Ica is well connected with Cusco. You can get from Cusco to Ica by bus, private transfer, or rental car.
Ica is a popular destination for people who want to experience Peru’s natural beauty, history, and cultural diversity! Here, you can discover all the incredible scenery the desert offers while visiting archaeological sites that will introduce you to different past civilizations.
Like many other desert cities, Ica offers a great option to enjoy the sun and sand while learning about local culture.
But besides all the adventures it offers, you can admire colonial townhouses in this bustling town and a display of ancient mummies and remains. Get lost in its colorful labyrinth of streets, where you will find restaurants, stunning architecture, and fantastic monuments.
So, it is no wonder that Ica has become a pilgrimage for tourists who want to witness the mysterious Nazca lines, sample some of Ica’s renowned wines, or spend the day sand surfing through the desert!
Traveling between Cusco 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 Cusco to Ica.
How far is Ica from Cusco?
The distance from Cusco to Ica is 590.6 miles or 950.5 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Cusco to Ica
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cusco to Ica:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Cusco to Ica | 17-18 hours | USD 25-USD 46 |
| Private Transfer from Cusco to Ica | ~17 hours | – |
| Rental Car | ~17 hours | – |
Getting to Ica from Cusco
1. Bus from Cusco to Ica
Journey Duration: 17-18 hours
Transportation options from Cusco to Ica are very limited, so taking the bus is the only practical way of traveling, excluding booking a private transfer or renting a car.
The distance between Cusco and Ica is slightly more than 900 kilometers, so getting there requires some time and effort.
But although the journey is long, it is well worth it! Thankfully, the buses are comfortable and well-equipped, so you shouldn’t have trouble making this 18-hour trip!
Four companies offer daily departures between Cusco and Ica. If you decide to take the bus, you can choose 140 Reclining Seats, 160 Reclining Seats, 180 Reclining Seats, or Economy Buses.
Depending on the bus type you want to take, the cost of a ticket ranges from USD 25 to USD 46.
All of the buses travel overnight, so you will be able to rest and have no trouble making this long trip!
Select the most comfortable bus and book your tickets online to ensure your trip from Cusco to Ica!
Cusco to Ica Economy Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:30 PM | 06:20 AM | 16 hours 50 minutes | USD 25 |   |
Cusco to Ica 140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:10 PM | 10:00 AM | 16 hours 50 minutes | USD 33 | |
Cusco to Ica 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:10 PM | 10:00 AM | 16 hours 50 minutes | USD 38 | |
| 04:00 PM | 08:50 AM | 16 hours 50 minutes | USD 41 | |
| 02:00 PM | 08:00 AM | 18 hours | USD 46 | |
| 05:00 PM | 11:00 AM | 18 hours | USD 46 | |
Cusco to Ica 180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:00 PM | 08:50 AM | 16 hours 50 minutes | USD 46 | |
2. Private Transfer from Cusco to Ica
Journey Duration: ~17 hours
A private transfer is another choice if you want comfort on this lengthy trip from Cusco to Ica, but it’s only practical if you’re traveling with a group.
You can find some tourist agencies that offer these services. They can arrange this route with a vehicle of your choice and a private driver!
This option gives you the benefit of arranging your trip, departing and arriving whenever you want, and getting taken directly to your location in Ica!
However, since the distance from Cusco to Ica is over 900 kilometers, finding a private transfer at a reasonable price might be very challenging.
So, unless you want to splurge on your travels completely, we don’t recommend going with this option.
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Cusco 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 Cusco to Ica
Journey Duration: ~17 hours
I suggest renting a car in Cusco and driving yourself if you’re an adventurer looking to plan a beautiful road trip from Cusco to Ica!
We have to say right away that getting from Cusco to Ica can be difficult. Getting from point A to B can take more than a day due to the distance.
The trip will last roughly 17 hours, but it will be very enjoyable!
Renting a car allows you to go at your own pace and frequently stop to enjoy the journey! Additionally, renting a car in Cusco is inexpensive, so this is a fantastic choice to take into account!
However, be cautious when driving in unfamiliar areas because Peruvian traffic is probably very different from what you’re used to in your country.
Therefore, if you rent a car, drive carefully and safely.
Best day tours in Ica, 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 Ica, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cusco to Ica?
The cheapest way to get from Cusco to Ica is with the Economy Bus operated by Civa, which costs USD 25.
What is the fastest way to get from Cusco to Ica?
The fastest way to get from Cusco to Ica is by car. You can either book a private group transfer or get a car rental and arrive in Ica in about 17 hours.
Is there a direct bus between Cusco and Ica?
Yes, direct buses depart from Cusco and arrive at Ica, operated by four bus companies that offer frequent and daily departures.
Can I drive from Cusco to Ica?
Yes, you can drive from Cusco to Ica by getting a car rental! The driving distance between Cusco and Ica is 950.5 kilometers.
Which mode of transportation is most common between Cusco and Ica?
Most travelers prefer the 160 Reclining Seats bus by Cruz del Sur from Cusco to Ica.
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