How to Travel from Lima to Cusco?

There are two main ways to travel between Lima and Cusco: a domestic flight or a journey by bus via Abancay or via Arequipa. There is no direct train from Lima to Cusco. The cities are connected by roughly 1,060 km of road, so your best choice depends on time, budget, and how much of Peru you want to see along the way—fast and simple by air, or slower and more scenic by bus.

About Lima and Cusco

Lima and Cusco offer two very different sides of Peru—coast and Andes, modern capital and ancient heart. Here’s a quick overview:

• Lima is Peru’s coastal capital and main international gateway (LIM). It’s known for world‑class food, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods—an easy place to rest after a long flight and connect onward to Cusco.
• Cusco sits high in the Andes and was the capital of the Inca Empire. Today it’s the cultural gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with lively markets, stone streets, and rich Andean traditions.

Which option is best?

Choose a flight from Lima to Cusco if you want the fastest, simplest journey. Pick a bus from Lima to Cusco if you’re budgeting, prefer a gradual climb to altitude, or want to add stops like Nazca, Arequipa, or Puno. 

The Abancay route is typically shorter and more winding; the Arequipa route is longer but more scenic and easier to break into stages.

1. By Air

Flying is the quickest way to get from Lima to Cusco. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour 20–35 minutes, with multiple daily departures on LATAM, Sky, and JetSMART. One‑way fares vary widely by season and how early you book (often from about US$45–130). For a smoother experience, book an early flight, keep carry‑on light, and allow extra time if you’re connecting internationally at Lima Airport.

2. By Bus

A bus from Lima to Cusco is the most budget‑friendly option and lets you see more of Peru. The direct journey typically takes around 22–24 hours, depending on route and stops. Standard fares usually run about S/100–S/250 (US$28–70) depending on the company and seat type (semicama or cama).

The Abancay route is faster but twisty through the Andes (around 19 hours); the Arequipa route is longer (around 26 hours without stops), flatter in sections, and ideal if you want to break the trip with visits to Nazca, Arequipa, or Puno. Choose reputable companies, pick comfortable seats, and consider daytime segments if you’re prone to motion sickness.

The choice comes down to what matters most—saving time, saving money, or adding great stops along the way. If you’d like help matching the route to your plans, our local team can share practical tips and line everything up for you.

Traveling from Lima to Cusco By Plane

Flying is the fastest and most straightforward way to arrive in Cusco. Almost all international flights land at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, where you’ll connect to a short flight from Lima to Cusco. Below you’ll find simple, practical tips to book with confidence and make your connection smooth.

There are many direct flights to Cusco. The typical nonstop time is about 1 hour 20–35 minutes. Cusco’s airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ), sits at around 3,310 m / 10,860 ft above sea level—so plan an easy first day to adjust.

• International–domestic connection in Lima: you’ll clear immigration, collect your bags, pass customs, and then re‑check for Cusco. Aim for a comfortable buffer of about 2.5–3 hours between flights. For domestic departures, arriving at the airport ~2 hours before your flight is generally recommended.
• Check your baggage rules: low‑cost fares may not include a full carry‑on or checked bag. Add bags and seats during booking to avoid higher counter fees.
• Choose earlier flights when possible: morning departures tend to be more punctual and give you extra daylight on arrival in the Andes.
• Getting to Lima Airport: from Miraflores or Barranco, the ride typically takes ~50–70 minutes, but can be longer in peak traffic—leave early.
• On arrival in Cusco: the airport is close to the center (about 6 km); it’s usually a ~20‑minute ride to most hotels. If you have a pick‑up, confirm your landing time a day before and reconfirm once you board in Lima.

Sit back and enjoy the views—on clear days, you’ll see dramatic Andean peaks on the short Lima to Cusco hop.

Best airlines between Lima and Cusco

Several airlines operate frequent, nonstop flights from Lima to Cusco. Pick the one that fits your schedule and baggage needs:

• LATAM

  Largest network and many daily time options; good if you want flexibility and through‑ticketing on international itineraries. Check seat and baggage options when booking. Get tickets here.

• Sky Airline

  Low‑cost fares with add‑ons for carry‑on/checked bags and seat selection. Great value if you travel light. See fares here.

• JetSMART

  Another low‑cost option on the flight from Lima to Cusco, often with competitive promo prices. Review baggage allowances before purchase. Book here.

Simple booking & connection tips

• Book early for the best schedules and prices; set fare alerts if your dates are flexible.
• Pick a morning flight to reduce the risk of knock‑on delays and to maximize your first day in Cusco.
• Keep essentials in your personal item (meds, jacket, charger) in case a checked bag is delayed.
• Window seat = Andes views—a small touch that makes the short flight memorable.

How to get from Lima to Cusco By Bus

Taking the bus from Lima to Cusco is the best-value way to cross Peru and see the countryside. It’s popular with locals and budget travelers alike. A direct service usually takes about 19–26 hours via the Andes (shorter on paper, but plan for mountain curves and weather). Typical fares range from S/70–S/250 (≈US$25–70) depending on the company and seat type (semicama, cama, or 180°). Choose a reputable operator, book early, and keep essentials handy—water, layers, snacks, and motion‑sickness tablets if you need them.

How to book & depart: Buy tickets online (official company sites or trusted aggregators) or at the terminal. Major companies use Terminal Javier Prado or Plaza Norte in Lima, and most services arrive at Cusco’s Terminal Terrestre (short taxi ride to the historic center). Pick your seat class in advance—downstairs “VIP” seats ride smoother on curvy sections.

1. Bus to Cusco via Abancay

This is the shortest and most direct route for the Lima to Cusco journey. Buses typically follow Lima → Ica → Nazca → Puquio (Ayacucho region) → Abancay (Apurímac) → Cusco. Expect roughly 19–24 hours with few stops. Roads are winding at altitude, so choose a comfortable seat (cama or 180°) and consider daytime segments if you’re sensitive to motion. This route is best when you want to arrive quickly and don’t plan extra sightseeing en route.

2. Bus to Cusco via Arequipa

Many travelers choose the Arequipa route to break the journey and add highlights. Go Lima → Arequipa (about 16–18 hours, service‑dependent), then Arequipa → Cusco (about 10–11 hours). You can also add Puno / Lake Titicaca as a stop (Arequipa → Puno ≈ 6–7 hours; Puno → Cusco ≈ 7 hours). Doing it this way turns the trip into a flexible 2–4 day mini‑itinerary—great for visiting Nazca, Arequipa, and Puno without backtracking. If you prefer to power through, you can still connect the two buses in about 26–30 hours of total bus time.

This option is best if you want scenic variety, flatter stretches in parts, and time to explore. Plan your stops, book buses between each city, and keep some buffer—connections can shift with weather and traffic.

3. Lima – Huancayo – Cusco (Least common)

This high‑Andean route is the most remote and fragmented. There’s no single direct bus; you’ll connect multiple services (Lima → Huancayo → Ayacucho → Andahuaylas → Cusco) over roughly 28–32 hours of bus time. It’s stunning but slow and best reserved for travelers who want an off‑the‑beaten‑path journey and can be flexible with schedules.

Consider this only if you’re seeking a scenic road adventure and can handle altitude, basic facilities, and variable timetables.

Where to buy bus tickets?

Based on our travelers’ experience, these bus companies offer a good balance of comfort, safety, and value. Check each site for seat classes (semicama, cama, 180°) and departure terminals in Lima:

• Cruz del Sur — reliable service, multiple classes; fares for Lima → Cusco often from S/180–S/220+ (≈US$50–60) depending on season and seat.
• Oltursa — good value on semicama/cama; fares commonly from S/100–S/160 (≈US$30–45).
• Peru Hop — hop‑on, hop‑off passes with guided stops (Nazca, Arequipa, Puno). Higher price, but includes assistance and sightseeing along the way.

Prefer to compare everything in one place? Use redBus or Busbud to see schedules, terminals (e.g., Plaza Norte, Javier Prado), seat types, and live prices across multiple companies.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

• Day vs. night: Overnight buses save on accommodation; daytime legs are better for views and if you get motion sick.
• Seat selection: Downstairs/front seats sway less; 180° seats are best for sleeping.
• Baggage & safety: Tag checked bags, keep valuables with you, and use seatbelts. Avoid opening overhead bins during sharp turns.
• Altitude & comfort: Hydrate, bring layers, and avoid heavy meals. The bus offers a more gradual ascent than flying.
• Facilities: Most long‑distance buses have toilets; Wi‑Fi and outlets vary—download maps and playlists offline.
• Arrival: Cusco’s main terminal is a short taxi ride from the center. Arrange pick‑up or use an official taxi app at the terminal.

More Ways to Get from Lima to Cusco

1. Trains from Lima to Cusco (vía Arequipa & Puno)

There are no direct trains from Lima to Cusco. However, you can combine a bus or flight with a scenic train segment in the south:

• Puno ↔ Cusco (day train): a classic high‑Andes route with views, dining on board, and an observatory car. Travel to Puno first (by bus or flight to Juliaca + short transfer), then ride the daytime service to Cusco.
• Arequipa ↔ Puno ↔ Cusco (luxury sleeper): an overnight experience with private cabins, fine dining, and guided stops. Perfect if you want comfort and scenery in one trip.

Tips: trains run on select days and can sell out—book early, keep your luggage light, and plan extra time at altitude in Puno and Cusco. If your final goal is Machu Picchu, align this plan with onward trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu or to the Sacred Valley.

›› See your options for trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu

2. By Car (Rental)

Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility. It’s usually the most expensive way to get from Lima to Cusco, but you can stop wherever you like and build your own schedule. Expect roughly 1,060 km of driving over high mountain passes—best done in 2–3 days.

• Main self‑drive routes: via Abancay (shorter, curvier mountain roads) or via Arequipa and Puno (longer, more places to stop).
• Safety & comfort: avoid night driving, watch for fog and trucks, and keep fuel topped up in smaller towns. Download offline maps and carry water, layers, and sun protection.
• Practical notes: parking in central Cusco is limited; one‑way rentals may have drop fees. Check license, insurance, and equipment requirements before you go.

This option is ideal if you enjoy road trips and want to explore Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, or Lake Titicaca on the way.

3. Bus Tours

Prefer a social, flexible journey? Hop‑on, hop‑off bus tours from Lima to Cusco combine transport with sightseeing stops (for example: Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno). They cost more than point‑to‑point buses but include helpful extras like guidance in English, hostel/hotel pick‑ups, and assistance at each stop. Great if you want convenience and a ready‑made route without strict schedules.

4. Organized tours

Organized tours are the easiest way to link Lima and Cusco while covering highlights on the way. Packages typically include transportation, hotels, guided visits, and some meals. You can join a small group or request a private itinerary shaped around your dates and interests.

• Good for: first‑time visitors, limited time, stress‑free planning, and travelers who want expert guidance at altitude.
• Typical inclusions: airport transfers, Lima city tour, flights or buses, Sacred Valley/Cusco tours, and help coordinating trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Duration can be 4–10 days+ depending on pace and stops.

›› Read more: How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima

Now that you know how to get from Lima to Cusco—by train combinations, rental car, bus tours, or organized tours—you can choose the style that fits you best. If you’d like help matching routes, tickets, and timing, our local team is happy to plan everything so you travel with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to get from Lima to Cusco