Air connections
The airport serving Puno is in Juliaca, 45 minutes from Puno. There is a shuttle service to the airport, and tickets can be bought at any travel agency. There are currently flights to Arequipa and Lima, although there have also been flights to Cusco in the past.
Bus connections
Puno has good bus connections to the rest of southern Peru and Bolivia. A bus station near the lake is being planned, although buses currently leave from their offices on Jr. Melgar or Av. Titicaca, close to the centre.
Juliaca
Combis to Juliaca, 45 minutes from Puno, leave every few minutes from Jr. Tacna 363. The fare is $0.50. Larger minibuses are cheaper, although they take slightly longer and take longer to fill.
Cusco
There are many different services to Cusco, 7 hours from Puno. The cheapest cost $4, although the better services are more expensive. Imexso, Jr. Melgar 354, has a decent service at 7.30am and 7.30pm for $8. Ormeño has a very good Royal Class service at 9am for $17, which is 50% more than the same journey from Cusco to Puno. However, the bus comes from Lima, so it is often late. Cruz del Sur has a basic service at 1pm. Cisnes has a basic service at 7.30am and a better service at 8pm for $6. Civa, Av. El Sol 598, has a bus at 7pm for $4.
First Class has a good service from Puno to Cusco including brief stops at Pucara, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas, with guided tours of these sites, for $25. Lunch at Sicuani is also included. The office is in the Hotel Conde de Lemos at Jr. Puno 675, T365192.
Arequipa
Almost all buses to Arequipa now go via Desaguadero on the all-paved road, rather than the direct route over the highlands, which is in poor condition. This route is longer, taking about 11 hours rather than 9 hours, but is far more comfortable. Ormeño has a basic service at 5.30pm for $4 and a better service at 7pm for $6. Cruz del Sur has services at 8am and 7.30pm for $7. Señor de los Milagros, Melgar 308, has a basic service at 8.30am for $6 and a better service at 6.30pm for $8. Julsa has a basic service at 7am for $6 and a better service at 6.30pm for $8. Civa has a bus at 6pm for $7. Romeliza, Jr. Melgar 336, has a bus taking the direct route at 6pm for $4.
Tacna
Buses to Tacna take about 10 hours on a completely paved road, and fares are around $4. Expreso Internacional, at Av. Titicaca 234, has a bus at 7.30pm. Expreso San Martín, at Av. Titicaca 236, has buses at 7.30am, 8.30am. 9.30am, 7.30pm and 8pm. Sur Oriente has a service in more comfortable buses at 8pm for $6. Cruz del Sur has a good bus at 11.30pm for $13.
Lima
Most companies offer services to Lima via Arequipa. However, there are a couple of direct buses via Desaguadero, taking about 24 hours. Ormeño has an excellent Royal Class (bus-cama service), which passes through from Cusco at 4pm, and costs $34.
Desaguadero
Combis to Desaguadero leave when full from the corner of Av. El Puerto and Av. El Sol. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs $1.50.
Yunguyo (for Copacabana)
Combis to Yunguyo leave when full from the corner of Av. El Puerto and Av. El Sol. The journey takes about 1½ hours and costs $1.
La Paz
Direct buses to La Paz leave from Av. El Puerto 338 at 8am, and cost $9. There are buses via Desaguadero and taking the more scenic route via Copacabana.
Train connections
The train station is on Av. La Torre and is open from 7am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is best to buy tickets at least a day in advance.
Cusco
There are trains to Cusco on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays leaving at 8am, arriving in Cusco at 4.45pm.
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