How to get to Cusco: flights, buses and train
Almost every trip to Machu Picchu starts in Cusco, and almost every trip to Cusco starts with a short, spectacular flight over the Andes from Lima. Here is how to get there by air or overland, what to expect at the airport and how to handle your first hours at 3,400 m.
Your options at a glance
| Route | How | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Lima → Cusco | Flight | About 1 h 20 min |
| Arequipa → Cusco | Flight | About 1 h |
| Puno → Cusco | Bus | About 7 h (longer on tourist buses with stops) |
| Puno → Cusco | Tourist train | A full day |
| Arequipa → Cusco | Bus | About 10 h |
| Lima → Cusco | Bus | 20 h or more |
By air: the usual way
Most travellers fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which has frequent daily flights from Lima and connections from other Peruvian cities such as Arequipa. International visitors usually connect through Lima.
Tip: choose a morning flight. Mountain weather can delay afternoon flights into Cusco, and arriving early gives you the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize. Sit on the left or right window — the view of the Andes is worth it either way.
Arriving soon?
We can arrange your airport pickup and build your trip from day one.
From the airport to your hotel
The airport is close to the city, roughly a 15–20 minute drive from the historic centre depending on traffic. Use an official airport taxi, a ride-hailing app or a transfer arranged by your hotel or tour operator. Our multi-day tour packages include the airport pickup, so someone is waiting for you with your name on arrival.
By bus
Long-distance buses connect Cusco with Puno, Arequipa, Lima and other cities. Choose established companies with reclining seats, and travel by day on mountain roads when you can. The Puno–Cusco route is especially popular for travellers combining Cusco with Lake Titicaca; tourist buses make sightseeing stops along the way, such as Raqchi and La Raya pass.
By train from Puno
A luxury tourist train runs between Puno and Cusco across the high plateau, with large windows and meals on board. It is a beautiful experience but expensive and does not run every day, so check the schedule well in advance.
Arriving at altitude: the key tip
Flying from Lima to Cusco takes you from sea level to about 3,400 m in less than an hour and a half. Take your first day very easy: rest, drink water, try coca tea, eat light and avoid alcohol. Many travellers go straight down to the lower Sacred Valley (about 2,800 m) for their first nights and visit Cusco afterwards. Read our altitude sickness guide before you fly.
Once you are in Cusco
Plan your stay with our Cusco travel guide, see how many days you need and choose where to stay. From Cusco, Machu Picchu is reached by train or on foot — see how to get to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
Flying from Lima: it takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, with many daily flights. Buses are cheaper but take much longer.
About 1 hour and 20 minutes. Morning flights are the most reliable because mountain weather can delay afternoon flights.
Roughly 15–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Use an official taxi, an app or a pre-arranged transfer.
Yes. Direct buses take about 7 hours, and tourist buses with sightseeing stops take longer. There is also a luxury tourist train.
It is not essential, but it can help after a long international flight. If you can, sleep your first nights in the lower Sacred Valley to acclimatize.
