How to get from La Paz El Alto Airport to Witches’ Market

Traveling from El Alto International Airport (La Paz’s main airport) to Mercado de las Brujas—commonly called the Witches’ Market—is relatively simple, with several transportation options including taxis, ride-hailing services, airport transfers, and public transportation via minibuses or the cable car system. The airport sits in the high-altitude city of **El Alto**, about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown La Paz, where the market is located near Calle Linares. For most travelers, the easiest and fastest option is a taxi or ride-hailing service, while budget travelers may prefer the cable car plus minibus combination.

At A Glance (La Paz El Alto Airport to Witches’ Market)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most convenient: Taxi / Uber.
• Most reliable arrival experience: Private transfer (meet & greet, fixed quote).
• Most scenic / fun: Mi Teleférico (great city views) + short walk to the market streets.
• Cheapest: Minibus / micro if you’re comfortable asking locals and traveling light.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Altitude matters: LPB sits above 4,000m. Move slowly, hydrate, and consider taking a comfortable option (taxi/transfer) if you feel lightheaded.
• Destination pin: The Witches’ Market is centered around Calle Linares (often also signed as Calle José María Linares) near downtown La Paz. Use “Witches’ Market” or “Calle Linares” in your map app.
• Cash strategy: For buses and small purchases at the market, carry small Bolivianos; many stalls won’t have change for large notes.
• Pickups at LPB: If you use Uber, follow the airport-specific instructions on pickup. For taxis, use official ranks and agree on meter/price before moving if required.
• Keep luggage light downtown: Streets near the market can be crowded. If you arrive before check-in, store bags via luggage storage options.
• Stay nearby: If you want to walk to the market, look at Downtown La Paz hotels.

🚕 Option #1 — Taxi / Uber (Most Convenient Door-to-Door)

Door-to-door 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: The simplest route: get picked up at La Paz El Alto Airport (LPB) and ride straight to Witches’ Market (Calle Linares) in central La Paz.
• How to book (with price): For ride-hailing, use Uber and follow the official pickup flow. For taxis, use the official taxi line/rank at arrivals; practical airport-to-city guidance is summarized by airport-to-city transport notes.
• Tips: Enter “Witches’ Market” or “Calle Linares” as the destination, and add a nearby landmark like Plaza San Francisco if your driver prefers.
• Pros: Fast, comfortable, no transfers. Cons: Cost varies with traffic and time of day.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Uber to Witches’ Market

1. After customs: Exchange a small amount of cash or use an ATM if you plan to pay cash later in the city.
2. Choose pickup: For Uber, open the app and follow pickup directions. For taxi, head to the official rank and confirm the price/meter approach.
3. Set destination: “Witches’ Market (Calle Linares)” and keep a backup pin saved.
4. Arrive and walk: The market is a cluster of short streets—expect a quick walk once you’re dropped near Calle Linares.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi rank / App pickup area)

• At LPB arrivals: Follow signs for official taxis/ground transport.
• Ride-hailing alternative: Uber is available; always follow the airport pickup rules in-app.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #2 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Quote)

Fixed quote Meet & greet Pre-book

• Overview: A pre-booked driver meets you at the airport and takes you straight to the Witches’ Market area (or your hotel nearby).
• How to book (with price): Compare inclusions like waiting time, cancellation, and vehicle size. Options include private transfers, marketplace quotes on Bolivia transfers, or activity listings like Airport transfers. If you need a larger vehicle, book early.
• Pros: Smoothest arrival, helpful if you don’t speak Spanish, great for groups. Cons: Usually costs more than taxi/Uber.

Step-by-step: Private transfer to Witches’ Market

1. Book with your flight number: Enter landing time and terminal details so your driver can track delays.
2. Choose drop-off: Use “Witches’ Market (Calle Linares)” or your hotel address near downtown.
3. Meet your driver: Follow the provider’s meeting-point instructions (often in the arrivals hall with a name sign).

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals meeting point)

• Inside arrivals: Stay in the public arrivals area until you see your driver or the specified pickup zone.
• Official airport page: For airport basics and contacts, see Aeropuerto Internacional El Alto.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚠 Option #3 — Mi Teleférico + Walk (Scenic, Often Faster Than Traffic)

Scenic Low cost Walking involved

• Overview: Take a short ride from the airport area to a nearby cable-car station, ride the Mi Teleférico network down toward central La Paz, then walk (or take a short local taxi) to Calle Linares and the Witches’ Market.
• How to book (with price): No pre-booking—buy tickets at the station. Plan your route using the official mapa and check fare rules and transfer pricing on the tarjetas page (it includes the general fare and transfer info).
• Pros: Great views; avoids road gridlock; fun first experience of La Paz. Cons: You’ll still need a short taxi/walk to Calle Linares, and you may carry bags through stations.

Step-by-step: Cable car route concept (LPB area → Central La Paz)

1. Get to a station: From LPB, take a quick taxi/Uber to the closest convenient teleférico station for your route.
2. Choose your line(s): Use the official mapa to pick a path that ends close to downtown.
3. Pay and ride: Buy at the station; keep your ticket/card handy for transfers if needed (see tarjetas).
4. Last mile: From your final station, walk or take a short taxi to “Witches’ Market / Calle Linares”.

Getting to the main embarking points (Mi Teleférico station closest to your route)

• Route planning: Start with the official mapa, then confirm directions in your navigation app on arrival.
• Ticket/fare basics: The tarjetas page outlines general fares and transfer pricing.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Minibus / Micro + Walk (Cheapest, Local-Style)

Lowest cost Frequent Harder to navigate

• Overview: Take a local minibus/micro from the airport area toward central La Paz, then walk to Calle Linares and the Witches’ Market.
• How to book (with price): No booking—pay cash on board. Ask “Centro” or “San Francisco” as a useful downtown reference; from there, Calle Linares is an easy walk.
• Pros: Cheapest. Cons: Limited English support, can be crowded, and luggage is inconvenient.

Step-by-step: Minibus / micro to downtown + walk

1. Ask at the airport: Ask a staff member or local where to catch a minibus heading “Centro / San Francisco”.
2. Carry small change: Pay with small notes/coins.
3. Get off near central landmarks: Plaza San Francisco is a good reference; then walk toward Calle Linares for the market stalls.
4. Finish on foot: The market is compact; expect short, steep streets and crowds at peak times.

Getting to the main embarking points (Local minibus stops near LPB)

• Where to board: Local buses don’t always have formal signage; ask locals for the stop for “Centro”.
• Backup plan: If it feels confusing, switch to Taxi / Uber or Mi Teleférico.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (La Paz El Alto Airport to Witches’ Market)

What’s the easiest way to get from La Paz El Alto Airport to the Witches’ Market?
For most travelers, Taxi / Uber is simplest door-to-door. If you want a fixed-price meet-and-greet arrival, choose Private transfer.

How long does it take?
Expect ~25–50 minutes by road depending on traffic and weather. Cable car routes plus a short last-mile walk usually take ~45–80 minutes.

Where exactly is the Witches’ Market?
It’s centered around Calle Linares in downtown La Paz, close to major sights like Plaza San Francisco.

Can I use ride-hailing from LPB?
Yes—Uber provides airport-specific pickup guidance for LPB. Always follow the pickup point in-app.

Is Mi Teleférico worth it for first-time visitors?
Yes if you’re arriving in daylight and traveling light. Use the official mapa to choose a route and check fare/transfer rules on tarjetas.

Where should I stay to visit the market easily?
Downtown is walkable for sightseeing; compare options in Downtown La Paz.

What’s a good tour that includes the Witches’ Market?
Browse walking and city tours that feature the Witches’ Market, or include it as a stop on a broader day tour like the Klook activity that ends shopping at the Witches’ Market.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on August 3, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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