A beautiful view from within central Lima-mobile

How to get from
Cusco to Lima

Cusco to Lima Trip Overview

Distance585 km (365.6 miles)
Price range$62-$245
Ride Duration Range1h 20m-1h 40m
Earliest Departure11:05
Latest Departure23:15

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Cusco to Lima



























































































Taking a bus from Cusco to Lima

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

WC

TV

Wifi

Blanket

Food

The fastest: 1h 20m

The cheapest: $62

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

A beautiful view from within central Lima

About the ride from Cusco to Lima

After crossing Machu Picchu off your bucket list, you might feel like you’ve seen all the places Peru is known for. However, that’s not really true if you haven’t been to the country’s capital, Lima. In the city where traditional and modern live next to one another, you’ll also find amazing beaches, windsurfing spots, and paragliding excursions. 

When traveling the 1,205 kilometer (749 mile) distance between Cusco and Lima, you have two options to make the journey:

  • Hopping on a bus that will get you to Lima in approximately 22 hours
  • Flying from Cusco to Lima in less than 2 hours

Even though flying from Cusco to Lima seems like a very convenient option to get to Lima from Cusco, it’s also important to note that airfares are far more expensive than bus tickets. If you’re traveling on a budget, and you want to take the bus, don’t worry. Even though the journey is long, the buses are well-equipped to make it as comfortable as possible.

 

What to see when traveling from Cusco to Lima

If you’re traveling between Cusco and Lima on a bus, the first part of your journey will take place among the gorgeous Peruvian Andes. Before night comes around, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some beautiful views. As soon as darkness sets in, sit back in your seat and try to get some sleep.

The second part of your trip will take place close to the coast along the Pacific Ocean, and the water will quickly appear in the distance from time to time. Travelers who are flying to Lima will have a unique chance to see both the mountains and the ocean from the air – if the weather conditions allow it.

Lima is considered one of the best places to visit in South America, and there are good reasons for this. The capital of Peru has so many different things to see and do that getting bored in this city will be very hard to do!

Start off your explorations from the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO-listed city center. These streets give a unique view of Peru’s colonial past, and the most popular sites are the Cathedral of Lima, Presidential Palace, the Peruvian catacombs, and the Main Square.

Lima sits on the Pacific Ocean coast, which offers many opportunities for watersports. The city has world-class surfing and windsurfing conditions. Even though many experts come here to ride the waves, you can also find a number of beginner schools. Paragliding is another popular activity in Lima. Thanks to the city’s coastal cliffs, paragliding in Lima offers some unique and beautiful views.

If you’re looking for some traditional food, you should try ceviche, which consists of raw fish marinated in a mixture of key lime, orange juice, chili peppers, sliced onions, salt, and pepper.

 

How to get from Cusco to Lima

Taking a bus

When traveling from Cusco to Lima, choosing to travel on a bus might seem like an inconvenient option, because of the length of the journey. However, thanks to the well-established lines between the two cities, there are many bus options to choose from.

The journey between the two cities usually lasts between 21 and 23 hours. For travelers on a budget, there are economy options available. These buses usually have reclining seats, TVs, A/C, and toilets on board.

If you want to be a bit more comfortable during your trip between Cusco and Lima, you can buy a ticket for a VIP bus, Business bus, or 160° reclining seat bus. These buses have a bit more space than other cheaper options, larger seats, blankets, charger sockets, and snacks and soft drinks provided.

 

Taking a flight

If you’d like to avoid sitting on a bus for almost 24 hours, you can also fly from Cusco to Lima in less than 2 hours. However, the airfares for this flight can get quite expensive, reaching $250 per ticket which is a lot more expensive than the bus tickets. 

 

What is the best time of year to visit Lima?

The best time to visit Lima is between December and April. During these months, the weather is warm, sunny, and you can hit the beaches, and enjoy other outdoor activities in Lima.

However, Lima has moderate temperatures during the entire year, with very little rainfall, and lots of humidity. Months from May to November are a bit cooler, and you’ll have a chance to see la garua, which is a thick misty fog that covers the entire city, along with the very cloudy sky.

Companies Operating from Cusco to Lima

Average time

1h 35m - 1h 40m

Average price

$62 - $126

Average time

1h 20m - 1h 30m

Average price

$123 - $245

Popular stations and stops in Cusco and Lima

Departure stations in Cusco

Cusco Airport (CUZ)

Terminal Terrestre de Cusco

Arrival stations in Lima

Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)

CIVA Terminal Terrestre Atocongo

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