to Bolivia with a stopover. A one-way flight with this airline can be as cheap as $306.

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines also provides flights from New York to Bolivia, with tickets for as low as $259 one-way.

LATAM Airlines

LATAM Airlines operates flights from New York to Bolivia, with multiple stops.

United Airlines

United Airlines provides flights from New York to Bolivia, with one or multiple stopovers.

It is worth noting that flight prices can vary depending on the date and time of travel, the number of stopovers, and the airline. It is recommended to check and compare prices across different airlines and travel dates to find the best deal for your specific travel plans.

Visa and passport requirements

To enter Bolivia, U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport and a visa. Applications for Bolivian visas may only be submitted within 90 days of the date of entry to Bolivia. The visa can be obtained at any Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the United States or neighbouring country. Alternatively, a tourist visa can be purchased at any land or air border.

The requirements for a Bolivian visa include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A 2"x2" passport-sized photograph.
• An International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• Proof of a round-trip ticket or copy of the travel itinerary.
• Proof of lodging in Bolivia, including the address of the accommodation. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host may be required.
• Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay—a minimum of $200 per day.

The Bolivian visa costs $160 US and is valid for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year. It can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival.

It is important to note that if you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate visa. Additionally, make sure to get entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time you enter or leave the country.

Layover cities

When flying from New York to Bolivia, there are several cities where you can have a layover. The most common layover cities depend on your departure airport in New York and your chosen airline. Here are some of the most common layover cities for flights from New York to Bolivia:

• Miami International Airport (MIA): This airport is a common layover point for flights to Bolivia, especially if you're flying with American Airlines or Boliviana de Aviación (BoA).
• Panama City: If you're flying with Copa Airlines or Avianca Airlines, you'll likely have a layover in Panama City.
• Bogota: Bogota is a frequent layover city for flights to Bolivia, especially if you're flying with Avianca Airlines.
• Lima: Lima is often a layover city for flights to Bolivia, particularly if you're travelling with LATAM Airlines or Avianca Airlines.
• Punta Cana: This city can be a layover point if you're flying with JetBlue and have a second layover in Bogota.
• Sao Paulo: If you're flying from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), you might have a layover in Sao Paulo.
• San Salvador: This city can be a layover point if you're flying with United Airlines or Avianca Airlines.
• Quito: Quito may be a layover city if you're flying with JetBlue and have a second layover in Cartagena.

These are some of the most common layover cities for flights from New York to Bolivia. The specific layover city will depend on your chosen airline, departure airport, and flight route.

Frequently asked questions