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How to get to Salar de Uyuni from Santa Cruz?

How to get to Uyuni from Santa Cruz?

Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, in the middle of the Andes in southern Bolivia, is the legacy of a prehistoric lake that dried up and left a desert landscape of almost 11,000 square kilometers of bright white salt. Its mystical attraction is the water mirrors, a gigantic expanse that reflects light, creating impossible optical effects. If you are planning to travel from Santa Cruz to Uyuni, here are the different options for flights, buses, or trains, with all the details and information you need on how to get to Uyuni from Santa Cruz.

By Air:

To get to Uyuni, we will take a flight with a stopover in Cochabamba. Please note that in 2023, the only airline offering this route is Boliviana de Aviación which has a minimum stopover in Cochabamba.

Airport details:

*Stopovers: Check the flight stopovers depending on your interests, as there is usually more than one stopover.

**Prices: The price is a reference price and depends on the travel date and stopovers.

We recommend planning your trip in advance to get the best fares and schedules.

By land

If you are looking for adventure and more affordable prices, this option is definitely for you. We have two routes with transfers in either Potosí or Oruro. Departure times vary and give you enough time to have lunch and explore part of the city.

Route via Potosí

For this adventure, we will head to the Bimodal Terminal in Santa Cruz (Av. Montes). The standard departure time is 5:00 p.m., and the trip takes approximately 18 hours. Since it is an overnight trip, take advantage of the opportunity to rest, and we will arrive at the New Bus Terminal in Potosí (Av. Las Banteras). Then, head to your new bus terminal (Potosí Interprovincial Terminal/Former Terminal (Av. Poleuducto)). It is necessary to go to a new terminal to transfer in Potosí (there is a distance of 2.5 km, 8 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes walking between the two terminals). On the way, you can get to know the city better, eat, and relax. You will have enough time to have lunch and board your new bus.

Once you arrive at the new terminal according to the schedule you have chosen (starting at 4:00 p.m.), you will travel for approximately 5 hours, finally arriving in Uyuni.

SCHEDULE

DEPARTURE                                            ARRIVAL / Prices

Santa Cruz 5:00 p.m. – – – – – – – – Potosí 11:00 a.m. (the following day) /26 USD

Potosí 4:00 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. – – – – – – – – – – – Uyuni 8:00 p.m. / 8:30 p.m. / 9:30 p.m. / 10:30 p.m. / 7 USD

Route through Oruro

We will board the bus from the Santa Cruz Bimodal Terminal (Av. Montes), with departure times between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and you will travel for approximately 15-18 hours (depending on the company). You will travel through the night, so take advantage of the opportunity to rest. We will arrive at the New Bus Terminal in Oruro (Av. Circunvalación), where you can explore the city and get something to eat. Unlike Potosí, you will leave from the same terminal. Explore the city as much as you can!

Then, depending on the schedule you have chosen (1:00 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m.), you will travel for 5 hours until you reach the town of Uyuni. The companies operating this route from Santa Cruz to Oruro are Trans Copacabana S.A. and Trans Copacabana 1 M. For the Oruro to Potosí section, the companies are Trans Avora and Flecha Bus – Norte.

SCHEDULE
DEPARTURE                                        ARRIVAL / PRICES

Santa Cruz 5:30 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. – – – – – Oruro 10:30 a.m. / 8:00 a.m. (the following day) / $29 USD

Oruro 1:00 p.m. /3:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. /6:30 p.m. – – – – – – – – Uyuni 5:30 p.m. /7:00 p.m. /9:00 p.m. / 10:30 p.m. / 5 USD

Where can I buy bus tickets?

On digital platforms:

Purchase them in person. If you are an independent traveler, you can bring Bolivian cash (the official currency of Bolivia) to purchase your tickets at each terminal. Remember that this is subject to availability.

Through a travel agency: If you are a practical traveler, this is undoubtedly the best option. You can entrust this task to your travel agency.

Can you get from Oruro to Uyuni by train?

It is possible to get there by train. Check availability and that the route is operational. Consult your travel agent.

Where can I buy train tickets?

You can buy tickets directly at the Oruro station – Ferroviaria Andina S.A., located on Velasco Galvarro Street at the corner of Aldana Street. Or online at Tickets Bolivia.

Through a travel agency: if you are a practical traveler, this is undoubtedly the best option. You can leave this task to your travel agency.

When is the best time to visit Uyuni?

The best time to travel to Uyuni is between January and April, as this is the rainy season, which brings the salt flats to their maximum splendor.

Recommendations:

  1. Travel with travel insurance, as you will be traveling through isolated areas at high altitudes. Remember that it is best to travel with caution.
  2. Bring warm clothing, especially if you are coming from warm areas. Remember that it is located at 3700 meters above sea level and temperatures range from -3°C/26.6°F to 21°C/69.8°F.
  3. Bring Bolivianos (Bolivian currency) in cash.
  4. Bring useful items: Towels, sunscreen, sunglasses (you can buy them in the town of Uyuni), buy them before going to your hotel (establishments open around 8:30 a.m. due to weather conditions).
  5. Bring extra batteries (there may be power outages).
  6. If you are traveling during the high season (the best time to travel), purchase your tickets in advance. Remember to plan your trip.

How to get to Uyuni from Santa Cruz

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