How to travel from Arequipa to Machu Picchu, Peru

The distance between Arequipa and Machu Picchu is around 432km (269 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly, then take the bus and then take the train which takes around 4h 25m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Arequipa to Machu Picchu by bus, train, car, plane and taxi. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Machu PicchuArequipa if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
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plane
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bus
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Plane, Bus and Train

Fly from Arequipa (AQP) to Cuzco (CUZ) then take the bus to Ollantaytambo then take the train to Machu Picchu.

  • Duration4h 25m
  • Flight time1hr
  • Typical cost
    $155($155)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Cusco and then to Ollantaytambo.

  • Duration15h 15m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    $140($140)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

3
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Cusco - Wanchaq and then to Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu.

  • Duration1 day 21h
  • Departsonce a week
  • Typical cost
    $3,245($3,245)
Operated by

PeruRail

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Drive

Drive to Machu Picchu.

  • Duration12h 55m
  • Distance708km (440 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Arequipa and Machu Picchu

There are several options for getting from Arequipa to Machu Picchu by bus, train, car, plane and taxi. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $140 and will take around 15h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly, then take the bus and then take the train and arrive in approximately 4h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $155.

The distance between Arequipa and Machu Picchu is around 432km (269 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 376km (233 miles)

It takes around 15h 15m to get from Arequipa and Machu Picchu by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 12h 55m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Arequipa to Machu Picchu is to fly, then take the bus and then take the train which takes around 4h 25m and will set you back approx $155.

The cheapest way to travel between Arequipa and Machu Picchu, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $140 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Arequipa and Machu Picchu. It typically takes around 1 day 21h and departs once a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Arequipa to Machu Picchu. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Cusco - Wanchaq. These services run once a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 21h.

PeruRail run train services between Arequipa and Machu Picchu. Trains depart once a week and will take around 1 day 21h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Arequipa and Machu Picchu. It typically takes around 15h 15m and departs on demand.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Arequipa to Machu Picchu. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Cusco and Ollantaytambo. These services run on demand and will take a minimum of 15h 15m.

CIVA and Real Inka run regular bus services between Arequipa and Machu Picchu. Buses run on demand and take around 15h 15m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Arequipa to Machu Picchu. We recommend that you fly from Arequipa (AQP) to Cuzco (CUZ) then take the bus to Ollantaytambo then take the train to Machu Picchu. instead which will take 4h 25m.

The closest major airport to Machu Picchu is Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) (AQP) which is approximately 369km (229 miles) from Machu Picchu. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) (LIM) and Huanuco Airport (HUU) (HUU) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Arequipa and Machu Picchu. The distance is around 708km (440 miles) by road and it will take around 12h 55m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Arequipa to Machu Picchu is to take the bus which takes, on average, 15h 15m and will usually cost around $140.

How do I get from Arequipa to Machu Picchu

Compare travel optionsbetween Arequipa and Machu Picchu

Transport options from Arequipa to Machu Picchu
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane, Bus and Train + 1 similar
4h 25m
$155($155)
hourly432km (269 miles)
Plane, Bus and Taxi11h 35m
$330($330)
twice daily1,684km (1,046 miles)
Bus
15h 15m
$140($140)
once daily713km (443 miles)
Train
1 day 21h
$3,245($3,245)
once a week751km (467 miles)
Drive
12h 55m
$65($65)
on demand708km (440 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Arequipa and Machu Picchu

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Machu Picchu

The following major airports near Machu Picchu offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Peru and internationally.

AQP
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP)
International Airport
Distance
369km (229 miles) from Machu Picchu
LIM
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
International Airport
Distance
511km (318 miles) from Machu Picchu
HUU
Huanuco Airport (HUU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
543km (337 miles) from Machu Picchu