Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu is easier than you think.
This complete guide covers all the ways to get from Cusco
to Machu Picchu including by train, by trek and by bus.
🚂 WAYS TO GET FROM CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU
There are 3 main ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu:
1️⃣ By Train — easiest and most popular
2️⃣ By Inca Trail — most famous trek
3️⃣ By Salkantay Trek — best alternative
🚂 OPTION 1 — BY TRAIN (MOST POPULAR)
The train is the easiest and most comfortable way
to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Route:
Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
Step by step:
- Private transport Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours)
- Train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)
- Bus Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (30 minutes)
- Enter Machu Picchu citadel
Total travel time: approximately 4 hours from Cusco
🚂 Train Companies
PeruRail
✔ Most popular train company
✔ Vistadome and Expedition services
✔ Book at perurail.com
Inca Rail
✔ Modern comfortable trains
✔ 360° panoramic windows
✔ Book at incarail.com
🎫 Train Ticket Prices
Expedition (budget): from $35 one way
Vistadome: from $55 one way
360°: from $85 one way
💡 Book train tickets 2-3 months in advance
especially for June July August peak season.
🥾 OPTION 2 — INCA TRAIL (4 DAYS)
The most famous way to reach Machu Picchu.
Route: Km 82 → Dead Woman’s Pass → Sun Gate → Machu Picchu
Distance: 43km
Duration: 4 days 3 nights
Maximum altitude: 4,215m
Highlights:
✔ Ancient Inca road to Machu Picchu
✔ Arrive through the Sun Gate at sunrise
✔ Pass incredible Inca ruins
✔ Limited permits — 500 people per day
⚠️ Book 3-4 months in advance
👉 See our Inca Trail 4 Days Tour
🥾 OPTION 3 — SALKANTAY TREK (5 DAYS)
Best alternative to the Inca Trail.
Route: Mollepata → Salkantay Pass → Cloud Forest → Machu Picchu
Distance: 74km
Duration: 5 days 4 nights
Maximum altitude: 4,650m
Highlights:
✔ Pass beneath Salkantay glacier (6,271m)
✔ More dramatic scenery than Inca Trail
✔ No permit required
✔ Fewer crowds
👉 See our Salkantay Trek 5 Days Tour
🚌 OPTION 4 — BY BUS (BUDGET OPTION)
For budget travelers there is a bus option.
Route:
Cusco → Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
Step by step:
- Bus Cusco to Santa Teresa (7 hours)
- Walk or taxi to Hydroelectric Station
- Walk train tracks to Aguas Calientes (2 hours)
- Bus to Machu Picchu
Total time: approximately 10-12 hours
Cost: approximately $20-30
⚠️ Not recommended — very long and tiring.
📅 BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU
Dry season May to October — BEST
✔ Clear skies every day
✔ Best views and photos
✔ Book well in advance
Wet season November to April
✔ Fewer tourists
✔ Lush green scenery
✔ Some rain and clouds
🎫 MACHU PICCHU TICKETS
Machu Picchu has limited daily visitors.
Book tickets at least 2-3 months in advance.
Current ticket prices:
Adults: $20-52 depending on circuit
Students: $10-26 with valid student ID
Book at: machupicchu.gob.pe
💡 IMPORTANT TIPS
✔ Bring passport — required for entry
✔ Book train and tickets well in advance
✔ Arrive early for best experience
✔ Bring rain jacket — weather changes quickly
✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes
✔ No large backpacks allowed inside
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
By train approximately 4 hours total including
transport to Ollantaytambo and bus to Machu Picchu.
Can I walk to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
Yes — via the Inca Trail (4 days) or Salkantay Trek
(5 days). Both are incredible trekking experiences.
How much does it cost to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
By train approximately $100-150 per person including
train tickets, bus and entrance ticket.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — book train tickets and entrance tickets at least
2-3 months in advance especially for peak season.
Can I visit Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco?
Yes — our Machu Picchu Full Day Tour leaves early
morning and returns to Cusco the same evening.
🎒 BOOK YOUR MACHU PICCHU TOUR WITH TRIPCUSCO
TripCusco organizes everything for you including
transport, train tickets, entrance tickets and guide.
📞 WhatsApp: +51 973 309 975
🌐 www.tripcusco.com