How to Get to Cusco: Best Transport Options Compared

How to Reach Cusco: Flights, Buses, and Trains Explained

Planning to visit Cusco? Great idea!

Cusco is the historical heart of Peru and the perfect gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the iconic Machu Picchu. With its deep history and one-of-a-kind atmosphere, it’s an essential stop on any Peruvian adventure.

That said, Peru is a vast country, and getting from place to place can take time. Distances are long, and travel times can sneak up on you, so it’s important to plan smartly.

To help with that, I recommend checking out this guide on How to Plan your Trip to Peru. And if you’re wondering whether to fly, take the bus, or hop on a train, I’ve put together a detailed itinerary to help you arrive in Cusco from Lima, Arequipa, or Puno.

So… how do you get to Cusco? Let’s dive in!

1. Bus or Plane to Cusco: Which Is Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it really depends on your budget and how much time you have during your trip to Peru.

In short: flying is quicker but usually more expensive. It’s the best option if you’re short on time and want to keep your itinerary tight. Just keep in mind that direct flights to Cusco aren’t always available depending on where you’re coming from — you might need a layover in Lima.

Taking the bus to Cusco is a solid choice if you’re traveling on a budget. It gives you the chance to enjoy the landscapes and — bonus — it allows your body to acclimate gradually to the altitude, which can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

The good news? Peruvian buses are surprisingly comfortable — some of the best in South America! You’ll find extra-wide seats that recline up to 120° or even 160°, depending on the class. Many companies also offer overnight buses, which means you can save the cost of a hotel night too.

2. Getting to Cusco from Lima

Lima–Cusco Bus

The Lima–Cusco bus journey takes around 22 hours.

It’s much cheaper than flying, so if you’re on a tight budget and have enough time, it can be a good option.

The challenge is the very long duration and the many curves as the road crosses the Andes mountains, which can cause nausea for those not used to it.

The best bus company (safe, comfortable, and punctual) is undoubtedly Cruz del Sur — although it’s also the most expensive.

You can also check Wari Palomino, Ormeño, and Civa. Prices range from 100 to 220 soles, depending on the company and the type of seat. (But honestly, I don’t recommend saving on comfort for such a long trip — you might regret it!)

There are two bus terminals in Lima: Javier Prado (near the tourist areas) and Plaza Norte (in the north of the city). They are very far apart, so make sure you book from the terminal closest to you.

Plane Lima-Cusco

The flight from Lima to Cusco takes 1h15. It’s the most popular route, which is why there are departures every 30 minutes, offered by several airlines: LC Peru, Peruvian Airlines, StarPeru, Latam (ex-Lan) and Avianca.

Prices vary according to airline and date, but not all airlines are created equal. Latam is the most expensive, but is always punctual and offers good service. Peruvian Airlines, on the other hand, is less expensive but notorious for its numerous delays and cancellations. Best avoided.

As it’s a fast trip and in 1h30 you go from zero to 11,150 foot altitude, I strongly recommend you have a little coca tea on arrival, which all hotels and hostels offer, and even take a little nap.

3. Getting to Cusco from Arequipa

Bus Arequipa-Cusco

The Arequipa-Cusco bus takes around 10 hours. The road is safe and runs in a straight line, so the journey is fairly calm. There are departures all day and into the evening, and to save time, you can opt for the night bus.

For safety’s sake, don’t go to sleep leaving your valuables unattended, as night journeys are ideal for pickpockets.

Always keep your camera and other valuables or documents close to you (e.g. bag strapped to your arm or under your legs but inaccessible by passing under the seat, etc.), but not in the overhead storage compartment.

Serious bus companies running the Arequipa-Cusco route are Cruz del Sur, Oltursa and Civa, and prices range from 50 soles to 110 soles.

Plane Arequipa-Cusco

The flight from Arequipa to Cusco takes 1 hour, and the direct airline is Latam.

Be careful, though, as there are other airlines like Avianca that offer Arequipa-Cusco, but with a stopover in Lima and a total flight time of 6 hours or more.

It has to be said that the Arequipa and Cusco regions are magnificent from above, with their mountainous landscapes. Don’t hesitate to take a window seat!

Arequipa-Cusco luxury train

Aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train, we enjoy a two-day, two-night journey from Arequipa to Cusco, passing Lake Titicaca with all meals, cocktails, tea time, a visit to Titicaca and a tour of Raqchi.

Departure on Sunday (check-in at 9 a.m.) and arrival in Cusco – Wanchaq (at 1:15 p.m.)

4. Getting to Cusco from Puno

Direct Bus from Puno to Cusco

The Puno–Cusco bus takes around 7h30 to 8h. You can choose between daytime and overnight departures.

Tourist Bus from Puno to Cusco

If you have the time, taking a tourist bus by day is a great option. You’ll enjoy the fantastic scenery between the Titicaca region and Cusco, with several stops along the way. If you prefer to save time, there are also overnight buses available.

Several companies operate this route, including Cruz del Sur, Inka Express, Turismo Mer, and Wonder Peru Expedition. Prices vary depending on the company and what’s included in the ticket (some don’t include entrance fees, so be sure to double-check!).

The great advantage of the bus over the train or plane is that the journey itself becomes an attraction, with beautiful stops where you can stretch your legs and discover important sites along the way.

The tourist bus leaves Puno around 7:00 am and arrives in Cusco around 5:30 pm.

Here are the stops on the Puno–Cusco route:

• Pukara Museum: a museum showcasing anthropomorphic monoliths, animal sculptures, pottery, and other artifacts from the pre-Inca Pukara culture, which flourished between 500 BC and 200 AD.
• La Raya: the highest point of the journey at 12,230 feet — a spectacular photo stop between the valleys of Titicaca and Cusco.
• Raqchi: one of the largest Inca archaeological sites ever discovered, with a sacred complex dominated by the impressive temple dedicated to the creator god Wiracocha.
• Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas: a 17th-century Jesuit church, nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of America” for its lavish interior filled with sculptures and paintings.

You can reserve your seat for the tourist bus with buffet lunch included here:

Flight Puno-Cusco

The flight from Puno to Cusco takes 45 minutes. While several airlines make the trip, the only direct one is Latam, while the others have a long stopover in Lima.

Unlike the bus and train, it’s not a scenic route, but it’s by far the fastest option and a good time-saving investment!

Puno doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll have to go to Juliaca, a 1-hour drive away. To get to Juliaca airport, you can take a cab, a colectivo or arrange private transport (usually around $20 per person, minimum 2 people).

Puno-Cusco train

Amazing views are not exclusive to the train to Machu Picchu! Taking the train from Puno to Cusco is a whole new experience in Peru, from the comfort to the scenery.

The PeruRail Titicaca train journey from Puno to Cusco lasts 10.30 hours and includes dinner, a traditional music and dance show, and tea time.

The train is decorated in the style of a 1920s Pullman, and the last carriage is specially designed to allow passengers to admire the scenery and take some great photos!

The route is magnificent as the train crosses the Andes, passing through small villages and fields.

It goes on to La Raya (the highest point on the route at 4338m above sea level), Raqchi , where you can see the remains of the temple of Wiracocha, Sicuani, Urcos, the church of Andahuaylillas, the Rumicolca archaeological site of the pre-Inca Wari culture, the Huambutio Vilcanota river and the community of Oropesa, famous for the production of good fresh bread, before arriving in Cusco in the evening.

• Departures Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m. from Puno, arrival in Cusco-Wanchaq at 5:30 p.m

Puno-Cusco luxury train

The Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train that runs from Puno to Cusco.

It’s a 2-day, 1-night program aboard the Spirit of the Andes train, including meals and overnight accommodation (4 cabin choices).

Departure from Puno on Wednesday at midday and arrival in Cusco on Thursday at 7:30 am.

5. Getting to Cusco from Puerto Maldonado

The Puerto Maldonado–Cusco bus takes between 10 and 12 hours, traveling along the Interoceanic Highway through jungle and Andean landscapes.

Bus companies include Civa, Maldonado Tours, and Turismo Tisoc Hermanos, offering both daytime and some nighttime departures.

The flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco takes about 50 minutes with Latam or Avianca, with non-stop connections.

6. Getting to Cusco from Ica

The Ica–Cusco bus departs in the afternoon (between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm), with several companies operating this route: Cruz del Sur, Tepsa, Civa, Oltursa, and Excluciva. Ticket prices range from 80 to 170 soles, depending on the level of comfort.

There are no direct flights from Ica to Cusco. If you prefer to fly, you’ll need to return to Lima first.

7. Summary: FAQ About Planning Your Trip to Cusco

What’s the Best Way to Get to Cusco from Lima?

It depends on your budget and how much time you have for your itinerary in Peru. Flying is faster (about 1h15) but more expensive. Taking the bus is a good option if you want to save money and enjoy the scenery, but it means spending a long day on the road — so be prepared.

Is It Better to Fly or Take the Bus to Cusco?

Flying is a great option if you want to save time or avoid the fatigue of a long trip. The bus allows you to enjoy the landscapes and, more importantly, to gradually gain altitude, which helps prevent altitude sickness. Many Peruvian companies offer very comfortable buses, with seats that recline up to 160°, perfect for long journeys.

How Many Hours Does the Bus from Lima to Cusco Take?

The trip usually takes between 20 and 24 hours, depending on the company, the route, and the stops. Some companies go through Abancay, others via Arequipa, which can affect the total travel time.

How Do I Get from Cusco Airport to the City Center?

The airport is only about 3 miles from the historic center. The trip takes around 15 to 20 minutes. You can take an official taxi from the terminal (30–40 soles), or use apps like Uber or DiDi for a cheaper ride (around 12–15 soles).

Are There Direct International Flights to Cusco?

Yes, but they are limited.

Cusco is mainly accessible via domestic flights from Lima, but there are a few direct international connections, mainly from Bogotá, La Paz, and Santiago. Most travelers still arrive via a connection in Lima.

8. Getting to Cusco: My Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Try to sleep during the bus journey

The road is long, winding, and at altitude, which can easily cause nausea. Sleeping will help you pass the time and feel better upon arrival.

Also, the onboard environment can be noisy: movies often play at high volume, and some passengers talk loudly or play music without headphones. Bring earplugs to rest properly.

• Pack warm clothes in your cabin bag

Even if you leave from the coast with mild or warm weather, you’ll quickly climb to higher altitudes, where it gets much colder — especially at night on the bus.

• Choose a reliable bus company

The routes are long and often mountainous. While accidents are rare, they are more likely with low-cost companies that may not follow safety standards (such as tired drivers or reckless driving). It’s definitely worth paying a little more to travel safely.

Where to Stay in Cusco

• Backpacker La Bo’M: One of the best hostels in Cusco. Founded by Sarah, a French expat, it includes a delicious crêperie next door. Perfectly located in the charming neighborhood of San Blas, it offers good Wi-Fi, a cozy vibe, and of course, amazing crêpes to start your day! Dorms from only $13 USD and private rooms from $33 USD.

• La Casona Real Cusco: For those looking for more comfort, this charming traditional-style guesthouse is located on a quiet street just steps from the Plaza de Armas. Impeccably clean, with hot water, great Wi-Fi, and a warm welcome. Breakfast included, all from just $76 USD per night!

• Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas: In the lovely San Blas neighborhood, this upscale hotel offers spacious rooms with very comfortable beds. Its modern décor with local touches and peaceful interior courtyard make for a relaxing stay. Buffet breakfast included. From $98 USD per night!

• Antigua Casona San Blas: A chic and intimate 4-star hotel in San Blas. It features very comfortable rooms, a warm atmosphere, and a tasteful blend of modern and traditional décor. Don’t miss their Piedra & Sal restaurant, one of Cusco’s best. Excellent breakfast included. From $250 USD per night.

• Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel: For a romantic stay in Cusco, this 5-star gem is housed in a spectacular colonial building across from Coricancha, with roots dating back to Inca times. Enjoy the indoor pool, gym, spa, bar, and restaurant. Delicious breakfast included. From $325 USD per night.

Book Your Flight at the Best Price

Planning a trip to Peru? To get the best deal on your flights, I recommend using this flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner.

It’s the easiest way to find the lowest prices for both international flights and domestic flights within Peru—ensuring you pay the best rate with no hassle!

Rent a Car in Peru

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Peru at your own pace and make the most of your trip!

Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars for a few key reasons:

• Easily compare prices from all major rental agencies in one place—finding the best deal has never been easier!
• Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can reserve with peace of mind.
• Better insurance coverage at a lower price than rental companies—saving you money with no extra effort.

Click the button below to find the best car rental deals in Peru:

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