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 (served by both the Expreso del Sur and the Wara Wara del Sur). 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.

Nearby station on the line: Tupiza (Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara del Sur).

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 or the Wara Wara del Sur 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 or Wara Wara del Sur · ~15 h 35 min journey, then walk to the border bridge
From Uyuni	Expreso del Sur or Wara Wara del Sur · ~8 h 25 min journey, then walk to the border bridge
From Tupiza	Expreso del Sur or Wara Wara del Sur · ~2 h 10 min journey, then walk to the border bridge

Step by step

Take the Expreso del Sur or the Wara Wara del Sur 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

Ferroviaria Andina fares range from about Bs 20 in Salón class for short legs up to around Bs 170 in Ejecutivo for the full Oruro–Villazón run. These are indicative figures: confirm the current fare at the ticket office.

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Frequency

The train runs only a few days a week. The Expreso del Sur goes from Oruro to Villazón on Tuesdays and Fridays; the Wara Wara del Sur on Wednesdays and Sundays. The return directions run on other days. 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?

Ferroviaria Andina fares range from about Bs 20 in Salón class for short legs up to around Bs 170 in Ejecutivo for the full Oruro–Villazón run. Confirm the current fare at the ticket office or on the fares page.

What days does the train run?

It is a long-distance train with few departures: the Expreso del Sur runs Oruro to Villazón on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the Wara Wara del Sur on Wednesdays and Sundays; the return directions run on other days. Always check the schedule before you travel.

How long does it take from Oruro?

From Oruro to Villazón is about ~15 h 35 min by train, 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: July 2026