How to Book Bus Tickets in Peru: A Complete Traveler’s Guide

When it comes to traveling by bus in Peru, you’ll notice you’ll be swarmed by different companies and options. But booking bus tickets in Peru isn’t just about picking the cheapest option — it’s about knowing where to book, when to book, and which company actually fits your travel style. This complete guide will help you cut through the chaos and find the best way to secure your bus seat.

Which are the best bus companies in Peru?

Before diving straight into booking a ticket, it’s important to choose the right bus company. While some go above and beyond with comfy seats and solid safety records, others are a bit of a gamble

Luckily, our local travel experts have done the dirty work so you don’t have to. Based on our extensive research including Tripadvisor reviews, travel blogs, and real traveler surveys, we’ve narrowed it down. These are the best bus companies in Peru in 2025, based on what actually matters to travelers.

Peru Hop: A unique hop-on, hop-off bus service created specifically for international travelers and ranked as the best bus company in Peru. Known for its flexibility, you can choose when to stop and where to explore along the way. English-speaking guides, hotel pick-ups, and extra perks like discounts on accommodation and safety make it the perfect option.

Civa: One of the largest bus companies in the country. It offers a wide network of routes. Their premium service offers fully reclining seats and a quieter, more comfortable journey. However, it’s important to note it’s not available for all their routes.

Movil Bus: For those traveling in northern Peru, Movil Bus is one of the most trusted names. They focus heavily on routes like Lima to Trujillo, Piura, Cajamarca, and Chiclayo. The service is simple but dependable, and the buses are generally newer, clean, and well-maintained. It’s a common choice among locals.

Inka Express: A tourist-class service that runs between the popular Cusco and Puno route. The trip includes stops at archaeological sites and local landmarks, with a bilingual guide onboard to explain each stop. It’s a good option for those traveling that route.

Surprisingly, Cruz del Sur didn’t make our list of recommended companies this year. While it once had a strong reputation, recent 2025 reviews point to frequent delays, lack of support for travelers, and a decline in overall service quality.

How to book bus tickets in Peru

When it comes to securing your spot on a bus, you’ve got three main options.

Directly through the bus company’s website

This is the most recommended option. Major companies like Peru Hop and Civa allow you to book online and pay with international cards. You’ll avoid extra fees and get booking confirmations directly from the source. It’s also the easiest way to make changes or get support if your plans shift.

In person at the bus terminal

This option is still common for locals, but it’s not ideal for most travelers. Getting to the terminals (especially in cities like Lima or Cusco) can be time-consuming and confusing, and you’ll often face long lines, language barriers, and limited options. If you arrive too late, the bus you want might already be sold out, forcing you to settle for a less comfortable seat or a company with lower safety ratings. For popular routes or high season, this method carries the biggest risk.

Via third-party platforms

Platforms like Redbus or Busbud allow you to compare different routes, prices, and bus companies all in one place, which might initially seem convenient. However, travelers frequently report issues such as incorrect departure times, missing seat assignments, booking errors, and poor customer support when things don’t go smoothly. Given these consistent problems, it’s generally best to avoid these third-party services altogether. Instead, as mentioned before, stick to booking directly through the bus companies themselves, as nearly all major providers offer reliable online booking systems.

When to book your bus ticket

When booking bus tickets in Peru, timing matters—especially during high tourist seasons from June to August and major holidays like Easter or Peru’s Independence Day (July 28). Seats can sell out quickly.

For peace of mind and the best choice of seats, book your tickets at least a few days ahead, or even a few weeks if traveling during peak times. Outside of these busy periods, you’ll typically have more flexibility and can comfortably book a ticket just a day or two before traveling.

Getting around by bus can be straightforward and stress-free—as long as you book wisely. Stick with reliable companies, book directly when possible, and plan ahead during peak travel times. With these tips in mind, you’ll be all set for a smooth journey through Peru!