The travel route
The final leg to Machu Picchu, aboard a bus, departs from Aguas Calientes. This place is also known as Machu Picchu town and is the main service hub for visitors to the world wonder.
The bus station is very close to the main square, so locating it won’t be a problem. Also, Aguas Calientes is very small, being a practically pedestrian town (its main road leads to the Inca citadel).
The route travels along the Hiram Bingham highway, which is mainly uphill through winding sections toward the top of a mountain. This route is only available for buses heading to Machu Picchu, so the ascent time (25-30 minutes) does not vary much.
Additionally, the landscapes along the route will surprise you, as you ascend, you can discover views of the Urubamba River and the dense tropical vegetation typical of the high jungle.
| Main features of the route | |
|---|---|
| Aspect | Information |
| Distance | Approximately 9 kilometers |
| Duration | 25 – 30 minutes |
| Road type | Paved mountain road |
| Starting altitude | 2,040 meters above sea level (Aguas Calientes) |
| Final altitude | 2,430 meters above sea level (Machu Picchu) |
Boarding points
For boarding, you will need to wait in a very short line, as buses depart as soon as they are full. Usually, this process takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the flow of visitors.
The Aguas Calientes bus station is located in the town center, just a few minutes’ walk from the main square and the main hotels. The area is well-signposted, making it very easy to locate.
The return bus station from Machu Picchu is only a few steps from the entrance to the Inca citadel. It is much easier to locate. Additionally, buses depart at the same frequency as from Aguas Calientes.
💡 Additional detail: It is recommended to arrive at the bus station at least 30 to 45 minutes before your ticket entry time to Machu Picchu (travel time is between 25 to 30 minutes). Remember that Machu Picchu tickets have a 30-minute tolerance limit.
Bus schedules
Buses to Machu Picchu do not have a fixed schedule, but they do depart regularly. Although the ticket is valid for any time within the operational hours, you must consider doing it on the same day as the ticket is only valid for one day.
Buses operate every day of the year (just like the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary).
| Route | First bus | Last bus (uphill) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu | From 5:30 AM | Around 3:30 PM | 10 – 15 minutes |
| Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes | From 6:00 AM | Around 5:30 PM | 15 – 20 minutes |
Travel fares
Bus ticket fares vary depending on the visitor’s nationality, student status, and age.
Bus tickets to Aguas Calientes can be reserved online or purchased in person in Aguas Calientes. The first option is the most recommended, as it allows you to avoid long purchase lines, and you’ll have everything organized in advance to avoid any setbacks.
| Visitor type | Round trip | One way |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | 34 USD | 19 USD |
| Foreign child | 18 USD | 13 USD |
| Peruvian adult | 22 USD | 14 USD |
| Peruvian student | 22 USD | 14 USD |
| Peruvian child | 13 USD | 13 USD |
Landscapes (flora and fauna)
The bus route from Aguas Calientes, like the entire journey to Machu Picchu, is very scenic. Along the way, you will discover the typical flora and fauna of the high jungle, so we recommend securing a seat by the window, so you don’t miss any details and sightings along the route.
Flora:
- Native orchids
- Tree ferns
- Bromeliads
- Mosses
- Andean trees (cedar, queuña, and alder)
- Flowers (floripondios and carnations)
Fauna:
- Birds (Andean cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, tanagers, and parrots)
- Butterflies
- Small mammals (Andean rodents, vizcachas, and coatimundis)
- Torrent duck
- Andean bear (spectacled bear)
Tips and recommendations
- Book your bus tickets in advance to avoid long waiting lines at the Aguas Calientes ticket office.
- Remember to board the bus 30 to 45 minutes before your ticket entry time to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- During peak season (May to August), there is a higher influx of visitors to Machu Picchu, so the waiting time may be slightly longer.
- During the rainy season (November to March), the landscapes are greener, and the tourist influx is lower. These dates are ideal if you want a more immersive and peaceful trip.
- There is also a hiking route to reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. This path is quite demanding because it is a constant uphill climb through stone steps. It usually takes about 2 hours to complete, so it is not highly recommended unless you have excellent physical condition and enough time to do it.
- All Machu Picchu buses are electric, reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the surrounding ecosystem. They also reduce vibrations that affect the stability of the citadel’s structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is the bus trip to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?
The bus trip to Machu Picchu is short, safe, and scenic. The journey takes between 25 and 30 minutes along a paved mountain road, with constant ascent and privileged views of the natural surroundings.
2. Where does the bus to Machu Picchu depart from?
The departure is from the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The station is located at Avenida Hermanos Ayar s/n, just a few steps from the main square. We recommend arriving early to board comfortably.
3. How long does the bus trip take?
The route is approximately 9 kilometers and takes between 25 and 30 minutes. It is ideal to take the bus 30 to 45 minutes before your ticket entry time to the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
4. What route does the bus take to the citadel?
The bus ascends along the Hiram Bingham highway, a route exclusive for this service. It is a winding mountain road that connects 2,040 meters above sea level in Aguas Calientes to 2,430 meters above sea level at Machu Picchu.
5. How often do the buses depart?
Buses depart continuously. On average, buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes uphill and every 15 to 20 minutes for the return trip. We recommend not relying on this and allowing extra time for potential queues during peak season.
6. What time does the bus service start operating?
The first bus from Aguas Calientes departs around 5:30 AM, while the return bus from Machu Picchu begins around 6:00 AM. We suggest coordinating your bus trip according to your Machu Picchu entry ticket time.
7. What time does the bus service stop operating?
The last bus uphill to Machu Picchu typically operates until around 3:30 PM, and the last bus downhill operates until around 5:30 PM.
8. Does the ticket have a specific time?
No, but the ticket is only valid on the selected day during the operating hours, from 5:30 AM for the uphill trip until 5:30 PM for the return trip.
9. How early should I arrive at the station?
We recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes before your entry time to Machu Picchu as indicated on your ticket. This will allow you to arrive comfortably and within the ticket tolerance margin (a maximum of 30 minutes).
10. Is there an alternative to the bus to go up to Machu Picchu?
Yes, it is possible to hike up a steep stairway path, which can take about two hours. It is only recommended if you are in good physical condition and have enough time before your entry time.
