The beauty of this train journey came as a huge surprise to me. Having researched South America’s most scenic train journeys, the train from Oruro to Uyuni initially only made the cut out of convenience. Little did I know that Bolivia’s impressive nature would be put at full display and therefore a train journey could become a trip highlight.
Anyone finding themselves in Bolivia will most likely be visiting La Paz for an adventure-packed itinerary in high altitude and Uyuni for out of this world mirror reflections in the salt desert. Oruro is merely an additional stop along the route between Bolivia’s most popular destinations and can easily be built into anyone’s South America itinerary.
The non-stop mesmerizing mountain views and wildlife sightings have enough charm to amaze and draw you in for the entire 7-hour ride. Whilst travelling alongside locals going about their day you will be left astonished by non-stop natural wonders popping up, framed by the train windows. I fell in love with this train journey and wouldn’t travel any other way between the two cities. Trying to figure out how to embark on this journey from either La Paz or Oruro, what to expect, and how much the train to Uyuni costs? Read this quick guide to find out.
Post Contents
HOW TO GET TO ORURO FROM LA PAZ
As travel life goes, I heavy heartedly said goodbye to La Paz and took a bus to Oruro to embark on the most scenic train journey I have ever been on. There are several bus companies operating this approximately 4-hour route every 30-minutes allowing for on the day ticket purchases. I travelled with Aroma for BOB 20 plus an extra charge of BOB 2.50 for the terminal tax.
Don’t want to spend the night in Oruro? Set off before 9 am to allow enough time to catch the train on the same day. This is if no issues occur during your bus trip. Taxi drivers will gather outside Oruro Bus Terminal, ready to take anyone to Oruro Train Station for an additional BOB 15 – 20. Although, I suggest spending the night in Oruro. Daytime trains only run bi-weekly. Therefore, risking missing the train could lead to getting stock in Oruro which I personally would only visit again for Carnaval.
Unsure of what to expect from the off the beaten track mining city I walked around town with an open mind. It became quickly apparent that the Oruro is a different atmosphere to La Paz. The lack of tourism means dirt and unfinished roads are common and colourful traditional clothing is a rare sight.
Oruro comes to life during carnival. Book in advance if you travel in February, accommodations and public transport will book up fast.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ORURO TO UYUNI TRAIN JOURNEY
Wondering why I suggest this is South Americas most scenic train journey? My expectations were high, but little did I know that almost immediately after leaving the small train station behind we were going to be treated to the sight of Lake Uru-Uru invested with hundreds of pink dots, turning out to be flamingos once we reached the edge of the sparkling waters. What makes this experience even more unforgettable is the flamingos spreading their wings whilst flying alongside the train. The journey starts on a high but thereafter it does not get any less exciting.
The modern, small blue and yellow train guides you through the Bolivian Altiplano past dramatic painted looking mountains at times capped with snow looking like the peaks were dipped in whipped cream, making the little extra cost of travelling by train instead of bus worth your while.
Tip │ Sit on the left side of the train for closer-up scenic views when travelling from Oruro to Uyuni.
Throughout the journey, the excitement does not stop. The slow-moving train allows for enough time to take this breathtaking scenery in. On the right side, you can observe quinoa fields, indigenous communities going by their day, and vicuñas, sheep, and llamas trotting through grassland and ruins in the middle of nowhere. On the left side, you have beautiful mountain ranges and rock formations. Fellow travels adorably mistook my favourites, the vicuñas, for deers.
This train has a restaurant cart with affordable meals, snacks, soft and alcoholic drinks being offered. So, if you aren’t able to grab an empanada beforehand do not worry. Entertainment in the form of Spanish dubbed films is provided throughout the journey providing for some entertainment once the sun has set and the sky has turned from a beautiful pink to blackness. The onboard toilets are surprisingly nice… there was toilet roll, yay.
Although the train pulls into Uyuni Train Station in the dark there is no need for safety concerns since the train station is right next to the main square.
ORURO TO UYUNI TRAIN SCHEDULE
Planning is required for this unique experience. Trains from Oruro to Uyuni only run four times a week. Day trains only run Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 pm from Oruro Train Station arriving in Uyuni around 9.20 pm.
There are also bi-weekly evening trains on Sundays and Wednesdays leaving Oruro at 7.00 pm, arriving in Uyuni at 2.20 am. Needless to say, you would miss out on the scenic view.
HOW TO PURCHASE A TRAIN TICKET FROM ORURO TO UYUNI
There are three ways to purchase a train ticket.
01 │ Online.
Usually purchasing tickets online in advance comes at a higher cost in South America. In this case, the price for purchasing tickets via Tickets Bolivia costs the same as buying a ticket at Oruro Train Station.
02 │ In La Paz.
There are two different options for purchasing a train ticket from Oruro to Uyuni when in La Paz. The FCA train company office can be found outside of La Paz city centre. Not looking for an extra trip before the onward journey? Don’t worry some, not all, tourist agencies in the city centre sell train tickets at a higher cost.
03 │ In Oruro.
I travelled in early February and have been able to purchase a ticket from Oruro Train Station in the morning. The ticket office opens at 8 am. During peak season it is advisable to arrange tickets in advance.
The Cost.
One-way day train ticket prices purchased online and at Oruro Train Station start at BOB 60 for saloon (economy) seating. Evening trains are slightly cheaper starting at BOB 47.
Don’t stop there │ Click here for my guide on all the different ways to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats.
WHERE TO STAY
Oruro │ Hostal Graciela.
There are many hotels to choose from, but budget accommodations are a rare find in Oruro. The cheapest hostel is Graciela. There seems to be a common issue with online bookings made through third-party sites. Bear this in mind since the owner’s reaction was rather rude. To be frank the only nice part about this hostel was the mountain view rooftop breakfast area. Hostal Graciela, Oruro, Bolivia
Uyuni │ Bunker Hostel.
This hostel knows how to put on a heart-warming breakfast spread and the bathtub in my on-suite dorm bathroom was a pleasant, unusual sight for a hostel. Hostel Bunker Uyuni, Bolivia
ALTERNATIVE TRAIN JOURNEYS
Looking for a longer train journey? Then the 12.30-hour journey from Oruro to wild badlands of Tupiza is the one for you as well as the 15.30-hour journey along the same route to town Villazon sitting on the Argentinian border.
Did I inspire you to take a break from bus journeys and take a scenic train journey instead? Also, did I mention that you get to see vicuñas? Any clue what they are? They are the cutest relatives of the llamas and alpacas, sadly endangered, and if you get lucky you will spot them in the wild.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
Pin it for later!
Great information. Thank you!