Cusco Airport Transfers

Before venturing among the best things to do and see in Cuzco you must pass through its front door. Here you will find the ultimate guide to transfers between Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and the fascinating city of Cuzco.

From the shared transfer that connects you with other travelers to the luxury of a private transfer, through the famous "combis", in this article you will find their prices, advantages and a comparison for you to choose the option that suits your tastes, needs and budget. Let's go there!

Once you leave the airport, you will be greeted by a group of travelers, often with the same destination: the Plaza de Armas, the meeting place and starting point to immerse yourself in the wonders of Cuzco.

Together, you will share the ride in a comfortable vehicle with capacity for several passengers like those offered by Uber.

Shared transfers have gained popularity around Europe and in Latin America the growth of this type of transportation has been timid, but as locals and tourists feel safe and competitively priced, more people are joining this move.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: 20 - 25 minutes.
• Price: from 1 € per passenger.
• Advantages: it is an economical option with an average cost of about 5 € and gives you the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and countries.
• Disadvantages: it may take more time than other alternatives, as you must wait for all passengers to arrive and the itinerary of the transfer may vary depending on everyone's location.
• How to book this transportation: by logging into the Uber app directly.
• Recommended if. You are looking for an economical option with a company with international presence.

For those travelers who want a more personalized and convenient experience, the private transfer from the airport to Cuzco is the ideal option. Upon arrival at Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, you will be greeted by a friendly driver who will be waiting to take you to your destination.

Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with your family, with friends or in a group, you will enjoy an exclusive trip, without unnecessary delays or detours. Your trip will be conducted in a comfortable vehicle equipped with air conditioning and supervised through a 24-hour centralized dispatch system with GPS tracking.

Say goodbye to the stress of navigating public transportation or haggling with cab drivers. With a private transfer, you will arrive at the hotel, downtown or directly to the point where you have booked your excursion to Machu Picchu from Cuzco or the Inca Trail, for example.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: 20 - 25 minutes.
• Price: from 8 € per person.
• Advantages: comfort, flexibility and privacy. You will not have to share space with strangers and you can choose the departure time and stop at any point along the way.
• Disadvantages: it is the least economical option.
• How to book this transportation: on the website of your preferred operator.
• Recommended if... You want to travel comfortably, safely and with personalized attention.

The train is a classic means of transportation in Peru that offers a pleasant travel experience with guides, comfortable and well-equipped carriages to relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains, valleys and rivers that unfold along the way.

However, the closest station to the Cuzco airport is Wanchaq, which is 4 kilometers away. Therefore, you will have to get on a bus/minibus/taxi beforehand.

Train transfers give you the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the Andes from panoramic windows. You will be able to see waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and picturesque Andean villages. It is not only a means of transportation, but an experience in itself, which will leave a lasting impression in your memory.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: depends on the destination you choose outside the center of Cuzco.
• Price: from 5 €.
• Advantages: you will be able to contemplate spectacular scenery as you make your way to your destination.
• Disadvantage: there is no train station at the airport and you have to combine it with other transports, which takes more time.
• How to book this transport: visit the website of PeruRail, the flagship company of the service.
• Recommended if... You plan to visit Cuzco in 5 days or more, considering the travel time due to the combination of transports.

Cuzco airport does not have a special bus for transfers to the city center. However, this is the most popular option. How is that possible? Because of the variety of alternatives and better prices. You can go to the center by bus in the following way:

With the tourist bus

Besides the public bus, in Cuzco you can:

• Book the classic tourist bus through Cuzco: it runs through 13 of the emblematic sites of the city and is identified by its distinctive red color, but does not pass through the airport.
• And get on the Cuzco Hop on Hop off: a local company that, in addition to making the typical tour bus route, offers transfer service from the airport to your accommodation in Cuzco for a small fee.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: 20 - 30 minutes.
• Price: from 8 €.
• Advantages: it is air-conditioned and the service is reliable and safe.
• How to book this transportation: online, visiting the Cuzco Hop on Hop off page.
• Recommended if... You are traveling as a couple (the service is available from 2 passengers).

With the "combis

Once you leave the airport, head towards the bustling Avenida Velasco Astete, where you will find the bus stop. These minibuses with a capacity of about 25 passengers pass there quite regularly. RTU 12 is the main line, but you can ask the driver for your destination.

These vehicles will take you to the center of Cuzco, and you can get off at Avenida El Sol, Huayrurupata, Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco and more. For your convenience, you will find a list of stops on the side of the bus where you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Details of interest

• Travel time: 25 - 35 minutes.
• Price: from 0,5 €.
• Advantages: this option is the most economical.
• Disadvantage: it usually takes longer than other options.
• How to book this transport: no reservation, you just have to take a unit on Avenida Velasco Astete, in front of the airport exit.
• Recommended if... You are traveling on a low budget, you like adventure, you have light luggage and/or you want to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Cabs from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to Cuzco are readily available just outside the terminal and will take you directly to your destination in the city without making any additional stops.

At the airport exit you will see a horde of cab drivers whipping tourists around, but their prices are usually much higher - approximately 15 to 20 € - even though the fare is around 8 €. It is important to agree on the fare with the driver before getting into the cab, especially since cabs in Cuzco do not usually have a meter.

Another important aspect is to make sure you make the change to local soles at the airport, as most cab drivers do not accept cards. Another positive point is that local cab drivers usually know the city well and can give you recommendations on places of interest.

Details of interest

• Travel time: 15 - 20 minutes.
• Price: from 8 €.
• Advantages: you travel comfortable, fast and with personalized service.
• Disadvantage: you have to be careful not to be ripped off with the price.
• How to book this transport: no reservations are made.
• Recommended if... You want to get to your destination quickly, value privacy and/or carry heavy luggage.

Yes you can! And it is recommended as long as you like adventures behind the wheel and you don't mind improvising from time to time. Let me explain, they are good routes, the problem is that these roads are not well signposted.

Although Cuzco is not like some of the dangerous roads in Peru, there are curves and the mountains often interfere with the GPS. Now, if you feel like exploring Cuzco at your own pace, renting a car at Alejandro Velasco Airport is the perfect option for you.

When you arrive at the airport, a variety of companies such as Sixt Rent a Car or Wellas Rent-A-Car and local Peruvian agencies await you. Imagine driving through the picturesque roads, surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking landscapes. It is something that only a true adventure can offer.

Details of interest

• Price: the average daily cost is approximately 35 €.
• Advantages: the freedom to choose your own way and stop at breathtaking places.
• Disadvantage: it is more risky.
• How to book this transport: on the website of the rental companies. I recommend you to book in advance.
• Recommended if... You feel like touring around Cuzco at your own pace.