How to get to Uyuni from Santa Cruz: A complete guide for your adventure in the Salar
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, in eastern Bolivia, is one of the country’s main gateways. From this modern, tropical city, you can embark on an unforgettable journey to Uyuni, home to the famous Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. If you’re planning a trip to this incredible destination, here are all the options for getting to Uyuni from Santa Cruz, with practical recommendations to help you choose the route that best suits your itinerary.
✈️ Direct flight from Santa Cruz to Uyuni (via La Paz)
Currently, there are no direct flights between Santa Cruz and Uyuni. However, you can take a flight from Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) to La Paz, and from there take another flight to Uyuni (UYU). This is the fastest and most comfortable way to get there.
- Flight duration Santa Cruz – La Paz: Approximately 1 hour
- Flight duration La Paz – Uyuni: 45 minutes
- Estimated total time: Between 3 and 5 hours (including the connection)
- Recommended airline: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA)
👉 This option is ideal if you have limited time and want to arrive rested to start your tour of the salt flats the next day.
🚌 Bus from Santa Cruz to Uyuni (with a transfer in Potosí or Sucre)
If you’re looking for a more economical option and are willing to travel by land, you can take the bus, although there is no direct service between Santa Cruz and Uyuni. The route includes a mandatory connection in Sucre or Potosí.
Route 1: Santa Cruz → Sucre → Uyuni
- Santa Cruz to Sucre
- Transportation: Overnight bus
- Duration: 12 to 14 hours
- Companies: Trans Copacabana, El Dorado, 6 de Octubre
- Departures: Late afternoon/evening
- Sucre to Uyuni
- Transportation: Day or night bus
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Companies: 6 de Octubre, Emperador, Diana Tours
Route 2: Santa Cruz → Potosí → Uyuni
1.Santa Cruz to Potosí
Transportation: Overnight bus
Duration: 14 to 16 hours
Companies: Trans Copacabana, El Dorado, Trans Emperador
2. Potosí to Uyuni
- Transportation: Local bus
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Frequency: Daily departures in the morning
👉 This option is ideal if you have more time. You want to explore other colonial cities in the country, and you prefer to save on transportation.
🚗 Private Car or 4×4 Trip
For those seeking flexibility and comfort, it’s also possible to hire private transportation or rent a 4×4 vehicle and travel the Santa Cruz – Uyuni route by road. Although the journey is long (over 750 kilometers), it allows you to explore the Bolivian Altiplano at your own pace.
- Recommended Route: Santa Cruz – Sucre – Potosí – Uyuni
- Estimated Duration: 18 to 22 hours (in several stages) Requires experience driving at high altitudes
👉 Recommended only if you are traveling in a group or wish to combine the trip with tourist stops along the way.
Recommendations for your trip to Uyuni from Santa Cruz
- Book your flights in advance, especially during peak season (June to September and December).
- Bring warm clothing even in summer, as Uyuni has a cold and dry climate, especially at night.
- Acclimate yourself if you’re traveling directly from Santa Cruz, as Uyuni is located at over 3,600 meters above sea level.
- If you’re traveling by land, check the weather and road conditions, especially during the rainy season (January to March).
- Bring cash, as there aren’t many ATMs in Uyuni and some businesses don’t accept cards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting from Santa Cruz to Uyuni
- What’s the fastest way to get to Uyuni from Santa Cruz?
Taking a flight to La Paz and then connecting to another flight to Uyuni is the fastest option, with a total travel time of approximately 3 to 5 hours.
- Can I take a direct bus from Santa Cruz to Uyuni?
No. You must make at least one connection in Sucre or Potosí, as there are no direct buses.
- How much does the trip from Santa Cruz to Uyuni cost?
By plane (via La Paz): From $100 to $160 USD one way (depending on the season).
lass=”yoast-text-mark” />>By bus: From $30 to $50 USD total (both legs combined).
>By private transport: From $400 USD per vehicle (price varies).
