How to get from Lima to Huaraz
Lima ⇄ Huaraz is one of Peru’s classic mountain journeys: about 400 km north into the Cordillera Blanca, usually 7–9 hours by comfortable bus or private car, with long switchbacks up to 3,000 m—below you’ll find at-a-glance options, booking links and step-by-step directions so you can choose the route that fits your time, budget and comfort level.
At A Glance (Lima to Huaraz)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Intercity Bus (Lima → Huaraz) | ~7.5–9h (day or overnight) | Most travellers, good value & comfort |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~S/ 60–150 one-way depending on class » compare buses | Huaraz travel ideas | ||
| 🚗 Private Transfer / Taxi (Lima → Huaraz) | ~6–8h door-to-door (traffic & stops dependent) | Groups, bulky gear, late-night arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$ 350–450 per vehicle » request car quotes | check rental cars | ||
| 🚙 Self-Drive Rental Car (Panamericana Norte + Callejón de Huaylas) | ~7–9h + photo stops | Experienced drivers, flexible itineraries |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car hire from ~S/ 180–260/day + fuel & tolls » compare rentals | motorbike options | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Most Popular / Best Value: Direct intercity buses are comfortable, cheap and frequent, with fully reclining seats and overnight departures that save on accommodation.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Private transfers or taxis cut out bus terminals and let you leave on your own schedule, ideal if you land in Lima and want to travel with lots of luggage or outdoor gear.
- Most Flexible / Scenic: Self-drive lets you stop at coastal viewpoints and high Andean passes, and continue beyond Huaraz into the Callejón de Huaylas or Conchucos valleys.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Booking buses online: Compare companies, seat types and departure times on 12Go, then cross-check with operators such as Cruz del Sur, Movil Bus or Oltursa for final prices and seat maps.
- Choosing your seat: For overnight trips, upper-deck front seats have views but more motion; lower-deck seats are quieter and smoother. Pick 160–180° “cama” or “súper cama” for better sleep.
- Airport into Lima first: If you land at Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport and need to reach bus terminals or a hotel, prebook an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups Lima or request a long-distance quote via GetTransfer. Budget alternatives include local taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify and DiDi.
- Where to stay in Lima & Huaraz: Many travellers spend a night in Miraflores or Barranco before or after the bus—compare hotels in Lima and mountain lodges or hostels in Huaraz on Booking.com.
- Luggage storage: If you’re leaving extra bags in Lima while trekking, stash them at your hotel or a paid luggage service such as Radical Storage Lima before boarding the bus.
- Altitude & comfort: Huaraz sits at ~3,050 m. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol before the journey, and keep warm layers handy as the bus climbs into the mountains at night.
- Tours from Huaraz: You can book classic hikes like Laguna 69 or Pastoruri Glacier on arrival, or in advance through platforms such as GetYourGuide Huaraz tours or Klook.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Intercity Bus Lima → Huaraz (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Comfortable seats Overnight ride
- Overview: Multiple long-distance companies run direct buses from Lima to Huaraz, typically 7.5–9 hours via the Panamericana Norte and the mountain pass at Conococha. Night departures let you sleep on board and arrive in Huaraz around dawn.
- How to book (with price): Expect about S/ 60–150 one-way depending on seat class and season. Compare operators and departure times on 12Go, then book directly with premium companies such as Cruz del Sur, Movil Bus or Oltursa when available.
- Classes & comfort: Standard “semi‑cama” seats recline 140–160°, while “cama” and “súper cama” nearly fully recline and include leg rests, blankets and onboard toilets. Most buses offer A/C, Wi‑Fi (variable), power sockets and snacks.
- Pros: Cheapest comfortable option, many daily departures, good safety record with major companies. Cons: Long overnight ride; winding mountain roads can cause motion sickness—choose seats closer to the centre of the bus.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus Lima → Huaraz
- Pick company & schedule: Decide between day or night buses. On 12Go you can see an overview of times, then confirm exact schedules on Cruz del Sur, Movil Bus or Oltursa.
- Reserve and choose seats: Book online with a card, picking lower-deck seats if you want a smoother ride. Print or download your ticket; some companies also send QR codes to your phone.
- Get to the Lima terminal: From Miraflores, Barranco or the airport, take a registered taxi, ride-hailing app (Uber, Cabify, DiDi) or prebooked car via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
- Check in early: Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure for baggage tagging and security checks. Keep your valuables, passport and warm clothing in a small daypack you can keep with you.
- Enjoy the journey: As you leave Lima you’ll travel up the coast, then turn inland through arid valleys and high passes. Temperatures drop as you climb—use layers and drink water to ease the altitude change.
- Arrival in Huaraz: Buses arrive at company-specific terminals around Av. Antonio Raymondi or similar streets. From there, take a short taxi ride or walk 10–20 minutes to most central hotels—compare options in Huaraz.
Getting to the main embarking points (Lima bus terminals)
- Cruz del Sur Javier Prado terminal: Located in San Isidro/La Victoria area; allow 30–60 minutes from Miraflores depending on traffic. Use licensed taxis, Uber or Cabify, or arrange a fixed-price pickup with Welcome Pickups Lima.
- Movil Bus & Oltursa terminals: These are spread around central Lima (La Victoria, San Isidro). Check the exact address printed on your ticket and plan extra time during rush hour (16:00–20:00).
- From Lima Airport (LIM): It is usually faster to overnight in Miraflores or San Isidro and travel the next day, but if connections are tight, you can go straight from the airport by taxi or prebooked transfer to your chosen bus terminal.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #2 — Private Transfer or Taxi (Door-to-Door)
Door-to-door Flexible departure Higher cost
- Overview: A private transfer or long-distance taxi takes you directly from your Lima hotel (or the airport) to your accommodation in Huaraz without bus changes, ideal for groups, families or travellers with bulky climbing/trekking gear.
- How to book (with price): Expect around US$ 350–450 per vehicle for the full 7–8 hour journey, depending on vehicle size and season. Request quotes on GetTransfer or via long-distance taxi companies; you can also combine an airport pickup with a city stop using Welcome Pickups before continuing by pre-arranged car.
- Vehicle types: Sedans are fine for 1–3 travellers; SUVs or vans are better if you have camping gear or want extra comfort on mountain roads.
- Pros: No waiting at bus terminals, flexible rest stops, safer feel at night with a trusted driver. Cons: Significantly more expensive than buses; you will still face the same winding mountain roads.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer or Taxi
- Get quotes: Enter your pickup (Lima Airport or hotel) and destination (Huaraz) on GetTransfer, specifying luggage and passenger count. Compare vehicle types and reviews.
- Confirm pickup time: For daytime views, plan to leave Lima between 06:00–09:00. For night travel, consider leaving late evening to arrive in Huaraz early morning.
- Meet your driver: At the airport, your driver usually waits in the arrivals hall; from a hotel, be ready in the lobby 10–15 minutes before the agreed time.
- Route & stops: Most drivers take Panamericana Norte to Pativilca and then climb towards Huaraz. Arrange meal and bathroom stops in advance; bring snacks, water and warm clothing.
- Arrival in Huaraz: You’ll be dropped at your hotel or guesthouse—handy if you’re staying slightly outside the centre or arriving late at night.
Getting to the main embarking points (Lima pickup areas)
- From Lima Airport (LIM): Ask your driver to meet you at arrivals with a name sign. This is the simplest option if you’re landing and heading straight for the mountains.
- From Miraflores/Barranco: Many transfers start from these tourist districts. If your provider doesn’t pick up at your specific accommodation, you may need a short local taxi ride to a central hotel or meeting point.
- From other Lima districts: Confirm in advance whether your area is included or if there is a surcharge or central meeting point.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚙 Option #3 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Most Flexible)
Freedom to stop Good for side trips Challenging roads
- Overview: Renting a car lets you set your own pace from Lima to Huaraz and continue further to places like Caraz, Yungay or the Llanganuco Valley. The drive combines coastal highway with steep, winding Andean roads.
- How to book (with price): Expect basic rentals from around S/ 180–260 per day (plus deposit, insurance and fuel). Compare international and local agencies via Booking.com Car Rental. For exploring around Huaraz itself, you can also look at motorbike or scooter rentals on BikesBooking, but only if you’re confident with high-altitude riding.
- Road conditions: The main route is paved but includes sharp bends, occasional landslides and fog. Avoid night driving if possible; stick to daylight hours and check local conditions before departure.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility, easy access to trailheads and viewpoints, great for photographers. Cons: Demanding drive, parking in central Lima can be tricky, and you must be comfortable with local driving styles.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive Lima → Huaraz
- Book your vehicle: Reserve a car in advance through Booking.com Car Rental, choosing full insurance and a vehicle with good brakes and power for mountain ascents.
- Collect the car: Pick up at Lima Airport or a city office in Miraflores/San Isidro. Inspect the vehicle carefully and photograph any existing damage.
- Plan your route: Most drivers follow the coastal highway north (Panamericana Norte) to Pativilca, then turn inland toward Huaraz via the Callejón de Huaylas.
- Drive in stages: Many travellers break the drive with food and fuel stops around Barranca or Paramonga, then again at high passes before descending to Huaraz.
- Arrival & parking: Choose accommodation in Huaraz with secure parking—filter for parking-friendly stays on Booking.com.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car rental pick-up)
- Lima Airport rentals: Many major agencies have desks at Jorge Chávez Airport. This is convenient if you want to drive straight out of Lima without staying overnight.
- City rentals in Miraflores/San Isidro: These districts are popular bases with easier traffic than downtown. Consider taking a taxi or ride-hail from the airport to your rental office.
- Returning the car: If you are only visiting Huaraz, plan a loop back to Lima; one-way rentals to other cities may be limited or expensive.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Lima to Huaraz)
How long does the Lima–Huaraz bus take?
Most direct buses take around 7.5–9 hours depending on traffic, weather and the company. Overnight services tend to be slightly faster because traffic leaving Lima is lighter.
Is it better to travel by day or night?
Night buses are popular because you save a hotel night and arrive early enough to check in and organise trekking. Day buses are better if you want to enjoy the scenery and don’t sleep well on moving vehicles.
Is the road from Lima to Huaraz safe?
The main route is paved and used daily by locals and tourists. Stick with reputable bus companies, wear your seatbelt, avoid overtaking on bends if you are driving, and try to travel in daylight where possible. The biggest risks are sharp curves, fog and occasional landslides in the rainy season (roughly December–March).
Will I get altitude sickness in Huaraz?
Many travellers feel mild symptoms (headache, shortness of breath, fatigue) on arrival because Huaraz is over 3,000 m. Ascend gradually if you can, rest on your first day, stay hydrated and avoid heavy exertion or alcohol right away. For serious concerns, consult a doctor before travelling.
Are there flights from Lima to Huaraz?
Commercial flights to Anta (the small airport serving Huaraz) have been intermittent in recent years and may not operate daily or year-round. Even when flights exist, many travellers still prefer the reliable and frequent buses.