3 Best Ways to get from Arequipa to Ica, Peru

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

The cheapest option to travel from Arequipa to Ica is by bus, which costs only USD 25. The journey takes about 9 to13 hours, depending on your departure.

The most popular option is also the bus, offering a convenient and affordable transportation alternative! You can choose between three different types of buses.

The fastest way to travel to Ica from Arequipa is by private transfer, or rental car, which takes about 12 hours!

From navigating the urban transport of Lima to understanding the rural bus routes, my travels in Peru have covered it all!

In this guide, I’ll break down the most efficient travel options to get from Arequipa to Ica, helping you explore Peru with ease and confidence!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Arequipa to Ica.

Transportation Options from Arequipa to Ica

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

Method	Time	Price
Bus from Arequipa to Ica	~13 hrs	$25 to 51
Arequipa to Ica Private Transfer	~12 hrs	–
Rental Car	~12 hrs	–

How far is Ica from Arequipa?

The distance from Arequipa to Ica is 546.1 miles or 878.8 kilometers.

Getting to Ica from Arequipa

1. Bus from Arequipa to Ica

Journey Duration: ~13 hours

A bus ride from Arequipa to Ica takes about 13 hours and takes you along Peru’s entire Pacific Coast! Because there are no direct flights between Arequipa and Ica, the only viable option for public transportation is to take the bus.

The distance between Arequipa and Ica is just over 700 kilometers, so getting there takes some time and effort. It’s a long road, but it’s well worth it. Fortunately, the buses are well-equipped and comfortable, so you should have no trouble traveling this far!

One company runs buses from Arequipa to Ica, with multiple daily departures, so you have many options to choose from! 

Prices for bus tickets vary from USD 25 to USD 51, depending on the type of bus you want to take. If you travel from Arequipa to Ica by bus, you can choose 160 Reclining Seats Bus, 140 Reclining Seats Bus, or 180 Reclining Seats Bus.

Driving through Peru can be breathtaking, but you’ll most likely be doing so at night. Therefore, choose the most comfortable bus seat and enjoy this lengthy journey.

Check out the schedules and reserve your tickets online here!

Arequipa to Ica 140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
12:00pm	12:45am	12h 45m	$30
01:00pm	01:50am	12h 50m	$30
02:30pm	11:50pm	9h 20m	$38
02:30pm	02:50am	12h 20m	$30
03:30pm	04:00am	12h 30m	$30
06:30pm	07:05am	12h 35m	$30
07:30pm	07:50am	12h 20m	$30
09:30pm	09:00am	11h 30m	$28
10:00pm	07:30am	9h 30m	$25
10:15pm	10:35am	12h 20m	$30
10:20pm	09:00am	10h 40m	$38
11:15pm	09:45am	10h 30m	$38
11:55pm	10:45am	10h 50m	$38

Arequipa to Ica 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
12:00pm	12:45am	12h 45m	$39
01:00pm	01:50am	12h 50m	$39
02:30pm	11:50pm	9h 20m	$47
02:30pm	02:50am	12h 20m	$39
03:30pm	04:00am	12h 30m	$39
06:30pm	07:05am	12h 35m	$39
07:30pm	07:50am	12h 20m	$39
09:30pm	09:00am	11h 30m	$39
10:00pm	07:30am	9h 30m	$35
10:15pm	10:35am	12h 20m	$39
10:20pm	09:00am	10h 40m	$47
11:15pm	09:45am	10h 30m	$47
11:55pm	10:45am	10h 50m	$47
03:30am	01:50pm	10h 20m	$47
05:30pm	05:25am	11h 55m	$39
08:30pm	08:50am	12h 20m	$39
10:30pm	08:40am	10h 10m	$47

Arequipa to Ica 180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

The table below displays the 180 reclining seats bus timetable for trips from Arequipa to Ica, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
05:00pm	05:20am	12h 20m	$51

2. Private Transfer from Arequipa to Ica

Journey Duration: Custom Time

If you want convenience and comfort on this long journey from Arequipa to Ica, a private transfer is another good option, especially if you’re traveling in a group!

Multiple tourist agencies offer these services, with various comfortable vehicles to pick from!

This is the best type of transport because it offers top-of-the-line vehicles, a comfortable and pleasant interior, air conditioning, and the ability to schedule and set up your trip!

You can plan your itinerary and get to Ica whenever you want because a private transfer is always available.

Private shuttles provide greater flexibility and efficiency; thus, you can request stops to take pictures, use the restroom, or eat lunch to make this long journey as comfortable as possible!

You have the option of hiring a regular car or larger vehicles such as minivans, which can accommodate even larger groups!

Even though a private transfer is far more expensive than other options, it will make getting to Ica easier and more comfortable!

3. Driving with Rental Car from Arequipa to Ica

Journey Duration: ~12 hours

If you’re looking for an adventure and a scenic road trip from Arequipa to Ica, I recommend renting a car in Arequipa and driving yourself!

Let me start by saying that getting from Arequipa to Ica can be challenging. The distance is long, and getting from A to B isn’t always simple.

However, the drive will be very enjoyable and take approximately 16 hours!

Renting a car enables you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey by making many stops along the way!

Furthermore, Arequipa car rentals are very affordable, so this is a great option to consider!

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

Getting a car rental is the best way to explore the region and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

Best day tours in Ica

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 Ica, Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions