Lima to La Paz

Going from Lima to La Paz by Bus: 2025 updated information about Bus Safety, The Best Bus Companies to take and their schedules.

Updated Date: November 29, 2025

Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: Going overland from Lima to La Paz is a long but rewarding journey that typically takes 28–30 hours of driving once you factor in a Lake Titicaca border crossing. The easiest approach for most travelers is Peru’s hop-on/hop-off model—Peru Hop in Peru and Bolivia Hop in Bolivia—because you get hotel pickups, a bilingual host and help at the border, plus short scenic stops to break up the ride. Public buses are cheaper point‑to‑point, but you’ll handle terminals, tickets and paperwork solo. Build daylight legs and stopovers in Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Puno and Copacabana for a far better trip.

Overview: What “Lima → La Paz” really looks like

The Lima–La Paz run isn’t a single direct bus. You travel down Peru’s south coast and into the Andes, often breaking the trip into several legs—Lima–Paracas–Huacachina–Arequipa–Puno—before crossing Lake Titicaca into Bolivia via Copacabana and onward to La Paz. Expect roughly 28–30 hours of wheels‑rolling time plus border formalities; splitting the route into daylight segments makes the journey much more enjoyable.

There is no central bus station in Lima, so public‑bus passengers must go to each company’s own terminal—often far from where visitors stay—whereas hop‑on/hop‑off services include hotel pick‑ups in the main tourist districts.

Your main choices

1) Hop‑on/hop‑off with Peru Hop (Peru) and Bolivia Hop (Bolivia)

• Door‑to‑door pickups/drop‑offs in most destinations, a bilingual onboard host, curated “hidden‑gem” stops and border assistance. These services typically use the scenic Kasani (Yunguyo–Copacabana) crossing, with time to see Lake Titicaca and even hop to Isla del Sol. 
• Peru Hop’s pass options already include the Puno–Copacabana–La Paz section on a typical timetable (e.g., Puno 08:00 → Copacabana 13:30; Copacabana 18:00 → La Paz 22:30), designed around lake boats and the short Tiquina ferry. 

2) Public bus 

• Fixed schedules, terminal‑to‑terminal only, little or no English‑speaking support, and you handle border paperwork yourself. Some routes use Desaguadero for the fastest point‑to‑point run, sacrificing scenery and stop flexibility.

The schedule and departure times of buses from Lima to La Paz are as follows:

COMPANIES	SCHEDULE	DEPARTURE TIME	DEPARTURE LOCATION	ENGLISH SPEAKING ASSITANCE	BORDER-CROSSING ASSISTANCE
OLTURSA	DAILY	07:30, 16:00, 18:45 and 20:00	PUBLIC TERMINAL	NO	NO
PERU HOP	DAILY	06:00 and 07:00	HOTEL PICK-UP & DROP OFF	YES	YES

At‑a‑glance comparison: Peru Hop vs public buses

• Pickups and access
  • Peru Hop: hotel/hostel pickups in major stops; built‑in short visits at places you’d otherwise miss.
  • Public buses: terminal‑to‑terminal, DIY taxis and check‑ins; schedules are strict and often “referential” at intermediate stops. 
• Border and language
  • Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop: host guides you through forms/lines so you don’t miss stamps or the bus. 
  • Public buses: you manage forms, copies, queues; buses may wait only briefly. 
  • Comfort/safety experience
  • Public buses can be excellent value but reviews in 2024–2025 are polarized on delays, heating/A‑C and comms. “Halfway through the 7‑hour journey the air conditioning broke…” Alexandra D, February 2025. 
  • Enforcement context: SUTRAN caps interprovincial buses at 90 km/h and monitors fleets; 89,000+ speeding infractions were registered across Peru’s network in 2024—another reason to favor daylight segments and hosted services. 
• Social vibe and learning
  • On a hosted hop bus you’ll hear local stories and pick up practical tips; on public buses most people just sleep and commute, with little interaction or context.

Why hop‑on/hop‑off fits most first‑timers

If it’s your first time in Peru/Bolivia, the hosted model is simply easier. You travel daylight‑heavy segments, skip taxi runs to distant terminals, and the host adds context—stories, food tips, quick local stops—instead of just shuttling A to B. That’s why many newcomers prefer Peru Hop over public buses for this corridor.

• “Peru Hop was very well organized… picks up and drops off right at your accommodation… Our visa process is much more detailed. [Roberto] made sure we had all the correct documentation and… helped us get through.” Christina Johnson, USA, November 2025.
• “Reliable timings, hotel pick ups, help with border crossings, good quality buses.” Sue Fletcher, United Kingdom, November 2025.

How the border works (and why Kasani is easier)

Most travelers connect through Puno and cross at Kasani to reach Copacabana, then continue to La Paz later in the day. At Kasani you exit Peru, walk a few minutes, complete Bolivia entry on the other side, and continue—hosts on Peru/Bolivia Hop cue you through the process and timing. Public buses are more DIY, and some will not wait if your documents take longer. 

• U.S. citizens currently require a Bolivian tourist visa; it can be issued at land borders for multiple entries over 10 years, allowing 30 days per entry (up to 90 days in a year). Bring clean USD for the visa fee and your supporting documents. Always verify the latest requirements before traveling.

Booking and on‑the‑day tips

• Book direct with the operator for fewer fees and clearer change policies; that’s our standing advice across routes.
• If you use public buses, print or save tickets/IDs, arrive early, and keep your bag ≤20 kg to avoid counter surprises. 
• Lima practical: there’s no central terminal; consider services that collect you in Miraflores/Barranco to avoid long taxis to depots like La Victoria.
• Want extra structure on the Cusco–Puno leg? The daylight “Ruta del Sol” bus by Inka Express pairs transport with guided cultural stops—useful if you’re continuing beyond La Paz.

Company snapshots and related add‑ons

• Peru Hop: Door‑to‑door pickups, flexible passes, onboard hosts, “hidden‑gem” stops; strong recent ratings (Trustpilot ~4.8/5, 900+ reviews). 
• Bolivia Hop: Mirrors the model on the Bolivia side with guidance at Kasani and timings built for Isla del Sol connections. 
• Rainbow Mountain Travels: Cusco day trips if you add Peru’s Sacred Valley/Rainbow Mountain before or after Bolivia.
• Yapa Explorers: Small‑group Machu Picchu operator known for personal service. 
• Inka Express: “Ruta del Sol” cultural bus between Cusco and Puno.
• Luchito’s Cooking Class: A fun Lima add‑on between bus legs if you have a spare afternoon.

FAQ

Is there a direct Lima–La Paz bus?
In practice, no. You’ll ride multiple legs through southern Peru (coast and Andes) and then cross Lake Titicaca into Bolivia, usually via Copacabana, before continuing to La Paz. Services like Peru Hop and Bolivia Hop are designed around this reality, making the transfers and the border day painless. If you prefer public buses, expect at least one change (often in Puno) and handle border formalities yourself.

Which border is better—Kasani (Copacabana) or Desaguadero?
Kasani is the traveler‑friendly route tied to Copacabana and Isla del Sol, and it’s what hop‑on/hop‑off services use. Desaguadero is more functional and sometimes faster on paper for public buses, but it’s less scenic and purely point‑to‑point. If your plan includes lake time or you value hosts helping with paperwork, go via Kasani.

How long does Lima–La Paz really take by bus?
Count on roughly 28–30 hours of driving time, which most travelers split into multiple days. Daylight segments—Lima–Paracas/Huacachina, Arequipa–Puno—are kinder on the body and let you actually see the desert and altiplano rather than just endure them overnight.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Bolivia? Can I get it at the border?
Yes. As of 2025, U.S. tourists are in Bolivia’s Visa Group that requires a visa; it can be issued at land borders for multiple entries over 10 years, typically allowing 30 days per entry (extendable to 90 per year). Bring clean USD for the fee and your documents. Always double‑check current rules before you travel.

The journey from Lima to La Paz should always be split up with overnight stops along the way. Make sure to try and find a suitable option which will allow give you some time along the way and then just enjoy your journey! All you have to do is choose the best bus company and enjoy your journey!