Sucre, Bolivia: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital city, is served by the Alcantarí International Airport. The airport is located in the Yamparáez municipality, about 25-30 kilometres south of Sucre. It was inaugurated on May 15, 2016, to replace the old Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport, which had security issues and space concerns. The modern airport features a large platform, a two-floor terminal, and a long runway, enabling night operations. While there are currently no international flights, the airport offers daily domestic flights to various destinations within Bolivia.

Alcantarí International Airport

The modern airport features a 3600-metre runway, a platform of 28,000 square metres, and a passenger terminal of 5,660 square metres. The airport property spans approximately 345 hectares. Unlike its predecessor, Alcantarí International Airport is capable of accommodating night operations. The airport project was ongoing until 2020, with plans to further enhance the facility and establish a cargo terminal to attain full international airport status.

The airport's terminal is designed with two floors, with departures located on the first floor and administrative offices on the top floor. The airport boasts a spacious parking platform measuring 3,680 square metres. Transportation to and from the airport is convenient, with taxi services charging Bs 50 ($7.20 US) for a single passenger and Bs 60 ($8.70 US) for two or more passengers. Alternatively, passengers can opt for a minibus service from the corner of Av Gregorio Donoso and Calle Camargo, with a set cost of Bs 8 ($1.15 US) per person.

Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport

Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport was formerly Sucre, Bolivia's main commercial airport. It is now a base for the Bolivian Air Force. The airport is located 10 kilometres from downtown Sucre and was once a small airport that handled national flights daily. However, due to its high altitude, the airport often experienced excessive cloudiness, which made the approach difficult and resulted in frequent flight delays and changes due to fog. The airport was also not open 24 hours a day, operating only from sunrise to sunset.

The runway at Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport is 9,400 feet (2,900 metres) long and sits at an altitude of 9,528 feet (2,904 metres). This high altitude often caused altitude sickness in travellers arriving in Sucre via rapid air travel. The airport was named after Juana Azurduy de Padilla, a figure in Bolivia's fight for independence from Spain.

Due to security concerns, continuous complaints, and limitations with the Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport, a new airport was constructed. On May 15, 2016, after 41 years of service, the Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport ceased commercial flight operations, and all activities were transferred to the newly built Alcantarí Airport. The following year, in 2017, the airport's administration was handed over to the military, transforming it into an air force base.

The new Alcantarí International Airport, located in the municipality of Yamparáez, 25 kilometres south of Sucre, features a two-floor terminal building with departures on the first floor and administrative offices on the top floor. The airport runway is 3.6 kilometres long and 45 metres wide, and there is a 3,680-square-metre parking platform. This modern facility addresses the limitations of the previous airport and improves air connectivity to and from Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital.

Transport options to/from the airport

Sucre, Bolivia, is served by Alcantarí International Airport, located in the municipality of Yamparáez, 25-30 kilometres to the south of the city. The airport replaced the Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport, which was located only 10 kilometres from downtown Sucre.

By taxi

The price of a taxi to and from the airport is Bs 50 ($7.20 US). If there are two or more passengers, the rate goes up to Bs 60 ($8.70 US). Taxis are one of the safest modes of transport in Sucre and can be called upon anytime and anywhere.

By minibus

Minibuses leave from the corner of Av Gregorio Donoso and Calle Camargo. The cost is Bs 8 ($1.15 US) per person.

By bus

Sucre's bus terminal is located 2km (20 blocks) from the city centre. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, which costs around Bs. 4 ($0.60) per person. From the bus terminal, there are daily routes to Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. It is recommended to book bus tickets in advance as seats do sell out.

By train

A train service known as the "Ferrobus" runs between Potosi and Sucre. It takes around 8 hours and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The service operates three days a week in each direction, leaving at 8am. Tickets cost around 25 bolivianos. The train departs and arrives at Sucre's El Tejar station, a short taxi ride from the centre of the city.

The airport's facilities

Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital city, is served by the Alcantarí International Airport (IATA: SRE, ICAO: SLAL). The airport is located in the Yamparáez municipality, about 25-30km to the south of Sucre. It was inaugurated on May 15, 2016, to replace the old Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport, which had security issues and space concerns.

The Alcantarí International Airport features a modern design and offers a range of facilities to cater to the needs of travellers. Here is a detailed overview of the airport's facilities:

• Terminal Building: The terminal building is a two-floor structure, with departures located on the first floor and administrative offices on the top floor. The terminal covers an area of 5,660 square meters and is designed to handle passenger traffic efficiently.
• Runway: The airport boasts a lengthy runway measuring 3,600 meters in length and 45 meters in width. This runway can accommodate a range of aircraft and enables safe take-offs and landings.
• Platform: Alcantarí International Airport has a spacious platform spanning 28,000 square meters. This area is used for aircraft parking, ground handling, and other aviation-related operations.
• Parking: The airport provides a dedicated parking area for short-stay parking needs. This open-air parking lot is conveniently located a few meters away from the main entrance, ensuring easy access for passengers and visitors.
• Transport Options: Travellers can choose from various transport options to and from the airport, including taxis and minibuses. The taxi fare from the airport to the city centre is typically Bs 50 ($7.20 US) for one passenger and Bs 60 ($8.70 US) for two or more passengers. Minibuses offer a more economical option, with a set cost of Bs 8 ($1.15 US) per person.
• Luggage Storage: For added convenience, the airport offers a luggage storage service that allows passengers to store their bags by the hour or day, providing flexibility for those with layovers or waiting periods.
• Wi-Fi and Communication: Travellers can stay connected at the airport thanks to the availability of Wi-fi internet access. Additionally, phone booths are provided for making international and local calls, ensuring that passengers can stay in touch with their loved ones or make travel arrangements as needed.
• Shopping and Dining: The airport offers a selection of shops and dining options. Passengers can purchase locally famous chocolates, such as Para Ti and Taboada, and there is a café-restaurant located on the second floor. While the airport may not have a wide variety of dining choices, it provides sufficient options for travellers passing through.
• Travel Services: The airport houses a travel agency, assisting travellers with their booking and travel arrangement needs. This service can be particularly useful for those seeking accommodation, tours, or further transportation within Bolivia.

It is important to note that, as of the information available, the airport does not have any ATMs or money exchange services. Therefore, passengers are advised to ensure they have sufficient local currency (Bolivianos) before arriving at the airport.

The old Sucre Airport

Sucre in Bolivia is served by the Alcantarí International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometres south of the city. The airport was inaugurated on 15 May 2016, replacing the old Sucre Airport, which was located in a dangerous area with limited space. The new airport is a bigger and better facility with a 3,600-metre runway and a passenger terminal of 5,660 square metres. It is capable of handling night operations, and it serves as a gateway to Bolivia's capital, providing better connections to the rest of the country and beyond.

The former Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport was replaced by the modern Alcantarí International Airport, which offers improved facilities and safety features. The new airport features a spacious terminal with two floors, a large parking platform, and a lengthy runway capable of handling various aircraft.

The construction of the new airport in Sucre, Bolivia, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and addressing the shortcomings of the old airport facility. With its modern design, expanded capacity, and improved safety features, the Alcantarí International Airport is poised to play a crucial role in bolstering the region's connectivity, accessibility, and economic development.

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