Transport in Peru

Peru Bus CompaniesInformation

Peru bus companies

Buses are the normal form of transport for most Peruvians and many travelers. Fares are relatively cheap. Services are frequent on the major long-distance routes, but buses are of varying quality. Less-traveled and remote rural routes are often served by older, more uncomfortable vehicles, many with inadequate leg-room for taller travelers. Try to avoid seats at the back of the bus, because the ride is bumpier.

The scores of competing Peruvian bus companies have their own offices, and no one company covers the entire country. In some towns, the companies have their offices in one main bus terminal. In many cities, bus companies are clustered around a few city blocks, while elsewhere, the terminals may be scattered all over town. Slowly, Peruvian cities are moving toward having just one long-distance bus terminal.

Buses rarely arrive or depart on time and can be much delayed during the rainy season, particularly in the highlands and the jungle. Especially from January through to April, quoted journey times can double or buses can even be delayed indefinitely because of landslides and bad road conditions.

Local and long-distance buses alike can be a risk to your personal safety, as fatal accidents are not unusual in Peru. Avoid overnight buses, on which muggings and assaults are more likely to occur.