Quick Facts
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Duration
16 hours 50 minutes
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Rating
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Experience
museums, vineyards, archaeological sites
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Best Price
USD $ 19.72
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Maximum comfort or class
Good
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Departures
27 departures daily
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Recommended by
2,391 travelers
Price may fluctuate due to seasonal demand and other market-driven and regulatory events.
Take the bus from Lima to Arequipa
Here at AndesTransit, we believe that traveling by bus is the BEST way to see Peru, and the bus from Lima to Arequipa is one of our favorite routes!
While it is a long ride, this classic route will take you through some of Peru’s more interesting sites and hidden gems, and show you a side of Peru you may have never even knew existed!
Bus travel in Peru is very common, and with the help of AndesTransit - it’s extremely easy to book. Just click the Reserve Now button above to get started.
What are the buses in Peru like?
If you have traveled around Latin America before, you’ll know that the quality of buses can range drastically.
The cheapest buses (local buses) can be rough and are NOT recommended if you are looking for a bus from Lima to Arequipa. These buses are going to be super basic - most won’t even have a toilet!
But the great news is that while the local buses aren’t great, Peru’s luxury buses are AMAZING - and best of all they are also super affordable. These buses are equipped with nice bathrooms, fully reclining seats, full-time staff, and sometimes even an iPad!
More on that in a bit...
How long is the bus ride?
The distance from Lima to Peru is about 1,000 km (620 miles) and takes about 17 hours.
So yea, it’s a hike.
That’s why we only recommend the bus from Lima to Arequipa for those wanting adventure and to see Peru from a different and unique perspective. This bus ride will show you a side of Peru that you never knew existed - and you get to be comfortable the entire time!
There are two ways to take the bus from Lima to Arequipa.
Our favorite way is to take the journey in intervals. Instead of booking it directly to Arequipa, maybe think about stopping for a night or two in Ica or Nazca. That way you can get the full Peru bus experience, and without losing your sanity.
Or the other option is…
Taking the overnight bus from Lima to Arequipa
Taking the overnight bus from Lima to Arequipa is a great option. Most of the buses will leave around 7 pm, and arrive around 11 am. This means that you can sleep for a large bulk of the trip, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on Peru!
This option is only recommended if you go with some of the higher-end bus companies that have comfortable, fully reclining seats/beds - we’ll make some recommendations in a bit.
The only downside of the overnight bus option is that you will miss a ton of sights and sounds that the route has to offer! But if you are in a hurry and don’t feel like paying for a really expensive plane ticket, then this is your best option!
Just be sure to bring some pisco with you ;)
What is the cost of traveling by bus from Lima to Arequipa?
Usually, bus tickets from Lima to Arequipa will cost around $30-$45 USD (99-150 soles), all said and done, but we've got some lower rates here on AndesTransit. The price of the actual ticket will depend on a few important factors.
When you go
It’s a rule of thumb in the travel industry that weekends and holidays will always be more expensive. If you are on a super tight budget, try and look for a bus that travels on a weekday.
When you book
Sooner is always better than later! Booking in advance is always the smart move, no matter where or when you are traveling.
Which Bus Carrier you Choose
While the prior two points can help lower the cost of your ticket, the biggest factor in the price is going to be the bus company you choose. Simply put - you get what you pay for! If you want a nice seat, air conditioning, and toilets, you’ll have to dish out the extra USD $10. And for a 17-hour bus ride, we think that’s a small price to pay :)
What are the bus schedules from Lima to Arequipa?
You need to understand that while the bus systems in Latin America have improved dramatically over the past decade - there are still things to keep in mind.
Mostly, it is that the schedules can change, and not all online booking systems have schedules that are up to date. Unfortunately, even some bus companies' websites can be out of date.
But! That’s exactly why we started AndesTransit. We work directly with Latin America’s best bus providers to ensure that you get the most up to date bus schedule.
If you want to grab your bus tickets from Lima/Arequipa you can book by clicking the Reserve Now button at the top of this page!
Where can I book bus tickets from Lima to Arequipa?
When booking bus tickets you have two options…
Online
This is definitely the best of the two options. Booking bus tickets online for Latin America is super safe, and the most assured way to get a seat and at a solid price. If you are looking to book a bus from Lima to Arequipa, you can do so on AndesTransit knowing you are getting a guaranteed seat at a competitive rate.
In-person
Not recommended. While it’s 100% possible to buy a bus ticket in person, you are risking a ton of time. Bus travel is super popular in Peru, and the route to and from Lima to Arequipa is no exception. There are a lot of popular stops on the way, and Lima obviously will have tons of people going to Arequipa. The best way to NOT get stuck in a bus station for hours on end is to book on AndesTransit.
Why book with AndesTransit?
Here at AndesTransit, we believe that slow travel is better travel. Traveling by land is the absolute BEST way to see Latin America, especially in Peru!
This core belief is what defines AndesTransit, as we vow to find you the best bus tickets throughout Latin America, and at a great price!
I guess when it comes to buses in Latin America… we’re a bit obsessed ;)
What is the best bus from Lima to Arequipa?
As we’ve mentioned, Peru has some really stellar bus companies. Here’s a couple of our favorites, and you'll conveniently find their schedules when you click the Reserve Now button above.
CDS. CDS is our favorite bus provider in Peru. When you book through AndesTransit, you can see that their prices are competitive, and their amenities rock! All of their three packages are great, but the VIP seats, in particular, are really cool.
Oltursa. The fastest-growing bus company in Peru, Oltursa brings the A-game to bus travel. Remember when we mentioned one of the bus companies offers iPads on their rides? It’s Oltursa! You’ll also get access to a full reclining cama seats and Wifi access.
If you are looking to find the best bus ride that fits your travel needs, click the Reserve Now button above. Once the page loads you’ll see a chart of all the bus companies that travel from Lima to Arequipa and their prices, duration, and reviews from other travelers like you.
It’s easy and it’s the best way to book a bus ticket in Peru!
Things to do in Arequipa
Arequipa boasts an impressive Plaza de Armas
Once Peru's capital, Arequipa is also Peru’s second-largest city and is a highly underrated travel destination. Many even consider it to be the most beautiful city in all of Peru!
Packed with churches, plazas, beautiful white buildings and endless activities - these are our two favorite things to do in Arequipa.
If you're on your way to Arequipa and need some guidance on what hostels are available to suit your style, click here to get some great suggestions.
#1 - Take a walking tour
While there are tons of things to do and see in Arequipa, it isn’t as obvious as it is in Lima. Arequipa is best shown to you by a local - and a walking tour will provide you with exactly that!
And the good news is that there are lots of walking tours in Arequipa - and many of them are free. Simply ask your hotel or hostel about walking tours in Arequipa and they will get you sorted.
And remember, even if a walking tour is free, you should always leave a tip!
#2 - Check out Plaza de Armas
Yes, there is a Plaza de Armas in BOTH Lima and Arequipa.
And while the Plaza in Arequipa isn’t as grand - it’s still beautiful in its own right and a must-see while in this city. The central square is especially beautiful just before dusk when the setting sun softly lights the palm trees and white-painted colonial churches.
Highly, highly recommended.
It goes without saying - if you are going to visit BOTH Lima and Arequipa, you are going to see some amazing stuff.
The two largest cities in Peru will not disappoint and there will be plenty of time on the bus ride to think about all of the amazing things you have seen (and food that you have tasted!)