Arequipa is well connected with Ica. You can get from Ica to Arequipa by bus, private transfer, or rental car.
Arequipa is a city of wonderful beauty, which has remained relatively unaffected by time!
It is a city full of tradition, charms, and magic. A place where you can get lost in time and take a trip back to the days when it was an ancient Inca capital!
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Arequipa is a city of volcanoes. Located at the foot of the majestic Huana Serra mountain range, the city’s spectacular and varied architecture preserves the legacy of its illustrious past.
The streets are lined with colonial houses and elegant modern buildings that have managed to preserve their original style and dignity amidst an explosion of tourism and new construction.
A unique character of its own, quiet and pleasant, it is a true peace of paradise, where you can enjoy the remarkable activity of its volcanoes or simply relax in its picturesque streets.
Traveling between Ica and Arequipa is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Ica to Arequipa.
How far is Arequipa from Ica?
The distance from Ica to Arequipa is 440 miles or 708 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Ica to Arequipa
The following table outlines all transportation options from Ica to Arequipa:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Ica to Arequipa | ~12 hours | USD 45-USD 60 |
| Private Transfer from Ica to Arequipa | Custom Time | – |
| Rental Car | 12 hours 12 minutes | – |
Getting to Arequipa from Ica
1. Bus from Ica to Arequipa
Journey Duration: ~12 hours
Buses are the only viable public transportation option between Ica and Arequipa since there are no direct flights.
Because the distance between Ica and Arequipa is over 700 kilometers, the road trip takes about 12-13 hours and takes you all the way through Peru’s Pacific Coast! So, although the journey is long, it is well worth it!
The buses are comfortable and well-equipped and provide everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip!
There are many daily departures from Arequipa to Ica operated by two companies, which gives you a few options. However, bus ticket prices vary depending on the bus type you want to take.
If you decide to travel from Ica to Arequipa by bus, the companies Cruz del Sur and Civa offer affordable bus tickets. You can opt for the 160 Reclining Seats Bus, 140 Reclining Seats Bus, 180 Reclining Seats Bus, or Economy Bus.
Driving across Peru can be spectacular, but you’ll almost certainly be doing so at night. So, it’s best to reserve a seat in advance and select a comfy bus seat to enjoy this lengthy bus ride!
Check out the schedules and book your bus tickets from Ica to Arequipa online here!
Ica to Arequipa Cruz del Sur Bus Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:05 PM | 07:40 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 45 |   |
| 07:00 PM | 09:00 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 45 | |
| 08:30 PM | 09:45 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 45 | |
| 09:30 PM | 10:45 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 45 | |
| 11:15 PM | 12:50 PM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 45 | |
| 09:30 PM | 10:25 AM | 11 hours 50 minutes | USD 46 | |
| 06:05 PM | 07:40 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
| 07:00 PM | 09:00 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
| 08:30 PM | 09:45 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
| 09:30 PM | 10:45 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
| 11:15 PM | 12:50 PM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
| 12:45 AM | 02:00 PM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
| 07:30 PM | 08:40 AM | 11 hours 55 minutes | USD 51 | |
Ica to Arequipa Civa Bus Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:15 PM | 09:55 AM | 12 hours 40 minutes | USD 52 | |
| 06:20 PM | 07:00 AM | 12 hours 40 minutes | USD 63 | |
| 08:25 PM | 09:05 AM | 12 hours 40 minutes | USD 63 | |
| 06:05 PM | 06:45 AM | 12 hours 40 minutes | USD 68 | |
| 08:25 PM | 09:05 AM | 12 hours 40 minutes | USD 68 | |
2. Private Transfer from Ica to Arequipa
Journey Duration: Custom Time
A private transfer is an excellent choice if you want ease, comfort, and luxury on your lengthy trip from Ica to Arequipa, especially if you’re going with a group!
Numerous travel agencies provide these services, and there are many comfortable vehicles to choose from.
This is the ideal mode of transportation since it gives you access to top-of-the-line vehicles, a cozy and pleasant interior, air conditioning, and the possibility to plan and organize your journey!
A private transfer is constantly available, allowing you to customize your schedule and arrive in Arequipa whenever you like.
You can request stops along the way, bathroom breaks, or lunch breaks to make this long trip as comfortable as possible. You have full flexibility!
You can choose to hire a standard car or a bigger vehicle like a minivan that can fit even bigger groups!
Even though a private transfer is significantly more expensive than other options, it will make traveling from Ica to Arequipa easier and more comfortable!
3. Driving with Rental Car from Ica to Arequipa
Journey Duration: 12 hours 12 minutes
If you want an adventure and a spectacular journey from Ica to Arequipa, we recommend renting a vehicle in Ica and driving yourself!
Let’s clarify right off the bat that traveling from Ica to Arequipa can be difficult. It’s a long distance, and traveling from point A to point B isn’t always easy.
But although it will take about 12 hours and 20 minutes, the trip will be very pleasurable. However, add some extra time to that since you’ll undoubtedly want to stop for breaks or admire the magnificent landscape along the way!
Traveling by car allows you to go at your own pace and enjoy the road trip. This is a fantastic choice to think about because Ica car rentals are very reasonably priced!
Getting a car rental is the best way to explore the area and enjoy the breathtaking Pacific coastline!
Best day tours in Arequipa, 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 Arequipa, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to travel from Ica to Arequipa?
The cheapest way to get from Ica to Arequipa is by bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs USD 45.
What is the fastest option to travel from Ica to Arequipa?
The fastest way to travel from Ica to Arequipa is by car. The car drive from Ica to Arequipa takes 12 hours and 20 minutes.
What is the most popular transportation service from Ica to Arequipa?
The most popular transportation service from Ica to Arequipa is the 160 Reclining Seats Bus.
Which companies provide services on the route from Ica to Arequipa?
Cruz del Sur and Civa operate buses on the route from Ica to Arequipa.
Can you fly directly from Ica to Arequipa?
Unfortunately, you can’t fly directly from Ica to Arequipa. Ica doesn’t have an airport, so you must get to the nearest airport, like Ayacucho or Lima.
