How To Get From Puno To Cusco, Peru

Cusco is well connected with Puno. You can get from Puno to Cusco by bus, private transfer, or train.

Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Cusco dates back to pre-Incan times and has been a major center of culture, commerce, and religion for centuries. It is about 2,900 meters above sea level and has an average temperature of 14°C (57°F).

The city is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range that makes for great hiking, biking, or skiing. You can also visit nearby Machu Picchu or check out other cities like Lima and Arequipa.

Today, Cusco has over 500,000 residents with a diverse culture influenced by its indigenous inhabitants as well as Spanish colonizers. The people are friendly and really helpful.

Its main attractions include colonial buildings such as churches and palaces and modern tourist destinations such as museums and shopping malls.

Traveling between Puno and Cusco is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, or train.

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Puno to Cusco.

Table of Contents

How far is Cusco from Puno?

The distance from Puno to Cusco is 240.5 miles or 387 kilometers.

Transportation Options from Puno to Cusco, Peru

The following table outlines all transportation options from Puno to Cusco:

Method	Travel time	Price
Bus from Puno to Cusco	6 hours 15 minutes – 10 hours	USD 13 – USD 47
Private Transfer from Puno to Cusco	6 hours 50 minutes	USD 235 – USD 425
Train from Puno to Cusco	11 hours 40 minutes	USD 272

Getting to Cusco from Puno

1. Bus from Puno to Cusco

Journey Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes – 10 hours

Getting from Puno to Cusco by bus is one of the easiest and most convenient ways, and it’s a typical mode of transportation to get around the country.

Traveling by bus from Puno to Cusco, Peru, is feasible as long as you are not in a hurry. Buses are cheap and offer some great views of the Andean mountain range.

The journey can take from 6 hours and 30 minutes up to 10 hours.

You can sit comfortably on the buses, access the restroom on board, and even watch television; some have reclining seats, blankets, and phone chargers.

In addition, these buses are very affordable, costing between USD 13 and USD 19.

The good thing is that when you’re taking a bus from Puno to Cusco, you choose from several different buses, each with a different price.

A Day Tour Bus will take you to fantastic locations like the Wiracocha Temple of Raqchi, the Church of Andahuaylillas, and different museums.

This option takes 10 hours to get from Puno to Cusco, but it’s a great experience, and you are guaranteed a great day.

Puno to Cusco Bus Schedule

Puno to Cusco VIP Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
08:45 AM	04:15 PM	7 hours 30 minutes	USD 14
10:00 PM	05:30 AM	7 hours 30 minutes	USD 14

Puno to Cusco 106 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
07:00 AM	02:30 PM	7 hours 30 minutes	USD 13
08:00 PM	03:30 AM	7 hours 30 minutes	USD 13
09:00 PM	04:30 AM	7 hours 30 minutes	USD 13

Puno to Cusco Cruzero Evolution 140° Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
10:00 PM	05:00 AM	6 hours 30 minutes	USD 15

Puno to Cusco Cruzero Evolution 160° Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
10:00 PM	05:00 AM	6 hours 30 minutes	USD 24

Puno to Cusco Day Tour Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
06:30 AM	04:30 PM	10 hours	USD 47

Puno to Cusco Tourist Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
09:30 PM	05:30 AM	8 hours	USD 21

Puno to Cusco 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
09:45 PM	05:00 AM	7 hours 15 minutes	USD 14

2. Private Transfer from Puno to Cusco

Journey Duration: 6 hours 50 minutes

If you travel in a group or with your family, booking a private transfer is the best option, as you can choose between a standard car or a larger vehicle.

This option is more expensive, but also the fastest and most convenient way to get to Cusco. It takes 6 hours and 50 minutes.

Although this is a direct journey, there are some cool spots worth checking out along the way, so you can request stops along the way to take pictures, stretch your legs or grab a bite.

Prices for a private transfer from Puno to Cusco:

Private transfer for up to 2 passengers (SUV Car): USD 235
Private transfer for up to 4 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 266
Private transfer for up to 12 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 425

Bookaway

On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Puno to Cusco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.

3. Train from Puno to Cusco

Journey Duration: 11 hours 40 minutes

Getting a train from Puno to Cusco is a great way to see Peru’s beautiful countryside. This journey takes about 11 hours and 40 minutes, but you’ll enjoy the ride.

The train is comfortable, and there is plenty of room for luggage.

There is even a bar car where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the view.

Additionally, the price includes a gourmet lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, and you can also buy extra snacks and drinks on the train.

Best day tours in Cusco, 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.

Cusco, Peru, is a city that has everything you could possibly want in a destination. It’s the perfect blend of nature, history, and culture.

The entire city is an outdoor adventure paradise with numerous trails and treks. There are also plenty of activities to choose from, like rafting, hiking, climbing, and more.

The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cusco, Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a bus from Puno to Cusco?

The fastest you can get from Puno to Cusco is in 6 hours and 30 minutes if you catch the Cruzero Evolution 140° Bus or the Cruzero Evolution 160° Bus.