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La Paz El Alto Layover Guide (LPB)

What are you looking for in LPB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

La Paz Airport (LPB) is an international airport located in El Alto, Bolivia. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown La Paz. The airport officially opened in 1965. La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and one of the highest cities in the world. It’s known for its dramatic mountainous setting, unique culture, and the famous cable car system offering stunning views of the surrounding Andean peaks.

Can you leave La Paz Airport (LPB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Layover passengers at La Paz (LPB) may exit the airport after clearing immigration. Visa requirements depend on nationality: Group 1 (visa-exempt) enter freely, Group 2 obtain visa-on-arrival at LPB, and Group 3 must secure a visa in advance. Transit-only in the airside for <24 h requires no visa. Processing times vary. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Teleférico Soaring above La Paz, the Teleférico offers breathtaking city and mountain vistas, connecting vibrant neighborhoods via modern cable cars departing every ten minutes for an unforgettable urban sky journey. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 minutes.)
• Valle de la Luna Explore Valle de la Luna’s surreal spires and gullies sculpted over millennia, wandering winding trails through dramatic terrain resembling another planet, ideal for nature photography and short, immersive outdoor adventures. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~35 minutes.)
• Mercado de las Brujas Stroll through Mercado de las Brujas, discovering indigenous rituals, herbal remedies, and colorful textiles sold by local Aymara vendors amid mystical souvenirs and centuries-old spiritual traditions in La Paz’s heart. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 minutes.)
• Plaza Murillo Visit Plaza Murillo, La Paz’s political epicenter, admiring the presidential palace, cathedral facades, and vibrant street life as locals gather daily for events, surrounded by colonial architecture and cultural landmarks. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes.)
• Calle Jaén Discover Calle Jaén’s charming cobblestone lane lined with colorful colonial houses housing hidden mini-museums, artisanal shops, and cafes offering insight into Bolivian history and vibrant traditional culture on every corner. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes.)
• Museo de la Coca Explore Museo de la Coca to learn about coca leaf’s cultural significance, traditional uses, and botanical history through informative exhibits, artifacts, and rich interactive displays celebrating Andean heritage and traditions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 minutes.)
• Sopocachi Wander Sopocachi’s bohemian quarter, enjoying vibrant street art, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and lively bars nestled among tree-lined avenues, offering a relaxed atmosphere to experience local life and creative energy. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes.)
• Salteña Tasting Sample authentic salteñas at renowned street stalls in La Paz, savoring juicy, savory pastries filled with chicken, beef, potatoes in spicy sauce for a quick, delicious taste of Bolivian cuisine. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes.)

Things to Do in La Paz Airport (LPB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
LPB hosts a Boliviana de Aviacion VIP lounge offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, hot and cold beverages, WiFi, flight information screens and restrooms. Guests can purchase day passes at the lounge entrance or enjoy access through eligible frequent flyer programs and premium cabin tickets, ensuring a relaxing pre-flight experience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although there is no on-site hotel at LPB, several accommodations are within five minutes by shuttle in El Alto. Options range from budget to mid-range properties offering airport shuttles, 24-hour front desk service, private bathrooms and breakfast. Early reservations can secure competitive rates and complimentary transfer services. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
LPB’s terminals feature designated rest zones with reclining seats and dimmed lighting ideal for brief, short naps. There are a few quiet corners and basic benches throughout the departure area. While full sleeping pods are unavailable, travelers can recline in the VIP lounge or book a nearby hotel room.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: LPB provides free WiFi throughout both domestic and international terminals. Users must register with an email address or social media account and enjoy two hours of complimentary browsing at speeds. Beyond the free period, paid high-speed plans are available through local telecom kiosks inside the terminal for extended connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple mobile network operator kiosks near the arrivals hall sell Bolivian SIM cards with voice and data bundles. Travelers must present a passport for registration. Plans are affordable with tiered data quotas and daily, weekly or monthly durations. eSIM activation is supported online for immediate connectivity and top-up assistance. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The official LPB taxi stand is outside the arrivals area with a staffed booth for fare quotes. Officially licensed taxis offer fixed rates to central La Paz, payable in bolivianos or major credit cards. Vehicles are clean sedans driven by professional, English-speaking drivers for safe, dependable 24-hour service.

Train: LPB has no direct railway connection. Instead, travelers use La Paz’s Mi Teleférico efficient aerial cable car network from various city stations. Route maps, fare details and operating hours are published on the official Mi Teleférico website. more info

Bus: Free bus shuttles link LPB with La Paz and El Alto, departing hourly from the ground transport plaza between 05:00 and 22:00. Tickets are sold at arrivals counters. Coaches feature luggage compartments, comfortable seating. more info

Shuttle: Several hotels and private shuttle operators offer pre-booked transfers to and from LPB. Vehicles vary from vans to minibuses and can be arranged directly with service providers or via travel agencies. One-way and return options include meet-and-greet assistance and bilingual drivers to streamline arrivals and departures.

Car rentals: Major international and local rental companies operate desks inside the arrivals hall. Vehicle categories include compact cars, SUVs and four-wheel-drives, with GPS, child seats and insurance upgrades. Bookings can be made online in advance or at the counter. Drivers must present a valid international driving permit and passport. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: LPB features secure short-term and long-term parking areas adjacent to the terminal. Rates are charged per hour or per day, with discounted weekly rates available. Payment is accepted by cash or credit card at automated kiosks. A courtesy drop-off lane allows five-minute free loading and unloading.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

LPB does not offer dedicated luggage storage or lockers within the terminal. Travelers seeking secure storage must use nearby private facilities in El Alto or central La Paz. Some hotels and shuttle services provide temporary baggage holding as part of transfer packages, but it is advisable to confirm availability beforehand. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- La Paz Airport (LPB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks