The main scam at CUZ
Only use prepaid taxi kiosk or Uber. Cusco taxi drivers may quote 3× the normal rate to newly-arrived tourists.
Do
- Use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals
- Use Uber / Grab / Bolt / Careem / DiDi if available (app-based, fixed price)
- Insist on the meter or agreed fixed rate BEFORE entering the vehicle
- Verify the driver's license plate matches your receipt
- Pre-book a transfer for zero scam risk (see below)
Don't
- Never accept rides from drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- Never enter a taxi without confirming meter/price first
- Avoid taxi ranks OUTSIDE the official signposted zone
- Do not pay in cash without seeing the meter reading
- Never hand over your passport or luggage to hold as "security"
Official safe options at CUZ
Prepaid taxi (from official kiosk)
taxi
Cost: PEN 25-40 ($7-11) to Plaza de Armas
Time: 15-25 min
Buy voucher at official prepaid taxi kiosk in arrivals. Fixed rates by zone.
Uber / Cabify
ride share
Cost: PEN 15-30 ($4-8)
Time: 15-25 min
Uber operates but drivers can be scarce at airport.
Hotel shuttle (pre-arranged)
shuttle
Cost: PEN 30-70 ($8-19)
Time: 15-25 min
Highly recommended after flight from Lima — arrival at 3,400m without acclimatisation is disorienting.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer — zero scam risk
The safest option for first-time visitors to Cusco: driver meets you inside arrivals with your name, price locked before you fly, no queues, no negotiation.
Getting out of Cusco (CUZ)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Full Cusco airport transport guide
All transport options compared: metro, bus, taxi, ride-share, shuttle.
See full transport guide →Frequently asked
How do I avoid taxi scams at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport?
Only use prepaid taxi kiosk or Uber. Cusco taxi drivers may quote 3× the normal rate to newly-arrived tourists.
What is the official taxi rank at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport?
The official Cusco airport taxi options are: Prepaid taxi (from official kiosk) (PEN 25-40 ($7-11) to Plaza de Armas, 15-25 min); Uber / Cabify (PEN 15-30 ($4-8), 15-25 min); Hotel shuttle (pre-arranged) (PEN 30-70 ($8-19), 15-25 min).
Is Uber safer than a taxi at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport?
App-based ride-share (Uber, Grab, Careem, Bolt or similar depending on region) is generally the safest option for tourists at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport — pricing is locked before pickup, no negotiation, driver + vehicle details are recorded. If ride-share is unavailable, use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals (not lobby touts).
Should I pre-book a transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport?
Pre-booking a fixed-price airport transfer eliminates all scam risk: no queues, no negotiation, driver meets you inside arrivals with your name. Price is locked before you fly. This is the most tourist-friendly option, especially for first-time visitors to Cusco.