La Paz, Bolivia: Airport To City Center Distance Explored

La Paz, Bolivia, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andes mountains at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. The distance from El Alto International Airport (LPB) to the city centre of La Paz is approximately 6-13 kilometres, and the travel time typically ranges from 12 to 50 minutes depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. Travellers can opt for a taxi, bus, or Uber to make this journey, each offering a unique balance of cost and convenience.

The cheapest way to get to the city centre is by bus, costing $1 or BOB 5

The cheapest way to get from El Alto International Airport to the city centre of La Paz, Bolivia, is by taking the Bus 212. The bus fare is 5 BOB (Bolivianos), which is about 0.70€ or 1 US dollar. The bus leaves every 15 minutes from 5:00 or 6:00 am to 9 or 10 pm, excluding weekends. The bus trip takes about 45 to 50 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions and your final stop. The bus makes 37 intermediate stops, including Plaza Juana Padilla, Transit Battalion, Technological Institute, Cemetery, Plaza 14 de Septiembre, and Mercado Lanza. The final stop is Isabel la Católica Square (Plaza Isabel la Católica) in the Sopocachi area, from where you can walk to most of the places of accommodation in the city centre.

The bus can be located by exiting the main airport hall and crossing the street, where you will find a sign displaying the bus tariffs. There is usually a sizable queue of local people waiting to board the bus. It is recommended to download an app like Google Maps or Moovit to find out where and when exactly the bus will arrive. Carrying small denominations of the Bolivian currency is also advisable, as bus drivers often do not have change for larger bills.

Although the bus is the cheapest option, it is not the most convenient, especially if you are carrying heavy luggage or have children. The bus usually fills up very quickly and can be stressful. However, if you are travelling alone and are not in a hurry, taking the bus is a great way to immerse yourself in the local population and travel in a cost-effective manner.

The fastest way to get to the city centre is by taxi or Uber, taking 12-40 minutes

La Paz International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Márquez de León, is located in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is situated 6km from the city centre, and the travel time to the city centre is between 12 and 40 minutes. The fastest way to get to the city centre is by taxi or Uber, taking 12-40 minutes. Taxis are readily available outside the main terminal hall and operate 24/7. The cost of a taxi ride to the city centre is around €22 (BOB 160) and takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Uber is a more affordable option, costing between $3.00-$5.00 and taking 12 minutes.

When taking a taxi in La Paz, it is important to use only official and authorised taxi services to ensure a safe journey. Radio taxis, which can be identified by the call centre telephone number displayed on the top of the cab, are generally considered safer and more reliable than regular taxis. It is also recommended to agree on a price before starting your journey, as taxi drivers in La Paz do not always use taximeters or offer set-rate fees.

For those travelling on a tighter budget, there are alternative options available. The Cotranstur bus service offers a direct route from the airport to the city centre for $1.00 and takes approximately 38 minutes. Additionally, there are minibus services such as GoTransTur, which depart every few minutes throughout the day and cost less than Bs10. These shared transportation options provide a more economical way to get to the city centre, but they may involve longer travel times and can fill up quickly.

El Alto Airport is located 6-13km from the city centre

El Alto International Airport is located 6-13km from the city centre of La Paz, Bolivia. The airport has been in operation since the early 20th century but was modernised in the 1960s with a new terminal and runway extension. It is one of the highest international airports in the world, sitting at an elevation of 4,061.5 metres (13,325 ft).

There are a few transport options for getting to the city centre from El Alto Airport. The fastest way is by taxi or Uber, which takes around 12-25 minutes and costs between $30-40. A cheaper option is the bus, which takes 38 minutes and costs $1. The bus departs every 15 minutes and is the best option for those travelling on a budget.

If you are staying in La Paz for a few days and want to explore the city, it is recommended to stay near the city centre as most attractions are within walking distance. However, walking in La Paz can be challenging due to the steep hills and high altitude. For longer distances, it is recommended to take a taxi or use the local minibuses called "trufis".

La Paz is a vibrant city that blends traditional Andean culture with modern urban life. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, lively street markets, delicious local cuisine, and friendly locals. The city is also known for its rich history and culture, and visitors can explore museums, galleries, and colonial buildings.

A taxi to the city centre costs around BSB50 or €22

Getting to La Paz City Centre from El Alto Airport

La Paz, Bolivia, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andes mountains at an altitude of over 3,500 metres. The city offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys and is known for its lively street markets, delicious local cuisine, museums, and galleries. Getting to La Paz from El Alto Airport can be challenging due to the high altitude and the distance from the airport to the city centre. However, there are several transport options available, including taxis and buses.

Taxi as a Transport Option

A taxi to the city centre is the fastest and most convenient option, taking around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of a taxi ride from El Alto Airport to La Paz city centre is around BSB50 or €22 (BOB 160). This price is generally fixed, but it is important to agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid any surprises, as airport taxis in La Paz do not always offer set-rate fees or use taximeters.

Taking a taxi provides greater comfort and privacy compared to other transport options. It also offers flexibility in discovering the city, with convenient door-to-door service and 24/7 availability. Radio taxis or taxis called by your hotel are recommended for safety reasons. Additionally, it is advised to carry cash as most taxis in La Paz do not accept card payments.

Alternative Transport Options

For those on a budget, there is a cheaper alternative to taxis. The public bus, specifically Bus 212, costs less than a euro (BSB5 or €0.70) for a one-way ticket and takes about 50 minutes, excluding waiting times. The bus departs every 15 minutes from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, except on weekends. However, buses can fill up quickly, making it challenging to find a seat, especially if you have luggage.

Another option is to take a minibus, which offers shared transportation into the city centre for less than BSB10. GoTransTur is a reputable company that provides this service, with minibuses departing every few minutes throughout the day.

Radio taxis are recommended for safety reasons

El Alto Airport is about 25 to 30 minutes from the centre of La Paz, Bolivia. A taxi ride to the city centre should cost around Bs50. Most hotels can arrange a taxi to pick you up for a small extra charge. Alternatively, you can take a radio taxi from the airport yourself.

Radio taxis are safer and more reliable than regular taxis. They are connected to a central radio station that sends them all over the city. Some of the most popular local taxi providers you can phone are Radio Taxi City La Paz (+591 (2) 222 1212) and Radio Taxi Panamericana Alto Obrajes (+591 (2) 223 1313).

It is also worth noting that many sticker taxis (regular taxis) are not all bad, and most of them will get you to your destination safely. However, as a foreigner, it is recommended to avoid them. Unfortunately, there have been instances of passengers being set up for robberies by thieves along the route the driver takes, especially at night.

To summarise, while both regular and radio taxis are available in La Paz, it is advisable to opt for radio taxis whenever possible for safety reasons. These taxis are tracked and connected to a central radio station, providing an extra layer of security. By choosing a reputable company and confirming the fare in advance, you can enhance your safety and have a more pleasant travel experience in La Paz, Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions