Andean Railway
The railway in Western Bolivia is very well maintained and usually runs on time.
Small single car trains with a combined engine and carriage run the route, connecting Oruro to Villazone near the Argentine border.
There are reports that lines also run between Potosi and Sucre, but I didn’t visit this part of the country.
The schedule is very sparse, so plan enough time accordingly.
The privatized Andean Railway Company runs this route.
The train is also a great way to get to the Uyuni salt flats, as there is a stop there, as well as in several towns along the way.
The total route can take up to 20 hours, and costs ~132 Bolivianos. There is only one class of travel.
Eastern Railway
The Eastern Railway is in far worse shape, and schedules can be sporadic with delays almost guaranteed.
This route is serviced by large locomotives with passenger and service cars.
There are two routes, both starting from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. One route connects to Yacuiba near the Argentine border and the other runs to the border with Brazil to the town of Corumba.
The latter is the infamous “Death Train.” Though this route may no longer be operated. When I visited in 2024 it was out of commission.
This route is far less scenic than the Andean Railway and sees far fewer passengers, although both routes don’t seem to be the preferred option for foreign tourists.
My train derailed on this journey and caused a delay of about 8 hours. All fairly standard apparently!
The passenger service has since been wiped from the company’s website, so proceed with caution. The company does respond to WhatsApp messages, however, and is usually the best way to deal with.
The train makes several stops at communities big and small along the way.
A one way fare from Yacuiba to Santa Cruz was about 60 Bolivianos and can take about 16 hours for the entire journey. My trip took well over 24 hours due to the derailing. (We had to wait for another train to come rescue us.)
There is only one class of travel.
Information
Railbus
Railbuses are perhaps the best hidden gem on the Bolivian Train Network.
The Andean Railway Company offers this service connecting Atocha and Tupiza.
There are also reports of trains connecting Viacha and Charana, but I did not try these and therefore can’t verify this.
The route I took, from Atocha to Tupiza, ran through picturesque mountains and stopped at various small communities, including some which can only be visited by train.
The locals are very friendly and will strike up a conversation with any tourist.
A converted Mercedes passenger bus runs this service on the rails.
Ferries
I did not try any ferries in Bolivia, but have been told of a few operations on Lake Titicaca.
La Paz Cable Car
The Cable Car in La Paz is a great way to get around town.
Fares are cheap and you can purchase a transit card at most stations.
Some stations also have convenience stores inside.
The cable cars are safe and used by locals all the time.
Intercity Bus
Several intercity bus companies exist and connect cities in Bolivia and neighboring countries.
Booking in advance is not required and you can usually buy tickets on the day of travel at the station.
There are also minibuses, usually a small van or large passenger car, that travel intercity. They usually cost slightly more than the larger busses, but are a great way to save time when travelling. You pay the driver when you leave, no booking is needed or possible.
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