Updated on 11/01/2019
Traveling through Bolivia by bus, or flota, as it is called, is one of the best ways of getting around on a budget. Buses cover most of Bolivia’s destinations and the most popular routes have daily departures at different times. Of course, land travel in Bolivia is not without complications, but often the getting-there is as stunning and beautiful as the destination. Here are TicketsBolivia’s five tips for getting around this amazing country safely, relaxed and on a budget.
1.Be prepared
- Wear layers
Being prepared is important in order to enjoy traveling by bus. For example, know that if you will be traveling at night, especially through the highlands (La Paz, Oruro, Potosi, Uyuni, and even to or from Cochabamba and Sucre) it can get very cold at night, and even if buses claim to have air conditioning, they sometimes don’t. Or it isn’t working. So, be sure to have blankets and/or warm clothes handy to put them on if you need them. Don’t leave your warm clothes in luggage that will be put in the storage area! Keep them on hand. Likewise, if traveling by day through low-lands it may get really hot and stuffy. Make sure you can take off some layers in order to be more comfortable.
- Bring snacks
Also, be sure to always have water and some food when you travel. Snacks are usually not included with the bus ticket, so most buses stop at least once so passengers can go to the bathroom and buy a snack, or have lunch or dinner in small towns along the highway. But there are many circumstances that could affect the length of your trip, for example road blocks or the bus breaking down. Mostly these issues are resolved within a few hours, but it is always best to be prepared.
2. Know what to expect
- Random stops
You must understand that bus companies and drivers are trying to make the most profit from each trip. And that there are many people who live in villages or small towns along the highway and need to travel. So don’t be alarmed if the buses stop once in a while to pick up passengers off the road, even if there is no space on the bus. People are used to sitting on the floor, or stairways. I’ts cultural, and it responds to a social and economic reality, and it won’t change in the near future. Also, there are people who get on the bus at every opportunity in order to sell food, drink, candy, and miracle remedies.
- Rainy season
Unfortunately, when traveling in Bolivia and Peru, there a different types of problems that can occur causing a delay or cancellation of your trip. The rainy season, between November and February/March can cause landslides, flooding and other complications on some routes. Accidents are rare but to avoid them companies and transit authorities will cancel departures and there is not much that can be done other than waiting for the conditions to improve or taking a different, longer route. This is why, if you are traveling in Bolivia/Peru/Chile/Argentina during the rainy season be aware that this could happen and plan sufficient time to get to your destination, especially if you have a flight to take. Please note that during the rainy seasons it is common for flights to be cancelled too, so wherever your destination, don’t book close connections.
- Roadblocks
Bolivia and Peru have a strong culture of protests and strikes. Long strikes (24 hours and longer) are usually announced but sometimes small communities will block major roads for a certain number of hours and without warning. Sometimes there is no alternative road and no other solution than to wait for the roadblock to lift. Some other times it is possible to cross the blockade by foot and take another method of transportation but these situations vary a lot and the bus company will do what they can to help you get to your destination.
- Be patient
It is also not unheard of that buses may wait up to an hour past their scheduled departure time for the bus to fill with passengers. This is especially the case for informal bus companies who do regional routes (La Paz-Copacabana for example). If this will upset you, ask before you buy or go to the bus terminal where formal companies operate with fixed schedules. Approximate journey times and frequencies can be consulted at the counter of the bus companies, and also in websites like that of Tickets Bolivia, but be aware that these can change according to demand. Also if departure time is more rigid, arrival times are usually more approximate and bus can arrive earlier or later than planned. Never plan a connection with less than 2 hours between the trips
3. Know where you’re sitting
- Types of seats
There are three types of buses in Bolivia: Lie-flat (cama), semi-lie-flat (semi cama) and normal. Buses with lie-flat seats are the most comfortable, and are usually only available for long trips, more than three hours long. The seats recline between 160 and 170 degrees, depending on the bus. We definitely recommend these for long trips. Semi-lie-flat buses have seats that recline between 120 and 130 degrees, and are great on trips that cover shorter distances. Normal buses have seats that recline no more than 110 degrees, and are okay for traveling short distances on a budget. VIP buses with personalized TVs, WiFi, USB plugs and food are not very common in Bolivia yet, unlike its neighboring countries. Only a few bus companies have these types of buses.
- Where to seat in the bus
When selecting a seat, know the pros and cons of each. Seats in the back of the bus may be warmer, good if you-re traveling along the highlands, but the trip may be bumpy, because you’re practically sitting on the back tires. Seats in the front of the bus may yield a smoother ride, but may be colder. Also, if you select window seats, there is a chance a draft may slip through, so make sure you have warm clothes.
At the moment few bus companies have online systems that allow to select a seat at the moment of the purchase. This means that when you book a bus ticket online, you can’t select a specific seat on most routes. When buying your tickets through TicketsBolivia, you can write to us after the booking and let us know your seating preference. If possible the bus company will do everything possible to accommodate each passenger.
4. Be safe
All arrival and departure times shown on our website correspond to local times. Whenever your bus leaves the terminal or arrives at night, between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, be cautious. Do not take a taxi that does not have the proper registration and identification. Here is some information on how to recognize and avoid common scams in Peru and Bolivia.
Usually, the terminals have taxi companies that work with them and are certified. Sometimes, when your bus arrives very early, like 3:00 am, you have the option of staying on the bus until a safer time to leave, like 6:00 am. If you have any doubts about the location of the bus terminal you are leaving from or arriving at, you will find the complete list of terminals and maps on this link: https://ticketsbolivia.com/travel-board.php
Bolivia is a generally safe country where the same logic and common sense applies as anywhere else in the world.
5. Enjoy!
Look out the window, listen to some music, eat some snacks you wouldn’t otherwise, take the time to finally read that book or listen to that podcast and don’t be rushed to arrive at your next destination.
Have a nice trip!
A Bolivia Travel Guide 