Tupiza serves as a central point for bus and train travel in Southern Bolivia. The main bus terminal is located on Avenida Pedro Arraya, while the train station can be found at the intersection of Avenida Serrano and Calle Avaroa. The nearest airports with scheduled flights are Tarija (TJA) and Uyuni (UYU), located approximately 105 km and 161 km away, respectively.
By Bus:
From La Paz, one can take an overnight bus departing around 7: 30 pm or 8:00 pm, arriving in Tupiza between 6:30 am and 7:00 am. Companies like Expreso Tupiza offer services, with prices typically ranging from $15 for a normal seat to $37 for a Suite bus.
Traveling from Sucre, buses depart daily at 6: 00 pm and 9:00 pm, with the journey lasting approximately 8 hours and costing around $15-20.
Direct buses from Potosi are available daily at various times (e.g., 8: 00 am, 12:00 pm, 9:00 pm), taking about 5 hours and costing $8-10. Shared vans, known as 'Rapiditos,' also run from Potosi's former bus station, departing when full for about $12.
From Uyuni, direct bus services run multiple times a day, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, and tickets costing between $2-14.
When arriving from Villazon (the border with Argentina), daily buses are available at 10: 00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm, costing around $3. Shared 'Rapiditos' also offer frequent departures for $3-4, taking about 1.5 to 3 hours.
By Train:
From Villazon, trains typically run on specific days (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) departing at 3: 30 pm and arriving in Tupiza around 6:30 pm. This 3-hour journey costs approximately $4-5.
A weekly train service operates from Uyuni to Tupiza, departing around 6: 00 am and arriving by 1:23 pm. This journey takes about 7 hours 23 minutes and costs $3-7.
To Uyuni, trains depart Tupiza on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 6: 25 pm, arriving around 11:25 pm after a 5-hour ride.
From Oruro, one can find train services to Tupiza, with the journey taking approximately 14 hours 15 minutes and costing around $17.
By Air:
While Tupiza has a small airport, it does not serve commercial flights. Travelers often fly into Uyuni (UYU) or Tarija (TJA) and continue to Tupiza by bus or private transfer. For example, a flight from La Paz to Uyuni followed by a bus or shared taxi to Tupiza is a common option.
By Car/Private Transfer:
Private car transfers are available from various cities, such as from Villazon for approximately $50, or from Sucre for around $300 (for 1-5 passengers). Driving from Uyuni to Tupiza typically takes about 2 hours 49 minutes and costs $10-14 in fuel.
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