Bolivia Travel Information
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Getting Around Bolivia
Buses
Long bus trips off the main routes can be erratic. Regular long-distance bus departures between major cities are often overnight services but buses are relatively cheap. Keep in mind that roads are occasionally blocked due to protests, often for several days.
Taxis
For longer trips between towns and cities that aren't served by bus, shared taxis are common. Taxis generally have fixed rates.
Car Hire
There are international and local car hire companies in La Paz and Santa Cruz.
Driving
Most major roads are paved, but B roads can be made of gravel or dirt in country areas. Traffic drives on the right. The national speed limit is 90kph (55mph). The use of seat belts is not enforced and an International Driving Permit is required. This can be issued by Federación Inter-Americana de Touring y Automóvil on production of a national licence, but it is wiser to obtain the International Permit before departure.
Trains
Trains can be a good alternative for long trips and they offer the chance to see some spectacular scenery. Bolivia has two separate and unconnected networks - Eastern and Western. The Eastern network's hub is Santa Cruz from where Ferroviaria Oriental runs trains to the Brazilian borders and the Western line, running from Oruro via Uyuni and Tupiza to Villazon for trains to Argentina, is run by Empresa Ferroviaria Andina. Trains have three to four classes and restaurant cars. Buy tickets in advance from the offices in Santa Cruz and La Paz respectively.
Boats
Double-decker passenger boats operate between the various small islands on Lake Titicaca with regular departures from Copacabana. Motorised canoes traverse the many rivers of the Amazon basin with the most regular departures from Rurrenabaque.
Other
In rural areas, catching a 'truck' is a cheap but rough form of transport.