Airport Hubs:
VVI → Santa Cruz de la Sierra (1st & 2nd Rings) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Santa Cruz Airport (VVI) to City Center

Distance 17 km
Fastest 25 min
From 6.00 BOB (~$0.90)
Top Pick Official Airport Taxi / Trufi Shared Minivan Line 135
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Warnes is 17 km north of Santa Cruz. An official airport taxi takes 25-30 minutes for a fixed 60 - 70 BOB (~$9 - $10 USD) directly to hotels in the 1st and 2nd rings or Equipetrol. Budget travelers can take the Line 135 Trufi shared minivan departing every 10 minutes outside arrivals directly to the Bimodal bus terminal for just 6.00 BOB (~$0.90 USD).

Viru Viru (VVI) is Bolivia's largest and busiest international airport, situated in the tropical eastern lowlands. Free from the extreme altitude of La Paz, Santa Cruz is a bustling commercial center with modern amenities and vibrant nightlife.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Official Airport Association Taxi Best Overall
25–30 min
60 - 70 BOB
~$9 - $10 / €8 - €9.50
 Continuous queue All travelers—fast, direct, inexpensive, and door-to-door Book Santa Cruz Transfer
Microbus / Trufi Line 135 Cheapest
35–45 min
6.00 BOB
~$0.90 / €0.80
 Every 10-15 min Budget travelers, backpackers, and solo travelers Explore Santa Cruz Tours

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Official Airport Association Taxi

60 - 70 BOB ~$9 - $10 / €8 - €9.50
Travel time 25–30 min
Frequency Continuous queue
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Official taxi rank outside main terminal entrance.
Main advantage: Takes 25 minutes; costs under $10 USD; direct drop-off in Equipetrol or 1st Ring.
Keep in mind: Cash payment required in Bolivianos.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Walk out of the arrivals concourse to the taxi rank.
  2. Confirm the fixed rate (60–70 BOB) with the taxi coordinator.
  3. Drive directly along the highway into central Santa Cruz.
  4. Pay driver cash upon arrival.
Book Santa Cruz Transfer
Option #2 Cheapest

Microbus / Trufi Line 135

6.00 BOB ~$0.90 / €0.80
Travel time 35–45 min
Frequency Every 10-15 min
Operating hours 05:30 - 21:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Pay exact cash (6 BOB) directly to the driver on board.
Main advantage: Inexpensive; runs frequently from outside the departure concourse.
Keep in mind: Shared minibus with limited luggage storage; stops along highway into city.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Exit the terminal and locate the green Line 135 microbus stop along the departure concourse.
  2. Confirm with the driver: "Al centro / El Cristo".
  3. Ride down the Northern Highway (Carretera al Norte) to El Cristo statue or Terminal Bimodal.
Explore Santa Cruz Tours
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for InDrive / Uber & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where InDrive / Uber pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Bolivia eSIM on Airalo →Compare Bolivia Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Santa Cruz de la Sierra (VVI) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Santa Cruz de la Sierra Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

For taxis, negotiate or verify the standard rate (60–70 BOB) with the official airport taxi association parked outside. For the Trufi minivan, pay cash in Bolivianos to the driver.

Traveling with Suitcases

Official taxis have ample trunk space. Trufi minivans have limited room for oversized rolling bags.

Arriving After Midnight

Official taxi associations operate 24/7 outside the terminal doors for late-night flights from Madrid, Miami, and Panama.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Paying in US Dollars at unfavorable exchange rates—carry Bolivianos for taxis and buses.
  • Confusing Viru Viru (VVI) with the older downtown El Trompillo airport (SRZ).
  • Official airport taxis charge a fixed rate (60–70 BOB / ~$9–$10 USD) to the 1st or 2nd ring of Santa Cruz. Confirm the fare before loading bags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is a taxi from Viru Viru Airport to Santa Cruz center?

An official airport taxi costs 60 to 70 BOB (~$9 to $10 USD).

How far is Viru Viru Airport from Santa Cruz?

It is roughly 17 km away, taking about 25 to 30 minutes via the highway.