Ica to Lima

Updated Data: November 28, 2025

Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: Expect 4.5–5.5 hours by road from Ica to Lima, with dozens of daily public buses and one seamless hop-on/hop-off option via Peru Hop. Public buses are cheaper but require taxi rides to terminals and Spanish-only service. Peru Hop includes hotel pickup, English-speaking local hosts and curated stops that turn the transfer into a mini‑trip — the easiest, safest overall experience for most travelers.

The quick answer

The highway run from Ica to Lima is roughly 306 km along the Panamericana Sur (PE‑1S), usually 4.5–5.5 hours depending on traffic and where you’re dropped in Lima. Travelmath lists 306 km; Peru’s Ministry of Transport (MTC) designates this corridor as route PE‑1S on the coastal highway network. For most visitors, Peru Hop is the simplest end‑to‑end option; public buses run frequently  but require navigating terminals and Spanish‑only service, making travel more complicated.

To take a bus from Ica to Lima you have 2 main options:

1 – Hop on hop off bus (e.g. Peru Hop)

2 – Public Bus

Peru Hop vs. public bus — side‑by‑side

When Peru Hop makes the most sense

• You want hotel/hostel pickup and drop‑off instead of two taxi rides to terminals (Lima has no single central bus station).
• You prefer an English‑speaking local host and clear help with logistics, plus short scenic or cultural stops en route rather than a straight A‑to‑B ride.
• You’re traveling alone, at night, or with bigger luggage and want a simpler, safer overall experience without navigating terminal crowds.

“Peru Hop made my Peru experience as easy as possible.” thepartyingtraveler, USA, July 2024.

When a public bus is perfectly fine

• You speak Spanish and are comfortable arranging taxis to/from Ica and Lima terminals (Javier Prado, Atocongo, etc.).

The schedule and departure times of buses from Arequipa to Huacachina are as follows:

FAQ

How do I get from Huacachina to Lima without going to Ica’s terminal?
Ride with Peru Hop. Their pickup covers Huacachina/central Ica and you’ll be dropped in tourist areas of Lima, which eliminates taxi transfers at both ends and is especially handy at night. Public buses do not operate from Huacachina; they board at Ica terminals.

Is the Ica–Lima road safe at night?
The Panamericana is the country’s main coastal artery and is busy day and night. The bigger risk for visitors isn’t the highway itself but the taxi hops to/from terminals and late arrivals into Lima. If you must travel late, door‑to‑door services like Peru Hop reduce exposure to terminals and include an onboard host. For public buses, use an official operator and keep valuables secure; consult SUTRAN if you want to verify operators.

Where will I arrive in Lima and how do I reach my hotel?
Public buses use their own terminals (e.g., Javier Prado, Atocongo, Plaza Norte). From there, use a vetted taxi or a ride app. Peru Hop drops in central tourist districts so you often walk or take a short, safer transfer. See our Lima Bus Information for practical details.

Can I turn Ica → Lima into a sightseeing day?
Yes. If you haven’t seen Paracas or the Ballestas Islands, you can route via Paracas for wildlife and desert viewpoints; the SERNANP Paracas National Reserve page lists current hours and ticket info. Peru Hop integrates these as short stops on many passes; public buses run direct with no sightseeing. 

The journey from Ica to Lima by bus is usually a pleasant one (depending on what company you travel with) as most of the roads direct and smooth. However, it recommended to stop at Paracas on the way as it is an unmissable destination.

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date change until 2024 at NO extra cost.

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