El Alto International Airport

Welcome to El Alto International Airport, the air gateway to the de facto capital of Bolivia — the city of La Paz. This is not just an airport, but a true record holder: located at an altitude of 4,061.5 meters above sea level, it is the highest international airport in the world. Prepare for breathtaking views of the Andes directly from your window and for cool weather, as the average temperature here is only about 6°C. This airport will be the starting point of your amazing journey through one of the most colorful countries in South America.

One of the main features of El Alto Airport is its unique location, which imposes specific requirements on aircraft operations. Due to the thin air, planes require a longer runway for takeoff and landing. This also makes the airport an ideal testing ground for aviation technology in high-altitude conditions, a facility regularly utilized by leading global manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. For passengers, all necessary services are available within the terminal: cafes, souvenir shops, currency exchange points, and VIP lounges for a comfortable wait before your flight.

To contact representatives of El Alto Airport (LPB), located in the city of La Paz, you may use the following contact details. We recommend checking the relevance of the information on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: All basic information regarding the schedule, services, and airport regulations can be found on the website of the operator SABSA (Servicios de Aeropuertos Bolivianos S.A.): www.sabsa.aero.
• Information Desk Phone: To receive prompt information, you can call the number: (+591) 2 2157300.
• Airport Address: Héroes del Kilómetro 7, Avenida Panorámica s/n, Zona El Alto, La Paz, Bolivia.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the official social media pages of the airport operator, SABSA.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, you should first contact the representative of your airline at the airport. The carrier's staff handles the search for checked baggage. For items left within the terminal, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The primary support channel is the airport's telephone information service.

You can get to El Alto International Airport, located on the plateau above La Paz, in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, the amount of luggage, and your desire to experience the local atmosphere. Given the high-altitude location and the city's complex traffic, it is recommended to plan your journey with extra time to spare.

Taxi and Transfer — the most convenient and popular option for tourists. Official taxi counters are located in the arrivals hall, where you can pay for the trip in advance at a fixed rate. You can also use radio taxi services by calling a car by phone. The trip from the center of La Paz to the airport takes from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost is usually between 60-80 Bolivianos. This is the most comfortable method, especially if you are traveling with bulky luggage.

Public Transport is represented mainly by minibuses ("micro" or "minibus"). This is the most budget-friendly, but also the most challenging option for an unprepared tourist. Special minibuses marked "Aeropuerto" depart from the Ceja district in El Alto. To get to Ceja from the center of La Paz, you need to take another minibus. The entire journey may cost just a few Bolivianos, but be prepared for overcrowding and a lack of space for large luggage. This method is suitable for experienced travelers who speak Spanish.

Another interesting method is to use the Mi Teleférico cable car system. You need to travel to one of the stations of the Red Line (Línea Roja), which will take you up to El Alto, and then transfer to the Blue Line (Línea Azul). From the final station of the Blue Line to the airport terminal, you will need to walk about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride. This is not just transport, but an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from above, avoiding traffic jams.

Car Rental and Parking. Offices of several rental companies operate at the airport. However, it is worth noting that driving in La Paz is a real challenge due to chaotic traffic, steep climbs, and the specific driving style of local drivers. If you still decide to arrive in your own or a rented car, paid parking is available at the airport territory for both short-term and long-term stays.

El Alto International Airport (LPB), serving the city of La Paz, has a simple and clear structure, which significantly facilitates navigation for travelers. The airport complex consists of one two-story passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This compactness eliminates the need for long walks or searching for the right building — everything is located in one facility.

The terminal layout is intuitive and meets global standards. The Ground Floor is entirely dedicated to the arrivals area. Here, passengers go through passport control (for international flights), collect their luggage on conveyor belts, and pass through customs inspection. The arrivals hall also houses taxi counters, car rental offices, and currency exchange points. The Upper Floor is the departure zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, and subsequently, the boarding gates.

The process of check-in and passing through security at El Alto generally does not take much time due to the relatively low passenger flow compared to mega-hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without haste, complete all formalities, and find your boarding gate. Waiting areas are equipped with cafes and small shops where you can purchase souvenirs or have a snack before the flight.

The main feature of the airport is its location at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level. It is the highest international airport in the world, and the thin air may affect your well-being. Move through the terminal calmly and without sudden movements, especially immediately upon arrival. Navigation through the building is simple — follow the signs that will help you orient yourself easily. Since all services and zones are in one terminal, you will easily find everything necessary while preparing for your journey through amazing Bolivia.

The history of El Alto International Airport is inextricably linked to its unique location at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level. Initially, in the first half of the 20th century, a military airfield was located here, serving the needs of the Bolivian Air Force. Over time, with the growth of aviation traffic, the need arose to create a modern civil airport to serve the country's capital, the city of La Paz.

A key moment in its history was June 18, 1965, when the new passenger terminal and runway were officially opened. Interestingly, the airport was originally named after John F. Kennedy. However, in 1999, it was renamed El Alto, which translates from Spanish as "The Height," emphasizing its main geographical feature. This name also coincides with the name of the satellite city where it is located.

The status of one of the highest airports in the world has left its mark on its entire history. Due to the thin air, aircraft require a significantly longer run for takeoff, so the El Alto runway is one of the longest in the world — almost 5 kilometers. For decades, engineers and pilots have developed special procedures for the safe operation of aircraft in such extreme conditions. For example, many long-haul flights are forced to make an additional landing for refueling at Santa Cruz de la Sierra airport, located at a lower altitude.

In the early 2000s, the airport underwent massive reconstruction and modernization to meet the growing passenger flow and modern international standards. Terminal zones were expanded and renovated, and infrastructure and navigation equipment were improved. Today, El Alto is not just an important transport hub but also a unique monument to aviation engineering, proving that there are practically no barriers to flight.

At El Alto International Airport, a range of services is available to passengers to make waiting for a flight more comfortable. Here you can find several cafes and small restaurants serving both local cuisine and familiar international snacks. This is a great place to have a cup of coffee, grab a bite before a flight, or buy beverages for the road. The airport also features shops, including Duty Free, and souvenir stalls where you can purchase memorable gifts, alpaca products, and other Bolivian goods.

For those who prefer to wait for departure in a calmer atmosphere, the airport has VIP lounges. Access to them is usually paid or provided to business class passengers and loyalty card holders. The lounges typically offer snacks, beverages, and a more secluded space. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited.

To resolve financial matters, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are operating in the terminal, where you can exchange money for Bolivianos (BOB). In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical point is active at the airport, ready to provide first aid. This is especially important given the high-altitude location of the airport, which can cause discomfort for travelers not accustomed to the height.

El Alto Airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is provided for travelers with children. Passengers with disabilities are provided with the necessary assistance, and the infrastructure includes ramps and specially equipped toilets for comfortable movement around the terminal. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for special assistance.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, there are many accommodation options for any budget in the immediate vicinity, in the city of El Alto, as well as in La Paz. Specialized conference halls or business centers may not be available at the airport, but basic business services, such as copying or sending a fax, are sometimes available in VIP lounges or airline offices.

When planning a snack or a full lunch at El Alto International Airport, it is worth noting that the choice of establishments here is not as large as in major global hubs, but quite sufficient to satisfy hunger before a flight. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the public area (landside), before passing passport control and security screening, so it is best to eat before entering the departure zone.

At the airport, you will find several cafes and diners offering both international and local dishes. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Bolivia one last time. Pay attention to local bakeries where you can buy fresh pastries. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, so many of them may be closed at night.

If you want a quick snack, grab the famous Bolivian pastries — salteñas (with juicy meat or chicken filling) or empanadas (with cheese). A cup of coffee or the traditional Andean tea made from coca leaves — mate de coca, which also helps cope with altitude sickness symptoms, goes perfectly with them. For a more substantial meal, you can find a cafe offering set lunches, usually including soup, a main course (for example, chicken with rice), and a drink.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city of La Paz. Regarding dietary restrictions, finding vegetarian options, such as cheese empanadas or vegetable sandwiches, is quite possible. However, the choice for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, is extremely limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Traveling through El Alto International Airport, serving La Paz, is a unique experience, primarily due to its location at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. Consider this factor when planning. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one. The high altitude can slow down not only your movement but also all processes at the airport, so extra time will not be superfluous.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. Check-in counters and security control can be busy, especially during peak hours. Procedures are standard, but be prepared to do everything slowly to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness. When choosing a seat on the plane, do not hesitate to take a window seat. The views of the Andes opening up during takeoff or landing are simply unforgettable.

In your carry-on luggage, besides the standard set (liquids in containers up to 100 ml, electronics), it is worth packing remedies for altitude sickness, for example, "Sorojchi Pills," which are sold in any pharmacy in Bolivia. Many travelers take coca leaves with them, but it is extremely important to check the customs regulations of your destination country — importing coca leaves is strictly prohibited in many nations.

Passengers in transit need to clarify with the airline in advance whether they need to collect their luggage and check in again. Customs control upon arrival can be quite thorough. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and completed declaration ready. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and the presence of goods subject to declaration.

To save money, use official taxi services or car-hailing apps, having clarified the approximate cost of the trip to the city in advance. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are expectedly higher, so it is better to have a snack beforehand. Be sure to drink plenty of water for acclimatization — you can take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it after passing security control.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Find out about your rights to provisions of food, drinks, or a hotel. There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can spend time waiting, but their selection is limited. The main thing is to stay calm and remember to move slowly and drink water.