Transportation in Peru: flights, bus, train, taxi, rental car, boat

Vast distances, significant elevation changes, and varying climates characterize every trip through Peru. Smart transportation planning saves time, reduces stress, and prevents costly detours. This guide explains the most important modes of transport, typical routes, booking methods, cost factors, and safety issues, updated for travel planning in 2026.

Overview and decision logic

The right choice depends primarily on three factors: distance, elevation profile, and time frame. A bus offers a low price, a flight provides a fast route, and a train offers predictable itineraries on the Machu Picchu route. A combination of flight and bus often offers the best balance between time and budget.

Orientation by distance

• Short distances in cities: Taxi app or official taxi service
• Medium distances in the south: bus or plane, depending on daily schedule and altitude tolerance.
• Very long distances: Domestic flights, especially towards the Amazon

Orientation by region

• Coast: Long flat stretches, bus journeys often pleasant
• Andes: Curvy mountain passes, daytime journeys often more comfortable than nighttime journeys
• Amazon: Flight plus boat or boat on local river routes

Flights and airports

Domestic flights connect the coast with the Andes and the Amazon much faster than road travel. Lima serves as the main hub, with additional important airports in Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, Juliaca, Piura, Trujillo, and Tarapoto.

Major domestic airlines

• LATAM
• Sky Airline
• JetSMART
• Star Peru

Lima Jorge Chávez: new terminal, routes, transfers

Operations at the new terminal have been running since June 1, 2025. A route planning system within the terminal is particularly helpful when connection times are tight, because security checks, routes to gates, and ground traffic can take longer than in the old building.

TUUA transfer fee for international connecting flights

A TUUA transfer fee may apply to international passengers transiting through Lima since December 7, 2025. The fee is US$11.86 per person, per flight segment. Checking your ticket and airline notices will prevent surprises on the day of travel.

Practical tips for domestic flights

• Altitude change: A light day after landing in Cusco reduces stress, especially after a night flight.
• Buffer times: Early check-in is recommended for Lima and Cusco, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Luggage strategy: A small set of valuables should be kept in hand luggage; additionally, a photo of the suitcase is helpful in case of loss.

Long-distance buses between cities

A long-distance bus network connects almost all major cities. Comfort levels range from standard to lie-flat seats. Reputable providers usually operate from terminals, with luggage tags, seat assignments, and clear timetables.

Typical comfort classes

• Semicama: More incline than standard, suitable for medium distances
• Cama: Significantly more tilt and space, suitable for night driving
• Suite options: Very wide seats, fewer seats per bus, higher prices

Good planning rules

• Daytime travel instead of nighttime travel: More peace and quiet in the Andes and less risk associated with late transfers.
• Direct connection instead of a transfer: Less terminal time, less baggage handling
• Terminal selection: Official terminals and clear departure points reduce chaos

Train services in the south and Machu Picchu

For many journeys, especially on the route to Aguas Calientes, trains play a significant role. Operators include PeruRail and Inca Rail, as well as a luxury option in the Belmond segment. Journeys often begin in Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo, depending on the season and timetable.

Baggage rules on the train

Carry-on baggage is usually limited. A typical allowance is one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 8 kg and measuring up to approximately 115 cm in total dimensions. Hotels should plan for larger suitcases, for example by offering storage in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Check current operational situation

A short-notice cancellation can occur due to weather, landslides, or events on the route. Checking the operator's information on the day of travel saves stress and facilitates quick replanning.

City transport: Taxi, apps, metro, colectivo

In cities like Lima, Arequipa, or Cusco, a mix of taxi apps, official taxi services, and short walks often works best. The street vendor situation at terminals can be chaotic, so a pre-arranged transfer often offers more peace of mind.

Taxi and app rides

• Pricing logic: A fixed price before departure reduces discussions.
• Pick-up points: Official zones at airports and terminals provide better clarity.
• Valuables: A mobile phone should not be visible at the window, especially in traffic jams.

Colectivo and minivan

Colectivos are shared rides on fixed routes, often cheap and fast. They are more worthwhile on familiar routes because departure points and rules are not always clearly signposted.

Rental cars and self-drive

A rental car is worthwhile primarily for certain coastal areas or clearly planned day trips, less so for city centers and not for very high Andean passes without experience. Traffic flow, overtaking behavior, and road quality vary considerably.

Typical stumbling blocks

• City traffic: Lima feels congested and slow-moving; a driver with local knowledge often brings advantages.
• High mountain passes: Weather and visibility can change quickly; daylight provides more control.
• Insurance: A clear look at the deductible and deposit prevents surprises

Boats and river traffic in the Amazon

In the Amazon region, boats often replace buses. A region around Iquitos uses motorboats, excursion boats, and sometimes slow cargo ships. Comfort, schedules, and safety standards vary considerably.

Boat types in practice

• Day boats and speedboats: Shorter connections between locations, often with fixed departures.
• Cargo ships: Very slow, often without a fixed schedule, but authentic and inexpensive.
• Tour boats: Fixed programs with guide, transfers and meals

Weather and season

Water levels can affect routes and travel times. A period of rain can cause longer delays, while a dry spell creates flatter sections. Checking with the provider the day before will give you more reliable information than general assumptions.

Costs, booking, luggage

Costs don't just arise from tickets. Fees, transfers, baggage allowances, and cancellation policies often determine the final price. Planning with a buffer prevents chain reactions, especially when booking trips to Machu Picchu.

Flight, bus, train: typical pricing logic

• Flight: Booking early reduces prices; additionally, weekends and holidays are more expensive.
• Bus: Price increases with comfort class, direct connection and demand
• Train: The price increases with category, time of day and season; additionally, a luggage limit acts as a planning factor.

Luggage and transfer

• Train to Aguas Calientes: One small piece of hand luggage within the limit, store a large suitcase beforehand.
• Night bus: Keep valuables on your person, large suitcase in the luggage compartment with label and photo
• Flight connections via Lima: A look at TUUA and terminal routes prevents additional stress

Safety and practical checks

Safety comes from routine: official providers, clear bookings, reduced night driving, and a quick check of the vehicle and route. Official SUTRAN tools support precisely these points.

SUTRAN Tools for road travel

• Viaje Seguro App: A document check for bus and driver as well as a display of road status
• Interactive Alert Map: A look at closures, restrictions and causes such as weather or events
• Fiscafono WhatsApp: Report excessive speeding, number 999 382 606

Speed ​​and belt

An official speed limit of 90 km/h applies on many routes unless otherwise indicated by signage. Seatbelts are standard equipment on buses, especially on Andean routes with curves and mountain passes.

FAQ

Sources

• Fraport, Press release on the opening of the new terminal at Lima Airport, May 30, 2025
• Lima Airport Partners, Announcement regarding the complete relocation of operations to the new terminal on June 1, 2025, May 30, 2025
• IATA, Notice regarding the TUUA transfer fee at Lima Airport, December 7, 2025
• OSITRAN, Resolución de Consejo Directivo 019-2025-CD-OSITRAN on TUUA transfer fee, November 23, 2025
• Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, Comunicado on TUUA transfer fee and contract modification, October 24, 2025
• Lima Airport Partners, fare page for TUUA and information on the suspension of national transfers, continuously updated
• SUTRAN, Mapa Interactivo de Alertas, as of December 31, 2025
• SUTRAN, Notice regarding the reporting of speeding violations via WhatsApp Fiscafono 999 382 606, August 13, 2024
• SUTRAN, Notice regarding the maximum speed of 90 km/h on interprovincial routes without differing signage, 17 October 2024
• SUTRAN, information about the Viaje Seguro app, July 25, 2023
• PeruRail baggage policy and weight limits, continuously updated
• Inca Rail baggage policy and weight limits, continuously updated