Getting Around Peru: Shuttles, Buses, Trains, Taxis & Private Drivers

Peru is vast, varied, and not always straightforward to move around.

From Lima’s sprawl to Cusco’s high altitude, from Lake Titicaca to la selva (the Peruvian Amazon), your transport choices will shape your experience more than you might expect.

This guide explains how to get around Peru — by bus, shuttle, train, taxi, private driver, or airport transfer — with realistic travel times, costs, and practical context.

Transport in Peru at a Glance

Most people combine several transport options during a trip:

• Long-distance buses for intercity travel

• Trains for Machu Picchu and a few scenic routes

• Shuttles & private drivers for day trips and flexibility

• Taxis for cities and short hops

• Flights to save time on long distances or reach the Amazon

Where you are — coast, Andes, or jungle — makes a real difference.

Buses in Peru (Long-Distance & Tourist Buses)

Buses are the backbone of transport in Peru. On many routes, they’re cheaper, safer, and more practical than flying once you factor in airport time.

What you’ll usually find:

• Modern overnight buses with reclining seats (semi-cama / cama)

• Assigned seating

• Luggage stored underneath (keep valuables with you)

Typical costs:

• Lima → Cusco: US$30–70 | ~20–24 hours

• Cusco → Puno: US$15–30 | ~6–8 hours

• Arequipa → Puno: US$15–25 | ~6 hours

Safety note: Stick to established bus companies and avoid unregistered street buses, especially at night.

Shuttles & Shared Transport (Popular Routes)

Shuttles are common around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, especially when you want flexibility and stops along the way.

Common shuttle routes:

• Cusco → Ollantaytambo: 1.5–2 hrs | US$10–20

• Cusco → Pisac / Sacred Valley villages

• Cusco → Hidroeléctrica: budget access to Machu Picchu (long day)

Shuttles often include hotel pickup and sit neatly between public buses and private drivers.

Trains in Peru (Machu Picchu & Beyond)

Trains are limited in Peru, but essential on certain routes.

Cusco / Ollantaytambo → Machu Picchu

There is no public road to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes).

Key train routes:

• Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes: ~1.5 hours

• Poroy / Cusco → Aguas Calientes: seasonal

Prices:

• Budget to premium: US$60–150+ one way

Booking ahead is strongly recommended in high season.

Inca Rail - incarail.com

Private Drivers in Peru (Flexible & Time-Saving)

Private drivers are common — and often good value — outside major cities.

They’re especially useful for:

• Sacred Valley day trips

• Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Maras / Moray

• Puno → Bolivia border crossings

• Remote hotels or very early starts

Typical costs:

• Sacred Valley full day: US$80–150 per vehicle

• Cusco → Ollantaytambo private transfer: US$50–80

Locally, you’ll hear “conductor privado” or “servicio particular”.

Taxis in Peru (Cities & Short Distances)

Taxis are everywhere — and usually not metered.

What to know:

• Agree on the price before getting in (“¿Cuánto cuesta?”)

• Ride-hailing apps are common in Lima and Cusco

• Cash is preferred (small bills help)

Rough prices:

• Lima airport → Miraflores: US$15–25

• Cusco city rides: US$3–6

Airport Transfers (Lima, Cusco & Regional Airports)

Pre-booked airport transfers are a popular option after long flights, especially in Lima and Cusco.

Why you might choose one:

• Fixed price

• No negotiation

• Easier late-night arrivals

Expect to pay slightly more than a taxi, with less hassle.

High Altitude Travel in Peru (Cusco, Puno, Lake Titicaca)

Altitude affects transport decisions more than many people expect.

Key elevations:

• Cusco: 3,400 m

• Puno / Lake Titicaca: 3,800+ m

Practical tips:

• Avoid rushing long journeys on your first day

• Consider flights or shorter bus legs where possible

• Drink water, take it slow, and try mate de coca

Altitude sickness (soroche) isn’t rare — build buffer days into your plans.

Lake Titicaca & Tacquile Island Transport

Getting to Puno

• Cusco → Puno (bus): 6–8 hours

• Juliaca airport → Puno: ~1 hour by taxi or shuttle

Puno → Lake Titicaca → Tacquile Island

Access is by boat only.

Options:

• Group boat tours (half or full day)

• Private boats arranged through local operators

Travel time:

• Puno → Tacquile: ~3 hours each way by boat

Overnight stays on Tacquile are simple but rewarding — transport is slower here, and that’s part of the experience.

All Ways Travel: cultural exchange experiences on Taquile Island and Lago Titicaca - titicacaperu.com

La Selva: Transport in the Peruvian Amazon

Getting into the jungle is part of the journey.

Main Amazon gateways:

• Iquitos: fly in or arrive by long river journey

• Puerto Maldonado: fly from Cusco or Lima

What to expect:

• Flights save days of travel

• Boats are essential once you arrive

• Schedules change with river levels

In la selva, transport is slower, weather-dependent, and less predictable — plan with flexibility.

Cross-Border Transport: Peru to Bolivia (Puno Focus)

The Peru–Bolivia crossing near Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s most common overland borders.

Puno → Copacabana → La Paz

Your options:

• Tourist buses

• Shared shuttles

• Private drivers

• Taxi + local bus combinations

Travel time:

• Puno → Copacabana: ~3–4 hours

• Puno → La Paz: ~6–8 hours total

Border tips:

• Exit Peru, walk the border, enter Bolivia

• Keep your passport handy

• Some nationalities need Bolivian visas — check in advance

The route is well-used and generally calm, though delays do happen.

Safety & Practical Notes

• Night buses are common — choose reputable operators

• Keep valuables on your person

• Road conditions vary widely outside cities

• Allow extra time in the Andes and the jungle

Peru rewards patience more than rushing.

Getting around Peru isn’t difficult — it’s layered.

Combine buses, shuttles, trains, taxis, private drivers, and flights, and you can reach everywhere from Lima to Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Lake Titicaca, and deep into la selva.

Plan loosely, move thoughtfully, and let the journey be part of the experience.