Puno is well connected with Arequipa. You can get from Arequipa to Puno by bus, private transfer, guided tour, or rental car.
Puno is a unique little town in southeast Peru and the starting point for many different tours to Lake Titicaca. Therefore, Puno is without a doubt the place to go if you’re planning a trip to the famous Peruvian lake!
However, Puno is more than just “the city of Lake Titicaca”; this small town has much more to see and do. It is a charming and vibrant place that provides a beautiful way to get away from the crowds of the big cities!
This town was once home to numerous Andean tribes who carried on their traditions and handicrafts. The plains of Puno are home to llamas, sheep, and alpacas, whose fleeces are used to create the region’s distinctive textiles and make beautiful souvenirs.
Despite this, Puno is now one of Peru’s top tourist destinations thanks to its distinctive mixture of modernity and Andean traditions.
Therefore, it is definitely worth visiting, whether you want to take a quick boat ride to see the Floating Islands or stroll through the markets looking for local wares!
Traveling between Arequipa and Puno is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, a guided tour, and a rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Arequipa to Puno.
How far is Puno from Arequipa?
The distance from Arequipa to Puno is 185.4 miles or 298.5 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Arequipa to Puno
The following table outlines all transportation options from Arequipa to Puno:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Arequipa to Puno | 6 hours 30 minutes | USD 10-USD 24 |
| Private Transfer from Arequipa to Puno | 5 hours 30 minutes | USD 231-USD 419 |
| Transport + Tour | 48 hours | USD 99 |
| Rental Car | 5 hours | – |
Getting to Puno from Arequipa
1. Bus from Arequipa to Puno
Journey Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
The first and most popular way to travel from Arequipa to Puno is by bus! This is a beautiful 6-hour trip from the Colca Canyon in Arequipa to Lake Titicaca in Puno.
If you choose this option, you can choose from various buses, each with a different price. The cheapest ticket is only USD 14, but you can go for more expensive ones up to USD 24.
However, no matter your chosen bus, you can’t go wrong!
All the buses are air-conditioned, modern, and well-equipped, and they also have onboard restrooms, televisions, and other amenities that will make your journey easy and comfortable.
Additionally, you don’t have to spend all your time traveling during the day because all the buses depart at night.
You can choose between VIP, 140, and 160 Reclining Seat Buses, operated by different companies.
Check out all the available options and get your tickets from Arequipa to Cusco online today!
Arequipa to Puno 140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:45 PM | 04:15 AM | 6 hours 30 minutes | USD 10 |   |
| 10:00 PM | 04:30 AM | 6 hours 30 minutes | USD 15 | |
Arequipa to Puno 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:45 PM | 04:15 AM | 6 hours 30 minutes | USD 13 | |
| 10:00 PM | 04:30 AM | 6 hours 30 minutes | USD 24 | |
Arequipa to Puno VIP Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:15 AM | 11:15 AM | 6 hours | USD 14 | |
| 09:15 AM | 03:15 PM | 6 hours | USD 14 | |
| 12:30 PM | 06:30 PM | 6 hours | USD 14 | |
| 10:00 PM | 04:00 AM | 6 hours | USD 14 | |
2. Private Transfer from Arequipa to Puno
Journey Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
If you want convenience and comfort on this lengthy trip from Arequipa to Puno, and especially if you’re traveling with a group, a private transfer is another excellent choice!
Peru Selected Trips offers these services, with a wide selection of nice and comfortable vehicles!
You can choose between an SUV car and larger vehicles such as standard minivans that can accommodate up to 12 people!
You can plan your trip and get to Puno whenever you want because a private transfer is always available. Your driver will quickly pick you up from your Arequipa location and transport you to Puno in only 5 hours and 30 minutes!
During this roughly six-hour journey, you’ll also make stops to take some fantastic pictures and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Although a private transfer is usually much more expensive than other options, it will make it simpler and more comfortable for you to travel to Puno and get there in no time!
Save some time and travel comfortably by booking a private transfer from Arequipa to Puno!
Prices for a private transfer from Arequipa to Puno
- 1-2 passengers (SUV Car): USD 231
- 1-4 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 258
- 1-12 passengers (Standard Minivan): 419
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Arequipa to Puno. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
3. Transport + Tour from Arequipa to Puno
Journey Duration: 48 hours
Another popular way to travel to Puno from Arequipa is by booking a transfer + guided tour!
Join this two-day adventure starting from Arequipa, and experience incredible sights, places, culture, and history along the way!
The 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour includes transportation to Puno, a guided tour with many activities and attractions, and extra amenities!
Get picked up from your Arequipa hotel and go on a trip where you’ll search for llamas, alpacas, and vicuas in the majestic Sacred Valley mountains. Take in the breathtaking views of the Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu, and Ampato volcanoes. After that, continue to Chivay, and enjoy lunch.
Continue the next day with several other activities through the Andes mountains, and finally, end your trip to the city of Puno!
Make the most of your Peru trip by booking your Arequipa to Puno transfer and tour in advance!
4. Driving with Rental Car from Arequipa to Puno
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Renting a car is your last option for traveling from Arequipa to Puno!
You can travel at your own pace and reach Puno much more quickly by renting a car than by any other transportation mode.
The drive takes about 5 hours, but plan any stops you might want to make to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery along the way!
Additionally, Arequipa has very reasonable car rental rates, making this a worthwhile choice!
You just need to ensure your car rental company has all the required paperwork, and then get ready for the drive!
Fortunately, searching for the best car rentals in Peru is easy now! And the best part? You can book your vehicle online!
Best day tours in Puno, 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 Puno, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mode of transportation is most popular between Puno and Arequipa?
Most tourists traveling from Arequipa to Puno choose the VIP bus by Transzela.
What is the cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Puno?
The cheapest way to get from Arequipa to Puno is by 140 Reclining Seats Bus, which costs only USD 10.
What is the fastest way to get from Arequipa to Puno?
The fastest way to get from Arequipa to Puno is by driving a car! You can rent a car in Arequipa and arrive in Puno in only 5 hours.
Can I fly from Arequipa to Puno?
Unfortunately, you can’t fly directly from Arequipa to Puno. However, you can fly to the closest airport, Inca Manco Cápac airport in Juliaca. The airport is 44 kilometers and roughly an hour’s drive from Puno.
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