How to reach the Villazón border (La Quiaca) by train

Station, train, journey time and the final stretch — the complete guide.

Quick answer

Take the train to Villazón station (a stop of the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús). From there you reach the Villazón border crossing with a 15–20-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the station to the international bridge that crosses into La Quiaca, in Argentina.

The station is not the border post: immigration is handled at the international bridge, a few minutes from the platform.

Why visit

Villazón is the southern head of the Ferroviaria Andina corridor and the main gateway into Bolivia from Argentina: across the international bridge lies La Quiaca. Many travellers take the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús precisely to travel this route between the Bolivian Altiplano and north-west Argentina. Villazón station is a short distance from the centre and the border post; immigration formalities are done at the bridge, not at the station.

Getting there from the corridor

Starting point	Train route
From Oruro	Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús · 19 h (Monday 21:30 → Tuesday 16:30) · Bs 132 (sum of legs), then walk to the border bridge
From Uyuni	Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús · 10 h 30 min (Tuesday 06:00 → Tuesday 16:30) · Bs 72 (sum of legs), then walk to the border bridge
From Tupiza	Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús · 3 h 07 min (Tuesday 13:23 → Tuesday 16:30) · Bs 25, then walk to the border bridge

Step by step

Take the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús and get off at Villazón station.

As you leave the station, take a short walk from Villazón station.

This brings you to the Villazón border crossing.

What else to see nearby

Villazón–La Quiaca international bridge📍 Map15–20 min on foot from the station
Villazón border market📍 Mapin the centre, on the way to the bridge
La Quiaca bus terminal (Argentina)📍 Mapafter crossing the border
Villazón main square📍 Mapa few minutes on foot from the station

Useful information

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Ticket

The Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús has one fare per leg, with no classes: Oruro–Uyuni Bs 60, Uyuni–Atocha Bs 22, Atocha–Tupiza Bs 25 and Tupiza–Villazón Bs 25. Longer journeys add up the legs.

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Frequency

There is only one departure a week in each direction: from Oruro on Monday at 21:30 (reaching Villazón on Tuesday at 16:30) and from Villazón on Thursday at 14:30 (reaching Oruro on Friday at 07:55). The Wara Wara del Sur has been suspended since 2021. Check the schedule before you travel.

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Tip

Always cross at the official post and stamp both your exit and entry at immigration on each side of the bridge. On the Argentine side, in La Quiaca, there is a bus station with services to Jujuy and Salta. Check the current entry requirements for your nationality.

Villazón station Route planner Network map

Frequently asked questions

How much is a train ticket?

One fare per leg, no classes: Oruro–Uyuni Bs 60, Uyuni–Atocha Bs 22, Atocha–Tupiza Bs 25 and Tupiza–Villazón Bs 25; longer journeys add up the legs (Oruro–Villazón: Bs 132). More on the fares page.

What days does the train run?

Once a week in each direction: the Expreso del Sur – Ferrobús leaves Oruro on Monday at 21:30 and Villazón on Thursday at 14:30. Always check the schedule before you travel.

How long does it take from Oruro?

From Oruro to Villazón is 19 h on the Ferrobús, and then a short walk from Villazón station to the Villazón border crossing.

Can you walk to Villazón border (La Quiaca) from the station?

Not directly: you need a short walk from Villazón station. The station is not the border post: immigration is handled at the international bridge, a few minutes from the platform.

Where can I see more attractions on the corridor?

The what to see near the Bolivia Train guide lists every attraction by station.

Updated: October 2026