Lima to Cusco tickets
Lima to Cusco Trip Overview
Cusco to LimaDistance 564 km (352.5 miles) | |
Price range US$ 56-US$ 152 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 20m-1d 1h | |
Earliest Departure 10:45 | |
Latest Departure 21:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Lima to Cusco
Fastest bus: 22h 15m
Cheapest bus: US$ 57
About the ride from Lima to Cusco
Leaving the current capital of Peru to visit the former Incan capital, Cusco, is a significant part of everyone’s journey in Peru. You’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time to visit and see how some other civilizations used to live.
When traveling the 1,205 kilometer (749 mile) distance between Lima and Cusco, you have two transportation options to choose from:
- Hopping on a bus that will get you to Cusco in approximately 22 hours
- Flying from Lima to Cusco in less than 2 hours
The option you’ll choose depends on your budget and preferences. Flying from Lima to Cusco is a quick and convenient way to make the journey between the two cities, but it’s also far more expensive than taking the bus.
What to see when traveling from Lima to Cusco
Travelers who are taking the bus between Lima and Cusco will have a chance to see some beautiful sights during their journey. The first part of your trip will take place along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and you’ll occasionally see this vast body of water appearing behind hills and coastal towns.
Soon, the sun will go down, and you can use the majority of the night time to catch up on your sleep. As the sun rises after several hours, you’ll be greeted with views of the magnificent Peruvian Andes.
If you’re traveling on a plane, you’ll get to see both the ocean and the mountains from an aerial point of view.
Once you arrive in Cusco, go for a stroll around town and grab a coffee or lunch in one of the many coffee bars around town. It’s very important to note that you’ll have a major altitude change when coming from Lima.
Lima sits at 154 meters above sea level, and Cusco sits at over 3,300 meters, nestled among the mountains. You should consider having at least three or four relaxing days to get used to this change and avoid getting altitude sickness. This is especially important if you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail.
Cusco is a relaxing city to visit, and you can spend a few days exploring its streets, plazas, museums, and markets. While you’re in town, don’t miss out on trying some local treats, such as empanadas and tamales.
Once you start feeling better and adjusted to the altitude, the Inca Trail is waiting for you. Needless to say, the trail that takes you to Machu Picchu, is one of the most popular sights around Cusco. This bucket list adventure is what draws many travelers to visit the city, too. The trail is not for hiking beginners, though, and it requires a good level of health and fitness. Those who come prepared will have a great time while exploring the beautiful green forests, ancient paths, and majestic valleys.
How to get from Lima to Cusco
Taking a bus
Traveling to Lima from Cusco on a bus might seem like a tiring option, because of the length of the trip. However, there are several well-established routes between the two cities, and you’ll have many bus options to choose from. Usually, it takes between 21 and 23 hours to get to Cusco on a bus. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can choose an Economy Bus, which usually has reclining seats, TV, A/C, and toilets on board.
You can also pay a bit more, and buy a ticket for a VIP Bus, Business Bus, or 160° Reclining Seat Bus. These buses have a bit more space than other cheaper options, larger seats, blankets, charger sockets, and snacks and soft drinks provided.
Taking a flight
Getting from Lima to Cusco on a plane is, undoubtedly, the fastest way to get from one city to the other. The plane takes around 2 hours to arrive in Cusco, but the plane tickets can get a lot more expensive than the bus tickets. During the high season, these tickets can reach $250 per ticket.
What is the best time of year to visit Cusco?
The best time to visit Cusco is between June and September. At this time of year, there’s very little rainfall in Cusco. However, the period between June and August is the busiest time of year for tourism in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Companies Operating from Lima to Cusco
Popular stations and stops in Lima and Cusco
Departure stations in Lima
Arrival stations in Cusco
Related blog posts
Make it work: 6 golden work rules for digital nomads
If you’re thinking of embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, here are a few golden rules for you to live, work and travel by.
The benefits of traveling the world with your kids
Although the world is experiencing an unprecedented shutdown, there’s no reason why we can’t still dream about our next family destination.
Traveling alone? Not if you bring your smartphone
5 brilliant ways to turn your mobile into the best travel buddy ever… especially if you`re traveling alone and start to feel a bit lonely.
Questions & Answers for Traveling from Lima to Cusco
What is the most popular transportation service from Lima to Cusco?
What is the distance between Lima to Cusco?
What is the fastest transportation service from Lima to Cusco?
What is the cheapest transport option from Lima and Cusco?
Who are the service providers on this route?
BUS: Oltursa | Cruz del Sur
FLIGHT: LATAM Airlines Group | JetSMART | Sky Airline
Why travel with Bookaway?
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.
