You can get from Arequipa to Ica by bus, private transfer, or rental car.
My travels in Peru have covered everything from navigating the urban transport of Lima to understanding the rural bus routes!
In this guide, I’ll discuss the most efficient travel options, helping you explore Peru easily and confidently!
This transportation advice is based on my travels and reviewed by Jean Nájera from GuateGo.
A quick breakdown:
The most affordable way is by bus (USD 25, about 9–13 hours). The 160 Reclining Seats Bus is the most popular option for comfort and value. A private transfer is ideal if you’re in a group or want more flexibility. For those craving an adventurous road trip, renting a car lets you stop along the stunning Pacific coast.
Getting to Ica from Arequipa
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~13 hrs | $25 to 51 |
| Private Transfer | ~12 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~12 hrs | – |
1. Bus
Journey Duration: ~13 hours
The bus ride takes about 13 hours and takes you along Peru’s entire Pacific Coast! Because there are no direct flights, the only viable public transportation option is the bus.
The distance is just over 700 kilometers, so getting there takes some time and effort. It’s a long road, but it’s well worth it. Fortunately, the buses are well-equipped and comfortable, so you should have no trouble traveling this far!
One company runs buses with multiple daily departures, so you have many options to choose from!
Prices for bus tickets vary from USD 25 to USD 51, depending on the type of bus you want to take. You can choose 160 Reclining Seats Bus, 140 Reclining Seats Bus, or 180 Reclining Seats Bus.
Driving through Peru can be breathtaking, but you’ll most likely do so at night. Therefore, choose the most comfortable bus seat and enjoy this lengthy journey.
140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
Here’s the current schedule for 140° reclining seat buses, including departure times, trip duration, and ticket prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00pm | 12:45am | 12h 45m | $30 |  |
| 01:00pm | 01:50am | 12h 50m | $30 | |
| 02:30pm | 11:50pm | 9h 20m | $38 | |
| 02:30pm | 02:50am | 12h 20m | $30 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:00am | 12h 30m | $30 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:05am | 12h 35m | $30 | |
| 07:30pm | 07:50am | 12h 20m | $30 | |
| 09:30pm | 09:00am | 11h 30m | $28 | |
| 10:00pm | 07:30am | 9h 30m | $25 | |
| 10:15pm | 10:35am | 12h 20m | $30 | |
| 10:20pm | 09:00am | 10h 40m | $38 | |
| 11:15pm | 09:45am | 10h 30m | $38 | |
| 11:55pm | 10:45am | 10h 50m | $38 | |
160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
Here’s the current schedule for 160° reclining seat buses, including departure times, trip duration, and ticket prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00pm | 12:45am | 12h 45m | $39 | |
| 01:00pm | 01:50am | 12h 50m | $39 | |
| 02:30pm | 11:50pm | 9h 20m | $47 | |
| 02:30pm | 02:50am | 12h 20m | $39 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:00am | 12h 30m | $39 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:05am | 12h 35m | $39 | |
| 07:30pm | 07:50am | 12h 20m | $39 | |
| 09:30pm | 09:00am | 11h 30m | $39 | |
| 10:00pm | 07:30am | 9h 30m | $35 | |
| 10:15pm | 10:35am | 12h 20m | $39 | |
| 10:20pm | 09:00am | 10h 40m | $47 | |
| 11:15pm | 09:45am | 10h 30m | $47 | |
| 11:55pm | 10:45am | 10h 50m | $47 | |
| 03:30am | 01:50pm | 10h 20m | $47 | |
| 05:30pm | 05:25am | 11h 55m | $39 | |
| 08:30pm | 08:50am | 12h 20m | $39 | |
| 10:30pm | 08:40am | 10h 10m | $47 | |
180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
Here’s the current schedule for 180° reclining seat buses, including departure times, trip duration, and ticket prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00pm | 05:20am | 12h 20m | $51 | |
2. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you want convenience and comfort on this long journey, a private transfer is another good option, especially if you’re traveling in a group!
Multiple tourist agencies offer these services, with various comfortable vehicles to pick from!
This is the best type of transport because it offers top-of-the-line vehicles, a comfortable and pleasant interior, air conditioning, and the ability to schedule and set up your trip!
You can plan your itinerary and get to Ica whenever you want because a private transfer is always available.
Private shuttles provide greater flexibility and efficiency; thus, you can request stops to take pictures, use the restroom, or eat lunch to make this long journey as comfortable as possible!
You can hire a regular car or larger vehicles such as minivans, which can accommodate even larger groups!
Even though a private transfer is far more expensive than other options, it will make getting to Ica easier and more comfortable!
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~12 hours
If you’re looking for an adventure and a scenic road trip, I recommend renting a car in Arequipa and driving yourself!
Renting a car enables you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey by making many stops along the way!
Furthermore, Arequipa car rentals are affordable, so this is a great option!
You must provide your car rental company with all the necessary documents and prepare for a long road trip!
Getting a car rental is the best way to explore the region and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
What I’d Personally Recommend:
If you don’t mind long rides and want to save money, take the reclining-seat bus. I slept through most of it and woke up in Ica, ready to explore!
But if you’re traveling with friends and want to enjoy the freedom of stopping for snacks or photos, rent a car and make the journey part of your trip.
Best day tours in Ica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights?
Unfortunately, no. Ica has no airport, so you must fly to the nearest bigger city like Ayacucho or Lima.
Which companies provide services on the route?
Only Cruz del Sur operates buses on the route from Arequipa to Ica.
How long did the trip take you by car?
Roughly 12 hours with a couple of scenic breaks. I highly recommend stopping in Nazca for a quick lunch or even a detour to see the lines.
Would you drive this route again?
Definitely! If you’re comfortable with long drives and Peruvian traffic, it’s a rewarding road trip with plenty of ocean views along the way.
Want to share this guide with fellow travelers? Link back to the source:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Arequipa to Ica
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