Except for the movement originated across the border, Villazón is a relatively quiet town. In its streets there are many shops and places for money exchange.

On the streets of Villazón there’s always a heavy flow of passengers, mainly Bolivian and Argentineans.

Important: The border is open 24-7, but for public procedures, documents or passport stamping customs office is open from 7 am to 12 am. Please take account of these times if you plan to leave or enter Bolivia or Argentina.

Villazon is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. Because of its height, the days are cool and sunny, and nights are cold.

Tourists enter from Argentina should try to walk slowly to avoid suffering from altitude sickness (apunamiento / soroche).

La localidad de Villazon se encuentra a 345 kilómetros de Potosí.

Villazon has a population of around 30,000 inhabitants, and the neighboring city of La Quiaca (Argentina) has 18,000 people.

Villazon town is 345 km from Potosi (12-14 hours trip) and 3-4 hours from Tupiza (on the road to Uyuni).

Being a city of passage, most of Villazon´s life gathers around the bus terminal and the train station.
Before buying a ticket it's worth first checking prices at different companies as well as the bus types and services they offer.

Travel time by bus from Villazon to:

Tupiza: 3-4 hours
Uyuni: 10-12 hours
Potosí: 12-14 hours
La Paz: 22-24 hours

Hours may vary due to different factors such as the weather, road conditions, or technical problems.

Villazón is the parent of two railway lines. Every week trains depart to Uyuni and Oruro.

How to buy train tickets to and from Villazon?

Depending on the demand for tickets, they can sometimes be purchased on the same day of travel, although it's far preferable to get them the previous day. At the Uyuni train station ticket offices have various opening times. Sometimes patience is very necessary to buy these train tickets.

Online ticket purchases

More information in Empresa Ferroviaria Andina: www.fca.com.bo