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LA PAZLeaving El Alto International: transport guide

El Alto International · Bolivia
LPB
Medium riskUpdated July 2026Medium confidence

Highest international airport in the world (4,061 m). Take it slow. Airport taxis quote 2–3× fair rate.

TL;DR

LPB (El Alto International) is the main international airport serving La Paz, Bolivia. The recommended way out is Pre-arranged hotel pickup or radio-taxi call (~BOB 80–120, 30–50 min (descent)). Pickup is at Curb outside Arrivals. The most common scam to watch for is "Curb taxi altitude scam". Fares on the LPB → central La Paz route typically run BOB 80–120; anything above USD 30 flat quote is almost certainly a scam. Last updated July 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

Pre-arranged hotel pickup or radio-taxi call

Typical fare
BOB 80–120
Journey time
30–50 min (descent)
Pickup
Curb outside Arrivals
WARNING · Move slowly — altitude sickness hits fast. Do not carry heavy bags to the taxi.
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Compare your options at a glance

OptionCostWaitPaymentPick
Hotel pickup
BOB 120–180Immediate💳Card / Cash
Radio taxi
BOB 80–1205–15 min💵Cash—
Teleferico + walk
BOB 5Frequent💵Cash—
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Your first 30 minutes

  1. 1Move slowly — you're at 4,061 m
  2. 2Withdraw BOB at ATM (small notes)
  3. 3Book pre-arranged pickup or call a radio taxi
  4. 4Refuse curbside touts
  5. 5Sip water on the descent to La Paz proper
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Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
58/ 100
Stay sharp
  • Public transport30
  • Rideshare40
  • Taxi honesty45
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Fare reality check

LPB → central La Paz
  1. ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
    BOB 80–120
  2. ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
    BOB 200+
  3. Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
    USD 30 flat quote
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Best ways out, ranked

  1. 1

    Hotel pickup

    RECOMMENDED
    Cost
    BOB 120–180
    Journey
    30–50 min
    Wait
    Immediate
    Payment
    💳 Card / Cash
    Pros
    • Fixed
    • Driver helps with altitude
    Cons
    • Costs more
  2. 2

    Radio taxi

    Cost
    BOB 80–120
    Journey
    30–50 min
    Wait
    5–15 min
    Payment
    💵 Cash
    Pros
    • Regulated
    • Fair pricing
    Cons
    • Call ahead or use kiosk
  3. 3

    Teleferico + walk

    Cost
    BOB 5
    Journey
    45–60 min
    Wait
    Frequent
    Payment
    💵 Cash
    Pros
    • Ultra cheap
    • Scenic descent
    Cons
    • Not practical with luggage
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Paying without surprises

  • Cash BOB essential — card almost never accepted
  • Refuse USD pricing
07

Common scams

Curb taxi altitude scam

Medium risk

Drivers exploit altitude-sick tourists with BOB 200+ quotes.

HOW TO AVOID · Radio taxi kiosk inside Arrivals or hotel pickup only.

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What locals & travellers say

LPB·La Paz
“El Alto is 400 m higher than La Paz center — you descend on arrival, which helps altitude symptoms.”
Official AirportAirport ExitChecked July 2026confirmed
  • "El Alto is 400 m higher than La Paz center — you descend on arrival, which helps altitude symptoms." — Airport Exit
09

Arrival checklist

  • Small BOB notes
  • Water for altitude
  • Pre-arranged pickup or radio taxi
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LPB arrival FAQs

What is the safest way to leave El Alto International?
Pre-arranged hotel pickup or radio-taxi call. Move slowly — altitude sickness hits fast. Do not carry heavy bags to the taxi..
Are taxis at LPB safe?
Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: curb taxi altitude scam — Drivers exploit altitude-sick tourists with BOB 200+ quotes. Radio taxi kiosk inside Arrivals or hotel pickup only.
Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at LPB?
Ride-hailing availability at LPB varies — check the app before you land. Where it works, the pickup point is usually outside the arrivals curb in a marked zone.
How much should a taxi from LPB to the city centre cost?
Expected fare on the LPB → central La Paz route is roughly BOB 80–120. Anything around BOB 200+ is high — USD 30 flat quote is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
Do I need cash for a taxi at LPB?
Carry small local notes — Hotel pickup expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
Where is the official taxi pickup at El Alto International?
Curb outside Arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
Is LPB safe to arrive at late at night?
LPB is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
What scams should I watch for at LPB?
The most reported at LPB: Curb taxi altitude scam. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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