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How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu
There is no road to Machu Picchu: most visitors take a PeruRail or Inca Rail train from Cusco (Poroy) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a 25-minute shuttle bus up to the site, about 4–5 h from Cusco in total. The cheapest route is a van to Hidroeléctrica followed by a 2–3 h walk along the railway.
Best option: Train. The train is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Aguas Calientes, the base for Machu Picchu.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train PeruRail or Inca Rail from Poroy station (about 20 min by taxi from central Cusco) or from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes | about 3 h 30 from Poroy, about 1 h 30–2 h from Ollantaytambo | many departures a day from Ollantaytambo, fewer from Cusco; some seasons use bus-and-rail combinations | about US$60–150 one way on standard services | Book well ahead in high season (May–September). |
| bus Consettur shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes up to the Machu Picchu entrance | about 25 min | continuous departures from early morning | about US$12 each way | The alternative is a steep walk of about 1 h 30 up the stairs. |
| bus Tourist van from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, then a walk of about 2–3 h along the railway to Aguas Calientes | about 6–7 h by van plus the walk | daily vans sold by Cusco agencies | about US$20–40 return by van | Cheapest option but tiring; the road is long and winding. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket first: entry is by timed slot and daily numbers are limited.
- Bring your passport; it is checked for the train and the site entrance.
- Rail luggage limits are strict (about 5 kg per person); leave large bags in Cusco.
- The Inca Trail requires a permit and a licensed operator; permits sell out months ahead, and the trail closes each February.
Common questions
Can I drive from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
No. There is no road to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu. You can reach Ollantaytambo by car or bus, about 1 h 30–2 h from Cusco, but from there you must take the train. The only road-based alternative is the long van ride to Hidroeléctrica followed by a walk of about 2–3 hours along the railway.
How much does the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu cost?
Standard PeruRail and Inca Rail services cost roughly US$60–150 each way, depending on the class, season and departure time; luxury trains cost far more. Starting from Ollantaytambo gives more departures and often lower fares than starting from Poroy near Cusco. Add about US$12 each way for the shuttle bus up to the site.
Can I visit Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco?
Yes, with an early morning train and an afternoon return, but it is a long day of about 12–14 hours with limited time at the site. Many travellers prefer to spend the night in Aguas Calientes or the Sacred Valley, which allows an early entry slot and a more relaxed visit.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Entrance tickets are sold for timed slots with a daily cap, and in high season from May to September they often sell out weeks ahead. Train seats also fill quickly. Book the entrance ticket first, then a train that arrives with time to spare before your slot. Bring the passport used for booking.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.