How to get from La Paz to Santa Cruz
There are 3 ways to get from La Paz to Santa Cruz: flight, bus and car. The fastest is by flight (~1 h 15 min). By bus it's about 11 h 35 min, usually the cheapest option. It's about 552 km in a straight line.
Compare ways to travel
| Mode | Approx. time | Distance | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
Flight⚡ Fastest | 1 h 15 min | 552 km | Airlines: Southern Winds Airlines |
Bus | 11 h 35 minestimated | 718 km | Estimated from road distance |
Car | 8 h 25 minestimated | 718 km | Estimated from road distance |
Great-circle distances. Flight times and car/bus estimates are approximate; car/bus are derived from road distance.
Each option in detail
✈️ By air
El vuelo entre La Paz y Santa Cruz dura aproximadamente 1 h 15 min (552 km en línea recta).
Airlines that operate or have operated the route (open data from OpenFlights):
🚌 By land (bus and car)
En bus el trayecto ronda las 11 h 35 min. En auto son unos 718 km por ruta, cerca de 8 h 25 min de manejo. Son estimaciones a partir de la distancia; los horarios reales de bus llegan con la capa terrestre.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from La Paz to Santa Cruz?
It depends on the mode: by flight ~1 h 15 min, by bus ~11 h 35 min and by car ~8 h 25 min.
Are there flights from La Paz to Santa Cruz?
Yes. According to OpenFlights open data, the La Paz–Santa Cruz route is operated by Southern Winds Airlines (may vary). The flight takes about 1 h 15 min and covers about 552 km.
Is it better to fly or take the bus from La Paz to Santa Cruz?
Flying is much faster (~1 h 15 min vs ~11 h 35 min by bus), but the bus is usually cheaper and you don't need to arrive early at the airport.
How long does it take to drive from La Paz to Santa Cruz?
It's about 718 km by road, roughly 8 h 25 min of driving without stops.
What is the distance between La Paz and Santa Cruz?
In a straight line it's about 552 km between La Paz and Santa Cruz.
What to do in Santa Cruz
See what to visit, how to get around and where to stay when you arrive.
Guide to Santa CruzBook your trip to Santa Cruz
We send you to our partners to book stays, tours and cars. Includes affiliate links.
See the full guide to Santa Cruz →