How to get to Plaza Murillo and the old town by cable car
Station, line, walking time, fare and opening hours — the complete guide.
Get off at Central station (Red Line & Orange Line). From the exit it is a 12-minute walk to Plaza Murillo and the old town.
The square is a free, open public space; the government buildings are not generally open to visitors except on specific tours and days.
Overview
Plaza Murillo is the political centre of Bolivia: around it stand the Palacio Quemado, the new Casa Grande del Pueblo, the Legislative Assembly and the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is also the heart of the colonial old town, steps away from Calle Jaén, the cobbled lane where the municipal museums are. The cable car does not reach the square itself — it sits inside the tight grid of the historic centre — but Central station, on the Red and Orange lines, is about a 12-minute walk uphill, crossing Avenida Manco Cápac and climbing towards the square. It is a short but real climb: remember you are at 3,600 m.
Getting there from key points
| Starting point | Cable-car route |
|---|---|
| 16 de Julio station (El Alto) | Red Line direct to Central, ~11 min · Bs 3 |
| Plaza Villarroel (Miraflores) | Orange Line direct to Central, ~12 min · Bs 3 |
| Irpavi (Zona Sur) | Green Line to Libertador + Light Blue Line to Prado, then ~15 min on foot · Bs 5 |
| Sopocachi | Yellow Line to Libertador + Light Blue to Prado, then ~12 min on foot · Bs 5 |
Step by step
Take any of the lines serving the station: Red Line & Orange Line. The fare is Bs 3 for the first line plus Bs 2 for every transfer.
Get off at Central station and follow the exit signs.
In about 12 minutes on foot you reach Plaza Murillo and the old town.
For the way back, remember the hours: 06:00–23:00 Monday to Saturday and 07:00–21:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
What else to see nearby
- Calle Jaén📍 Map14 minThe best-preserved colonial street in La Paz, with four municipal museums in one block.
- La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral📍 Map12 minRight on the square, its neoclassical façade facing Plaza Murillo.
- Parque Urbano Central📍 Map3 minThe big central park, three minutes from Central station.
- Mercado Lanza📍 Map10 minCovered food market on the way to Plaza San Francisco.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions
Which cable-car station do I use?
Central station (Red Line & Orange Line). It is about a 12-minute walk from the exit.
How long does it take from 16 de Julio station (El Alto)?
Red Line direct to Central, ~11 min · Bs 3.
How much does the trip cost?
Bs 3 for the first line and Bs 2 for each transfer (Bs 1.50 and Bs 1 on the accredited reduced fare). A journey with one transfer costs Bs 5. Transfers are not free.
What time does it open and close?
Monday to Saturday, 06:00 to 23:00; Sundays and public holidays, 07:00 to 21:00. Cabins leave every 12 seconds, but there can be queues at the ticket desks at peak times.
Where can I find more attractions near the cable car?
In our guide what to see in La Paz by cable car, with every attraction listed by station.
Contenido de esta página
Updated: August 2026