In short
- Overnight buses from La Paz take 8 to 10 hours and cost $15 to $35.
- Trains from Oruro take 7 hours and offer beautiful scenery.
- Multi-day tours from San Pedro de Atacama take 3 to 4 days.
In this article
Planning how to get to Uyuni depends on your budget and starting point. Uyuni town is the main transport hub, accessible by bus, train, and domestic flights. Alternatively, you can cross into Bolivia via a multi-day tour from Chile.
How do you get to Uyuni from La Paz by bus?
The overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni is the most popular budget option, taking 8 to 10 hours.
Tickets cost between $15 and $35. Buses usually depart in the evening and arrive early the next morning. This timing allows you to easily join a standard 10:00 AM salt flat tour on the same day.
Are there domestic flights to Uyuni?
Yes, you can fly from La Paz to the Uyuni airport.
Flying is the fastest option. However, flights can be delayed or canceled due to heavy rain, making landing dangerous. Always check current airline schedules and have a backup plan during the wet season.
How does the train to Uyuni work?
You can take a 7-hour train from Oruro to Uyuni for $10 to $20.
The train lines are Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara del Sur. You first need to travel from La Paz to Oruro to catch the train. The route offers excellent views of the Altiplano scenery.
Can you get to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama?
Yes, you can book a multi-day jeep tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
These cross-border expeditions take 3 to 4 days and cost between $150 and $500. You will travel through the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, stopping at high-altitude deserts and colored lakes before reaching the salt flats.
Which transport option is best?
The overnight bus is the most efficient budget choice, while Atacama tours offer the most scenery.
Choose the bus if you want to save money and time on lodging. Choose a cross-border jeep tour if you want to explore the southern volcanic region.
Do I need a tour once I arrive in Uyuni?
Yes, independent driving on the salt flat is highly dangerous.
You should book a guided 4x4 Jeep tour departing from Uyuni town. The salt crust can be deceptively thin, and it is easy to get lost without visual markers.
Questions travellers ask
Where do Salar de Uyuni tours start?
Guided 4x4 Jeep tours depart from Uyuni town, Tupiza, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
How high is Salar de Uyuni and will I get altitude sickness?
The salt flat sits at an altitude of 3,656 meters (11,995 feet). Consult a physician before visiting if you have heart or respiratory conditions. Prevent Altitude Sickness
Do I need cash for the Salar de Uyuni tour?
Yes, bring cash in Bolivianos. You will need it for bathroom fees, tips, and park entry fees, like the 150 BOB required for the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
