Getting There and Away

Captivating aerial view of Puno, Peru, with stunning Lake Titicaca in the background under a bright blue sky.
Elizabeth Diaz, Pexels

The primary transport hub for air travel to Puno is Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL) in Juliaca, located approximately an hour's drive away. For ground travel, Puno features a general bus station, Terminal Terrestre Puno, and a train station serving scenic routes.

By Air:

Flights arrive at Juliaca's Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL). Direct flights from Lima to Juliaca take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, with one-way costs ranging from $58 to $139. Upon arrival, a taxi or shared transfer to Puno takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, with shared services starting from around $20.

By Bus:

Buses offer a cost-effective way to reach Puno from various cities.

  • From Lima: Travel takes about 18 to 24 hours, with prices typically between $29 and $85.
  • From Cusco: The journey is around 7 to 8 hours and costs approximately $22. Tourist buses often include stops at points of interest, extending the trip to about 10 hours.
  • From Arequipa: Buses take approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, costing around $19.
  • From Copacabana, Bolivia: The trip is about 4 hours 30 minutes and costs around $15.
  • From Juliaca (after flying): A bus ride takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and costs around $9.

By Train:

The PeruRail Titicaca train provides a scenic journey from Cusco to Puno, taking approximately 10 to 10.5 hours. This luxury service, also offered by Belmond Andean Explorer, includes meals and entertainment, with costs around $220 one-way.