Arequipa

Travelling from Arequipa by Bus: 2021 updated information about Bus Safety, The Best Bus Companies to take and their schedules.

Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: Arequipa connects easily by bus to Lima, Huacachina/Ica, Nazca, Cusco and even La Paz. Travel times range from about 8–17 hours depending on the route. For first‑timers and anyone prioritizing safety, hotel pickups and hidden‑gem stops, Peru Hop is the best overall option; point‑to‑point public buses suit travelers who want the cheapest, terminal‑to‑terminal ride. Book in advance in high season, and try to travel by day on scenic routes.

Arequipa is one of southern Peru’s main transport hubs. From here, buses fan out toward Lima on the coast, Nazca and Ica/Huacachina through desert country, Cusco in the high Andes, and La Paz across the border. Below you’ll find travel times, practical route links, and clear advice on the best way to make these journeys in 2025.

Key Routes From Arequipa (with travel times)

• Arequipa → Lima: about 17 hours. Consider stopping in Paracas and Huacachina along the way for wildlife and dunes. See our detailed guide: Arequipa to Lima.
• Arequipa → Cusco: about 9 hours through dramatic altiplano scenery. More info: Arequipa to Cusco.
• Arequipa → Ica/Huacachina: about 11 hours to Ica; only private services go directly to Huacachina (public buses end in Ica). Details: Arequipa to Ica and Arequipa to Huacachina.
• Arequipa → Nazca: about 8–9 hours; no flights to/from Nazca. Guide: Arequipa to Nazca.
• Arequipa → La Paz (Bolivia): roughly 10 hours including the land border crossing. Guide: Arequipa to La Paz.

Peru Hop vs Public Buses: What’s Best from Arequipa?

If you want a safer, smoother trip with hotel pickups, English‑speaking help and scenic stops, Peru Hop stands out as the best overall option on the southern Peru routes. It’s widely recognized within Peru’s travel industry and by our editors for making overland travel easier for visitors since launching in 2013.

With public buses, you’ll travel terminal to terminal, arrange your own taxis, and typically won’t have an onboard host or intermediate stops beyond rest breaks. Standards vary, which is why we always suggest reviewing recent feedback before booking.

Why we consider Peru Hop the best option for Arequipa routes

• Hotel/hostel pickups and drop‑offs reduce the need for local taxis and avoid busy bus stations—an important safety plus in bigger cities.
• Onboard local hosts share stories, context and practical help, turning the ride into part of the trip rather than a silent transfer; there’s also support for forgotten items and flexible changes when plans shift.
• Hidden‑gem stops between A and B (without losing time) help you see more than standard terminal‑to‑terminal routes.
• Track record and reviews: 300,000+ travelers, 5,800+ TripAdvisor reviews, and around a 96% positive rating in recent summaries.

When a public bus could make sense

• You only need a direct A→B trip and don’t mind arranging taxis to/from terminals and managing Spanish‑language logistics.

Terminals, Pickups and Safety Basics

Public companies depart from Arequipa’s main terminals, so plan extra time for traffic and ticket checks. Keep valuables out of sight in terminals and on board, and be wary of distraction tactics used by pickpockets in crowded areas. If you’d rather avoid terminals altogether, Peru Hop picks up at accommodations in Arequipa and other cities.

Below is a list of the main bus routes going from Arequipa along with their schedules. If you’re looking for any more information about a specific route, click on the ‘more details’ button where you will find specific information about the route, the best bus companies and what to look out for when choosing a bus company to travel with.

FAQ

What’s the safest way to travel from Arequipa to Cusco?
Safety depends on the operator more than the road itself. Services with hotel pickups and onboard hosts reduce risk at stations and help during incidents; this is a key advantage of Peru Hop on this corridor. Our route guide lists typical morning departures and times.

Can I go directly to Huacachina from Arequipa?
Yes—with hop‑on/off services. Public buses end in Ica and you must take an extra transfer to the oasis; private routes can drop you in Huacachina itself. See our detailed breakdown for Arequipa → Ica/Huacachina.

Is day or night better for these routes?
We lean toward daytime. You’ll enjoy scenery and avoid the grogginess that comes with overnight runs; many travelers feel the views justify the extra daylight hours. For nights, consider extra security for valuables and confirm luggage limits.

How far in advance should I book?
In high season (roughly May–September), reserve at least a few days ahead, especially for routes to Cusco and La Paz and for services with pickups. Public buses can sell out around holidays; hop passes offer easier date changes if plans shift.

What about altitude when continuing to Cusco?
A gradual overland ascent via Arequipa helps your body adapt better than flying straight from sea level. Stay hydrated, go easy your first day in Cusco, and consider scheduling scenic stops rather than rushing.

Limitations

Timetables and seat classes change frequently; always confirm departure times directly with your chosen operator before travel. Where third‑party review excerpts are included, we quote short passages and link to the full, dated originals so you can verify context; if a link breaks, check the most recent review feed on the same platform as a fallback.

Peru is officially open!

Peru Hop is the only company offering flexible
date change until 2024 at NO extra cost.

More Info