Planning a trip to the Andean city of La Paz? Our guide will take you through the various options for covering the distance from La Paz Airport to the city, helping you decide which is best for you based on your needs. Depending on your time and budget, there are three ways to travel from La Paz Airport to the city: a La Paz Airport taxi, a private transfer, or the bus.
The bus from El Alto Airport to La Paz is the cheapest option, making it ideal for solo travelers and backpackers. A local taxi from La Paz Airport to La Paz city is the fastest and most convenient option, typically taking between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. If safety, reliability, and comfort are your priorities, you can’t go past a private La Paz Airport transfer, especially if you’re traveling as a larger group or family.
3 ways to get from La Paz Airport to the City
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €26 | 35min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A private transfer offers the most flexibility and safety, making it an ideal choice for families with children and anyone visiting Bolivia for the first time. | ||||||
Taxi | €12.40 | 35min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Make sure to always carry cash on you as most taxis in La Paz don't accept card payments. | ||||||
Bus | €1.40 | 50min | 05:00–23:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| To find out where and when exactly the bus will arrive, it is recommended to download an app like Google Maps or Moovit. | ||||||
For those looking for comfort and privacy, the best transportation option for transferring from El Alto Airport to the La Paz downtown area is a taxi. Although more costly than public transport, your driver will drop you directly at your hotel or accommodation in as little as 35 minutes. Each taxi can seat up to 4 passengers, and you’ll be able to store your luggage in the trunk.
*Note that official La Paz Airport taxis are blue and white and have ‘Aeropuerto’ written down the side of the vehicle.
How much is a taxi from El Alto Airport to the city?
La Paz taxis don’t always offer set-rate fees or use taximeters. Instead, drivers may decide on the fee based on your precise pickup or drop-off location. To avoid surprises, it’s always best to agree on a price before beginning your journey. As a guide, from La Paz Airport to the city, your taxi fare should come to around €12.40 (BOB 100). However, additional costs for the number of passengers, late-night travel, and drop-offs at luxury hotels may apply depending on the driver.
For peace of mind, we recommend booking your taxi in advance with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups. That way, you’re guaranteed to be picked up on time for a competitive prepaid fixed fare.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Catching a taxi from La Paz Airport to the city is easy. Once you’ve collected your bags, simply exit through the Arrivals Hall, where you’ll find the official taxi stand.
Convenience
Although more expensive than taking the bus, taxis are by far the most convenient option for anyone wishing to travel to their accommodation in a comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned vehicle.
Compared to public transport, using a taxi to get from La Paz Airport to the city will save you time and effort in navigating the city and also provide you with flexibility if you land or depart at unusual hours. The downside is that you may have to negotiate a fair price, and card payments aren’t always an option.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe most affordable way to travel from La Paz Airport to the La Paz downtown area is to take a local bus. The 212 bus departs regularly, providing a reliable option for budget or solo travelers. Some of the stops are: Plaza Juana Padilla, Transit Battalion, Technological Institute, Cemetery, Plaza 14 de Septiembre, and Mercado Lanza. The trip should take around 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your final stop.
How much does the bus from El Alto Airport to the city cost?
Taking Bus 212 is definitely the most affordable option for those traveling on a tight budget, with a one-way ticket costing less than €0.70 (BOB 5). You can purchase tickets from the driver directly using cash.
The bus is available daily between 05:00 and 23:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
To find the bus stop at the airport, exit the main airport hall, cross the street, and look for the sign displaying the bus tariffs. There’s normally a queue of local people waiting to board the bus.
Bus 212 runs from the airport parking lot to the main bus station and Plaza Isabel La Católica in the city center.
Convenience
In terms of convenience, catching the bus from La Paz Airport to the city center isn’t the best way to travel. Buses are often crowded and make multiple stops, and can be especially stressful for anyone carrying heavy luggage or traveling with children. However, if you aren’t bound to a tight schedule and have light luggage, the bus is a great way to immerse yourself in the local population and save some money.
Otherwise, for a totally stress-free ride, you can hop straight into a waiting vehicle on arrival and be dropped right outside your hotel when you pre-book a transfer with Welcome.
Timetables
Bus 212 Timetable
El Alto Airport (LPB) - La Paz City Center
Useful Tips
If you don’t want to spend your precious vacation time waiting around or looking for a taxi, a private La Paz Airport transfer offers the most convenient and reliable transport option to get from La Paz Airport to your destination. The trip will take 40 minutes or less in light traffic, and you’ll benefit from lots of extras, such as:
Furthermore, throughout your journey, your driver will point out some of La Paz’s main attractions while sharing some of their favorite ways to pass the time in this exciting city.
How much is a private transfer from El Alto Airport to the city?
Unlike local taxis, when you book a La Paz Airport transfer, the price you’re quoted at the time of booking will be the final fare, so you won’t have to worry about extra charges for things like luggage or traveling at night.
For instance, the price for up to three passengers is €26 (BOB 210) for a transfer to the city in a stylish sedan. If you need more space, the next size up is a minivan, with room for 7 passengers and all their luggage. This fully inclusive service costs €34 (BOB 275). Finally, our largest minivans cost €39 (BOB 316), with room for up to 9 passengers.
The booking process is quick and easy and can be completed either online or via the Welcome Pickup app. Simply enter a few personal details and your flight information, and select a time around 40 minutes after your scheduled arrival.
Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from El Alto Airport.
Where will my driver meet me?
Your professional driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall after you land, just outside the Baggage Claim area. To help you recognize them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, plus a recent photo will be emailed to you before traveling. Following a warm welcome to La Paz, your driver will lend a hand with your luggage and show you and any traveling companions to your private vehicle.
Convenience
While an airport taxi is a great choice of transport, nothing beats the convenience of being greeted by an English-speaking driver upon arrival and knowing that all your travel arrangements have been taken care of. When you book a private transfer with a company like Welcome, you can relax knowing you’ll have access to a 24/7 customer support team and unbeatable fixed fare prices.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How to reach city center from El Alto Airport?
Three different means of transportation are available from El Alto Airport to La Paz city center; you can cover the route by taxi, private transfer, or shared bus. If you choose to take a cab or airport transfer, your travel time will be around 35 minutes. These are the most reliable options on weekends. The most affordable option for your transport from La Paz Airport to the city is via bus 212, which takes approximately 50 minutes to reach the city center.
How much is a taxi from El Alto Airport to the city?
When you take a taxi from El Alto Airport to the city, the price will be determined by the driver, based on your exact destination. Nevertheless, you can expect to pay around €12.40 (BOB 100) for the 35-minute trip.
You can also pre-book a trusted local driver with Welcome to pick you up and introduce you to the city at a competitive set fee with no hidden fees!
Can you take the train from La Paz Airport to the city?
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains or trams that cover the distance from La Paz Airport to the city. The only feasible public transport options are a local bus or a taxi.
Is there a shuttle from La Paz Airport to the city?
Yes, the public bus services from El Alto Airport to La Paz can be found right outside the airport terminal in the airport parking area. Bus services are available daily and run every 15 minutes. Alternatively, for a more comfortable and convenient option, you could pre-book your private La Paz Airport taxi transfer with Welcome!
Transfer Options in La Paz
La Paz Taxi | Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in La Paz, Bolivia | Welcome
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