4 Best Ways to get from Arequipa to Cusco, Peru

You can get from Arequipa to Cusco by bus, flight, private transfer, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Arequipa to Cusco is by bus, which costs only USD 27. The journey takes between 10 and 13 hours.

The most popular option is also the bus, offering a convenient and affordable transportation alternative!

The fastest way to travel to Cusco from Arequipa is by flight, which takes about 1 hour!

Exploring Peru has been an adventure, especially when it comes to transportation. I’ve compiled a straightforward guide on the best ways to get from Arequipa to Cusco, breaking down each transportation option, so you can travel with ease!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Arequipa to Cusco!

Transportation Options from Arequipa to Cusco

The following table outlines all transportation options from Arequipa to Cusco:

Method	Time	Price
Bus from Arequipa to Cusco	10-13 hrs	$27 to 47
Flight from Arequipa to Cusco	~1 hr	–
Arequipa to Cusco Private Transfer	~10 hrs	–
Rental Car	~9.5 hrs	–

How far is Cusco from Arequipa?

The distance from Arequipa to Cusco is 319 miles or 513.4 kilometers.

Getting to Cusco from Arequipa

1. Bus from Arequipa to Cusco

Journey Duration: 10-11 hours

The first and most popular way to travel the long distance from Arequipa to Cusco is by bus! This is one of the most breathtaking bus rides you can take in Peru, and the journey lasts about 10-13 hours.

The buses are modern and well equipped; they are air-conditioned and have onboard bathrooms and televisions.

Additionally, there are free blankets, charging stations, and a selection of snacks and beverages. You can also try to fall asleep on comfortable, reclining seats that are incredibly convenient for these night buses!

All the trips are at night, so you don’t have to spend your time traveling during the day.

These long-distance bus trips are also usually the cheapest transportation option. So, depending on your chosen company, the prices range from USD 27 to USD 47. 

Two tourist bus companies are operating between Arequipa and Cusco: Cruz del Sur and Transzela. Additionally, they offer a few buses you can choose from when traveling from Arequipa to Cusco: VIP Bus, 140 Reclining Seats Bus, and 160 Reclining Seats Bus.

Bus travel from Arequipa to Cusco is typically pleasant, and most of the route is in decent shape. Select the top bus company and take in the scenery!

Similar to purchasing airline tickets, it is best to reserve a seat on a bus in advance. So click here and get your tickets from Arequipa to Cusco now!

Arequipa to Cusco 140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the 140 reclining seats bus timetable for trips from Arequipa to Cusco, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
06:05pm	07:40am	13h 35m	$38
07:00pm	05:00am	10h	$27
07:00pm	09:00am	14h	$38
08:30pm	09:45am	13h 15m	$38
09:20pm	10:45am	13h 25m	$38
11:45pm	12:50pm	13h 5m	$38
11:45pm	11:55am	12h 10m	$38

Arequipa to Cusco 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the 160 reclining seats bus timetable for trips from Arequipa to Cusco, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
07:30pm	08:40am	13h 10m	$47
08:00pm	06:40am	10h 40m	$36
09:00pm	07:40am	10h 40m	$35
11:45pm	12:50pm	13h 5m	$47
11:55pm	11:55am	12h	$47

Arequipa to Cusco VIP Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the VIPbus timetable for trips from Arequipa to Cusco, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:30pm	06:30am	10h	$31

2. Flight from Arequipa to Cusco

Journey Duration: ~1 hour

If you want a quick trip from Arequipa to Cusco, we recommend you get on a flight!

Traveling by plane will get you from Arequipa to Cusco in no time! While it’s often the most expensive option, the trip is definitely worth it!

The air distance between Arequipa and Cusco is 324 kilometers or 201 miles. You will arrive in Cusco in about 1 hour while experiencing some of the most scenic views of the Andean plateau below!

Multiple airlines are providing reliable services directly between Arequipa and Cusco.

The prices of plane tickets vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check for flights in advance and get your tickets!

3. Private Transfer from Arequipa to Cusco

Journey Duration: ~10 hour

A private transfer is another good option if you want comfort and ease on this long trip from Arequipa to Cusco, especially if you’re traveling in a group!

Several tourist agencies provide these services, with various comfortable vehicles to choose from!

You can choose between a regular car and larger vehicles such as minivans that can accommodate even larger groups!

Because a private transfer is available anytime, you can plan your itinerary and arrive in Cusco whenever you want.

Even though a private transfer is more expensive than other options, it will make it easier for you to get to Cusco and will make this 10-hour journey easier and more comfortable!

4. Driving with Rental Car from Arequipa to Cusco

Journey Duration: 9 hours 20 minutes

The final option for getting from Arequipa to Cusco is to rent a car!

Renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace while also getting to Cusco much faster than public transportation.

The car trip takes about 9 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way.

Furthermore, car rentals in Arequipa are very affordable, so this option is well worth considering!

You must provide all the necessary documents to your car rental agency and prepare for a long road trip!

Best day tours in Cusco, Peru

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Cusco, Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions