Getting To and Away From Oruro

As it is a main transport hub and central location between La Paz, the Southwest Circuit, and Chile border crossings, as well as home to the northernmost passenger train station in Bolivia, getting to and away from Oruro is easy and accessible.

By Bus

Oruro’s bus station is bustling, to say the least. Located about 10 blocks northeast of the city center on Villa Royal and Buenos Aires, the terminal consists of two floors jam packed with bus companies all shouting for your attention, and your cash. Most long distance buses come to this station (just not those to and from Tarija, there is a stop on Av. Ejercito), so it’s likely you’ll enter and exit from here. As with all public transportation stations, keep a close eye on your belongings and ask around for the best price. Below is listed general costs for the main bus destinations leaving from Oruro, though you can usually bargain for better.

The road from La Paz is nicely paved, and the views aren’t bad either. It’s a little over three hour trip ($3 / 20 Bs.), and buses run regularly to and from about every 30 minutes.

Other towns and cities in Bolivia serviced by bus from Oruro include:

Uyuni: $5.75 (40 Bs.) / 8 hours

Potosí: $3.50 (25 Bs.) / 12 hours

Sucre: $5.75 (40 Bs.) / 16 hours

Cocabamaba: (25 Bs.) / 6 hours

Tupiza: $11.50 (80 Bs.) / 12 hours

Villazón: $11.50 (80 Bs.) / 15 hours

Buses to Chile

Arica: $13 (80 Bs.) / 9 hours

Iquiqui: $11.50 (90 Bs.) / 14 hours

By Train

Oruro is host to the northernmost train station on the FCA line that runs throughout Bolivia. The clean, well organized station is located on Called Valesco Galvarro and Calle Aldana and is open on strange schedule (Try Sunday through Monday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed some days for lunch, but not others. Definitely closed Saturdays.)

There are four ticket lines, luggage storage ($0.50/ 3 Bs. per bag) and pay phones. There are two train services that operate: Cruz del Sur is considered the more upscale option, though Wara Wara del Sur serves all the same and has even more choices for price and class. See the schedule for more detailed information, and plan to arrive one hour before your train departs.

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Oruro: When To Go, FCA Train Schedule and Getting To and Away From Parque Nacional Sajama.