Getting Around: Exploring Pérou by Bus from Lima

Distances in Pérou are vast—the country stretches more than twice the length of France. With train services underdeveloped and flights relatively expensive, if you're planning to visit several cities during your stay in Pérou, the bus remains your most straightforward transport option. Do take care, however, to select a reputable bus company for your safety and comfort.

Despite numerous bus operators, Lima lacks a centralized main bus station. Each company operates its own terminals, scattered across the capital. Be sure to verify in advance where these stations are located, as some can be quite far from the city center or situated in less desirable neighborhoods. But once settled comfortably in your seat, adventure awaits as you head toward Nazca, Huaraz, Arequipa, Cuzco, Trujillo, Tumbes, and beyond!

Transport: Bus Companies Operating from Lima

• Cruz Del Sur

One of the largest bus companies in Pérou, it operates a vast fleet of coaches in various categories to suit different budgets. It serves major destinations such as Cuzco, Huancayo, Arequipa, Huaraz, and more.

Contact: Av. Javier Prado Este # 1109 Urb. El Pal
Tel:01-3115050
Website: http://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/

• Tepsa

An excellent coaching company offering various service classes that will take you to all corners of Pérou. You can reach destinations such as Piura, Tacna, Tumbes, Arequipa, Cuzco, Nazca, Lambayeque, Trujillo, Cajamarca, and more.

Terrapuerto
Javier Prado Este 1091 – La Victoria
Tel: 617-9000

Terminal Plaza Norte
Av. Gerardo Unger 6917
Stand 33 – 35 / Independencia
Tel: 533-1524

Terminal de Los Olivos
Urb. Angélica Gamarra
Tel: 386-5689
Website: http://www.tepsa.com.pe/

• Oltursa

To board an Oltursa bus, you'll need to head to Lima's former airport, Limatambo in San Isidro. It serves cities including Chachapoyas, Huaraz, Tarapoto, Huancayo, and others.

Contact: Av. Aramburú 1160 San Isidro Lima
Tel: 708-5000 or 225 4495
Website: http://www.oltursa.pe/

• Civa

This company offers two bus categories: standard tour coaches (Civa) and luxury sleeper buses (Excluciva). They connect cities including Cuzco, Arequipa, Puno, Tumbes, Trujillo, Huaraz, Mancora, Tarapoto, Chachapoyas, Nazca, Tacna, and beyond.

CIVA BUS STATION
Av. Paseo de la República 575, La Victoria – Lima – Perú
Main Tel: 418 – 1111 / RPM #520303
Tel: NEXTEL 810*3843 / RPM #527683

EXCLUCIVA BUS STATION
Javier Prado este 1155, La Victoria – Lima – Perú
Bookings: NEXTEL 422*5910
Website: http://www.civa.com.pe/index.php?lang=fra

• Soyuz PeruBus

A coach company specializing primarily in southern routes from Lima, ideal if you're heading to Ica, Nazca, Chincha, Canete. Multiple daily shuttles operate to these destinations.

Contact: Carlos Zavala y Loayza 221 Lima centre
Av. Alfredo Mendiola 4098 – Urb. Naranjal, Independencia
Tel: 226 1515
Website: http://www.perubus.com.pe/

• Movil Tours

A passenger coach company serving Tarapoto, Huancayo, Chachapoyas, Huaraz, and Chiclayo.

Contact: Av. Paseo de la Republica 749 La Victoria
Tel: 716 8000 or 332 9000
Website: http://www.moviltours.com.pe/portal/

• Ormeno

We conclude with one of Pérou's most reliable operators. Ormeno operates three classes of buses serving most major cities daily across Pérou from north to south and east to west! Whether heading to Cuzco, Tumbes, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Ica, Paracas, Trujillo, Ayacucho, Huaraz, Nazca, Piura and countless other destinations.

Juan Osorio
Av. Carlos Zavala Loayza Nº 177 Cercado de Lima
Tel: 427-5679
Mobile: 994-640661

Terminal de Javier Prado
Av. Javier Prado Este Nº 1059 – La Victoria
Tel: 472-1710
Reservations Center: 472-5000
Website: http://www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe/

Guide to Bus Fares and Travel Times

• Cuzco: expect 30 hours of travel, mostly overnight. Price: 140–175 soles depending on bus class.
• Arequipa: 14–16 hours of travel. Price: 45–80 soles.
• Trujillo: 9 hours by coach for 35–55 soles.
• Puno: 21 hours of travel. Price: approximately 85 soles.
• Huaraz: around 8 hours by coach for 55–80 soles.
• Nazca: expect 8 hours of travel. Price: 65–85 soles.
• Tumbes: 18 hours by bus. Budget: 110–150 soles depending on bus class.
• Cajamarca: plan for 13 hours by bus. Price: 85–120 soles.
• Ica: 4–5 hours of travel. Price: 45–65 soles.
• Chiclayo: expect 13 hours by coach. Price: 40–85 soles.
• Piura: plan for 14 hours by bus. Budget: 100–140 soles.
• Ayacucho: 10 hours of travel. Price: 50–70 soles.
• Tacna: 18 hours by bus. Budget: 115–155 soles depending on bus class.
• Huancayo: 7 hours of travel by bus. Price: 40–55 soles.

IMPORTANT

Always confirm which station your bus departs from when booking, as buses don't necessarily leave from the station where you purchased your ticket—it depends on your destination.

Be mindful when reserving your bus that you're not booking during special periods such as national holidays (July 28–29) or Holy Week, as Peruvian residents typically take these breaks for vacation. Buses fill up quickly and fares can literally double during these peak periods.