By Equipo PAT
For getting around Peru, fly the long legs, take the bus on shorter ones and ride the train to Machu Picchu. A flight from Lima to Cusco takes about an hour and a half, while the bus takes over a day. So choose based on your time and budget.
What is the best way of getting around Peru by distance?
Peru is a big, mountainous country. Distances on the map can fool you, because a short stretch may take hours on winding Andean roads. Elevation also changes fast, and that affects how you feel when you arrive.
The rule of thumb is simple. A plane saves days when you connect far-apart regions, such as Lima with Cusco or Arequipa. For trips of four to twelve hours, a day or night bus is the usual choice. Finally, trains exist mostly to reach Machu Picchu and, to a lesser degree, to cross the high plateau.
How long do the most common routes take?
This table lists the routes travelers use most. Times are approximate, since traffic, weather and the carrier all play a part. Ticket prices change every season, so check them on the airline or bus company website.
| Route | Plane | Bus | Best choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima – Cusco | About 1 h 30 | Over 20 h | Plane |
| Lima – Arequipa | About 1 h 40 | Around 16 to 17 h | Plane |
| Lima – Ica / Paracas | No regular flight | Around 4 to 5 h | Bus |
| Cusco – Puno | Flight via Lima or Juliaca, impractical | Around 6 to 7 h | Tourist bus or train |
| Cusco – Arequipa | Few flights | Around 10 to 11 h | Night bus |
| Cusco – Puerto Maldonado | About 1 h | Over 10 h by road | Plane |
| Cusco – Machu Picchu | Not applicable | Bus plus a hike | Train |
As you can see, flying wins when the bus ride tops ten hours. However, on routes like Lima – Ica the bus is easier, because you skip the airport.
When should you take a domestic flight?
Fly when you are short on days. For example, if you only have a week, flying from Lima to Cusco gives you back a full day. Peruvian airlines also cover Cusco, Arequipa, Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado and other cities.
Keep three practical details in mind:
- Book early in high season, from May to September, because flights to Cusco fill up.
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight.
- For Puno, you land in Juliaca, about an hour away by road.
Cusco also sits at roughly 3,400 m. If you fly in from Lima, your body has no time to adapt. That is why we suggest reading our guide on how to acclimatize to altitude in Cusco before you go.
Is it a good idea to take the bus in Peru?
Yes, if you pick the company and the schedule well. Long-distance buses have reclining seats, and premium services add meals and more legroom. On the other hand, mountain roads have many curves, so a daytime bus lets you enjoy the scenery calmly.
If you want to save a hotel night, an overnight bus works well on routes like Cusco – Arequipa. We would not suggest it before an early tour, though, because tiredness adds up. Then check that the company is reputable and that the ticket names the exact departure terminal.
First, keep valuables in a bag you carry with you. Next, check your large suitcase into the hold with its tag. Finally, use the usual precautions at any bus terminal.
Which trains run in Peru and when should you use them?
Tourist trains are the best way to reach Machu Picchu. They leave from Cusco, Poroy or Ollantaytambo and arrive at Aguas Calientes, the town below the citadel. Two main companies run them: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Check their sites for current schedules and fares.
Trains come in several service classes, from basic to luxury cars with panoramic windows. Trips from Ollantaytambo are also shorter than those from Cusco. For that reason many travelers sleep in the Sacred Valley the night before.
A tourist train also links Cusco and Puno across the high plateau. However, it is a luxury service with a few departures per week, so it does not work as daily transport. To reach Machu Picchu in a single day, see the Machu Picchu by Train Full Day tour, from $359.
How do you combine plane, bus and train on a real trip?
Most trips mix all three. For example, a classic route flies from Lima to Cusco, takes the train to Machu Picchu and returns by bus or plane depending on your time. If you add Lake Titicaca, the tourist bus from Cusco to Puno stops at sights along the way.
- Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu: a domestic flight and the train. See the Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu 6 days and 5 nights package, from $890.
- Machu Picchu and Titicaca: train, a bus between Cusco and Puno, and boat trips. The Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca 8 days and 7 nights program covers it, from $1,590.
- Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu: a bus along the coast and a flight to the Andes, with the Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu 8 days and 7 nights package, from $1,490.
If you still have no route, start with our 10-day Peru itinerary and adjust the transfers to your style.
Which option is best for your travel style?
If you have little time, favor planes and book tours that include transfers. If your budget is tight and you have spare days, the bus lets you see more of the country. Families with kids also tend to prefer flights and trains, since they avoid long days on the road.
On the other hand, if altitude or curves make you queasy, skip overnight mountain buses. So weigh your health, not just the price. To decide when to go, read our guide to the best time to visit Peru, because rain can cut roads between December and March.
How can you travel safely and avoid surprises?
- Buy Machu Picchu train tickets early, because they sell out in high season.
- Leave a buffer between flights and key tours in case weather causes delays.
- Carry a copy of your passport and bookings, on paper and on your phone.
- Check road conditions before you leave; SUTRAN posts official traffic information.
- Ask your agency for an airport or terminal pickup on day one.
With these points clear, planning your transfers stops being a headache. And if you prefer not to handle anything yourself, browse our Peru packages, which already include transfers between cities.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to travel by bus in Peru?
Yes, if you choose reputable companies with their own terminal and good reviews. Avoid mountain routes at night in bad weather and keep your valuables with you.
How long is the flight from Lima to Cusco?
It takes about an hour and a half. The same trip by bus takes over twenty hours, so almost every traveler flies.
How do I get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Most people take the train from Cusco, Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. A short bus then climbs to the citadel. Check schedules with PeruRail or Inca Rail.
Is there a train from Cusco to Puno?
Yes, a luxury tourist train crosses the high plateau, but it runs only a few times a week. The cheap daily option is the bus, which takes about six to seven hours.
How do I fly to Puno?
The nearest airport is in Juliaca, about an hour by road from Puno. From there you take a taxi or a private transfer.
Are transfers included in your packages?
Our Peru packages include the transfers between cities listed in each program. Check the tour page to see exactly what is covered.
