Updated August 2019
If you want to go to Uyuni and enjoy the scenery on the way, the best option is to travel to Uyuni by train. All direct buses from La Paz are night buses leaving between 8pm and 10pm. The train is also a good alternative for those who want extra comfort or want to avoid the risk of roadblocks or delays due to traffic.
Here we will present all the information you need to know in order to plan your trip from Oruro to Uyuni by train.
The option to travel by train to Uyuni is with Expreso del Sur or Wara Wara del Sur
Ferroviaria Andina was born in 1997. This company is well renowned nationally and internationally because of the comfort, high-quality services, and punctuality that they represent in Bolivia.
Ferroviaria Andina offers the trip from Oruro to Uyuni with two options: Wara Wara del Sur and Expreso del Sur. These trains have different schedules and there are two classes available: Salon and Executive.
Wara Wara Del Sur
The name is in Aymara and means “Southern star”. During the route the travelers will observe the landscape of the Bolivian altiplano. This train has a dinner wagon where passengers can have a meal anytime they want.
Executive class
- Semi-lie-flat seats
- Heating system, TV and music room
- Blankets and pillows
- Individual light for reading
- Refreshments on board
- Personal attention
- Bathrooms
Salon Class
- Reclining seats
- Heating system, selected videos and music
- Reading light
- Bathrooms
Expreso del Sur
This train works in Bolivia since 1999, offering the travelers quality and comfort, with personal attention and food. This train departs from Oruro in the afternoon, letting the passenger observe the view of the landscape of the Bolivian plateau until you reach your destination.
Executive class
- Comfortable seats and semi-Lie-flat seating
- Heating and air conditioning
- Automatic air freshener
- Blankets and pillows
- Individual light for reading
- Refreshments on board
- Staff attention
- Bathrooms
Salon Class
- Reclining seats
- Heating system, selected videos and music
- Reading light
- Bathrooms
Schedules
Train | Class | Route | Departure | Distance and duration |
Expreso del Sur | Executive and Salon | Oruro to Uyuni | Tuesday/Friday 14:30 | 314 kilometers 7 hours |
Wara Wara del Sur | Executive and Salon | Oruro to Uyuni | Wednesday/Sunday 19:00 | 314 kilometers 7 hours |
Tips
- If you are traveling from La Paz, there are regular buses between La Paz and Oruro. They leave from the main terminal every hour or so. The bus takes about 4 hours and tickets are about 30 bolivianos.
- If you want to know more about Ferroviaria Andina S.A., check the web page: www.fca.com.bo
- If you need to buy a ticket of train from Oruro to Uyuni in salon or executive via online do it in: www.ticketsbolivia.com
- You can to buy a train ticket in advance with tickets Bolivia, but the FCA company assigns the seats in salon class a week before the departing day and in executive class a month before the departing day.
- I recommend that you choose a window seat so as to appreciate the view in a better way. The right side has the best views.
- I recommend for your trip that you wear light clothing during the day and warm clothes for the night.
- Check this guide on what to do when you arrive in Uyuni and how to pick the best tour for you.
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