Cusco Airport Transfers

Before you venture into 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 travellers to the luxury of a private transfer, through the famous "combis", in this article you will find their prices, advantages and a comparison so that you can choose the option that suits your tastes, needs and budget. Let's go there!

Once you leave the airport, you will be met by a group of travellers, 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'll share the ride in a comfortable multi-passenger vehicle like those offered by Uber.

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

Details of interest

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

For those travellers who want a more personalised 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 met by a friendly driver who will be waiting to take you to your destination.

Whether you are travelling 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 journey will be conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and monitored through a 24-hour centralised dispatch system with GPS tracking.

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

Interesting details

• Duration of the trip: 20 - 25 minutes.
• Price: from €8 per person.
• Advantages: comfort, flexibility and privacy. You won't 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 transport: on the website of your preferred operator.
• Recommended if... You want to travel comfortably, safely and with personalised service.

The train is a classic means of transport 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 Cuzco airport is Wanchaq, which is 4 kilometres 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 can see waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and picturesque Andean villages. It is not only a means of transport, but an experience in itself, which will leave a lasting impression on your memory.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: depends on the destination you choose outside the centre 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 transport, which takes longer.
• 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, given the travel time due to the combination of transport.

Cuzco airport does not have a special bus for transfers to the city centre. 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 city centre by bus in the following way:

With the tourist bus

In addition to the public bus, in Cuzco you can:

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

Interesting details

• 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 transport: online, by visiting the Cuzco Hop on Hop off page.
• Recommended if... You are travelling as a couple (the service is available for 2 passengers or more).

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 around 25 passengers pass by quite regularly. RTU 12 is the main line, but you can ask the driver for your destination.

These vehicles will take you to the centre 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.

Interesting details

• Journeytime: 25 - 35 minutes.
• Price: from €0.5.
• Advantages: this option is the cheapest.
• Disadvantage: it usually takes longer than other options.
• How to book this transport: there is no reservation, you just have to take a bus on Avenida Velasco Astete, in front of the airport exit.
• Recommended if... You are travelling on a budget, you like adventure, you have light luggage and/or you want to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Taxis 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.

Outside the airport you will see a horde of taxi drivers whipping tourists around, but their prices tend to be much higher - approximately 15 to 20 € - although the fare is around 8 €. It's important to agree the fare with the driver before you get into the taxi, especially as taxis in Cuzco are not usually metered.

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

Details of interest

• Journeytime: 15 - 20 minutes.
• Price: from €8.
• Advantages: Comfortable, fast and personalised service.
• Disadvantages: you have to be careful not to be ripped off with the price.
• How to book this transport: no reservations are taken.
• 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 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 along 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.
• Pros: The freedom to choose your own path and stop at stunning locations.
• Disadvantage: It's more risky.
• How to book this transport: on the rental companies' websites. I recommend booking in advance.
• Recommended if... You feel like touring around Cuzco at your own pace.