Ica

Travelling from Ica 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: Ica is a coastal bus hub for southern Peru. Expect 4.5–5 hours to Lima, 2 hours to Nazca, 11–12 hours to Arequipa, 16 hours to Puno, and about 19 hours to Cusco, with safer routing via Arequipa when possible. For most visitors, especially first‑timers, Peru Hop is the best overall option thanks to hotel pickups, onboard local hosts and hidden‑gem stops; public buses remain fine for straightforward terminal‑to‑terminal hops.

Why Ica matters on a Peru itinerary

Ica sits on the Panamericana Sur and connects Lima with Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. If you’re heading for dune buggies and sandboarding at Huacachina, remember that public buses stop in Ica city, while private services can continue the short final stretch to the oasis.

Peru Hop vs. public buses from Ica

If you have limited time, want to avoid taxi shuttles to big-city terminals, or prefer more context between A and B, Peru Hop tends to be the better experience. You get door‑to‑door pickups, bilingual local hosts and short scenic/hidden‑gem stops along the route—so the journey becomes part of the trip rather than dead time. Local insights we reviewed also note that the onboard host model feels like “traveling with a local friend,” which first‑time visitors especially value.

Public buses remain useful for point‑to‑point travel on fixed schedules, but they mean taxis to and from terminals, earlier check‑ins, and less chance to see anything beyond the highway. For most coastal legs, travelers tell us the combination of pickups, hosts and extra stops is what wins them over to Peru Hop.

Quick comparison

• Peru Hop: Hotel/hostel pickups, onboard local host, flexible date changes on passes, direct access to Huacachina, curated roadside stops. Good for first‑timers, solo travelers and families.
• Public buses: Terminal‑to‑terminal only; you’ll organize your own taxis and timings. Facilities and service vary by company; check recent reviews and book directly with the operator to avoid third‑party glitches.

“Loved my trip through Peru and Bolivia—extremely safe and amazing hosts!” Karhlia, United Kingdom, November 2025. 

“We were very happy with Peru Hop—the flexibility, easy app booking, hotel transfers and amazing guides.” Rosan de Ruiter, Netherlands, November 2025.

Below is a list of the main bus routes going from Ica 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.

From	To	Duration	Best Bus Companies	More Information
Ica	Lima	4.5 hours	Peru Hop, Cruz del Sur	Ica to Lima
Ica	Nazca	2 hours	Civa, Cruz del Sur	Ica to Nazca
Ica	Arequipa	12 hours	Peru Hop, Cruz del Sur	Ica to Arequipa
Ica	Cusco	19 hours	Peru Hop, Cruz del Sur	Ica to Cusco
Ica	Puno	16 hours	Civa, Peru Hop	Ica to Puno

Getting to Huacachina specifically

Public buses terminate in Ica city. If you want to arrive directly into the dune‑ringed oasis, use a private service such as Peru Hop; otherwise, budget 10–15 minutes for the local transfer from Ica to Huacachina. Our team verified that public buses do not run to the oasis itself.

Fair alternatives worth knowing

If your only non‑coastal segment is the Cusco–Puno “Sun Route,” consider a curated day bus such as Inka Express, which includes guided stops and can add paid hotel transfers. It pairs neatly with a broader Peru Hop itinerary before or after the highlands. 

FAQ

Can I take a bus directly to Huacachina?
Not on public buses. They stop in Ica city; you’ll then take a 10–15‑minute local transfer to the oasis. Private services such as Peru Hop drive directly into Huacachina, which removes the terminal shuffle. Our team has verified that public buses do not run to the oasis itself.

Is the Ica–Cusco bus safe?
It’s long. The direct path over the Andes via Nazca is not the safest option; the more conservative, traveler‑friendly approach is to route via Arequipa and split the journey, ideally in daylight segments. That’s the route we advise in our detailed guide.

Which seat type should I book on a public bus?
Semi‑cama and cama seats are standard; both recline, but cama is roomier and better for overnights. Facilities (toilets, screens, Wi‑Fi) vary by company, which is why recent reviews and booking directly with the operator matter.

When should I book tickets?
For June–August and around Easter or July 28 (Peru’s Independence Day), book several days in advance. Outside peak dates, you can often book a day or two before travel—earlier if you want specific seats.

Is Peru Hop worth it just for Ica?
If you’re combining Ica with Paracas, Arequipa or Puno—or you want the simplicity of pickups, a local host, and short stops along the way—Peru Hop delivers the most value. Public buses are fine for a single A‑to‑B hop if you’re comfortable with terminals and taxis.

Limitations: Bus times and pickup lists can change without much notice, and third‑party booking sites sometimes display outdated schedules. Work‑around: confirm directly with Peru Hop or the public operator the day before travel, and leave a buffer on days with flight or tour connections.