How to Travel from Lima to Cusco?

About Lima and Cusco

Lima and Cusco are two of the most important cities in Peru, both with a lot of history and culture on their back:

• Lima is the capital of Peru and the center of the country's economy, politics, and culture. It is located on the Pacific Coast of South America and has a high population density. Founded by Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conqueror, in 1535, it became the center of government for Peru during Spanish colonial rule.
• Cusco is a city located high in the Andes mountains. It used to be the capital of the Inca Empire and is now an important place for archaeology in South America. The great capital of the Inca Empire in the past.

There are two main ways to travel between these cities: you can book a domestic flight from Lima to Cusco or by bus via Abancay or Via Arequipa. 

Which is the best option?

1. By Air

The quickest way to get from Lima to Cusco is by plane. Latam, Sky, and JetSmart are recommended airline companies. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the average price is around US$80 to US$90 for a round trip, depending on the season and how early you book. Last-minute bookings could cost around US$120.

2. By Bus

If you are traveling on a budget, a bus from Lima to Cusco might be your go-to. The journey typically takes around 22 hours, so it is not the quickest option. However, it is cheaper than flying, and it allows you to see some countryside between the two cities. Bus tickets range from 70 to 90 soles (around 25$), but you can get exclusive buses for around 180 soles (50$).

Traveling from Lima to Cusco By Plane

Almost all international flights will arrive at Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima. The safest and fastest way to arrive in Cusco is by plane, but you should remember a few things when booking your flights to Cusco.

There are direct flights to Cusco, and with a stopover, the approximate time of a direct flight to Cusco is 1.5 hours. The airport of Cusco, Alejandro Velasco Astete, is 3,300 meters (10,826 ft) above sea level.

• When booking connecting flights from your country to Lima and Cusco, remember that you must go through Lima customs, and you will need around 3 hours between flights.
• Remember to collect your bags, go through customs, and check in again for the flight to Cusco. 
• Book your flights from Lima to Cusco in advance. There are often multiple daily flights, but they can fill up quickly during the high season, and prices will increase. 
• Once your flight is booked, ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. The recommended time to arrive is 2 hours before the flight. 
• If you are staying in a hotel in Lima and must arrive at the airport, it takes around 1.5 hours to arrive from Miraflores and Barranco to the airport during busy hours. 
• The check-in process can be lengthy, and you don't want to miss your flight because you were stuck in the line; check in advance online.
• If you have a pick-up scheduled in Cusco, confirm the arrival time 1 or 2 days in advance and reconfirm when you board to ensure the pick-up at the airport of Cusco. 

Sit back and enjoy the ride once you're through security and on the plane! The flight from Lima to Cusco is relatively short, so you'll land in one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations before you know it.

Best airlines between Lima and Cusco

Many airline companies fly from Lima to Cusco, but not all are created equal. Here are some of the best airline companies you can take advantage of when flying from Lima to Cusco:

• LATAM

LATAM is one of the biggest airline companies in South America, and it lives up to its reputation. The company has direct and connecting flights from Lima to Cusco, so you can choose whichever option suits you best. Regarding prices, LATAM is very competitive and often offers great deals. Get tickets here.

• Sky Airlines

Sky is the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers. In addition to being affordable, Sky Airlines is also known for its excellent customer service. Just make sure to check for the additional luggage weight and fares. Follow their website here.

• Jetsmart

Jetsmart is an affordable airline that offers flights from Lima to Cusco. This is one of the newest companies offering affordable flights to all destinations in Peru. To get these affordable flights, click here.

Traveling from Lima to Cusco By Bus

Bus travel is the most popular way for locals to get from Lima to Cusco. It is also the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $30. The journey takes about 22 hours, so make sure you grab a comfortable seat and pack plenty of food and drink.

The first step is to book your bus tickets; you can either do it in advance or directly at the bus terminal on the day you travel. Each bus company uses its terminal in Lima, so you've got a few options for routes to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown of the bus routes available:

1. Bus to Cusco via Abancay

This is the shortest and most popular route to Cusco, and it takes around 18 to 19 hours. Buses depart from several bus terminals in Lima, travel along the coastal area to Nazca, climb the mountain of the Andes in Ayacucho, Apurimac, and finally arrive in Cusco. The route is windy, and it is recommended that you take motion sickness pills. 

2. Bus to Cusco via Arequipa

To travel through this route, you must take several buses and consider several days. You can travel straight from Lima to Arequipa and then take another bus to Cusco; this trip can take about 24 hours with two buses to Cusco. 

The recommended route is Lima—Nazca—Arequipa—Juliaca—Puno—Cusco. You can stop at each place to visit these beautiful cities. The approximate duration of the trip, including stops at each city, will be around 3 to 4 days until Cusco; we recommend booking the buses at each town. 

3. Lima - Huancayo - Cusco

This is the longest and most remote route from Lima to Cusco. There isn’t a direct bus that can take you the whole way, so you’d need to switch buses between cities. However, you can consider this scenic route by private car. 

To take this route, you must travel from Lima to Huancayo, Ayacucho, Andahuaylas and finally arrive in Cusco in about 28 hours. 

Where to buy bus tickets?

You will find many bus companies in Peru, but based on our travelers' experience, these are the best-rated ones in terms of comfort and price:

• Cruz del Sur - from 180 to 195 soles (about US$ 51)
• Oltursa - from 100 to 135 soles (about US$ 32) 
• PeruHop - from US$ 179. This one is a multiday bus tour with hop-on, hop-off service and visits at each stop.

You can buy your tickets either directly on their websites or at their terminals in Lima or Cusco. If you want to compare all bus options at once, we recommend you hop on RedBus, which lists the available routes, times, and rates in one spot.

General travel info on how to get from Lima to Cusco

Trains from Lima to Cusco

There are no trains from Lima to Cusco. However, you can travel from Lima - Arequipa - Puno by bus, and from Puno, you can board the Belmond Andean Explorer to Cusco. 

Traveling by private cars (Rental Cars)

Renting a car is the most expensive way to get from Lima to Cusco but also the most convenient. You can find rental cars at all of the major airports in Peru and most cities and towns.

The drive from Lima to Cusco is long and windy, so it's important to ensure you have a good map and directions before setting out. The trip will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Peru, so make sure to stop often to enjoy the views.

Depending on your itinerary, you can rent one way or round trip. 

Bus Tours

There are a few bus tours from Lima to Cusco; the most popular is Peru Hop, a bus company that offers tours from Lima to Cusco. The company offers different tour options, including stops at various tourist destinations. Peru Hop also offers various other services, such as accommodation and activities, that can be added to the tour.

Traveling in organized tours

Organized tours are a great way to travel from Lima to Cusco. They are typically all-inclusive and include transportation, lodging, meals, and excursions. Tours typically last for 4-5 days. You can join an exciting group, or if you have a large group, you can request a private tour. 

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Travel from Lima to Cusco

What's the quickest way to travel from Lima to Cusco?

Flying between Lima and Cusco is the quickest option, with several airlines operating flights between Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport and Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport; flight duration typically takes 1.5 hours.

Can I drive from Lima to Cusco?

Driving from Lima to Cusco is possible but rarely undertaken due to its long distance and challenging Andean mountain roads. Under ideal conditions, this journey could take around 20 hours, with overnight stops.

How long does the bus journey from Lima to Cusco take?

The trip by bus from Lima to Cusco usually lasts 21 to 24 hours. The duration may vary depending on the bus company and the state of the road. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are two companies that run this route.

How often do flights from Lima to Cusco operate?

Flights from Lima to Cusco are available every day, but the number may vary depending on the airline and time of year. To get the latest information, it's best to contact the airline directly or through a trustworthy travel booking website.

What's the cost of a flight from Lima to Cusco?

The cost can vary significantly depending on the airline, how far in advance you book, and the time of year. It's best to compare prices with a few airlines or travel booking sites. The average cost is around 80$ to 90$ round trip. 

Do I need to worry about altitude sickness when traveling to Cusco?

At an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), altitude sickness may set in. Headaches, weariness, stomach issues, dizziness, and sleep disturbances may occur; for your first days in Cusco, take it easy and take regular pauses, speaking to a physician about any issues and taking care to stay hydrated to maximize acclimatization and remain safe.

Can I take a train from Lima to Cusco?

There is no direct train service from Lima to Cusco. If you want to take the train to Machu Picchu, you will need to start your journey from Cusco or Sacred Valley. You cannot take the train from Lima to Machu Picchu without connecting back to Cusco or Sacred Valley.

Don't miss these tours if you're traveling from Lima to Cusco:

• Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Rainbow Mountain One-Day Tour

• Sacred Valley Tour to Machu Picchu

• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days