Ways to reach Uyuni
Most visitors fly from La Paz or take the overnight bus. From Sucre and Potosí the bus is the usual choice. From Chile you cross the border on a multi-day trip from San Pedro de Atacama. Once you are in town, the next step is a tour, and our guide to Uyuni salt flat tours compares day trips and multi-day routes.
The airport is Joya Andina (UYU). La Paz flights leave from El Alto (LPB). The airline advises arriving 60 minutes before a domestic departure, and check-in closes 30 minutes before.
Routes to Uyuni compared
Journey times and departures for 2026.
| From | Mode | Duration | Departures | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Paz | Flight | About 1 hour | Check the airline schedule for your dates | – |
| La Paz | Overnight bus | 9 hours | 21:00, arrival 06:00 the next day | $44 or $49 |
| Sucre | Overnight bus | About 8 hours | 20:00, 21:00 or 22:00, depending on the company | $24 to $25 |
| Potosí | Bus | 3 to 4 hours | For example 09:30, 16:30 and 17:30 | Ask the company |
| Oruro | Train | – | Check the current timetable | – |
For most visitors with a tight schedule, the flight from La Paz is the simplest option. If you have a night to spare, the overnight bus gets you to Uyuni at 06:00, well before a 10:30 tour departure. From Sucre and Potosí, take the bus.
Our pick: the journey from La Paz included
The sleeper bus from La Paz to Uyuni and back is part of this two-day trip, so you book the transport and the tour together.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Uyuni salt flat tours and day trips
Day trips, multi-day jeep tours and sunset tours, with live prices and availability.
Each route in detail
What to know before you buy a ticket.
Flying from La Paz
The state airline flies the route in about 1 hour. Flight days, departure times and fares change, so check the current schedule for your dates and book early for busy weeks.
Overnight bus from La Paz
One operator runs the bus daily: departure 21:00 from La Paz, arrival 06:00, and 21:00 from Uyuni, arrival 06:30. The fares are $44 for a semi-bed master suite seat and $49 for a full-bed executive seat. Children aged 1 to 11 pay 67 percent of the adult fare, with their own seat and 20 kg of luggage. The 20 percent senior discount applies to Bolivian citizens only. Check holiday dates before you plan around a departure.
Bus from Sucre
Reclining-seat buses leave from Av. Ostria Gutiérrez and take about 8 hours. Three companies run the route, and departures at 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00 depend on the company, so confirm the time on your ticket.
Bus from Potosí
Buses leave from the old bus terminal on Av. Universitaria. Plan for 3 to 4 hours. Example departures are 09:30, 16:30 and 17:30. Ask the company for the current fare.
Train from Oruro
A rail line links Oruro and Uyuni, but the number of weekly trains has changed in recent years. Check the current timetable and fare with the operator before you plan around the train, and keep a bus as a backup.
From San Pedro de Atacama
Several operators run 3-day trips that end in Uyuni, and some run a 4-day round trip back to Chile. The route climbs straight into the highlands, so read about altitude and acclimatization first. Route details are on our San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni page.
Entry rules and road conditions
Practical checks before you travel.
Visas
As of May 2026, US citizens can visit Bolivia for tourism without a visa for stays of under 90 days in a year. German passport holders can stay up to 90 days per calendar year without a visa. Check the rules for your own passport, and make sure your entry is stamped when you cross a land border.
Crossing from Chile
The tour border crossing is Hito Cajón, and your operator handles the timing. Confirm the current opening times before you travel. Chile requires adults to complete a free declaration of animal and plant products on entry, on paper or online. Some look-alike websites charge for it, and you should not pay.
Snow, fuel and blockades
In winter, snow can close roads, including parts of the road between Potosí and Uyuni. In September 2026, fuel shortages in Uyuni led to cancelled tours, so check the current situation before you book. Blockades can appear at short notice. Check the road situation before each leg, never drive through a blockade, and keep a buffer day before any onward flight.
Cash on arrival
Bring Bolivian cash for entrance fees and snacks. Cash machines are in Uyuni, and there are none once you leave town. More on money in our packing list.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go once you arrive.
Getting to Uyuni: frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get from La Paz to Uyuni?
The flight takes about 1 hour and suits a tight schedule. The overnight bus takes 9 hours, leaves at 21:00 and arrives at 06:00. Both work well, and the bus saves a hotel night.
Is there a train to Uyuni?
A rail line connects Oruro and Uyuni. Timetables and the number of weekly trains have changed, so check the current schedule with the operator before you rely on it.
Do I need a visa for Bolivia?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of under 90 days in a year, as of May 2026. German passport holders can stay up to 90 days per calendar year. Other nationalities should check their own entry rules.
How long is the bus from Potosí or Sucre?
From Potosí, plan for 3 to 4 hours. From Sucre the night bus takes about 8 hours and leaves at 20:00, 21:00 or 22:00, depending on the company.
Should I arrive the day before my tour?
For a tour that leaves at 10:30, arriving the evening before is the safer choice, especially in winter, when snow can stop traffic on the road from Potosí. A night in town also gives you time to rest at altitude.
Is this an official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Bolivian tourism authorities, the protected-area administration or any tour operator.