La Paz's El Alto Airport (LPB) is one of the highest commercial airports in the world, sitting at 3,900m (13,000 ft.) above sea level. This means that large planes like 747s cannot land there, and smaller planes must ensure they have a light load. As a result, there are very few international flights that fly directly into La Paz, with most landing in Santa Cruz.
American Airlines offers non-stop flights from the US (via Miami) to La Paz. Other airlines that fly to La Paz include Aerosur, Taca, LAN, Avianca, BoA, EcoJet, and Gol Linhas Aeréas.
What You'll Learn
El Alto International Airport in La Paz
El Alto International Airport, also known by the airport code LPB, is located in the city of El Alto, Bolivia, 13 kilometres (8 mi) west of La Paz. At an elevation of 4,061.5 metres (13,325 ft), it is the highest international airport in the world and the seventh-highest commercial airport.
The airport has been in service since the first half of the 20th century and was modernised in the late 1960s with a new passenger terminal and runway extension. It was inaugurated in 1965 and has since undergone several renovations, including a new terminal building in 2006. The airport features various shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as essential facilities such as ATMs and currency exchange offices.
El Alto International Airport is characterised by its high altitude, which presents unique challenges for aircraft operations. Most commercial wide-body aircraft cannot operate at full load due to the thin air at this altitude. As a result, much of the international traffic to and from Bolivia is handled by Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is located at a lower elevation.
The airport is served by several airlines, including Boliviana de Aviación, Ecojet, and LATAM. It offers nonstop flights to several destinations within Bolivia and South America, including Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba, and Lima. El Alto International Airport is a crucial gateway to La Paz and the surrounding region, providing essential air transport connections for passengers and cargo.
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Airlines that fly to La Paz
There are a few different airlines that offer flights to La Paz, depending on which La Paz you are travelling to.
La Paz, Bolivia
El Alto International Airport is the closest airport to La Paz, Bolivia. There are currently 4 airlines that fly to La Paz, Bolivia. These are:
- BoA (which operates 8 routes to LPB)
- LATAM (3 routes to LPB)
- EcoJet (3 routes to LPB)
- Avianca (2 routes to LPB)
La Paz, Mexico
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport is the airport in La Paz, Mexico. There are 4 airlines that fly to La Paz, Mexico. These are:
- Volaris (which operates 5 routes to LAP)
- VivaAerobus (4 routes to LAP)
- TAR Aerolíneas (2 routes to LAP)
- Aeromexico (1 route to LAP)
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Cheapest day to fly to La Paz
According to KAYAK, the cheapest day to fly to La Paz is Tuesday, where tickets can be as cheap as $488. On the other hand, Saturday is the most expensive day to fly, with prices averaging $564.
La Paz, Mexico
If you're flying to La Paz, Mexico, then you'll be landing at Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP). The cheapest round-trip flight to La Paz costs $86, while one-way flights start at $48.
La Paz, Bolivia
If you're flying to La Paz, Bolivia, then you'll be landing at El Alto International Airport (LPB). The cheapest round-trip flight to La Paz costs $86, while one-way flights start at $122.
According to momondo, the cheapest month to fly to La Paz is May, with prices averaging $498. September is also a good month for cheap flights, with prices averaging $726.
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La Paz's airport code
La Paz has two airports, each with its own airport code. El Alto International Airport, located in the city of El Alto, is the primary airport serving La Paz, Bolivia. Its airport code is LPB. The other airport, Manuel Márquez de León International Airport, serves La Paz, Mexico, and has the airport code LAP.
El Alto International Airport (LPB) is located about 13 kilometres (8 miles) west of La Paz, Bolivia. At an elevation of 4,061.5 metres (13,325 feet), it is the highest international airport in the world and the seventh-highest commercial airport. The airport has two runways, with the main runway allowing large aircraft operations at higher altitudes. El Alto International Airport is served by various domestic and international airlines, including Avianca Aerovias, LAN Airlines, American Airlines, and Boliviana de Aviación.
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP) is situated along the western shore of the Gulf of California in La Paz, Mexico. It serves as the primary air gateway to the city and is a hub for the regional airline Calafia Airlines. The airport accommodates military facilities and supports various tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities. Airlines such as COPA Panama, Delta, Aeromexico, and Aeroenlaces Nacionale frequently operate from this airport.
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La Paz's airport amenities
La Paz International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Márquez de León, is located in La Paz, Mexico. It is the main terminal for transportation in the city, with both international and domestic flights. The airport is one of the busiest in Mexico, serving as a hub for several domestic and international airlines.
Airport Amenities
La Paz International Airport offers a range of amenities for travellers. Here are some of the key amenities available:
- Parking Services: The airport provides two parking options. There is an uncovered parking area outside the terminal that is free of charge for short stays. For longer stays, a covered parking area is available in the west wing, offering 24-hour security.
- Information Services: The airport has an information counter in the main hall and tourist information desks in both the domestic and international departures areas.
- Dining Options: There are limited dining options within the airport. A 24-hour Juan Valdez coffee house is located near the landside airline check-in desks, and a restaurant in the airside area may also be open around the clock.
- Shopping: The airport offers duty-free shopping and a small variety of souvenir shops.
- Lounges: Economy class passengers can access the VIP lounge by purchasing a pass. The lounge offers comfortable seating, food and beverages, workspaces, and entertainment, including television, newspapers, and magazines.
- Medical Services: A 24-hour medical clinic is available in the international arrivals area, along with a nearby pharmacy.
- SIM Cards: SIM cards can be purchased from kiosks in the landslide check-in/arrivals area.
- Currency Exchange: Currency exchange services are available, typically operating from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
- ATMs: ATMs are located in the main hall on the ground floor.
- Ground Transportation: The airport provides easy access to ground transportation. Taxis are readily available at flat rates for key destinations. Bus services may also be available to the city and other places within Mexico.
- Car Rentals: Several car rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty, have kiosks at the airport.
- Accessibility: The airport meets Mexican government standards for accommodating passengers with special needs. It provides reserved handicap parking, ramp access, adequate space for wheelchairs, disabled-accessible elevators and restrooms, and assistance for passengers requiring wheelchairs.
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