Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is Cusco’s only airport and the main gateway to Machu Picchu. Located just 6 km from Plaza de Armas in the historic center, the journey from Cusco Airport to the city takes around 20 minutes by car.
You have the choice of three different transfer options to reach your hotel or accommodation; taxi, private transfer, or bus. The most convenient and reliable way to get to the city center is to take a Cusco Airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. These both offer a direct and door-to-door transfer at reasonable prices.
Privately owned minibuses run past the airport, operating along different routes throughout the city. With no set schedules or room for luggage, this option is the slowest and least convenient.
*It’s currently not possible to travel from Cusco Airport to the city center by train.
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.
Buses stop at Avenida El Sol, Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Francisco in the city center. Be sure to listen for these stops as the driver calls them out.
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How to get from Cusco Airport to the city center by taxi
The safest and quickest way to get from Cusco Airport to the city is to take a taxi. The journey time is just 20 minutes and since Cusco Airport taxis don’t use a taximeter, you’ll need to negotiate a price before starting. While you may come across an SUV or minivan, most taxis can seat 4 passengers. Official taxis are blue, black, or white, and will feature a “TAXI” roof sign, a registration number, and either the Peruvian flag or a criss-cross pattern on the side doors.
How much is a taxi from Cusco Airport to Cusco City?
From Cusco Airport to the city center, the taxi fare will be around €3.90 (PEN 15), depending on your bartering skills. Since Cusco taxi drivers don’t use a taximeter, they’ll 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.
Where do I find a taxi at Cusco Airport?
There are taxi counters inside the Arrivals Hall where you can book a taxi and be assigned a driver. These taxis are often pricier but you won’t need to haggle as much. Otherwise, local taxis can be found just outside the exit doors on the ground floor. Although it may be overwhelming at first, it is normal for taxis and drivers to be lined up waiting to secure your business.
Convenience
Since taking public transport in Cusco can be fairly unreliable, we highly suggest taking a taxi for your comfort and convenience. The transfer time in a taxi from Cusco Airport to the city center is just 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient door-to-door service.
Useful Tips
Be sure to agree on a price before beginning your journey.
Local Cusco taxi drivers will usually give you a higher price to start with and expect you to barter them down.
Tipping your Cusco taxi driver isn't expected but it is appreciated. You can round up your fare as a tip.
You are not obligated to pay the parking fee upon exiting the airport, even if your driver requests it.
How to get from Cusco Airport to the city center by bus
There isn’t a public bus service available at the airport, instead, there are privately owned “combi” buses that regularly run past the airport. Unfortunately, these buses don’t have fixed schedules and they don’t actually enter the airport complex. The average journey time on one of these minibuses is 40 minutes.
*A safer alternative for traveling from Cusco Airport to the city center by bus is to book a private shuttle online, in which case prices start at around €19.40 (PEN 75).
How much is the bus from Cusco Airport to the city center?
The cost of a one-way ticket on the Cusco Airport bus to the city center 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 wait 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 center 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 combi 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 there are often complaints about pickpockets. Although very cheap and available 24/7, we don’t recommend traveling from Cusco Airport to the city center by bus to first-time visitors.
A much more reliable and safer alternative is a pre-booked Cusco Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups where you can benefit from an English-speaking driver and fixed fare prices.
Useful Tips
You must bring change in the local Peruvian sol 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.
Ask the airport staff at the Information counter the number of the combi bus that goes to the city center.
How to get from Cusco Airport to city center by private transfer
For an elevated travel experience and a stress-free start to your trip, the best way to travel is with a pre-booked Cusco Airport transfer from the airport right to the doorstep of your hotel. With Welcome Pickups’ personalized services, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of in advance, as well as several travel perks, such as:
Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation
After a long flight, we’ll take you directly to your accommodation so you can catch your breath and start exploring this bucket-list destination. Best of all, your local driver will be happy to offer tips on Peruvian culture and things to do and see during your visit.
How much is a private transfer from Cusco Airport to the city?
When you book a private transfer, instead of worrying about negotiating the best fare price, you’ll be offered an upfront fixed quote that you can pay for securely at the time of booking.
The cost for a ride in a stylish sedan with room for three people is just €12 (PEN 46.50), or for a minivan that can accommodate 10 passengers, the price is €18 (PEN 69.70). For extra-large groups, our minibuses have plenty of space for 12 people and their luggage, all for just €30 (PEN 116.20).
Booking is easy and takes less than a minute. Either head to our website or download the Welcome Pickups app, enter a few personal details and your flight information and then select a pick-up time.
Cost
€12 (PEN 46.50)
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*When you book in advance a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.
Safety
Convenience
Value for Money
*Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Cusco Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Finding your Welcome driver at Cusco Airport is easy since they will be waiting for you inside the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. Going further, the day before your flight, you’ll receive an email containing your driver’s name, photo, and phone number, so you know exactly who to expect when landing. Once your driver has greeted you, you’ll be shown to your private, pre-selected vehicle so your journey can begin.
Convenience
Although Cusco taxis offer reliable services and are a good option, having to negotiate your fare in another language can be quite stressful. With a private transfer, you will have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land. From the fixed fares and the online payment to the trained drivers and the tailored services, a private transfer guarantees a seamless start to your trip, allowing you to focus on the fun parts of traveling.
Useful Tips
Since your trip will be paid for in advance, there's no need to worry about withdrawing cash on the day. Plus, you can budget for your trip in advance.
At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.
All of our trips are fully customizable which means we can arrange baby seats, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and even city tours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Cusco Airport to the city center?
There are three ways to get from Cusco Airport to the city; taxi, private transfer, or bus. The local Cusco Airport taxi drivers will charge around €3.90 (PEN 15) 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. A private transfer service will include an English-speaking driver at a fixed fare price, with prices starting at just €12 (PEN 46.50).
How much is a taxi from Cusco Airport to the city center?
The average cost for a local taxi from Cusco Airport to Cusco City is €3.90 (PEN 15). However, since each driver decides 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.
How far is Cusco Airport from town?
Cusco Airport is conveniently located just 6 km from the city center, making it easy to reach by car or taxi in just 20 minutes.
The safest and quickest way to get from Cusco Airport to the city is to take a taxi. The journey time is just 20 minutes and since Cusco Airport taxis don’t use a taximeter, you’ll need to negotiate a price before starting. While you may come across an SUV or minivan, most taxis can seat 4 passengers. Official taxis are blue, black, or white, and will feature a “TAXI” roof sign, a registration number, and either the Peruvian flag or a criss-cross pattern on the side doors.
How much is a taxi from Cusco Airport to Cusco City?
From Cusco Airport to the city center, the taxi fare will be around €3.90 (PEN 15), depending on your bartering skills. Since Cusco taxi drivers don’t use a taximeter, they’ll 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.
Where do I find a taxi at Cusco Airport?
There are taxi counters inside the Arrivals Hall where you can book a taxi and be assigned a driver. These taxis are often pricier but you won’t need to haggle as much. Otherwise, local taxis can be found just outside the exit doors on the ground floor. Although it may be overwhelming at first, it is normal for taxis and drivers to be lined up waiting to secure your business.
Convenience
Since taking public transport in Cusco can be fairly unreliable, we highly suggest taking a taxi for your comfort and convenience. The transfer time in a taxi from Cusco Airport to the city center is just 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient door-to-door service.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThere isn’t a public bus service available at the airport, instead, there are privately owned “combi” buses that regularly run past the airport. Unfortunately, these buses don’t have fixed schedules and they don’t actually enter the airport complex. The average journey time on one of these minibuses is 40 minutes.
*A safer alternative for traveling from Cusco Airport to the city center by bus is to book a private shuttle online, in which case prices start at around €19.40 (PEN 75).
How much is the bus from Cusco Airport to the city center?
The cost of a one-way ticket on the Cusco Airport bus to the city center 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.
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 center 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 combi 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 there are often complaints about pickpockets. Although very cheap and available 24/7, we don’t recommend traveling from Cusco Airport to the city center by bus to first-time visitors.
A much more reliable and safer alternative is a pre-booked Cusco Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups where you can benefit from an English-speaking driver and fixed fare prices.
Useful Tips
For an elevated travel experience and a stress-free start to your trip, the best way to travel is with a pre-booked Cusco Airport transfer from the airport right to the doorstep of your hotel. With Welcome Pickups’ personalized services, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of in advance, as well as several travel perks, such as:
After a long flight, we’ll take you directly to your accommodation so you can catch your breath and start exploring this bucket-list destination. Best of all, your local driver will be happy to offer tips on Peruvian culture and things to do and see during your visit.
How much is a private transfer from Cusco Airport to the city?
When you book a private transfer, instead of worrying about negotiating the best fare price, you’ll be offered an upfront fixed quote that you can pay for securely at the time of booking.
The cost for a ride in a stylish sedan with room for three people is just €12 (PEN 46.50), or for a minivan that can accommodate 10 passengers, the price is €18 (PEN 69.70). For extra-large groups, our minibuses have plenty of space for 12 people and their luggage, all for just €30 (PEN 116.20).
Booking is easy and takes less than a minute. Either head to our website or download the Welcome Pickups app, enter a few personal details and your flight information and then select a pick-up time.
*Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Cusco Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Finding your Welcome driver at Cusco Airport is easy since they will be waiting for you inside the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. Going further, the day before your flight, you’ll receive an email containing your driver’s name, photo, and phone number, so you know exactly who to expect when landing. Once your driver has greeted you, you’ll be shown to your private, pre-selected vehicle so your journey can begin.
Convenience
Although Cusco taxis offer reliable services and are a good option, having to negotiate your fare in another language can be quite stressful. With a private transfer, you will have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land. From the fixed fares and the online payment to the trained drivers and the tailored services, a private transfer guarantees a seamless start to your trip, allowing you to focus on the fun parts of traveling.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Cusco Airport to the city center?
There are three ways to get from Cusco Airport to the city; taxi, private transfer, or bus. The local Cusco Airport taxi drivers will charge around €3.90 (PEN 15) 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. A private transfer service will include an English-speaking driver at a fixed fare price, with prices starting at just €12 (PEN 46.50).
How much is a taxi from Cusco Airport to the city center?
The average cost for a local taxi from Cusco Airport to Cusco City is €3.90 (PEN 15). However, since each driver decides 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.
How far is Cusco Airport from town?
Cusco Airport is conveniently located just 6 km from the city center, making it easy to reach by car or taxi in just 20 minutes.
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