Ica is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Ica by bus, private transfer, or rental car.
Nestled between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, in central Peru’s Ica Valley stands the city of Ica. It is a beautiful desert landscape that has become a popular destination for amateur archaeologists, wine lovers, and anyone who wants to try new outdoor activities in the shifting sands of a prehistoric desert.
It’s a small, bustling town that gets its energy from tourism due to its proximity to one of Peru’s most important historical sites – the Nazca Lines.
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You can admire colonial townhouses and a display of ancient mummies and remains in the town center.
Travel to the Ica desert and discover natural beauty, architecture, history, and the latest in outdoor recreation. Try sandboarding on the ancient dunes that make up much of this area’s land surface.
Make your visit unforgettable by enjoying the sun and sand of the surrounding desert, venturing into the depths of ancient ruins, exploring cultural exhibits in the city center, and much more.
The Valley offers everything from wine tasting to dune buggy tours, making it perfect for anyone who wants to experience an authentic and fun way of touring the desert.
Traveling between Arequipa and Ica is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Arequipa to Ica.
Tip: Check out our detailed guide about transportation in Peru.
How far is Ica from Arequipa?
The distance from Arequipa to Ica is 546.1 miles or 878.8 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Arequipa to Ica
The following table outlines all transportation options from Arequipa to Ica:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Arequipa to Ica | ~13 hours | USD 20-USD 47 |
| Private Transfer from Arequipa to Ica | Custom Time | – |
| Rental Car | ~16 hours | – |
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!
Two companies run buses from Arequipa to Ica, with multiple daily departures, so you have a few options to choose from!
Prices for bus tickets vary from USD 20 to USD 47, 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, 180 Reclining Seats Bus, or Economy 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
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02:00 PM | 02:25 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 23 |  |
| 07:06 PM | 07:31 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 23 | |
| 08:30 PM | 08:55 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 23 | |
| 01:00 PM | 01:25 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 30 | |
| 02:30 PM | 02:55 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 30 | |
| 03:30 PM | 03:55 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 30 | |
| 06:30 PM | 06:55 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 30 | |
| 07:30 PM | 07:55 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 30 | |
| 08:15 PM | 08:40 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 30 | |
Arequipa to Ica 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02:00 PM | 02:25 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 28 | |
| 06:05 PM | 06:30 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 28 | |
| 06:30 PM | 07:45 AM | 13 hours 15 minutes | USD 41 | |
| 09:00 PM | 10:15 AM | 13 hours 15 minutes | USD 41 | |
Arequipa to Ica 180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00 PM | 05:55 AM | 12 hours 55 minutes | USD 47 | |
Arequipa to Ica Economy Bus Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00 PM | 05:25 AM | 12 hours 25 minutes | USD 20 | |
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!
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Arequipa to Ica. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
3. Driving with Rental Car from Arequipa to Ica
Journey Duration: ~16 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.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Ica, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular transportation service between Arequipa and Ica?
The most popular transportation service from Arequipa to Ica is the 160 Reclining Seats Bus.
What is the cheapest option to get from Arequipa to Ica?
The cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Ica is by bus. The cheapest bus ticket is for the Economy Bus, which costs USD 20.
What is the air distance between Arequipa and Ica?
The air distance from Arequipa to Ica is 471 kilometers or 292.7 miles.
Can you fly directly from Arequipa to Ica?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t fly directly from Arequipa to Ica. Ica doesn’t have an airport, so you must fly to the nearest bigger city like Ayacucho or Lima.
Which companies provide services on the route from Arequipa to Ica?
Cruz del Sur and Civa operate buses on the route from Arequipa to Ica.
