Getting Around Potosí
Potosí is a compact Andean city, and most of what a visitor wants to see sits close together in the historic centre. That shapes how you move around: on foot for the sights, and by taxi or bus for the longer hops between the centre and the bus terminals. There is no rail, metro or tram network to speak of, so ground transport means buses, taxis and collective cabs.
Walking
The centre is walkable, but be prepared for hills and altitude. The old bus terminal, for example, sits about a half-hour walk uphill from the city centre, which gives you a sense of the gradients involved. If you are staying centrally, you can reasonably cover the main plaza and surrounding streets on foot, but plan on taking a taxi or bus for anything involving the terminals or the edges of town.
Buses and Public Transport
Potosí has no metro or tram system; local public transport is by bus. A bus from the Centro area to the main bus terminal costs about Bs. 1, making it a cheap way to connect the centre with the terminal. The new terminal itself is reached by a roughly 30-minute bus ride costing around Bs. 1.50, and there is a small charge of about Bs. 2 to access the platforms once you arrive.
For longer journeys, Potosí is served by two bus terminals:
- Old terminal (Ex Terminal / Terminal Antigua) on Av. Universitaria — about a 30-minute walk uphill to the city centre. Buses bound for Uyuni and shared taxis to Sucre leave from here.
- New terminal (Nueva Terminal) in the northeast of the city — most long-distance buses depart from here, including services to Sucre.
Long-distance services connect Potosí with Oruro, Sucre, Tupiza, Uyuni, Tarija and La Paz, among other destinations. Schedules and fares vary by route and operator, so confirm times and prices locally when you buy your ticket.
Taxis and Collective Cabs
Taxis are generally cheap and plentiful around Potosí. The one thing to watch is the pricing convention: always agree the price with the driver before you set off, because some drivers charge per person, which can lead to arguments at payment time. A taxi from the main bus terminal into town typically runs about Bs. 3–5, depending on your bargaining and the time of day.
For intercity travel, collective cabs (often called servis) are an alternative to the bus. They travel slightly quicker but cost more, and they leave when full. They can be arranged to Sucre and to Oruro, and they are particularly useful during bus strikes. You can buy additional seats for more comfort or to speed up departure. For Sucre in particular, hiring a whole cab can be worthwhile for two or more people, since it is faster and more comfortable than a collective cab or bus and leaves on your schedule.
Getting from the Airport
Potosí is commonly reached by air via Sucre airport. On arrival, shared taxis depart from the airport: exit the terminal, look to your right, and you will find a taxi rank. Shared taxis drop passengers off at Potosí's main plaza. If you prefer, you can hire the entire taxi as an expreso instead of sharing.
For the return trip, taxis leave from the ex-terminal. If you want to go back to the airport, negotiate directly with the driver. As with all taxi journeys here, settle the fare before you depart.
Practical Tips
- Agree taxi fares in advance and clarify whether the price is per person or per vehicle.
- Keep small change handy for local buses and the platform access fee at the new terminal.
- Check which terminal your bus uses before you leave — long-distance services mostly go from the new terminal, while Uyuni-bound buses and shared taxis to Sucre use the old one.
- If a bus strike is on, collective cabs and hired taxis are your fallback for reaching Sucre and Oruro.
- Allow extra time for uphill walks in the centre, especially at altitude.