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How to get from Cusco Airport to the City

Cusco is a historical city located in the Peruvian Andes. This majestic city used to be the capital of the Incan Empire, so it has some of the world’s best ancient Incan ruins, including the Incan Temple of the Sun. Be sure to also check out their unique museums, like the Museum of Peruvian Art and the divine ChocoMuseo. 

There are two different transfer options when it comes to travelling from Cusco airport to Cusco city; taxi or bus. The easiest way to get to the city centre is to take a private airport taxi. The journey time in a taxi is just 20 minutes and the cost is a very affordable €3 (PEN 12). The public ‘minibuses’ take closer to 40 minutes to reach the city and cost just €0.25 (PEN 1) per traveller.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Cusco at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €12 20min 24/7
Taxi €3 20min 24/7
Bus €0.50 40min 24/7

How to get from Cusco Airport to the City Centre by taxi

The safest and quickest way to get from Cusco airport to the city is to take a taxi. The journey time in an airport taxi is just 20 minutes and the cost will be around €3 (PEN 12), depending on your bartering skills.

How much is a taxi from Cusco Airport to Cusco?

The cost of a local taxi from Cusco airport to Cusco will be around €3 (PEN 12). However, the drivers don’t use a taximeter to work out your fare, they will decide on the price when you tell them where you need to go. This means that the final fare is left up to their discretion. The local Cusco taxi drivers will often give you a higher price initially and expect you to barter them down.

Cost

€3 (PEN 12)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Cusco airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Cusco Airport?

The local taxis can be found just outside of the exit doors in the main terminal at Cusco airport. You will see the long line of taxis waiting at the rank in front of you.

Convenience

As taking public transport in Cusco can be fairly unsafe and unreliable, we highly suggest taking a taxi for your comfort and convenience. The transfer time in a taxi from Cusco airport to the city centre is just 20 minutes, making it a quick and relaxing door-to-door service.

Editor’s Note

If you'd prefer a fixed price for your taxi, you can ask one of the local companies inside the airport for a ride instead. Just note that their prices are much higher than the local taxi drivers.

Useful Tips

Be sure to agree on a price before beginning your journey.
Try to haggle with your driver if they give you an unfair price, this is expected.
Tipping your Cusco taxi driver isn't expected but is appreciated. You can round up your fare as a tip.

How to get from Cusco Airport to the City Centre by bus

There are unofficial buses that run past Cusco airport to the city. However, these buses don’t have fixed schedules and don’t actually enter the airport complex. The average journey time on one of the public ‘minibuses’ is 40 minutes and the cost of the ride will be €0.25 (PEN 1) per person.

How much is the bus from Cusco Airport to Cusco?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the bus from Cusco airport is €0.25 (PEN 1). This is payable to the driver as you get on the bus. Be sure to have change with you, as the drivers can’t break large notes. 

Cost

€0.25 (PEN 1)

Trip Duration

40 Min.

*There's an average waiting time of 5 minutes for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The public buses don't have a set schedule but run throughout the day and night.

Where do I find the bus at Cusco Airport?

The bus from Cusco airport to the city centre doesn’t leave from inside the airport compound. You will need to walk to the highway Avenida Velasco Astete, which is located to your immediate right as you exit the airport compound.

Convenience

Unfortunately, the unofficial buses that run past the airport aren’t the best way to travel. There’s no air conditioning on board, no space for luggage, the buses are usually extremely cramped and they are often complaints about pickpockets. Although very cheap and available 24/7, we don’t recommend this transfer option for tourists visiting Cusco.

Editor’s Note

The bus stops at Avenida El Sol, Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco in the city centre. Be sure to listen for these stops as the driver calls them out.

Useful Tips

You must bring change in the local currency to pay for the bus.
There's no luggage storage on the bus, you will need to bring handheld items only.
Be sure to keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times when on the bus.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Cusco. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€22.0
NIGHTTIME
€26.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the average taxi cost from Cusco airport to Cusco?

The average cost for a local taxi from Cusco airport to Cusco city is €3 (PEN 12). However, as the drivers decide on their own fares, this price is subject to change. If you’re looking for a fixed rate fare for your transfer from Cusco airport, you can book in advance with Welcome Pickups for your peace of mind.

How do I get from Cusco airport to the city?

There are two ways to get from Cusco airport to the city; taxi or bus. The local Cusco airport taxi drivers will charge around €3 (PEN 12) for the journey, which will take just 20 minutes. The local minibuses, on the other hand, take closer to 40 minutes to reach the city and cost €0.25 (PEN 1) one-way.

Is there a direct bus from Cusco airport to the city centre?

There are minibus-style buses that drive past Cusco airport to the city centre. These buses don’t have a set schedule but pass every few minutes. The journey time on the bus is around 40 minutes and the cost to the city is €0.25 (PEN 1).

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