El Alto International Airport serves Bolivia’s largest city, located high in the Andes at over 13,000 feet above sea level. The airport handles domestic and international flights with a busy schedule due to its strategic position near La Paz. Travelers experience thin air that affects takeoff and landing, requiring experienced pilots. The terminal provides basic services for passengers waiting in cold mountain weather. Its location makes it one of the busiest airports in South America despite challenging conditions.
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) £1 ≈ BOB 15.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Bolivia, particularly in larger cities, but cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Bolivia, but leaving 10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common in Bolivia and is not widely accepted outside of private spaces or licensed establishments. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas and licensed establishments but is prohibited in most indoor public spaces. |
| Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day) (May) |
Expect some business closures and public celebrations. |
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| Carnival (February) |
Expect lively celebrations, street parties, and crowded events. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Uber |
| Other: | Bolivia offers a range of natural attractions, including the Uyuni salt flats, the Amazon rainforest, and the high-altitude city of La Paz. |
El Alto International Airport (LPB) sits at a staggering altitude of 4,061 meters (13,325 feet), which means travelers arriving here should be mindful of altitude sickness and take necessary health precautions. The airport features a single-terminal facility serving both domestic and international flights, combining basic modern amenities with the charm of Bolivian culture.
The terminal is clean and offers essential services such as duty-free shops, cafés and restaurants. Several travelers report that some processes, like immigration and security, can be disorganized and not always well communicated, especially for non-Spanish speakers. Limited English signs and language support can add to the confusion.
Due to the challenging altitude and mountainous location, some visitors experience difficulties with acclimatization upon arrival. The airport provides medical units and has luggage storage, free Wi-Fi and basic passenger services. Those planning longer waits or overnight stays can book ‘sleep cabins’ within the terminal, although comfort expectations should be moderate.
Transport options to La Paz and El Alto city centers include frequent buses, taxis and private transfers, with bus services running mostly during the day. Taxis operate 24/7 but tourists should use official services to ensure safety and fair pricing.
The Lounge VIP at El Alto Airport offers a quiet environment with comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a peaceful atmosphere. Access is granted to business and first-class passengers or on a pay-per-use basis, providing a welcome respite in an otherwise utilitarian terminal.
Accommodation in the nearby area includes a range of hotels in La Paz and El Alto, from simple budget to comfortable mid-range options. There are no hotels within the airport itself, but several nearby hotels offer shuttle services to the airport.
To La Paz:
The main way to get from El Alto Airport to La Paz city is by taxi or bus. Bus line 212 runs every 15 minutes from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM and costs roughly BOB 3 (£0.19), taking about 50 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis offer a significantly quicker ride, about 40 minutes, costing around BOB 160 (£10.22). Official taxis are found just outside arrivals; using authorised services is recommended for safety.
To El Alto:
El Alto city centre is very close to the airport, approximately 5 kilometres away. Taxis and local minibusses provide frequent and affordable connections. Walking is not recommended due to altitude and urban layout.
To Uyuni:
For travel to Uyuni, most passengers connect via flights from El Alto Airport or opt for lengthy bus journeys. Planning flights ahead is essential as services are irregular and seasonal.
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