How to get around Peru
Navigating Peru is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Peru offers various options, catering to different budgets and travel styles. Buses are the most common and economical choice for long journeys. You can find basic to luxury bus services with amenities like reclining seats, onboard entertainment, and meals.
A two-hour bus trip can cost as little as S/10 PEN (approximately $2.70 USD). For longer routes, such as Lima to Arequipa, a one-way ticket can be around $20 USD. Luxury buses with 180-degree reclining seats are also available for premium comfort.
Domestic flights provide the fastest way to travel across Peru's diverse terrain, especially for long distances. However, flying is generally more expensive than taking a bus. One-way flights from Lima to Cusco can start from around $31-$90 USD, while a flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado might be around $140 USD.
Train travel is less widespread but offers scenic routes, primarily for tourist destinations like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. The cost varies significantly based on the service level.
A budget-friendly train from Cusco to Machu Picchu can range from $50 to $80 USD one-way, while mid-range options are typically $75-$100 USD one-way. For a luxurious experience, the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu can cost around $500-$550 USD one-way. The PeruRail Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno ranges from $80 to $250 per person, depending on the class of service.
Travel Within Cities
Within Peruvian cities, local transportation options include taxis, colectivos, and public buses. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Fares are typically negotiated before the ride, as meters are not commonly used.
For a short ride within a city center, you can expect to pay between 3 and 10 soles (approximately $1 to $3 USD). In Lima, a ride from the airport to the city center can cost around 50 to 70 soles ($15 to $20 USD), while a shorter trip might be 10 to 20 soles ($3 to 6 USD).
In Cusco, airport to city center rides are usually 10 to 15 soles ($3 to $5 USD), and short trips within the city can be 3 to 5 soles ($1 to $2 USD). Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are also available in major cities, offering transparent pricing.
Colectivos are shared taxis or vans that offer a fast and affordable way to travel between towns and within cities. They operate on fixed routes and depart when full. Fares are inexpensive, often around S/. 2-15 (approximately $0.50-$4 USD) for routes like Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
Public buses are the cheapest way to get around cities. Fares are very affordable, ranging from S/. 0.50 for short rides to S/. 2.00-3.00 for longer routes within a city. In Lima, the Metropolitano bus system uses a rechargeable card, with fares between S/. 0.80 and S/. 1.50.
