LA PAZLeaving El Alto International: transport guide
Highest international airport in the world (4,061 m). Take it slow. Airport taxis quote 2–3× fair rate.
LPB (El Alto International) serves La Paz, Bolivia. The recommended way out is Pre-arranged hotel pickup or radio-taxi call (~BOB 80–120, 30–50 min (descent)). Pickup: Curb outside Arrivals.
- BOB 80–120ExpectedWhat locals pay
- BOB 200+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- USD 30 flat quoteScamWalk away
Pre-arranged hotel pickup or radio-taxi call
- Typical fare
- BOB 80–120
- Journey time
- 30–50 min (descent)
- Pickup
- Curb outside Arrivals
Every way out, ranked
- 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
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
Teleferico + walk
- Cost
- BOB 5
- Journey
- 45–60 min
- Wait
- Frequent
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Ultra cheap
- Scenic descent
Cons- Not practical with luggage
From gate to city
- 1Move slowly — you're at 4,061 m
- 2Withdraw BOB at ATM (small notes)
- 3Book pre-arranged pickup or call a radio taxi
- 4Refuse curbside touts
- 5Sip water on the descent to La Paz proper
- Small BOB notes
- Water for altitude
- Pre-arranged pickup or radio taxi
Common scams & payment traps
- Cash BOB essential — card almost never accepted
- Refuse USD pricing
Curb taxi altitude scam
Medium riskDrivers exploit altitude-sick tourists with BOB 200+ quotes.
HOW TO AVOID · Radio taxi kiosk inside Arrivals or hotel pickup only.
What locals & travellers say
“El Alto is 400 m higher than La Paz center — you descend on arrival, which helps altitude symptoms.”
- "El Alto is 400 m higher than La Paz center — you descend on arrival, which helps altitude symptoms." — Airport Exit
Take it with you
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.
Keep reading
Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Confidence
- medium
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/lpb-la-paz
Airport Exit (1970). LPB — La Paz (El Alto International) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lpb-la-paz
"LPB — La Paz (El Alto International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, July 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lpb-la-paz.
Airport Exit. "LPB — La Paz (El Alto International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated July 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lpb-la-paz.