Transportation in Cusco

One of Peru's most popular tourist destinations, Cusco can be reached by rail, air and road. The air route however, is the most convenient. Cusco is not served by any direct international flights and consequently, you have to catch a connecting flight from Peru's only international airport, the Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport. The city's two main train stations connect Cusco with Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Puno. You can also travel by bus from Cusco to Arequipa, Lima, Puno, and Puerto Maldonado, which is in the Amazon basin.

Cusco is a walking city and many of the city's major attractions are located within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas in the city centre. Jump on a taxi to have a look at the city sights since they are easily available and quite inexpensive.

Use our Cusco Transportation Guide below for all the information you need to know about transportation to and within Cusco. Further information about the many exciting things to see and do in Cusco can be found in our Cusco Destination Guide and Cusco Tours page. For transportation options across Peru see our Peru Transportation Guide.

Cusco Transportation Guide

Getting to Cusco

By Air

Cusco's airport, the Aeropuerto Internacional Velasco Astete, is in the southeast at about five kilometres from the historic city centre. To reach Cusco from international destinations, you must travel via Lima, which is just over an hour's flight away. Taca Peru, LanPeru and Star Peru are the three major Peruvian airlines that have regular flights to and from Cusco. In addition there are two weekly flights with Aero Sur that head to La Paz in Bolivia.  

10 daily flights can take you from Lima directly to Cusco. Also from Arequipa and Juliaca you can get flights to Cusco. From Lima it will take you 70 minutes by plane. Check the following airlines for flights to and from Cusco: 

www.lan,com
www.taca.com
www.starperu.com

For all national flights in Peru the Peruvian Government charges you an airport tax of US$4.30 which has to be paid at the airport before your departure.

Arrival Lima by air

Lima's international airport Jorge Chavez is the only entryway into Peru when arriving by international flight. They have a convenient website where you can check all domestic and international arrival and departure times on-line: http://www.lap.com.pe

From Cusco airport, it will take you about 15 minutes by taxi to reach Cusco's city centre. Official taxis inside the airport charge about US$ 8 for a ride to the city centre. You can also book your transfer with us.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

By Bus

The trip from Lima to Cusco by bus will take you about 20 hours and it is an excellent option if you've got plenty of time or if you would like to see more from Peru. Cusco is connected with all the major cities in the Southern part of Peru and several reliable bus companies have daily services to and from Cusco.  

Transportation time to destination: 

- Cusco - Juliaca   6 hours
- Cusco - Puno   7 hours
- Cusco - Arequipa   10 hours
- Cusco - Lima  20 hours

Some recommendable and reliable bus companies that leave from Cusco's Terminal Terrestre are: 

- Cruz del Sur   (http://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/)
- Ormeño    (http://www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe)
- Tepsa   (http://www.tepsa.com.pe/)
- Cial
- Tour Peru

Although ticket prices seem to be fixed, it is often possible to bargain about the price. Make sure you get what you've paid for. While on the bus station watch your belongings because this is a place frequently visited by pickpockets.

By Train

Cusco has two major train stations, Estación de San Pedro and Estación de Huanchaq. Trains connect the city with Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Puno.

Getting Around Cusco

By Foot

The best way to get around Cusco is by strolling through the city. The exercise however, could be quite strenuous and physically demanding as the city is located 11,000 feet above sea level and has steep walkways. Energy permitting, you could even trek to the ruins at Sacsayhuamán and Q'enko, both located on Cusco's outskirts. It would be wise to factor in enough time to get from place to place, take care to remain hydrated and ensure that you are in good physical shape. It is also advisable to venture out on such walking trips in a group rather than individually.

By Taxi

Taxis in Cusco can easily be waved down on the street. There are no such things as tariff zones and fixed prices, so first negotiate before getting in the taxi. Again: Do not enter a taxi without having settled your price!

Just a short ride in the centre (or to the bus station) cost about US$1 (3 Soles) and for a ride to the airport you should pay around US$2.

So please do not forget to settle a price before getting into a taxi. This strategy will save you a lot of frustration.  

By Tranvia

Experience a local mode of travel by taking a tranvía to travel across the city. In earlier times, the residents of Cusco got around in mule-pulled streetcars and the modern-day tranvía has been designed to resemble these vehicles of old times. Tranvía operators will take you sightseeing at relatively reasonable rates. The Tranvía de Cusco from the Plaza de Armas has a fixed schedule - it departs daily at 10 am, 11.30 am, 2 pm, 3.30 pm and 5 pm.

By Public Transport

Most buses, termed variously as micros, colectivos, and combis, operate until around 9.00pm. As Cusco is best explored on foot, why not walk back to your hotel if it's too late to get on the public transport. It is helpful to remember that the colectivos that ply up and down the Av. El Sol are quite convenient to reach certain hotels, markets and travel agencies. Buses and combis are the most frequently used mode of travel between Cusco and towns located in the Sacred Valley, such as Calca, Pisac and Urubamba.

There is a lot of public transportation on the streets, but don't start looking for a time-schedule because these don't exist. On the front-side of the (mini) bus you can see the name of the bus company, but no exact destinations are mentioned. They are easy recognized by the amount of people inside the bus (typically more than 20 persons in an 8 person minivan).

If you want to get off the bus, just scream "BAJA" (Spanish for get off) and the driver will stop at the nearest bus stop. One ride per public bus cost 0.60 Soles (0.20 US$).

By Car

You can rent a vehicle through car rental agencies such as Avis and Localiza to travel around the region and even drive up to the picturesque mountain villages in the Sacred Valley. In fact, it is easier to rent a car in Cusco than in any other part of Peru. The only obstacle is that driving in Cusco is not for the faint hearted as the drivers do not obey the road rules and also there are several hazards on the road such as holes and rocks. It is more advisable to use public transport or any other modes of transportation available, to avoid the dangerous driving conditions. Speak to our local representatives who will be more than happy to help you find something that will suit your needs.

Bus Company

Airline

Car Rental