By the Cusco Apus Tours Team
Peru is a country of vast distances and breathtaking geographies. For any traveler, understanding how to move efficiently and economically is the key to a stress-free adventure. Whether you are looking for the speed of a domestic flight or the budget-friendly scenery of an intercity bus, we’ve detailed the real costs to help you organize your travel budget.
Saving on transportation is the best way to treat yourself to a luxury experience at your destination, such as a Sacred Valley Luxury Full Day that you will remember forever.
Table of Contents
1. Domestic Flights: Speed at the Best Price
Flying is the preferred option to save time (1.5 hours vs. 22 hours by bus).
- Lima – Cusco: Between $45 and $80 USD (one way).
- Lima – Arequipa: Between $40 and $70 USD (one way).
- Recommended Airlines: LATAM (most reliable), Sky Airline, and JetSmart (low-cost options).
2. Traveling by Bus: The Budget-Friendly Scenic Route
Peruvian “Sleeper” buses (Bus Cama) are surprisingly high-end, offering seats that recline 160° or 180°. It is a great way to save on a night of hotel while traveling.
| Route from Lima | Approx. Time | Base Price (Soles) | VIP/Cama Price (Soles) |
| Lima to Cusco | 22 hours | S/ 90 – S/ 120 | S/ 170 – S/ 210 |
| Lima to Arequipa | 16 hours | S/ 65 – S/ 90 | S/ 140 – S/ 180 |
| Lima to Puno | 24 hours | S/ 110 – S/ 140 | S/ 180 – S/ 220 |
Top companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Movil Bus.
3. Taxis and Transfers: How Much to Pay?
In Peru, taxis do not use meters. Always agree on the price before getting in.
In Lima (The Capital)
- Airport to Miraflores/San Isidro: S/ 60 – S/ 80 ($16 – $22 USD) in official airport taxis.
- Short rides within the city: S/ 15 – S/ 25 ($4 – $7 USD).
In Cusco (The Imperial City)
- Airport to Historic Center: S/ 15 – S/ 20. (If you take a taxi inside the terminal, they may ask for S/ 30, but the fair rate is lower).
- Rides within the city center: S/ 5 – S/ 7 (Standard daytime rate).
- Rides to the outskirts (e.g., Sacsayhuamán): S/ 10 – S/ 15.
In Puno (Lake Titicaca)
- Bus Terminal to City Center/Port: S/ 5 – S/ 8.
- Short rides within the city: S/ 4 – S/ 6.
- Tricycles (Bicycle taxis): S/ 3 – S/ 5. A unique and eco-friendly way to get around the lakeside area.
4. Strategic Saving Tips
- Use Rideshare Apps: Uber and Cabify work well in Lima and Cusco. They provide a reference price and an extra layer of security.
- Cash is King: Taxi drivers rarely accept credit cards or US dollars. Always carry small change in Soles (S/ 10 or S/ 20 bills).
- Early Bird Flights: Flights departing before 6:00 AM are usually the cheapest and the least likely to suffer from weather-related delays. If you arrive early, you can start your journey with a Cusco City Tour right away.
5. Optimize Your Experience in Cusco
Saving on transportation is smart, but don’t sacrifice comfort during the most important parts of your trip. After a long flight or bus ride, the last thing you want to worry about is heavy logistics.
At Cusco Apus Tours, we turn those savings into premium experiences. Imagine stepping off your transport and straight into a Machu Picchu Full Day tour where everything—trains, transfers, and private guides—is already taken care of.
Ready to plan your route through Peru?
Don’t let the prices surprise you. Visit us at cuscoapustours.com and let’s design an itinerary that fits your budget and your dreams perfectly.
