Distance 463 km (289.4 miles) | |
Price range US$18-US$201 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h-10h | |
Earliest Departure 00:30 | |
Latest Departure 11:40 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 9h
Cheapest bus: US$18
Uyuni is a city in the southwest of Bolivia, but that won't be your final destination. It's the gateway to the world's largest salt flats, Salar de Uyuni.
This masterpiece of Mother Nature, formed by a prehistoric lake, spans a mind-blowing 4,000 square miles (10,000 square kilometers) and has now become Bolivia's most popular tourist spot.
The otherworldly landscape features vast, blindingly white salt crusts that, when covered with rainwater, create a mesmerizing, mirror-like effect. It's a sight to behold and a photographer's dream!
Ready to tick off this bucket list destination? There are two ways to get from La Paz to Uyuni: by bus or flight.
Flying is the fastest way to get from La Paz to Uyuni, reducing a 10-hour bus ride to a manageable 1-hour flight. However, this speed comes at a higher price!
If you're on a budget, the bus is a great option. Most buses travel at night, so you can save money on accommodation and not waste a day traveling.
If you're still unsure whether to take a bus or a flight, continue reading to find out everything you need to know. Plus, how to explore Uyuni and the best time to visit.
Seeing the Salar de Uyuni for the first time is probably all you're thinking about. We don't blame you. Seeing this natural wonder is something you'll never forget, but people don't realize there are other awesome things to do when visiting Uyuni.
Here are some of the best things on offer which you shouldn't miss:
Explore Salar de Uyuni. Obviously, this has to be number one on the list. Stretching as far as the eye can see, this white-as-snow landscape truly is unique. In total, there are an estimated 10 billion tons of salt here!
The best way to visit is a multi-day tour to explore deep into the salt flats and see everything it offers.
Visit Incahuasi Island. Located at the heart of the salt flat, this island is covered in giant cacti and offers panoramic views over the salt flats. Its striking contrast to the surrounding whiteness provides even more incredible photo opportunities.
See the Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes). Just outside Uyuni, you'll undoubtedly have already seen pictures of this hauntingly beautiful spot filled with rusting, abandoned trains from Bolivia's mining era. Save space on your camera, as more great photo opportunities await here.
Make sure to stargaze. Uyuni's clear skies and remote location make it a perfect spot for stargazing. On clear nights, especially in the dry season (May to November), the salt flats provide a dark, reflective surface, creating a stunning display of stars and the Milky Way.
Relax at the Hot Springs of Polques. After exploring the salt flats, relax in the Polques Hot Springs in the nearby desert. With views of mountains and lagoons, it's a peaceful way to unwind and reflect on the unforgettable experience you've just had.
There are two ways to get from La Paz to Uyuni: by bus and flight. Your decision is between saving your budget and saving your time.
The bus is the cheapest way to get from La Paz to Uyuni. Tickets start at $17.
Get ready to make yourself comfortable. Depending on the company, this journey takes 8-10 hours. The good news is that almost all the buses travel overnight, helping the time pass faster. Plus, you won't waste a whole day traveling.
If you're willing to pay a couple of dollars more, upgrade to a sleeping bus or one with 160° reclining seats. With this extra level of comfort, you might actually get a good night's sleep and wake up energized to explore the next day.
Those short on time can start their tour of Salar de Uyuni on the same day the buses arrive, as they arrive early.
All buses depart from La Paz Bus Station and arrive at Uyuni Bus Station.
The fastest way to get from La Paz to Uyuni is to fly. The flight takes about one hour, but remember to account for the time spent transferring to and from the airport, checking in, and collecting luggage.
Flights depart from La Paz El Alto Airport daily at 7:40 a.m. and arrive at Uyuni Airport at 8:40 a.m. Boliviana de Aviacion operates the flight.
Tickets can vary greatly depending on the season and how far in advance you book them. You can often find them for around $100.
Your experience of the journey from La Paz to Uyuni will differ significantly depending on your transport option.
Those who decide to fly will leave behind Bolivia's capital city and arrive in Uyuni in no time!
Unfortunately, travelers opting for the overnight bus won't see much of Bolivia's landscape along the way. Hopefully, the comfortable buses will help you arrive rested in Uyuni and ready to explore.
Pro tip: As with all bus trips, to avoid anything super important from being stolen, keep your valuables on you, especially when you're sleeping.
The best time to visit Uyuni really depends on your preferences, as both seasons offer very different experiences.
During the wet season, between December and April, the Salar de Uyuni transforms into a massive natural mirror due to a thin layer of water on the salt flats. It creates a stunning reflection effect, making it difficult to decipher when the earth ends and the sky begins. The downside to this period is that heavy rains can sometimes make certain areas inaccessible.
If you want to access the entire area, including places like Incahuasi Island, visit during the dry season, from May to November. These months offer a completely different appearance. The iconic cracked, polygonal patterns on the white salt crust emerge due to the dryness of the salt flats.
Most travelers spend two to three days in Uyuni to fully experience the salt flats and surrounding attractions.
A tour is one of the easiest ways to explore the area, so here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
One-day tour: Ideal if you're short on time. This tour covers the highlights of Salar de Uyuni, including spots like Incahuasi Island and the Train Cemetery.
Three-day tour: This is the most popular option. You have enough time to explore Uyuni's surrounding region, including the colorful lagoons (like Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde), geysers, hot springs, and even more surreal desert landscapes. A multi-day tour allows for overnight stays in unique accommodations, like salt hotels.
Four (or more) day tour: For those wanting to go deeper into the landscape, some tours offer extended trips beyond the salt flats and into Bolivia's Eduardo Avaroa National Park, showcasing lesser-known landscapes and wildlife.
Many people return to La Paz after visiting Uyuni, but if you want to explore another city in Bolivia, hop on a bus to Sucre, a stunning white-washed city overflowing with history.
Those ready to leave Bolivia can use Uyuni as a jumping-off point to San Pedro de Atacama, a Chilean town known as the gateway to the desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.
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