Arequipa to Cusco by Bus: 2026 Updated Schedules, Prices and the Best Bus Companies to Take
Arequipa to Cusco by Bus: 2026 updated information about Bus Schedules, Bus Safety, and the Best Bus Companies to take!
A bus from Arequipa to Cusco takes around 9 hours. Below we have detailed information about bus safety, the best bus companies and what other benefits you should look out for when choosing the best bus from Arequipa to Cusco.
Arequipa to Cusco is one of the most spectacular bus journeys you can take in Peru. The other way to get from Arequipa to Cusco is by plane, but this can be expensive, especially factoring in all the airport taxis needed. Below is some information you should consider when trying to choose the best bus company for this route.
To take a bus from Arequipa to Cusco you have 2 main options:
1 – Hop on hop off bus (e.g. Peru Hop)
2 – Public Bus (e.g. Cruz del Sur, Oltursa)
The schedule and departure times of buses from Arequipa to Cusco are as follows:
| COMPANIES | SCHEDULE | DEPARTURE TIME | DEPARTURE LOCATION | ENGLISH SPEAKING ASSISTANCE | TRIPADVISOR RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERU HOP | DAILY | 05:45 | HOTEL PICK UP & DROP OFF | YES | 98% |
| CRUZ DEL SUR | DAILY | 06:00, 06:30 | PUBLIC TERMINAL | NO | 65% |
| OLTURSA | DAILY | 20:00, 20:30 | PUBLIC TERMINAL | NO | 66% |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO HELP CHOOSE WHAT BUS COMPANY TO TAKE:
- Do they collect you at your hotel or hostel?
- Some bus companies, and all hop on hop off companies, pick you up directly from your hotel, which is a safer and more secure option than taking local taxis to a terminal.
- How is their safety record?
- Search the company name alongside words like “accident” to see how each one compares. It’s also worth knowing that this route crosses high mountain passes above 4,000m, so night driving carries more risk than daytime travel — we cover this in more depth in our traveler safety and altitude guide.
- What onboard facilities do they have?
- TVs, toilets (clean!), and semi-cama or cama seating all factor into which company is worth the extra cost. Treat Wi-Fi and snacks as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
- What is hop on hop off?
- A hop on hop off ticket covers all journeys that company runs on its route. Instead of paying for each leg separately, you can board as many buses as you like and stay in each destination for as long as you want. Many travelers rate it as the best way to see the country at their own pace. See how it works here.
- Other benefits?
- Some companies run loyalty points schemes (e.g. Cruz del Sur), while others offer accommodation and tour discounts (e.g. Peru Hop). Shop around and compare what’s included beyond the seat itself.
Arequipa to Cusco by bus is usually a pleasant journey and most of the road is in good condition. Just choose the best bus company and enjoy the journey!
