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.
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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.
How far is Cusco from Puno?
The distance from Puno to Cusco is 240.5 miles or 387 kilometers.
COPY and PASTE CODE FROM GOOGLE MAPS IN HERETransportation 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.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puno to Cusco?
The cheapest way to get from Puno to Cusco is by 106 Reclining Seats Bus. It only costs USD 13.
How long does it take to take a private transfer from Puno to Cusco?
Taking a private transfer from Puno to Cusco takes 6 hours and 50 minutes.
Can you fly from Puno to Cusco?
Unfortunately no, flights are not available between Puno and Cusco.