Travelling from La Paz Airport (LPB) to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport (VVI): what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport is 1 hour 5 minutes.
La Paz and Santa Cruz follow the same timezone, UTC-4.
You can take your pick of 66 weekly La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport flights.
Your LPB to VVI flight won't wait if you're running late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
You'll likely experience longer lines during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will give you ample time for security and boarding.
A number of airlines offer direct flights from La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport, so getting to Santa Cruz (and then visiting more of Bolivia!) is easy. The most popular carriers that fly nonstop include:
The airline that tops the list for bookings on this route is Boliviana de Aviacion.
Among carriers operating LPB to VVI flights, Boliviana de Aviacion is the most consistent for on-time landings.
Think about adding a stopover when booking your ticket from La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' to break up your journey, or even explore someplace new along the way. Here are some options between LPB and VVI:
Cochabamba Airport
Alcantarí International Airport
Tarija Airport
Handy information about La Paz Airport (LPB)
60% of flights departing from La Paz Airport land at their destination on time.
To reach La Paz Airport from central La Paz, it'll take around 30 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 14 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Catching public transport? Expect a trip time of around 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these hotels near LPB:
Arriving at Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport (VVI)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport flight. Check in to one of these accommodation options near VVI instead:
Grab a Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport rental car and discover places that aren't on the usual tourist route. Europcar and Keddy By Europcar can hook you up with a set of wheels for your adventures through Santa Cruz and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport about two weeks ahead.
Getting from Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport (VVI) to central Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport to central Santa Cruz has a drive time of around 25 minutes. It's approximately 18 kilometres away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 45 minutes.
When to fly to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport (VVI)
The quietest month for a flight from La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport is March, while August is the busiest. Choose the ideal time to go to Santa Cruz based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Santa Cruz is September, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 39ºC (102ºF). Book your flights from La Paz Airport to Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from LPB to VVI in July. Temperatures average between 15ºC (59ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) then.
Explore more of Bolivia
Cochabamba is just one of the many cities in Bolivia waiting to be explored after you've experienced Santa Cruz. Around 499 kilometres away to the west, top sights here include Ecoturistico Pairumani Park, Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and Iglesia de la Recoleta.
If you're looking to explore another side of Bolivia, consider Sucre, roughly 451 kilometres south-west of Santa Cruz. La Recoleta, Simon Bolivar Park and Dinosaur Tracks (Cal Orck'o) are highlights.
