A Direct Route To Uyuni, Bolivia: Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Uyuni, Bolivia? Here's what you need to know about flying there. Uyuni is served by the small domestic airport, Joya Andina Airport (UYU), which is about 1 mile from the city centre. Currently, the only airline flying to Uyuni is BoA, with direct flights from La Paz (LPB) taking around 1 hour. The cheapest one-way flight from La Paz to Uyuni can be as low as $78, while round-trip flights typically range from $155 to $183. Keep in mind that prices may increase during the peak tourism season in June. To find the best deals, consider booking your flights in advance and being flexible with your travel dates.

Getting to Uyuni from La Paz

There are several ways to get to Uyuni from La Paz, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a detailed breakdown of the different options:

By Air

The quickest and simplest way to travel between La Paz and Uyuni is by air. The flight time is less than an hour, and tickets can be as cheap as $50 USD one way if booked in advance. There are two airlines that service this route, Amaszonas and Boliviana de Aviacion, with around six flights available daily. This option is also the most expensive and least eco-friendly.

By Train

Taking the train from La Paz to Uyuni is a unique and affordable option. However, the train doesn't depart from La Paz, so you'll first need to take a 3-4 hour bus to Oruro, where you can catch the train to Uyuni. The train journey itself offers a picturesque and exciting travel experience. On the downside, the train services don't run daily, and Uyuni can be a bit sketchy at night, so it's advisable to avoid arriving after 9 pm.

By Bus

Taking a bus from La Paz to Uyuni is a cost-effective and time-efficient option. There are several bus companies that operate overnight trips, allowing you to save money on accommodation and arrive in Uyuni early in the morning, just in time for your tour. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, covering a distance of 731 km. Buses depart La Paz daily in the evening, between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm, and arrive in Uyuni around 5:30 am to 7:00 am. The bus ticket typically includes various amenities like reclining seats, a snack pack, a toilet, and sometimes even a hot meal and blankets.

Taking a Tour

Another option is to book a tour of the Salt Flats that originates in La Paz and includes the journey to Uyuni. This can be a great choice if you're nervous about travelling independently in Bolivia. However, it is more expensive than travelling on your own and joining a tour in Uyuni.

Airlines that fly to Uyuni

Uyuni is served by Joya Andina Airport (airport code UYU), a small domestic airport in Bolivia. There are no international flights to Uyuni, so to get there from another country, you will need to fly into Bolivia and then take a connecting flight to Uyuni.

The only airline that flies directly to Uyuni is BoA, which operates flights from La Paz. These flights take around 1 hour.

Other airlines that fly to Uyuni with a stopover include Boliviana De Aviación, Hahn Air, and Avianca.

When searching for flights to Uyuni, it is worth bearing in mind that the average cost of arrival tickets is $175, and prices usually increase during the peak tourism season in June. It is recommended to book your flights in advance to take advantage of possible discounts.

How to find cheap flights to Uyuni

Uyuni is a small town in Bolivia, with a lot to offer in terms of nature and activities. There is only one airport in Uyuni, the Joya Andina Airport (airport code: UYU), which is a domestic airport. The airport is located about 1 mile from the Uyuni city centre.

Book in Advance

It is advisable to book your flights to Uyuni in advance to take advantage of possible discounts. The average cost of a one-way ticket to Uyuni is US$175, with the lowest cost being US$142, and the lowest round-trip ticket costing US$183.

Choose the Right Time to Fly

The peak tourism season in Uyuni is in June, so prices for flights and accommodations tend to increase during this period. The cheapest month to fly to Uyuni is typically September, with an average price of US$169 for a flight ticket. April is also mentioned as a good month for cheap flights, with prices ranging from US$180 to US$260.

Compare Different Airlines and Routes

The only airline that flies directly to Uyuni from other cities in Bolivia is BoA. However, to get to Uyuni from another country, you will need to book a flight with a stopover through La Paz. Some popular routes to Uyuni include flights from La Paz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba, and Trinidad.

Use Flight Search Engines

You can use online travel agencies and flight search engines, such as KAYAK, Expedia, and Trip.com, to compare prices and find the best deals on flights to Uyuni. These platforms allow you to track prices, set price alerts, and filter your search results based on your preferences.

By following these tips and keeping an eye on prices and discounts, you can increase your chances of finding cheap flights to Uyuni and planning a budget-friendly trip.

Airports in Uyuni

Uyuni Airport (IATA: UYU, ICAO: SLUY), also known as Joya Andina Airport, is located just northwest of Uyuni, in the southwestern Potosí Department of Bolivia. It is the only airport in Uyuni and is the closest to downtown, making it the most convenient airport for travellers to the city.

The airport is at a very high elevation and is close to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. It was opened in 2011 by the Bolivian president Evo Morales. Uyuni Airport features a 4,000-metre-long and 45-metre-wide paved runway, the second longest in Bolivia. Currently, the airport is served by a single airline, Boliviana de Aviacion, which offers regular flights to and from La Paz and Cochabamba.

The fastest nonstop flight from La Paz to Uyuni takes 1 hour, and there are direct flights available every day. The cheapest days to fly are usually in April, with prices ranging from $180 to $260. The best deals for flights from La Paz to Uyuni are typically offered by BoA, with the lowest round-trip deal priced at $155 and the lowest one-way deal at $78.

How long does it take to fly to Uyuni?

The duration of your flight to Uyuni depends on your departure airport and whether you choose a direct or indirect route.

Direct Flights to Uyuni

Uyuni is served by one airport, Uyuni Joya Andina Airport (UYU), which is a small, domestic airport. There is only one airport that operates direct flights to Uyuni, La Paz (LPB). This flight takes around one hour and covers a distance of 177 miles (285 km).

There are two airlines that serve Uyuni: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Amaszonas. BoA typically flies twice per day to Uyuni from La Paz, once in the morning and once in the evening. Amaszonas also flies twice per day from Uyuni to La Paz, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Indirect Flights to Uyuni

The most popular route to Uyuni is from New York, which takes 32 hours and 5 minutes.

Alternatives to Flying

If you would prefer not to fly, there are other ways to get to Uyuni. You can take a bus or a train. The bus from La Paz to Uyuni takes around 12 to 15 hours. The train from Oruro to Uyuni takes around seven hours and costs around $25.

Frequently asked questions