Cusco airport is remarkably close to the city center — just 5 km from Plaza de Armas. This makes it one of the cheapest airport-to-city transfers in South America. But pricing depends on how you get there and where exactly you are going.
Taxi fares from CUZ airport
There are two taxi options at Cusco airport with very different pricing:
Official airport taxi counter (inside terminal)
| Destination | Official airport taxi |
|---|---|
| Plaza de Armas / city center | Agreed at the airport taxi counter |
| San Blas | Agreed at the airport taxi counter |
| San Pedro Market area | Agreed at the airport taxi counter |
| Sacsayhuaman | Agreed at the airport taxi counter |
| Poroy train station | Agreed at the airport taxi counter |
Fixed-price private transfer
CUZ Cusco City Center
From€28for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €28 per vehicle, about €7 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Street taxis (outside airport perimeter)
| Destination | Street taxi |
|---|---|
| Plaza de Armas / city center | Negotiated before you board |
| San Blas | Negotiated before you board |
| Sacsayhuaman | Negotiated before you board |
Street taxis are cheaper but require negotiation and offer less security. The official counter provides a fixed receipt.
Private transfer prices
| Destination | Sedan | Minivan |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco city center | Fixed at booking | Fixed at booking |
| Sacred Valley (Urubamba/Pisac) | Fixed at booking | Fixed at booking |
| Ollantaytambo | Fixed at booking | Fixed at booking |
| Chinchero | Fixed at booking | Fixed at booking |
Private transfers include meet-and-greet service and are particularly valuable for longer rides to the Sacred Valley.
Longer distance transfers
Many visitors use Cusco airport as a gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. These longer transfers are where prices climb:
| Route | Distance | Time | How it is priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUZ to Ollantaytambo | 75 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Agree the fare first, or book a fixed-price transfer |
| CUZ to Urubamba | 60 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Agree the fare first, or book a fixed-price transfer |
| CUZ to Pisac | 33 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Agree the fare first, or book a fixed-price transfer |
| CUZ to Chinchero | 30 km | 45–60 min | Agree the fare first, or book a fixed-price transfer |
Currency notes
The Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the only practical currency for taxis. Drivers do not accept US dollars or euros. ATMs at the airport dispense Soles — withdraw before heading to the taxi stand. Check a live exchange rate when you budget — a rate printed in a guide is out of date almost immediately.
What makes it more expensive
- Luggage: Generally no surcharge in Cusco, but if you have trekking equipment or oversized bags, a larger vehicle may be needed
- Multiple stops: each additional stop costs extra — agree it up front, not en route
- Festival days: During Inti Raymi (June) or major holidays, demand spikes and street taxi prices may increase
- Rain or poor weather: Prices do not officially change, but negotiating with street taxis becomes harder
Bottom line
Getting from Cusco airport to the city is remarkably cheap — it is barely 5 km. A private transfer to the center costs more than a taxi, but not dramatically so, and the price is fixed before you fly. The real expense comes if you are heading to the Sacred Valley, where the run to Ollantaytambo is 75 km and 1.5–2 hours — get a fixed quote for that one.
When a private transfer from CUZ is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Cusco City Center is from €28, about €7 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
CUZ → Cusco City Center from €28Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.