โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
El Alto International Airport (LPB) is a world-renowned aviation facility serving La Paz, Bolivia, notable for being the highest international airport in the world at an elevation of 4,061.5 meters. The airport operates from a single, two-story passenger terminal building that efficiently manages both domestic and international operations. The terminal's layout is organized with the ground floor (Level 0) handling all arrivals, baggage claim, and customs, while the upper floor (Level 1) houses check-in counters, security screening, and the primary departures zone.
The terminal experience at LPB is uniquely influenced by its extreme altitude, with the facility providing on-site medical units and oxygen assistance for travelers experiencing altitude sickness. Inside the departures area, the facility is divided into domestic and international wings, featuring essential amenities such as VIP lounges, diverse dining options serving local Bolivian cuisine, and duty-free retail shops. The building is equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, currency exchange bureaus, and luggage storage facilities near the main entrance. Due to the thin air, the airport features a significant 4,000-meter runway to accommodate the specialized performance requirements of modern jet aircraft.
Ground transportation from the LPB terminal is well-facilitated, with the airport located in the city of El Alto, approximately 13 to 17 kilometers from central La Paz. Official taxi counters are located inside the arrivals hall, providing fixed-rate transfers to the city center in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Public transit is available via the frequent 212 minibus service, and ride-hailing apps like Uber are also widely used. As a primary regional hub for carriers such as Boliviana de Aviaciรณn and Amaszonas, the airport provides critical links to major South American cities and domestic destinations. Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before international departures and to move slowly upon arrival to assist with acclimatization.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz is a unique experience that requires physical preparation due to its extreme altitude of 4,061 meters (13,323 feet). For international-to-domestic transfersโsuch as arriving from Bogotรก and connecting to Rurrenabaque or Uyuniโyou must clear immigration and customs at LPB. While the spectacular 'Mi Telefรฉrico' (cable car) network is a highlight of the city, there is no station directly at the terminal; you must take a short taxi to the Estaciรณn 16 de Julio to access the Red Line. Be aware that the temperature in El Alto is significantly colder than in central La Paz, so keep a warm jacket accessible. Arriving at the airport two hours before departure is standard, though security and check-in for domestic regional flights can be very quick.
As the world's highest international airport, the thin air is felt immediately upon deplaning. If your bags are not checked through, you must retrieve them from the single international carousel and re-check them at the domestic counters on the same level. Note that the cable cars are not suitable for those with large or heavy luggage. Most major nationalities now enjoy visa-free entry or can obtain a visa-on-arrival, though U. Travelers are strongly advised to move slowly, avoid running for baggage, and stay well-hydrated. A minimum connection time of at least three hours is recommended for these transfers.
Ground transportation to the La Paz city center, located in the valley below, is best handled by official 'Aeropuerto' taxis, which offer fixed rates typically between 50 and 80 BOB. To combat altitude sickness (soroche), many travelers find local coca tea (mate de coca) helpful, which is readily available in the arrivals hall. S. citizens should verify current reciprocity rules.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apolo Airport (APB) is a vital regional aviation facility serving the town of Apolo in the northern La Paz Department of Bolivia. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,415 meters (4,642 feet), the facility acts as a critical lifeline for the Franz Tamayo Province, providing a rapid alternative to the challenging and often treacherous overland routes through the Yungas region. The terminal infrastructure is minimalist, consisting of a functional administrative building that provides basic shelter and passenger processing for the light aircraft and turboprops that dominate local operations.
The airport's technical capabilities are centered around a single runway, identified as 18/36, which measures approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) in length. While some older records describe it as a grass strip, recent improvements have aimed at providing a more stable surface to accommodate year-round operations. For navigation, the field is equipped with a non-directional beacon (NDB) with the identifier 'APB', though pilots primarily rely on visual flight rules (VFR) given the surrounding mountainous terrain and the lack of a published METAR service.
Ground handling and airport services are managed with a focus on supporting the region's agricultural and burgeoning ecotourism sectors. While the airfield lacks the complex amenities of a major commercial hub, it offers a welcoming and authentic atmosphere characteristic of the sub-Andean frontier. Navigating the terminal is extremely simple, with walking distances between the check-in area and the aircraft parking stands being negligible. The airport's location on the edge of the town ensures that travelers are just a few minutes away from local community services and guesthouses.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Apolo Airport (APB) is a specialized process tailored for travelers heading to the remote Madidi National Park and the high-biodiversity frontiers of the Franz Tamayo Province. Since the airport does not currently host regularly scheduled commercial airline services, 'connections' at this facility typically involve transitioning from a private or government charter flight to local ground transportation. It is absolutely essential to coordinate all aspects of your journeyโincluding flight manifests, cargo requirements, and ground pickupsโdirectly with your charter operator or local host well in advance of your departure from La Paz.
Ground transportation from the 1,300-meter grass runway is informal and must be pre-arranged. There are no on-demand taxi ranks or public shuttle services at the airstrip; instead, visitors are usually met by local 4x4 vehicles or coordinate motorbike taxi (moto-taxi) transfers for the short journey into the Apolo town center. For those planning onward overland travel to the capital, the 400-kilometer road journey typically takes 10 to 12 hours under optimal conditions, but can extend to over 18 hours during the rainy season (December to March) when unpaved sections of the route become extremely muddy.
Travelers should be prepared for substantial schedule fluidity; it is highly recommended to build at least a 48-hour buffer into your itinerary, as regional flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to localized tropical storms and low cloud cover in the foothills. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
Passengers must arrive fully self-sufficient, as the airfield provides only minimal sheltered waiting areas and lacks any retail, dining, or financial services. Ensure you have sufficient Bolivian Bolivianos (BOB) in cash before leaving La Paz, as there are no banking facilities or ATMs in the Apolo area.
โ Back to El Alto International Airport