Cheap flights from London to La Paz

April is the cheapest month for this route, and it falls in Bolivia's dry season, when the altiplano is clearer. Fares climb around Christmas and New Year, over Easter, and through the UK summer school break, so shoulder months give you more choice. Midweek departures from Heathrow or Gatwick usually cost less than a Friday or Sunday flight, and Tuesday and Wednesday are quiet. Long-haul seats open well ahead of departure, so book once the price calendar settles rather than at the last minute.

There is no direct service, so every itinerary pairs two or more carriers. British Airways, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, Lufthansa and Lufthansa City Airlines are full-service, and checked baggage usually comes with the fare. BA CityFlyer operates British Airways departures from London City, while Helvetic Airways flies regional legs for Swiss. Iberia Express is the lighter, low-cost arm of Iberia, and Avianca covers the South American stretch into El Alto. On mixed tickets, baggage and change rules follow the airline that issues each leg.

El Alto International is the only airport serving La Paz, sitting on the plateau above the city, so the drive down into the centre takes a while and the altitude is worth taking slowly. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the usual way in, and shared minibuses run to the centre for anyone travelling light. Agree the fare before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app, and be wary of drivers who approach you inside the terminal. If your connection lands late, check whether your hotel offers an airport pickup, and keep some cash for the ride.

Currency

BOB (Bs)

Power sockets

Type A, C · 115 V

Language

Guarani, Quechua, Aymara, Spanish

Emergency number

110, 119, 160

Driving side

right

Calling code

+591

Internet domain

.bo

Population of La Paz

756 k (2024)

Altitude

3,640 m · high altitude — take the first day slowly

Time zone

UTC-04 (America/La_Paz)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Check which London airport your fare leaves from, since Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and London City are not interchangeable.
• Confirm the baggage allowance on Iberia Express and any other low-cost leg, since carry-on only fares are common.
• Check whether your connection is on one ticket or two, because separate bookings put the missed-flight risk on you.
• Carry a passport that stays valid well past your trip, and check Bolivia's entry rules before you pay.
• Weigh a short layover against a longer, cheaper one, and check if the transit airport suits your passport.
• Aim for April, the cheapest month, and watch the price calendar as your dates settle.