Lyla Lindsey
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, with a third of the nation in the Andes Mountains and the rest featuring a lowland topography. The country has two international airports, located in La Paz and Santa Cruz. There are no direct flights from India to Bolivia, so you will need to take a connecting flight. The major layover airports when travelling from Delhi to Bolivia are London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and Miami. The cheapest month to fly to Bolivia is April, and the best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average time taken to reach Bolivia from major Indian cities | Delhi to La Paz – 32 hours 50 minutes; Chennai to La Paz – 43 hours; Mumbai to La Paz – 36 hours 57 minutes; Bangalore to La Paz – 48 hours 15 minutes |
| Major layover airports | London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, and Miami |
| Airlines offering direct flights to Bolivia | Boliviana de Aviacion, Amaszonas, EcoJet, Iberia, LATAM Airlines, Copa, Avianca, and United |
| Cheapest month to fly to Bolivia | April |
| Best time to visit Bolivia | May to October |
| Airports in Bolivia | Viru Viru International Airport, John F Kennedy Memorial Airport, La Paz, and Santa Cruz |
| Bolivian airlines | Aerosur |
| Means of transport from Argentina to Bolivia | Bus |
| Means of transport from Peru to Bolivia | Bus and boat |
What You'll Learn
Air travel to Viru-Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz or La Paz
Air travel is a common way to reach Bolivia from India, although there are no direct flights between the two countries. The average flight time for this route is 34 hours and 33 minutes, covering a distance of 25,507 km.
The most popular route is Ahmedabad to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 25 hours and 20 minutes. The cheapest ticket to Bolivia from India found in the last 72 hours was ₹180,091, for this route. The most popular airlines flying from India to Bolivia include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines, Jet Airways, Air India, and British Airways.
When travelling from India, you can fly to Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or Buenos Aires, and from there, take a connecting flight to Bolivia. Flights from Miami to La Paz and Santa Cruz are available daily.
The cheapest month to fly to Bolivia is April, and the best time to visit is generally considered to be between May and October, during the dry season.
The main airport in Bolivia is Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz. Other important airports include La Paz, Puerto Suarez International Airport, and Jorge Wilsterman Airport.
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No direct flights from India, so need to fly to Lima, Rio, Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires for a connecting flight
There are no direct flights from India to Bolivia, so you'll need to take a connecting flight. The cheapest ticket to Bolivia from India in the last 72 hours was ₹ 180,091, flying from Ahmedabad to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The most popular airlines flying from India to Bolivia include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines, Jet Airways, Air India, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air France.
When flying from India to Bolivia, you can expect an average flight time of 34 hours and 33 minutes, covering a distance of 25,507 km. The most popular route is Ahmedabad to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an average flight time of 25 hours and 20 minutes. However, flights can range from 32 hours and 50 minutes from Delhi to La Paz, to 48 hours and 15 minutes from Bangalore to La Paz.
When booking your flight, it's recommended to book at least 10 weeks in advance, as ticket prices tend to spike closer to the departure date. The cheapest month to fly to Bolivia is April, and the best time to visit is generally from May to October, during the dry season.
When choosing your airline, consider that Boliviana de Aviación, Amaszonas, EcoJet, Iberia, LATAM Airlines, Copa, Avianca, and United all offer direct flights to Bolivia, so you may want to consider these airlines for your connecting flight into the country.
As for your arrival airport, La Paz and Santa Cruz are the international airports in Bolivia. However, you will first need to fly to a connecting city outside of Bolivia, such as Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or Buenos Aires. From these cities, you can then catch a connecting flight to Bolivia.
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Travel by bus from Argentina or Peru
There are several ways to travel by bus from Argentina or Peru to Bolivia. The distance between Bolivia and Argentina is approximately 1,511 miles by road, and between Bolivia and Peru, it is 1,466 miles.
Argentina to Bolivia by Bus
The journey from Argentina to Bolivia by bus can take between 32 and 38 hours. The route includes taking a bus from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Córdoba, and then another bus from Córdoba to Terminal de Omnibus Retiro. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Cruz to Terminal de Omnibus Retiro directly.
Peru to Bolivia by Bus
The bus journey from Peru to Bolivia is approximately 2 days long. The route includes taking a bus from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to La Paz, and then another bus from La Paz to Lima.
Bolivia Hop
A unique way to travel between Bolivia and Peru is through Bolivia Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus service. Bolivia Hop provides border-crossing assistance and allows travellers to discover hidden gems that are not included in typical tourist routes. The buses can cross the border between the two countries, and staff ensure that travellers get the correct entry and exit stamps. Bolivia Hop also offers day trips from La Paz and Cusco.
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Travel by train from Chile or Argentina
Travellers can take trains from some Chilean and Argentinian cities to reach certain destinations in Bolivia. However, it is difficult to find a direct rail service to Bolivia. Travellers may have to take connecting flights or other modes of transport to reach their intended destinations in Bolivia.
One option is to take the train from Santa Cruz in Argentina to Yacuiba in Bolivia. Travellers can also take the train from Colonia Dora in Argentina to Retiro in Bolivia.
For those who want to experience the unique charm of train travel in Argentina and Chile, there are several options. The "Tren a las Nubes" (Train to the Clouds) is a must-do in the La Puna region of northwestern Argentina. This train journey will take you to the Polvorilla viaduct, which sits at over 4,000 metres above sea level. The train passes through a diverse landscape, with the vibrant green of the vegetation contrasting with the red ochre, yellow, and blue-grey of the mountains. The railway features an impressive array of engineering feats, including 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 corkscrews, and 2 zigzags. The "Tren a las Nubes" is not just about the destination but also about the journey and the opportunity to connect with locals.
Another option for train travel in Argentina is the "Tren Patagónico" (Patagonian Train), which runs from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. This train journey offers passengers the chance to admire the vastness of the Patagonian steppe and the beauty of the Río Negro province. The train company also provides a charter service that can be utilised for various types of trips, offering unique amenities such as a Pullman car, a restaurant, a cinema, and even a disco car.
For those seeking a more coastal experience, the "Tren de la Costa" (Coastal Train) in the province of Buenos Aires provides a delightful journey. This tourist train covers a distance of 15.5 kilometres, passing through elegant residential neighbourhoods alongside the Río de la Plata. The train stops at 11 stations, traversing the "Partidos" of Vicente López, San Isidro, San Fernando, and Tigre. The "Tren de la Costa" boasts modern infrastructure, and several of its stations have been transformed into vibrant commercial hubs with shops, cinemas, and restaurants.
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Travel by road from neighbouring countries
As India and Bolivia are separated by a distance of over 16,000 kilometres, travelling by road is not a viable option. However, it is possible to travel by road from neighbouring countries to Bolivia. Here is some information on how to do that:
Peru
You can travel by road from Peru to Bolivia. Take a bus from Juliaca and Puno in Peru to Copacabana in Bolivia. From Copacabana, you can travel to other parts of Bolivia.
Argentina
There are three routes from the Argentine province of Salta to Tarija or Santa Cruz in Bolivia. These routes go via Bermejo or Yacuiba. To drive in Bolivia, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP), but EU or US driving licences will be accepted. You can also take a bus from Argentina to Bolivia. Some intercountry buses cover the entire route, but with others, you will have to change buses.
Chile and Brazil
You can also enter Bolivia by road from Chile and Brazil. However, the roads originating from these countries are said to be inferior compared to those from Peru and Argentina.
Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador
It is possible to travel by road from these countries to Bolivia, but the sources I found did not provide any specific information on how to do so.
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Frequently asked questions
The most convenient way to get to Bolivia from India is by air. There are no direct flights, so you will have to take a connecting flight via Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, or Miami.
Major domestic carriers like Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, and GoAir operate flights to Bolivia from India. Other airlines that offer cheap air tickets to Bolivia from India include Jet Airways and British Airways.
The average travel time from Delhi to La Paz is 32 hours and 50 minutes. From Chennai, it takes 43 hours, from Mumbai, 36 hours and 57 minutes, and from Bangalore, 48 hours and 15 minutes.
The best time to book flights is typically 10 weeks in advance. The cheapest month to fly is April.
Yes, you can travel to Bolivia by bus from Argentina or Peru, or by train from Chile and Argentina. You can also enter Bolivia by road from neighbouring countries, although the roads from Chile and Brazil are reported to be inferior.
