Cusco is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Cusco by bus, flight, or rental car.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru soon, it’s worth stopping in Cusco. You’ll find Peru’s historic capital, Cusco, a lovely place!
The city is a cultural treasure, with gorgeous architecture and a dramatic setting at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain.
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It features a destination of incomparable beauty, with incredible food and accommodations. Cusco also offers unparalleled sightseeing opportunities, including amazing archeological sites and breathtaking nature!
Every street corner in Cusco has a fascinating, mystical, and inviting story. The church of Santo Domingo and the Qorikancha temple, which flank the Plaza de Armas, are examples of how Andean baroque and Incan grandeur coexist in Cusco’s stone streets.
Additionally, the ample restaurants of Cusco feature a variety of exquisite cuisines, from traditional Peruvian meals to international fare, and Cusco’s breathtaking natural scenery makes it an unforgettable experience for all who visit!
There are many reasons to be enchanted by this striking destination—so add it to your travel bucket list today!
Traveling between Arequipa and Cusco is easy, and you can choose between a bus, flight, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Arequipa to Cusco!
Tip: Read here everything you need to know about Peru transportation.
How far is Cusco from Arequipa?
The distance from Arequipa to Cusco is 319 miles or 513.4 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Arequipa to Cusco
The following table outlines all transportation options from Arequipa to Cusco:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Arequipa to Cusco | 10-11 hours | USD 19-USD 40 |
| Flight from Arequipa to Cusco | ~1 hour | – |
| Private Transfer from Arequipa to Cusco | ~10 hours | – |
| Rental Car | 9 hours 20 minutes | – |
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 10-11 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 19 to USD 40.
Four tourist bus companies are operating between Arequipa and Cusco: Oltursa, Cruz del Sur, Exclusiva, and Transzela. Additionally, they offer a few buses you can choose from when traveling from Arequipa to Cusco: VIP Bus, Tourist Bus, 140 Reclining Seats Bus, 160 Reclining Seats Bus, and 180 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:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 PM | 05:00 AM | 10 hours | USD 19 |  |
| 08:00 PM | 06:00 AM | 10 hours | USD 19 | |
Arequipa to Cusco 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:45 PM | 06:45 AM | 10 hours | USD 24 | |
| 08:00 PM | 06:15 AM | 10 hours 15 minutes | USD 24 | |
| 08:00 PM | 07:00 AM | 11 hours | USD 25 | |
| 08:00 PM | 06:00 AM | 10 hours | USD 40 | |
Arequipa to Cusco 180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule:
Arequipa to Cusco VIP Bus Schedule:
Arequipa to Cusco Tourist Bus Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 PM | 06:15 AM | 10 hours 15 minutes | USD 20 | |
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!
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Arequipa to Cusco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
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.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cusco, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Arequipa to Cusco?
There is currently no direct train operating from Arequipa to Cusco.
Is there a direct bus between Arequipa and Cusco?
Yes, direct bus services are departing from Terminal Terrestre de Arequipa and Terrapuerto de Arequipa and arriving at Cusco. There are a few buses you can choose from when traveling from Arequipa to Cusco: VIP Bus, Tourist Bus, 140 Reclining Seats Bus, 160 Reclining Seats Bus, and 180 Reclining Seats Bus.
How long is a bus from Arequipa to Cusco?
The average travel time between Arequipa and Cusco by bus is around 10 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Cusco?
The cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Cusco is by bus, which costs USD 19-USD 40 and takes around 10 hours.
What is the fastest way to get from Arequipa to Cusco?
The fastest way to get from Arequipa to Cusco is by plane, which takes about 1 hour.
