Peru captivates travelers with its ancient Incan heritage, including the iconic Machu Picchu, diverse landscapes from Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks, and vibrant culinary scene. This South American gem offers world-class hiking, rich indigenous cultures, and colonial architecture in cities like Cusco and Lima.
- Public
- Lima's Metropolitano BRT system is the safest public bus option covering major corridors for S/2.50. Informal combis serve the full network but are not recommended for tourists. Cusco and other cities have basic municipal buses for S/0.80-1.00.
- Taxi
- Uber, InDrive, and Beat (Lima) are available via app in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa and are significantly safer than hailing street taxis. Always use app-based transport in Lima where unlicensed taxis are a safety risk.
- Rental
- Car rental available from S/120-300/day from major companies at Lima airport (Hertz, Europcar, Budget). The Pan-American Highway along the coast is excellent but mountain roads are narrow and challenging. International Driving Permit required.
- Walking
- Miraflores and Barranco in Lima are highly walkable coastal neighborhoods. Cusco's historic center is compact but the 3,400m altitude means slower pace. Arequipa's white stone colonial center is one of Peru's most pleasant walking cities.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Airport Express Bus - S/20 ($5) to Miraflores, 45-60 min
- Shuttle
- Official taxi - S/60-80 ($16-21) to Miraflores, 30-40 min
- Bus
- Uber/InDrive - S/23-40 ($6-11) to Miraflores, 30-40 min
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Informal combis and micros operate throughout cities
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, walking
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters - negotiate before entering
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Routes: Extensive network connecting all major cities
Flights
Routes: Lima hub to Cusco (1.5 hrs), Arequipa (1.5 hrs), Puerto Maldonado (1.5 hrs), Iquitos (2 hrs), Trujillo (1 hr)
Cost: Lima-Cusco: $50-200 depending on advance booking
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Jorge Chávez International Airport
From centre: 12 km to Lima city center
Options: Airport Express Bus - S/20 ($5) to Miraflores, 45-60 min; Official taxi - S/60-80 ($16-21) to Miraflores, 30-40 min; Uber/InDrive - S/23-40 ($6-11) to Miraflores, 30-40 min; Public combi/minivan - S/2-3 ($0.50-0.80), 1-2 hours with transfers
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
From centre: 5 km to Cusco city center
Options: Official taxi - S/20-30 ($5-8) to Plaza de Armas, 15-20 min; Uber - S/15-20 ($4-5) to city center, 15 min; Hotel transfer - Often included or S/20-40 ($5-11); Public bus - S/1 ($0.30), 30 min
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport
From centre: 8 km to Arequipa city center
Options: Taxi - S/20-25 ($5-7) to Plaza de Armas, 20 min; Hotel transfer - Usually S/20-30 ($5-8); Uber - S/15-20 ($4-5), 15-20 min
Padre Aldamiz International Airport
From centre: 8 km to Puerto Maldonado
Options: Jungle lodge transfer - Included in package; Taxi to city - S/15-20 ($4-5), 15 min; Mototaxi - S/10 ($2.70), 15 min
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Most widely used ride-hailing app in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Reliable pricing, GPS tracking, and safer than street taxis
InDrive
Growing alternative to Uber popular in Lima with negotiable pricing. Cheaper on longer journeys and good coverage in secondary cities
Beat (Cabify)
Premium ride option in Lima with professional drivers. Higher price than Uber but consistently top-quality vehicles and service
Airport Express Lima
Official airport bus app for pre-booking seat on the S/20 ($5) direct service between Jorge Chávez Airport and Miraflores
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Never hail street taxis in Lima — use Uber, InDrive, or Beat apps for every journey; unlicensed taxis are a genuine safety risk
Book Machu Picchu train tickets (PeruRail or Inca Rail) well in advance — Expedition and Vistadome classes sell out in high season
Domestic flights Lima-Cusco (1.5 hours) save 20 hours vs bus — book 4-6 weeks ahead for S/150-400 ($40-110) one-way
Cruz del Sur premium bus class (semi-cama or cama) is the safest option for overnight bus travel between major cities
Altitude in Cusco affects everyone — walk slowly the first 2 days and use Uber rather than walking uphill with luggage
The Airport Express Lima bus (S/20) is the safest and most economical way from Jorge Chávez Airport to Miraflores