How to Get to Cusco from New York [2025 Guide] ✈️🏔️

Planning a trip from New York to Cusco, Peru in 2025? Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of the most visited destinations in South America. In this guide, we’ll break down the best flights, train connections, bus routes, and travel tips so you can choose the option that fits your budget, comfort, and time.

✈️ 1. Flying from New York to Cusco (Fastest Option)

The quickest way to reach Cusco from New York is by taking a connecting flight. There are no direct flights from NYC to Cusco in 2025, so you’ll connect via Lima or another South American hub.

• Typical Route:
  1. New York (JFK, LGA, or EWR) → Lima (LIM) – ~7 hrs nonstop.
  2. Lima → Cusco (CUZ) – ~1 hr 20 min flight.
• Airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines.
• Travel Time: 10–12 hrs (including layover).
• Cost (2025): $550–$900 round trip.

Why choose this?
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way, ideal for those who want to get to Cusco quickly without long overland journeys.

🚆 2. Train Travel to Cusco (Part of the Journey)

You cannot take a train from New York all the way to Cusco, but trains are part of the journey within Peru.

• Route Option:
  1. Fly from NYC → Lima → Cusco.
  2. From Cusco, take the PeruRail or Inca Rail to Aguas Calientes (gateway to Machu Picchu).
• Why choose this?
  Train travel in Peru offers breathtaking Andes scenery and a comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu.

🚌 3. Bus Travel from Lima to Cusco

If you’re on a budget and don’t mind long trips, you can take a bus after flying to Lima.

• Route:
  1. NYC → Lima by flight.
  2. Lima → Cusco by bus (companies like Cruz del Sur).
• Travel Time: 20–22 hrs from Lima to Cusco.
• Cost: $40–$60 for the bus leg.

Why choose this?
Great for budget travelers who want to see the Peruvian landscape along the way.

🚗 4. Driving from Lima to Cusco

Not common for most travelers, but possible for adventurous road-trippers.

• Route: From Lima, take the Pan-American Highway and then turn inland via the Andean mountain roads.
• Distance: ~1,100 km (684 miles).
• Travel Time: 18–20 hrs driving.

Why choose this?
Offers complete freedom to stop at small towns and natural sights, but mountain driving can be challenging.

📊 Summary Table – Travel Options from New York to Cusco

Option	Time	Cost (Approx)	Best For	Transfers
Flight via Lima	10–12 hrs	$550–$900	Fast & direct	1
Flight + Train (Peru)	12–14 hrs	$600–$950	Scenic + Machu Picchu trip	2
Flight + Bus	28–30 hrs	$600–$700	Budget + sightseeing	1
Flight + Drive	28–32 hrs	$650+	Road trip lovers	1

🌟 Travel Tips for Visiting Cusco in 2025

• Best Time to Visit: May–September for dry season and sunny days.
• Altitude: Cusco sits at 11,152 ft (3,399 m) — take it slow for acclimatization.
• Tickets for Machu Picchu: Book at least 2–3 months in advance.
• Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN). Carry some cash for smaller towns.
• Packing Tip: Bring layers — temperatures vary greatly between day and night.

📌 FAQs

1. What is the fastest way to get from New York to Cusco?
A connecting flight via Lima is the fastest, taking about 10–12 hours total.

2. Are there direct flights from New York to Cusco in 2025?
No, all flights require at least one stop, usually in Lima.

3. How far is Cusco from Lima by plane?
About 1 hr 20 min flight time.

4. Can I take a train from New York to Cusco?
No, but you can take scenic trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

5. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Lima to Cusco?
Taking a bus, which costs around $40–$60, but takes 20–22 hours.