How to travel from lima to cusco
When potential travelers set about to plan their trip through Peru, the question of how to travel from Lima to Cusco is practically a given. After all, Lima is the coastal and metropolitan capital of Peru, lying at sea level on the Pacific Ocean, while Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes at 3,400 meters (11,155 ft). This journey is, of course, about logistics, but it is also about deciding what kind of pace and feel you want for the rest of your trip.
A short flight on a domestic airline (2 hours) will be very different from a long but enjoyable (21-22 hour) bus ride or a car journey (which is even longer if you don’t follow the paved route, which we don’t recommend). The type of travel you choose dictates the type of experience you will have in Peru.
This guide will not only explain in detail how to get from Lima to Cusco travel options, it will also have dedicated pages for each of the major bus companies, comparisons of flights to Cuzco, and travel to Machu Picchu (which is not included if traveling option 1 flying).
We have also factored practical advice for international travelers, including what to carry with you, how to handle money while traveling, and what to expect and do for preparation and handling altitude. By the end of the guide, you will not only know how to do this but also how to ensure you are connected to the most well known archaeological marvel in the country.
Why choosing the right Lima to Cusco travel option matters
The trip from Lima to Cusco is approximately 585 kilometers straight line, but it feels much longer because of the severe change in geography from coastal desert to the high peaks of the Andes Mountains. This is why the choice between flying and traveling overland is very important.
There is no direct lima to cuzco train despite popular belief. Trains are only a factor later, when you are at in the Sacred Valley and traveling to Machu Picchu, where services like the Machu Picchu train and the luxury, Hiram Bingham train operate. What we are presenting here is an important distinction that saves people a lot of stress.
Lima to Cusco by bus
Those who like to travel slowly will find that buses still offer one of the most interesting and economical means of getting to Lima to Cuzco. The bus ride itself takes between 21 and 24 hours, depending on the route.
However, the bus travel in Peru is considerably more comfortable than one might expect. The major bus companies on the route typically offer semi reclining and reclining seats, bathroom on board, blankets, and entertainment systems.
Below we list each bus company by itself with an examples prices table provides an example of price, time of departure, and comfort (how reclined the seat is).
Cruz del Sur
Cruz del Sur is well known in Peru as the most popular bus company for safety, reliability, and comfort. It is usually the first company recommended to foreigners, if they ask what the best way is to take a bus from Lima to Cuzco (or vice versa). Cruz del Sur buses are modern double decker coaches with several options, including Cruzero, Suite, and VIP 180° reclining flat seats.
| Route | Departure Time | Duration | Price PEN | Price USD | Class Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima – Cusco | 14:30 | 22h | S/120 | $35 | Semi cama | Comfortable seats |
| Lima – Cusco | 18:00 | 23h | S/200 | $58 | Suite 160° | More legroom |
| Lima – Cusco | 21:00 | 22h | S/250 | $70 | VIP 180° | Fully flat |
Travel tips: bring snacks and water. While Oltursa sometimes provides meals, they are light, so carrying fruit or sandwiches helps. For motion sensitive travelers, request a seat downstairs, which feels steadier.
Civa and Econociva
Civa operates one of Peru’s largest fleets, and its budget brand Econociva often offers the cheapest tickets for Lima to Cusco travel options. Seats are not as spacious as in premium companies, but the price is unbeatable.
| Route | Departure Time | Duration | Price PEN | Price USD | Class Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima – Cusco | 14:00 | 21h 40m | S/80 | $23 | Economy | Cheapest option |
| Lima – Cusco | 17:00 | 22h | S/95 | $26 | Semi cama | Reclining seat |
| Lima – Cusco | 20:00 | 23h | S/180 | $52 | 160° VIP | Comfortable class |
Travel tips: Civa is better for budget travelers who value price over extras. Carry your own blanket, pillow, and snacks. Don’t rely on onboard Wi Fi, which is often weak in the mountains.
Excluciva buss
Excluciva, the luxury brand of Civa, provides fully reclining 180° flat bed seats for travelers who want to arrive in Cusco rested. If you want the comfort of a bed without paying for a flight and hotel, Excluciva is the answer.
| Route | Departure Time | Duration | Price PEN | Price USD | Class Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima – Cusco | 16:00 | 22h | S/200 | $58 | VIP | Flat bed |
| Lima – Cusco | 21:00 | 23h | S/250 | $70 | VIP Suite | Premium |
Travel tips: Excluciva offers blankets and meals, but bringing an eye mask and earplugs helps ensure a good sleep. Book lower level seats for more stability on mountain curves.
TEPSA BUSS
TEPSA is one of the oldest companies in Peru. It has modernized much of its fleet and remains a safe and dependable choice.
| Route | Departure Time | Duration | Price PEN | Price USD | Class Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima – Cusco | 15:30 | 23h | S/120 | $35 | Semi cama | Classic comfort |
| Lima – Cusco | 19:00 | 22h | S/180 | $52 | 160° VIP | Spacious seats |
Travel tips: TEPSA’s service is dependable, but buses are not as new as Cruz del Sur. Bring entertainment like downloaded shows or books for the long ride.
Peru Hop BUSS
| Route | Stops | Price PEN | Price USD | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima – Cusco Pass | Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa | S/770 | $219 | 2–4 days | Includes tours and pickups |
Peru Hop is not a direct bus but a hop on, hop off travel service that connects Lima with Cusco via Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, and Arequipa. It is popular with backpackers and international travelers who want guided stops and flexibility.
Listen Up: Your Three Ways to Get to Cusco, Decoded
Alright, let’s talk logistics! You’re heading to Cusco, which is awesome, but getting there is the first big puzzle. You basically have three choices, and each one is perfect for a different kind of traveler. Read this before you book anything!
The Sprint: Flying Straight to the Top
Look, if you’re short on time, don’t even think about the bus. Just fly. Your journey starts at Lima’s huge main spot, the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). It’s the busiest international airport, so factor in those usual security lines. From there, you blast off and land at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. The actual flight time is ridiculously quick we’re talking just 1 hour and 20 minutes!
Pro Tip: If you’re already in the south, definitely fly the Arequipa Cusco route. The flight time is only an hour, which beats sitting on a bus all day and night. Just remember: going from sea level to 11,000 feet that fast is a jolt. Take it super easy when you arrive!
The Smart Choice: The Comfortable Sleeper Bus
Please, trust me on this one: the Peruvian luxury buses are amazing. Forget those bad stereotypes! Yes, the ride from Lima is long about 21 to 24 hours but it’s not wasted time. Companies like Cruz del Sur and Excluciva offer seats that turn into genuinely flat 180° beds. Seriously! You get a full night’s sleep, save the money you’d spend on a hotel, and the slow ascent is actually kinder to your body, giving you a gentler introduction to the altitude. It’s the ultimate budget friendly hack for travelers who prioritize comfort and cash.
The Big Treat: The Epic Luxury Train
Okay, this option is pure indulgence. The Belmond Andean Explorer isn’t a commute; it’s a world class journey. But heads up: it doesn’t run from Lima. It’s designed for exploring the south, linking Cusco with Puno and Arequipa. If you decide to travel the Arequipa Cusco line on the Andean Explorer, you’re signing up for a spectacular, slow paced, multi day experience with gourmet food and unbelievable views. It’s expensive, yes, but it completely transforms your travel day into an unforgettable, pampering adventure.
Lima to Cuzco by plane
Flying is the quickest way to get from Lima to Cuzco, Peru’s two most important cities. The flight duration of Lima to Cusco is approximately an hour and a half. Flights operate throughout the day from early morning to late evening. For those wondering how far is Lima from Cusco, the flight distance is short, but the altitude changes dramatically.
Flight connection from Lima
International travelers usually arrive first in Lima before continuing to Cusco. If you wonder how to travel from Lima to Cuzco on a connecting itinerary, it is important to leave enough time between flights.
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Same airline connection: If you book your international ticket with LATAM, you can check luggage through to Cusco. This is the easiest way.
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Separate tickets: If you buy a separate domestic flight with Sky or JetSMART, you must collect your luggage, clear immigration and customs, then check in again. Allow at least 3 hours between flights.
The airport has ATMs, money exchange, SIM card counters, and cafes, so waiting between flights is manageable.
To pass the immigration control
While traveling from Lima to Cusco does not involve international immigration (since both cities are in Peru), foreign travelers must pass immigration in Lima upon arrival in the country. Keep your passport and entry stamp safe, as you will need them at hotels and especially to enter Machu Picchu.
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Passport validity: must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
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Entry stamp: make sure you receive it, as some services in Peru require it.
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Tickets: print or keep digital boarding passes, as sometimes domestic counters ask for proof.
Helpful tips when flying
Foreign visitors often ask not only how to get to Cusco from Lima but also what to expect once they land. Here are practical recommendations:
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Altitude awareness: Cusco sits at 3,400 m. Do not schedule a strenuous trip to Machu Picchu the same day you arrive. Spend at least one night acclimatizing.
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What to carry: A jacket, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and small snacks. Temperatures in Cusco can drop quickly.
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Money advice: Have at least S/50–100 soles in cash for taxis or buses. While USD is accepted in some places, soles are more practical.
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Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card in Lima airport or use an eSIM to navigate and book taxis.
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Baggage policy: Low cost carriers may advertise cheap flights from Lima to Cusco, but they charge extra for luggage. Always compare final prices.
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Seasonal tip: During the rainy season, delays are common. Booking morning flights reduces the risk of cancellations.
Airlines Flying from Lima to Cusco
Airlines Flying from Lima to Cusco offer the fastest and most reliable way to connect Peru’s coastal capital with the ancient Inca city. With daily departures that last just 1 hour and 20 minutes, flying is the top choice for travelers who want to save time and continue quickly to the Sacred Valley or even reach Machu Picchu. Three main carriers operate this route: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSMART, each with different schedules, services, and prices.
LATAM Airlines Lima to Cusco flights
LATAM is the largest airline in Peru and offers the most frequent flights.
| Airline | Departure Times | Price PEN | Price USD | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LATAM | 05:05–22:30 | S/210–400 | $60–110 | 1h 20m | Most frequent |
Travel tips: LATAM is the most reliable during delays or weather issues. Book early for the dry season (May–September).
Sky Airline flights
Sky is a Chilean low cost airline that now operates widely in Peru.
| Airline | Departure Times | Price PEN | Price USD | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Morning–Evening | S/110–160 | $31–45 | 1h 20m | Low cost |
JetSMART flights
JetSMART is Peru’s other low cost carrier and frequently publishes the cheapest fares.
| Airline | Departure Times | Price PEN | Price USD | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JetSMART | Morning–Evening | S/100–150 | $28–40 | 1h 20m | Cheapest promos |
Travel tips: print your boarding pass in advance to avoid extra fees.
From Cusco to Machu Picchu
When you reach Cusco it leads to Machu Picchu for most travelers. Because there is no train that goes from Lima to Machu Picchu; you either fly, or bus to Cusco, then catch the train to Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
The possibilities are:
- PeruRail Expedition: reasonably priced with large windows.
- PeruRail Vistadome: includes panoramic windows for viewing scenery.
- Hiram Bingham train: includes meal and entertainment luxuries.
Travel tip: Purchase tickets several weeks in advance, during high season the train can sell out. The nearest airport to Machu Picchu is Cusco.
Practical advice for international travelers
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Passport: always carry it. Needed for hotels, buses, and Machu Picchu entry.
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Money: bring both soles and small USD bills. ATMs are reliable in Lima and Cusco.
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Health: Cusco is at high altitude; rest and hydrate upon arrival.
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Packing: layers for cold Cusco nights, rain jackets for Machu Picchu, sunscreen for the desert.
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Safety: use registered taxis. Keep valuables in a small day bag.
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Connectivity: buy a local SIM or use an eSIM for navigation.
Frequently asked quetions about How to travel from lima to cusco
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The quickest and most convenient way is by plane. A direct flight takes a little over an hour and saves you almost a full day on the road. It’s the best choice if you have limited time and want to spend more of your trip exploring Cusco and Machu Picchu instead of traveling.
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Yes, and it’s a popular option for travelers who prefer to save money or enjoy the landscapes. The journey takes about 20 22 hours, crossing desert, valleys, and the high Andes. Modern bus companies in Peru often provide comfortable seats, onboard meals, and even Wi-Fi. It’s long, but many people say the views are worth it.
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There isn’t a direct lima to cusco train . Trains operate mainly from Cusco to Machu Picchu and other nearby areas. If you want to take the scenic route, you could combine bus or car travel with train journeys once you arrive in Cusco.
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Flights can range from $40 to $150 USD depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Buses are cheaper, usually between $25 and $60 USD for a one-way ticket. While there’s no direct train, combining ground travel with trains in Cusco can be more expensive and is more about the experience than saving money.
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It depends on your priorities. If you want to get to Cusco quickly and with little hassle, flying is your best bet. If you’d like to see more of Peru’s landscapes and don’t mind spending a full day on the road, the bus offers a slower but more immersive experience. Many travelers actually do both fly one way and return by bus.
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When asking how far is Cusco from Lima, the answer really comes down to your mode of transportation. Flying is the quickest option; it’s a short 90-minute flight, covering approximately 584 kilometers. If you’re up for an adventure, you can take a bus, but be prepared for a long journey. The road trip is about 1,100 kilometers and can take anywhere from 19 to 24 hours as it winds through the mountains.
