EN
ES
FRFly, unless the overland trip is the point of your journey. A nonstop flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The direct bus takes 20 to 25 hours and, on many dates, costs close to what a cheap flight does. There is no passenger train between the two cities.
Here is how the options compare, how much time to leave for a connection, and what the rest of the route looks like if Machu Picchu is your goal.
Lima to Cusco at a glance
| Nonstop flight | Direct bus | Overland with stops | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 1h15 to 1h30 | 20 to 25 hours | Several days |
| One-way price | About US$40 to US$130 | About US$40 to US$72 | Sold as a multi-day pass |
| Companies | LATAM, Sky, JetSMART | Cruz del Sur, Oltursa and others | Peru Hop |
| Best for | Almost everyone | Travellers who cannot fly | Seeing Nazca, Arequipa and Titicaca on the way |
Prices are the ranges shown on flight and bus comparison sites when we reviewed this guide. They move with the date, the season and what is included, so treat them as a guide and not as a quote.
Flying from Lima to Cusco
LATAM, Sky and JetSMART all fly the route nonstop every day. January tends to be the cheapest month, while June to August and the Christmas period cost more.
Before you compare fares, check what each one includes. A low headline price on a budget ticket can rise quickly once you add a checked bag, and a trekking duffel is rarely small. Compare the final price with your luggage added.
Morning departures are the usual recommendation. Delays build up over the day, and an early arrival also gives you an afternoon to rest in Cusco. If you are curious about what happens on landing, our Cusco airport guide covers the terminal, transfers and timing for the return trip.
How much time to leave for a connection in Lima
Lima's Jorge Chávez airport moved to a new terminal on 1 June 2025, and domestic and international flights now share one building. That helps, but you still have to clear immigration and customs and collect your bags when you land from abroad.
- International arrival to Cusco flight: leave at least 3 hours, and 4 in high season. If the two flights are on separate tickets, the airline owes you nothing when you miss the second one, so allow more.
- Starting your trip in Lima: be at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one.
- Landing late at night: sleep in Lima and take a morning flight. Our guide to things to do in Lima before Cusco shows how to use the extra day.
Taking the bus from Lima to Cusco
The direct service covers roughly 1,100 km and runs south along the coast before crossing the Andes through Nazca and Abancay. Expect 20 to 25 hours with no sightseeing stops. Cruz del Sur is the best-known company, and its main Lima terminal is at Av. Javier Prado 1109.
The road winds for many hours, so if you get motion sick, take the lower deck, which sways less, and carry whatever medication you normally use. Book a reclining seat, and bring warm layers, because nights in the mountains are cold.
The saving is often small once you add meals and lost time. The bus makes sense if you cannot or do not want to fly. If you would rather see the country, the slower route via Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa and Puno turns the trip into part of the holiday, and you gain altitude gradually. Our Cusco to Puno guide covers the last section of that route.
The altitude problem, and how to plan around it
Lima sits at sea level. Cusco's airport is at about 3,310 m, so the flight takes you up more than 3,000 metres in under 90 minutes. The direct bus does not really solve this, since it makes the same climb in less than a day.
- Plan an easy first day in Cusco, with no long walks or heavy meals.
- Arrive at least two full days before a trek. Our guide to how many days you need in Peru builds this into each itinerary.
- Read about altitude sickness in Cusco, and talk to your doctor before the trip about preventive medication.
From Lima to Machu Picchu: the full route
You cannot fly directly to Machu Picchu. The usual route has four legs:
- Flight from Lima to Cusco, about 1h20.
- Road from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, usually about 2 hours.
- Train to Aguas Calientes, the town below the ruins.
- Shuttle bus up to the entrance.
Allow at least two days from Lima, and more if you want time to adjust. Many travellers head straight to the Sacred Valley after landing because it is lower than Cusco, then come back to the city after visiting the ruins. If you want the logistics handled, our 3-day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour starts in Cusco, and our comparison of the best treks from Cusco will help if you prefer to walk there.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Lima to Cusco?
No. The two cities are not connected by passenger rail. Your options are a flight, a bus or a car.
How long is the flight from Lima to Cusco?
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes nonstop.
How long is the bus from Lima to Cusco?
Between 20 and 25 hours on a direct service, depending on the company and the road.
Can I go from Lima to Machu Picchu in one day?
It is possible on paper with a very early flight, but it leaves no margin for delays and no time to adjust to the altitude. We recommend at least two days.
Reviewed November 2026. Fares, schedules and airport procedures change, so confirm them with the airline or bus company before you book.