How to travel from Machu Picchu to Arequipa, Peru

The distance between Machu Picchu and Arequipa is around 433km (269 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 5h 20m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Machu Picchu to Arequipa by bus, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out ArequipaMachu Picchu if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
train
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plane
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Train and Plane

Take the train to Cusco then fly from Cuzco (CUZ) to Arequipa (AQP).

  • Duration5h 20m
  • Flight time1hr
  • Typical cost
    $135($135)
Operated by

Multiple operators

2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Cusco and then to Arequipa.

  • 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 and then to Arequipa.

  • Duration2 days 8h
  • Departsonce a week
  • Typical cost
    $3,470($3,470)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

4
car
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Drive

Drive to Arequipa.

  • Duration12h 55m
  • Distance705km (438 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Machu Picchu and Arequipa

There are several options for getting from Machu Picchu to Arequipa by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the train and then fly which costs around $135 and will take around 5h 20m.

The distance between Machu Picchu and Arequipa is around 433km (269 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 376km (233 miles)

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

The quickest way to get from Machu Picchu to Arequipa is to take the train and then fly which takes around 5h 20m and will set you back approx $135.

The cheapest way to travel between Machu Picchu and Arequipa, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then fly which will typically cost around $135 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Machu Picchu and Arequipa. It typically takes around 2 days 8h and departs once a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Machu Picchu to Arequipa. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Cusco. These services run once a week and will take a minimum of 2 days 8h.

Inca Rail and PeruRail run train services between Machu Picchu and Arequipa. Trains depart once a week and will take around 2 days 8h, 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 Machu Picchu and Arequipa. It typically takes around 15h 15m and departs on demand.

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

Real Inka and CIVA run regular bus services between Machu Picchu and Arequipa. 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 Machu Picchu to Arequipa. We recommend that you take the train to Cusco then fly from Cuzco (CUZ) to Arequipa (AQP). instead which will take 5h 20m.

The closest major airport to Arequipa is Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) (AQP) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Arequipa. 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 Machu Picchu and Arequipa. The distance is around 705km (438 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 Machu Picchu to Arequipa is to take the bus which takes, on average, 15h 15m and will usually cost around $140.

How do I get from Machu Picchu to Arequipa

Compare travel optionsbetween Machu Picchu and Arequipa

Transport options from Machu Picchu to Arequipa
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train and Plane
5h 20m
$135($135)
5 times a day433km (269 miles)
Bus
15h 15m
$140($140)
once daily713km (443 miles)
Train
2 days 8h
$3,470($3,470)
once a week751km (467 miles)
Drive
12h 55m
$65($65)
on demand705km (438 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Machu Picchu and Arequipa

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Arequipa

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

AQP
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP)
International Airport
Distance
7km (4 miles) from Arequipa
LIM
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
International Airport
Distance
773km (480 miles) from Arequipa
HUU
Huanuco Airport (HUU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
885km (550 miles) from Arequipa