Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)

Santa Cruz, BO 🇧🇴 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

SLVR

IATA

VVI

Elevation

1224 ft

Region

BO-S

Local Time

Loading...

Loading...

Airport Information

GPS Code: SLVR

Local Code: Not available

Location: -17.6448° N, -63.135399° E

Continent: SA

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, receives mixed reviews from recent travelers. While generally considered functional and a primary gateway to Bolivia, many travelers describe it as outdated and lacking in modern amenities. Overall satisfaction often hinges on managing expectations for a smaller, older international airport.

What Travelers Love
  • Security and Immigration Efficiency: Many travelers report quick processing through security and immigration, particularly during non-peak hours.
  • Clean Bathrooms: The airport generally maintains clean restroom facilities.
  • Essential Amenities: Basic services like cafes, eateries, currency exchange, and ATMs are available.
  • Convenient Location: VVI is located approximately 17 km (10 miles) from Santa Cruz de la Sierra city center, with various transportation options readily available.
  • Observation Deck: The airport features an observation deck that can be a positive for plane spotters.
Common Complaints
  • Outdated and Basic Facilities: The airport's infrastructure is frequently described as small, outdated, and in need of investment, with uncomfortable seating in some areas.
  • Limited Food and Retail Options: Choices for food and shops are scarce, especially after security or during early morning hours.
  • Lack of Air Conditioning and Poor Wi-Fi: Some travelers note a lack of effective air conditioning and frequently report slow or unreliable Wi-Fi.
  • Challenging Immigration and Customs Experience: There are reports of unorganized or unhelpful immigration staff, long waits, and even issues with visa processing, with some travelers suggesting a preference for bribes over efficient service. International transit on separate tickets often requires clearing immigration.
  • Basic VIP Lounges: The available VIP lounges are generally described as small, basic, and lacking in amenities like showers or diverse food options, though they do offer seating and Wi-Fi.
  • Mosquitoes: Some reviews specifically mention the presence of mosquitoes in the check-in hall.

Viru Viru International Airport serves as Bolivia's main international hub, providing necessary services but often falling short of modern international airport standards. Travelers should prepare for a functional but potentially dated environment, particularly regarding amenities and the efficiency of some administrative processes. It is advisable to pre-arrange transportation and be prepared for limited options once past security.

Generated False weeks ago
Loading...

Researching traveler experiences online...

Unable to generate sentiment summary. Please try again later.
This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

Loading weather data...

Loading weather data...


Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
0 destinations displayed
Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
Loading...
Loading routes...

Top Airlines

Operating at Viru Viru International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
16 1041 16 Dec 11, 2025
ecojet
ECO / 8J
4 138 4 Dec 11, 2025
LATAM Peru
LPE / LP
1 49 1 Dec 11, 2025
1 38 1 Dec 11, 2025
Avianca
AVA / AV
1 37 1 Dec 11, 2025
1 29 1 Dec 8, 2025
Paranair
AZP / ZP
1 24 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 19 1 Dec 8, 2025
LATAM
LAN / LA
1 16 1 Nov 29, 2025
Ascension
ASZ / OB
2 16 2 Dec 8, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
16/34 11483 ft 148 ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 119.7 MHz
CLD CLNC DEL 121.8 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
RDO SANTA CRUZ RDO 127.1 MHz
TWR TWR 118.6 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
VIR Viru Viru VOR-DME 113800 kHz
VRO Viru Viru NDB 280 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport taxis are the safest and most common option. They operate on a fixed-fare system based on zones. You should purchase a ticket from the authorized taxi counters located inside the arrivals hall before proceeding to the taxi rank outside. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Indrive are also available, but their pickup points can be less formal.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies have service desks within the arrivals hall. Major international agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate alongside local providers such as Localiza. It is advisable to book your vehicle in advance. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often recommended, along with your passport and a valid credit card.

Public Transportation

The most economical option is public transport, which consists of minibuses ('micros') and shared taxis ('trufis'). These can be found on the main road just a short walk from the terminal building. They connect the airport to various points in Santa Cruz, including the Terminal Bimodal (main bus terminal). This option is best suited for budget travelers with light luggage as the vehicles can be crowded.

Nearby Airports

El Trompillo Airport
SRZ • SLET
Santa Cruz, BO
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~19 km away
El Trompillo Airport
SRZ • SLET
Santa Cruz, BO
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~19 km away
Collpa Airport
SLCY
A. Ibañez, BO
Small Airport
~10 km away
Caranda Airport
SLDA
Ichilo, BO
Small Airport
~45 km away
Guirapembi Airport
SLGP
Cordillera, BO
Small Airport
~46 km away
San Carlos Airport
SLZC
Ichilo, BO
Small Airport
~62 km away
Rio Seco Airport
SLRS
Campo Ingelmeco, BO
Small Airport
~63 km away
Piray Airport
SLPY
Sanja Honda, BO
Small Airport
~76 km away
Santa Rosa Del Sara Airport
SLSK
A. Ibañez, BO
Small Airport
~78 km away
Cañada Larga Airport
SLNL
Chiquitos, BO
Small Airport
~79 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.