How to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu: Best and Cheap Options

When considering how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu there are plenty of options to choose from.  You can travel by a mindboggling combination of train, bus, taxi and trekking to reach this incredible wonder of the world.  I’ve put together this guide to help you decide which option to take.  Travelling to Machu Picchu can be an expensive trip so you want to make sure you choose how you’re going to get there carefully. 

Don’t let the complex range of transport options to get to Peru’s Machu Picchu put you off.  It is absolutely worth the time, effort and money to visit Machu Picchu on a trip to Peru.  The experience of being at this ancient site is one I will treasure.

I’m such an extensive travel researcher that I had an old-school Excel spreadsheet for my Peru adventure.  With the multiple moving parts of transport, accommodation and trips, this was an invaluable reference point throughout Peru. I’ve included all the details from my research on the different ways to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu so you can pick the best option for you.

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.

In a Hurry?

If you’ve not got time to read up on all the various ways you can get from Cusco to Machu Picchu it’s not a problem.  Here’s a quick summary for you.

Best Way to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

To make the most of all that Peru’s Sacred Valley has to offer, the best way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco is to break the journey up with a stay at Ollantaytambo, a wonderful town that is full of Inca ruins, including the granary buildings of Pinkuylluna. 

There’s a train station in Ollantaytambo, making it an easy way to see Machu Picchu. Take a cheap taxi or shared mini-van to Ollantaytambo, spend a few days exploring the town and then travel onwards by train to Machu Picchu.

The Luxury Way to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

For a special celebration, take the Hiram Bingham train and travel in luxury from Cusco to Machu Picchu.  Tickets are not cheap but if money is no object, this is the ultimate way to travel in style.

Iconic and Adventurous Way to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

To indulge your inner adventurer, follow in the footsteps of the Incas and trek the classic Inca Trail.  This incredible hike will take you through lush vegetation and provide you with awesome views.

Cusco to Machu Picchu Distance

Many people start off their Machu Picchu trip planning by wondering how far is Machu Picchu from Cusco.  The distance from Cusco to Machu Picchu is 75 km if travelled in a straight line (according to Google Maps).  However, as you can see from the many options for how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you won’t be travelling in a straight line, so the total distance will depend on how you choose to travel to Machu Picchu.

Main Stages of a Trip from Cusco, Peru, to Machu Picchu

A trip to see Machu Picchu requires several key stages:

• Firstly you need to arrive in Peru.
• Secondly, you need to get to Cusco, the capital city of the region of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
• Thirdly you need to travel from Cusco to the nearest town to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes (unless you are trekking, in which case you can head straight to Machu Picchu Citadel).
• Finally, you need to get from Aguas Calientes to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

How to Get to Peru and Cusco

You can search for great deals on flights using Sky Scanner.  It’s my go-to flight comparison tool of choice when I plan my trips.  Not only can you use it for international flights to Peru but you can also find internal flights within Peru. I found some really cheap deals for my trip from Lima to Cusco.

An alternative, slower travel route from different parts of Peru, is to get one of the regular cross-country coaches.  These have reclining seats, toilets and Wi-Fi on board.  Check availability and prices with Bus Bud.

How to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu

There are a range of ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The option you choose will depend on your budget, timetable and what level of comfort and convenience is important to you.

Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu

All trains to Machu Picchu are expensive but there are levels to it.  Two companies run the trains on the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, they are Inca Rail and Peru Rail.

Inca Rail Trains to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Inca Rail offers four different classes and services on its public trains from Machu Picchu to Cusco.  In order of price, from cheapest to most expensive, they are:

• Voyager – comfy seats, refreshments trolley (additional cost), onboard mini-show
• 360° – panoramic windows, outdoor observation area and refreshments included
• Premium & Lounge – priority boarding, live music, snacks included, outdoor balcony
• First Class – personalised service, gourmet food and cocktail, VIP waiting room at Ollantaytambo, bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

There are two routes to travel by Inca Rail train from Cusco to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). One is on their biomodal service (involving an Inca Rail bus journey from Cusco and a connecting train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu). The other option is to travel from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu via train. 

Ollantaytambo is a fantastic town in the Sacred Valley which is home to plenty of Inca ruins, a stunning waterfall and the best place I ate at in all of Peru (Chuncho restaurant), it is definitely worth including on your Peru itinerary.

Peru Rail Trains to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Peru Rail is the other company which runs trains on the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu and also has five different services, which are:

• Expedition – audio commentary and panoramic windows
• Vistadome from Cucso – live performance, snack included, panoramic windows
• Vistadome from Ollantaytambo – live performance, snack included, panoramic windows
• Vistadome Observatory – live performance, snack, hot and cold drinks included, panoramic windows
• Hiram Bingham Belmond Train – luxury carriage, live show, gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, welcome drink, transport and entrance to Machu Picchu citadel with guide included

The Peru Rail trains are offered as either a biomodal (bus and train) service or a direct train.  Direct trains can also be substituted for a biomodal service, operating to the same timetable.  As well as a service from Cusco and Ollantaytambo, Peru Rail runs a service from Urubamba, another town in the Sacred Valley.

Journey Time

Journey time with Inca Rail on the Cusco to Machu Picchu route is from 3 hours and 40 minutes to 5 hours (depending on the specific train you book).

Peru Rail journey time ranges from 3 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Schedule for the Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Peru Rail has 11 daily services to Machu Picchu from Cusco, across the different train classes. The Inca Rail Voyager trains run six times a day from Cusco.

Inca Rail Schedule:

Outward

• The earliest train departure from Cusco to Machu Picchu is at 4.20 am.
• The latest departure from Cusco to Machu Picchu is at 4.15 pm.

Return

• The earliest train departure from Machu Picchu to Cusco is at 8.30 am.
• The latest departure from Cusco to Machu Picchu is at 9.30 pm.

Peru Rail Schedule:

Outward

• The earliest train departure from Cusco to Machu Picchu is at 3.40 am.
• The latest departure from Cusco to Machu Picchu is at 4.30 pm.

Return

• The earliest train departure from Machu Picchu to Cusco is at 1.37 pm.
• The latest departure from Cusco to Machu Picchu is at 6.20 pm.

Train times are subject to change so check the Inca Rail and Peru Rail websites for the latest details.

Ticket Prices for the Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu

The price of a return train from Cusco to Machu Picchu starts from around £100 ($122 USD).

The luxury Hiram Bingham Belmond train and the First Class Inca Rail train cost significantly more.

Buy train tickets to Machu Picchu online as far in advance as possible as trains sell out.

Pro Tip: Read Mark Adam’s book, Turn Right at Machu Picchu before your trip to Peru. It’s a brilliantly humourous book which also provides background and history to Machu Picchu.  Reading it enhanced my trip.

Luggage

Officially the luggage policies are quite limited, due to the space on board the trains.  You are only allowed to take one bag on board with a maximum weight of 7.7 kg (46 liner inches) with Inca Rail or 5kg (157 linear cm total) with Peru Rail.

Whilst these are the official policies, my own experience was different.  I had prepared to take just my small rucksack with me and thought I’d have to leave my cabin bag-sized suitcase at left luggage at Ollantaytambo train station.  However, when I checked in I was told it was fine to take my suitcase on board.  The train was full so this was an unexpected bonus but I wouldn’t rely on it being the same for all journeys.  

Where is the Train Station in Cusco?

There are three departure train stations in Cusco for the Machu Picchu trains and a station for the Inca Rail Biomodal service bus.  The train stations are Poroy, Wanchaq and San Pedro. The Biomodal service departs from Aveñida del Sol. See the map below for locations.

Where is the Train Station at Machu Picchu?

The train station for Machu Picchu is in Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu.  The station is in the centre of the town so it’s very easy to get to accommodation or the stop for the buses onwards to Machu Picchu.

Where is the Train Station in Ollantaytambo?

Ollantayambo train station is a short ten-minute walk from the centre of town, at the end of Aveñida Ferrocarril. The road is quite dark in parts so if you’re walking at night it’s a good idea to take a torch or use your phone light. Both Inca Rail and Peru Rail use the same station.

The Itinerary I Used to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu

• Cusco airport to Ollantaytambo by private taxi.  I visited the Inca sites of Chinchero and Moray on the way to Ollantaytambo which was a great combination of time and value for money, as it saved me booking separate day trips.  The taxi driver I booked in advance via Taxidatum was fantastic and very generous in sharing his knowledge of the region. 
• Two-night stay in Ollantaytambo.  I may have mentioned already how much I loved Ollantaytambo.  There is so much to see and do.  It is small in size but big on Inca Empire sites.  Ollantaytambo is at a lower altitude than Cusco and higher than Machu Picchu so is a good location to break up the journey and adjust to the altitude, making a trip to Machu Picchu much easier.
• Evening train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
• One night stay in Aguas Calientes.
• Early morning bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Morning entrance to hike Huayna Picchu mountain at Machu Picchu then a separate afternoon entrance to explore the Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Walk back down from Machu Picchu Citadel to Aguas Calientes.
• Night train from Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) to Cusco.

If I were to change anything about this itinerary I’d adjust it to make one train journey during daylight, so that I could see the scenery from the train (and if money was no object of course I’d go on the luxurious Belmond train).

Cusco to Machu Picchu Hike: Trek the Inca Trail

Whilst I took the convenient option of using the Machu Picchu train, if you’re looking for adventure you can join a tour to trek the Inca Trail.  There are various durations to choose from to complete this hike along the traditional Inca route. 

• The classic Inca Trail trip is a 4-day experience, camping and hiking along the way.

• If you have limited time, you can take a short 2-day Inca Trail trip.

• For an extended hike, there is the 5-day Salkantay trek, which covers more spectacular scenery than just the classic Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu.

Bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu

The train routes from Cusco to Machu Picchu can make a serious dent in your budget.  If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, it is possible to get to Machu Picchu via a combination of public bus, cheap taxis and a short train journey or walk.  However, whilst this cheapest way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu will save you money it will take up a lot of your time. 

This option for getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco involves multiple interchanges, treacherous roads and the possibility of landslides closing the route (a regular occurrence) so I don’t recommend it.  If you do want to do this, you’ll need to take the following steps:

• Public bus from Cusco to Santa Maria (6 hours).
• Taxi or shared mini-van from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa (1 hour) or direct to Hidroelectrica train station (1.5 hours).
• Taxi or shared mini-van from Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica train station (half an hour).
• Peru Rail train or walk from Hidroelectrica train station to Aguas Calientes (45 minutes by train, 2 hours by foot).
• Bus or walk from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu Citadel (half an hour by bus, 2 hours by foot).

Can You do Machu Picchu as a Day Trip from Cusco?

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in a day from Cusco, such as Pisac and Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. As well as these sights near Cusco, it’s also possible to get to Machu Picchu in a day from Cusco using the early and late trains listed above.  However, you will spend a large part of the day travelling and may feel overwhelmed and tired from the various modes of transport required to get there. 

If you only have a day to see Machu Picchu, it’s better to book on to an organised day trip which will get you from A to B with minimal effort.  Check the price and availability of this highly rated Cusco to Machu Picchu day tour.

How to Get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Citadel

There are only two options to get from Aguas Calientes town to the Machu Picchu Citadel; walk or take the tourist bus. 

Bus to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

Taxis aren’t allowed on the road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, so, if you don’t want to walk up, you need to get the bus.  Buses leave regularly, every 5 to 10 minutes, from Avenida Hermanos Ayar.  Journey time is 30 minutes.

Timed checkpoints indicate where you need to be in the bus queue in order to make your entrance to Machu Picchu.  Check with the bus assistants at the front of the queue if you’re not sure. 

The ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by bus costs $12 single, or $24 return.  Buy it in advance from the bus company Consettur, or Get Your Guide if the Consettur website isn’t working, as the queues on the day can be long.

Walk to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

A cheaper option than the bus is to walk to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes but it’s a very steep route.  It’s better to save your energy, particularly if you plan to hike up the exhilarating Huayna Picchu mountain. I took a bus up and hiked down the marked path (look for the steps near the entrance to Machu Picchu).  It took an hour and 20 minutes and was a peaceful walk with very few fellow hikers.

Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes

Budget

Hatun Wasi is a basic hotel with very cheap prices. It has a high score of 8 out of 10 on Booking.com. Guests loved the clean rooms and breakfast.

Mid range

Hotel Raices has clean rooms, great customer service and is located in a quiet part of town. Breakfast is included to set you up for the day.

Luxury

If you’re looking for somewhere utterly luxurious, book a stay at the 5-star Sanctuary Lodge, Belmond Hotel. This is the only hotel which is located right at the entrance to Machu Picchu. The delux rooms offer you all the comforts you’d expect from a world-class hotel and you can dine at the on-site restaurant.

A Note About Machu Picchu Airport

There is a plan to build a commercial international airport closer to Machu Picchu than Cusco, at the town of Chinchero.  When I visited Peru, some locals were enthusiastic about this, as it will likely bring more business to the area.  However, others were concerned about the impact and increased tourism at Machu Picchu.  Estimates are for an opening date of 2026.

As you can see, it currently requires several stages to travel to Machu Picchu internationally, whereas an international airport would make it much easier to get to Machu Picchu.  Until the new airport is open, you’ll have to have your own rewarding adventure in order to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

How to Get Machu Picchu Tickets

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular places in the world and has limited access, so you need to book your tickets as far in advance as possible.

There are five different tickets for Machu Picchu.  They include tickets which give you access to climb one of the mountains at Machu Picchu but those tickets don’t let you see the whole of the Citadel, only a part of it.  This is frustrating and in the end, I bought two entrance tickets, one to climb Huayna Picchu mountain (Circuit 4 and Huayna Picchu mountain) and one to visit the main areas of Machu Picchu Citadel (Circuit 1, 2, 3 or 4).  It costs more but if you want to make the most of your visit, it’s worth the expense.

Check Price and Availability of Machu Picchu Tickets

• Circuit 1 or 2 and the Inca Bridge
• Circuit 1, 2, 3 or 4
• Circuit 3 and Machu Picchu mountain
• Circuit 4 and Huayna Picchu mountain
• Circuit 4 and Huchuy Picchu mountain

FAQs

Here are the answers to key questions travellers ask about getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

How Long is the Train Ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The train ride from Cuso to Machu Picchu is between 3 hours and 15 minutes up to 5 hours, depending which route you take and what service you book.

How Much is the Train Ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The price of a train ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu starts from £100 ($122 USD) for a return trip. If you book the luxury services it costs a lot more.

Do You Need a Reservation for Machu Picchu?

Yes, you need a reservation for Machu Picchu. This is one of the 7 wonders of the world and is a highly popular place for tourists to visit so you nee to book a ticket as far in advance as possible.

Can You Get to Machu Picchu Without Hiking?

Yes, you can absolutely get to Machu Picchu without hiking. Take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu station, in the town of Aguas Calientes, and then get the bus up to Machu Picchu from there. You will need to walk around the site of Machu Picchu itself.

How Many Days in Machu Picchu is Enough?

In theory as much time as possible would be wonderful to enjoy all that Machu Picchu has to offer. In reality, it’s possible to see Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco but this may leave you feeling tired. I suggest spending one night at Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu, so that you have a place to rest overnight and can enjoy a full day at Machu Picchu without feeling rushed.

Should You Go Straight to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

Cusco is at a high altitude, at 3399 metres, whereas Machu Picchu is actually lower altitude, at 2,430 metres. This means that altitude is better at Machu Picchu than Cusco, so heading straight to Machu Picchu when you arrive in Cusco may be better than hanging around in Cusco. The exception to this is if you’re going to be trekking, in which case a few days at Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, which are both at lower altitudes than Cusco, may help with adjusting to the region’s altitude before the physical effort of the trek.

More Peru Resources

Huacachina Peru Oasis: Sandboarding In The Desert

Huayna Picchu: Hike An Epic Mountain At Machu Picchu

Palcoyo Mountain: How To See Three Rainbow Mountains In A Day

Paracas Peru: 9 Best And Fun Things To Do

Pisac Peru: Day Trip To The Ruins And Market