How to Get to Machu Picchu: All Routes, Prices, and Journey Times

There is no road into Machu Picchu. The only way to reach the citadel is by train, on foot along a trekking route, or via the combined bus-and-walk route through Hidroeléctrica. Each option has distinct trade-offs in cost, time, comfort, and experience. Here is everything you need to choose the right route from Cusco.

Overview: The Main Routes

Route	Time from Cusco	Approx Cost (return)	Best for
Train from Ollantaytambo (PeruRail / Inca Rail)	3–4 hours total	USD 55–180	Comfort + Sacred Valley combo
Train direct from Poroy	4–5 hours total	USD 70–200	Convenience from central Cusco
Hidroeléctrica bus + walk	8–10 hours total	USD 25–40	Budget travellers
Classic Inca Trail (4 days)	4 days	USD 650–1,200+	Trekkers, permit holders
Salkantay Trek (5 days)	5 days	USD 350–750	Budget trekkers, no permit needed
Lares Trek (3–4 days)	3–4 days	USD 400–700	Cultural immersion

Route 1: Train via Ollantaytambo (Recommended)

This is the most popular and practical approach. A shared colectivo or bus covers the 80km from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5–2 hours), and the train covers the remaining canyon section to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Total journey: 3–4 hours.

Ground transport Cusco → Ollantaytambo:

• Shared colectivo from near Cusco bus terminal: approximately S/10–S/18 per person as of 2026. Frequent departures from early morning.
• Private taxi from central Cusco: approximately S/80–S/120 for the vehicle as of 2026.
• Some Sacred Valley day tours allow you to be dropped at Ollantaytambo station at the end of the day — a sensible combination since Ollantaytambo is worth a half-day visit itself.

PeruRail from Ollantaytambo:

• Expedition class: Standard reclining seats, panoramic windows — from approximately USD 40 one-way as of 2026.
• Vistadome: Larger glass roof panels, elevated views, meal service — from approximately USD 75–95 one-way as of 2026.

Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo:

• Explorer class (standard): From approximately USD 55 one-way as of 2026.
• First Class (360° panoramic car): Glass-ceiling viewing — from approximately USD 90–110 one-way as of 2026.
• The Voyager (premium): From approximately USD 130 one-way as of 2026.

Journey time from Ollantaytambo: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Book PeruRail at perurail.com and Inca Rail at incarail.com — check both, as availability sometimes differs, particularly for short-notice travel.

Route 2: Train Direct from Poroy Station

Poroy station is approximately 8km northwest of central Cusco — a 25–35 minute taxi ride (approximately S/25–S/40 as of 2026). This is the closest departure point for travellers who do not want to go via the Sacred Valley.

PeruRail services from Poroy:

• Expedition: Standard service — from approximately USD 65–80 one-way as of 2026.
• Vistadome: Panoramic windows, wider seats, meal service — from approximately USD 85–110 one-way as of 2026.
• Belmond Hiram Bingham: Luxury dining train with full meals, afternoon tea, and live music — from approximately USD 450 one-way as of 2026. Machu Picchu entry included.

Journey time: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. Note that trains from Poroy tend to cost 20–30% more than equivalent trains from Ollantaytambo for the same class. Many travellers prefer the Ollantaytambo route above.

Getting from Aguas Calientes to the Citadel

Once in Aguas Calientes, you need to reach the Machu Picchu entrance gate, approximately 400m above town.

Consettur bus: The official shuttle service departs from Avenida Hermanos Ayar (a 5-minute walk from the train station, near the market). Round-trip approximately S/48 as of 2026. Buses run continuously from approximately 05:30 until 21:00 (last bus down). Buy tickets at the blue booth kiosk near the bus queue — not from street sellers. Queue from about 05:00 if you want the first entry window. Journey: approximately 25 minutes.

Walk up: A signed trail from behind Aguas Calientes gains approximately 400m to the entrance gate in 45–60 minutes. It is steep and can be muddy in wet season but rewarding and free. Some travellers walk up and take the bus down.

Route 3: Hidroeléctrica Bus + Walk (Budget Route)

The Hidroeléctrica route is the cheapest way to reach Machu Picchu and is popular with budget travellers and backpackers who missed train booking windows.

How it works:

1. Take a minibus from Cusco to Santa Teresa (approximately 5–6 hours, approximately S/40–S/60 per person as of 2026)
2. From Santa Teresa, take a taxi or collectivo to Hidroeléctrica station (30 minutes, approximately S/15–S/20)
3. Walk approximately 11km along the railway track from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (approximately 2 hours, flat)
4. Overnight in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next day

Total journey from Cusco: approximately 7–9 hours depending on connections and walking pace.

The reality: The bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa winds through mountain roads, including some unpaved sections with steep drops. Scenic but long. The walk from Hidroeléctrica runs alongside the railway and is easy, though exposed in bad weather. It is technically not a formal pedestrian path — take care.

Cost saving: The full return trip via Hidroeléctrica (bus + taxi + walk) costs roughly USD 35–50, compared to USD 80–180 for train options. The trade-off is 4–5 extra hours of travel each way.

Route 4: Classic Inca Trail (4 Days)

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous treks — walking original Inca stone pathways to arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) above the citadel at dawn on day four.

Key facts:

• Distance: 43km over 4 days
• Maximum altitude: 4,215 metres (Dead Woman’s Pass)
• Permit quota: 500 people per day total (approximately 200 trekkers, remainder allocated to guides and porters)
• All-in guided tour price: USD 650–1,200+ per person, including permit, guide, cook, camping equipment, and porters
• Permits release: 1 October each year for the following year

The trail closes each February for maintenance. June–August permits sell out within days of the 1 October release. May and September–October are more accessible but still book out months ahead. Self-guided hiking is prohibited — you must use a licensed operator. Book through operators including Alpaca Expeditions, Inca Trail Reservations, or Peru Treks (at least 4–6 months ahead for peak season, 2–3 months for shoulder months).

See our full Inca Trail guide for a complete breakdown of operators, costs, and what to expect on the four-day route.

Route 5: Salkantay Trek (5 Days)

The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail. It requires no permit, is significantly cheaper, and passes through more dramatic high-altitude scenery including the glacial flanks of Salkantay (6,271m).

Key facts:

• Distance: approximately 70–74km over 5 days
• Maximum altitude: 4,630 metres (Salkantay Pass)
• No permit required
• Guided tour price: USD 350–750 per person (all-inclusive)
• Self-guided: possible, approximately USD 150–250 for equipment, transport, and accommodation

The Salkantay route joins the railway near Aguas Calientes on day four and finishes at Machu Picchu on day five. It is a harder, wilder route than the Inca Trail — longer, higher, more remote — but widely considered more physically rewarding. See our Salkantay Trek guide for full details.

Route 6: Lares Trek (3–4 Days)

A less-frequented alternative passing through traditional Andean villages and high-altitude hot springs before joining the train at Ollantaytambo for the final leg.

• No permit required
• More cultural immersion than Salkantay or Inca Trail
• Less dramatic mountain scenery than either alternative
• Guided tour price: USD 400–700

Step-by-Step: The Recommended Route

Day 1 — Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes:

1. Take a shared colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (morning, approximately 07:00–09:00 departure; S/10–S/18 per person)
2. Optional: walk through Ollantaytambo fortress before your train (buy Boleto Turístico in advance)
3. Board afternoon train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (PeruRail or Inca Rail, approximately 14:00–17:00 departure; from USD 55)
4. Arrive Aguas Calientes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes later
5. Check into hotel; visit hot springs (approximately S/20 entry); dinner in town

Day 2 — Machu Picchu:

1. 05:00: Queue for Consettur bus
2. 05:30: Board bus to the gate (S/48 round-trip)
3. 06:00: Enter Machu Picchu (pre-booked entry, from machupicchu.gob.pe)
4. Morning circuit inside the site (2–4 hours)
5. Optional: hike to Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu (separate tickets, book in advance)
6. 12:00–14:00: Return bus to Aguas Calientes
7. Lunch in town; afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
8. Return to Cusco by early evening

Which Route Should You Take?

Take the train if: you have limited time, value comfort, or are travelling with children or older family members. The Vistadome from Ollantaytambo gives genuinely spectacular valley views.

Take the Hidroeléctrica route if: you’re on a tight budget and have the extra day the longer journey requires. The walk into Aguas Calientes is pleasant.

Do the Inca Trail if: this is a bucket-list trek and you’re willing to plan a year ahead to secure permits. June–August permits are among the most competitive bookings in South American travel.

Do the Salkantay if: you want a significant trek without the permit competition, at a lower price, through arguably more dramatic mountain scenery.

What to Book First

Getting the order right matters for Machu Picchu trips:

1. Machu Picchu entry tickets — book at machupicchu.gob.pe. These set your visit date and entry window (including circuit selection). Book before anything else.
2. Inca Trail permit (if applicable) — cannot be purchased separately from a registered tour operator. Secure this immediately after tickets.
3. Train tickets (if taking the train) — especially for June–August. Don’t wait. Book simultaneously at perurail.com or incarail.com.
4. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes — books up during peak season. Prioritise this alongside your train. Return trains also fill up in peak season — book them before you travel.
5. Cusco accommodation — plan 2–3 days here for acclimatisation before heading to Machu Picchu.

Off-peak advantage: November through May (excluding Carnival in February and Semana Santa) offers significantly easier booking, lower prices, and shorter queues — at the cost of less reliable weather.

For an all-in option, Machu Picchu tours from Cusco bundle train, entry, and a guide into a single booking.

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