The Train and Bus Journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The most common way people travel to Machu Picchu is via the train and bus route to the Inca city. This route is the fastest, safest, and most comfortable way to get there. It operates every day of the year, and tickets can be purchased online from anywhere in the world.
The city of Cusco is located in the Andes mountains in southern Peru, at an altitude of 3,399 meters above sea level. From there, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire offers a train ride to Machu Picchu (a journey of nearly 4 hours). However, most tourists prefer to depart from Ollantaytambo station, as it offers more daily departures.
Ollantaytambo station is 61 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. Visitors can cover this distance by taxi, public transport, or by purchasing a train ticket that includes the ‘Bimodal’ bus service. The trip takes an average of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ollantaytambo is home to the most important train station in Cusco.
The train ride averages 40 kilometers. This journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. There are different types of trains from just two companies: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. Both offer quality tourist trains, ranging from standard services ($30–$60) to luxury trains (up to $300 or more).
In the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town, tourists board a shuttle bus. This uphill journey climbs the steep mountainside, covering ten kilometers, with the final stop at the entrance to the archaeological site.
Most tourists take the bus, although some prefer to hike (a two-hour or longer route). The bus ride is recommended as it avoids physical fatigue, allowing visitors to explore Machu Picchu more comfortably.
💡 Other ways to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco – The train and bus route is the way most tourists reach Machu Picchu. However, it is not the only one. There are two alternative routes: via Hidroelectrica (an average 8-hour journey) and the Classic Inca Trail hiking route (4 days, or a 2-day version). The first involves a 6-hour bus ride from Cusco, followed by a 2-hour walk to Aguas Calientes and the final bus ride to Machu Picchu. The second is an organized hiking tour by a travel agency. Additionally, there are multi-day treks to Machu Picchu, such as the 5-day Salkantay trek, which finishes with the Hidroelectrica walk. All routes are excellent ways to experience one of the Wonders of the World.
Why Take the Bus to Machu Picchu?
Here are some reasons why you should choose to take the bus to Machu Picchu:
- The bus is the fastest way to get from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The ride takes only 30 minutes. Walking, by contrast, takes 2 hours or more depending on your physical condition.
- The bus is the safest way to reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The walking route involves stone steps crossing the Hiram Bingham road. Visitors need to be cautious as buses frequently travel up and down.
- The bus is recommended for older adults or those not in top physical condition. Walking could be very challenging. The buses are also eco-friendly, preserving the beautiful environment surrounding this Wonder of the World.
- Taking the bus allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu fully energized for exploring the archaeological site. Tours through the Inca site last 1–2 hours or more, depending on which of the three circuits you choose. Circuit 1 takes 1 hour, Circuit 2 takes 2 hours 30 minutes, and Circuit 3 takes 2 hours. If you add a hiking route through the mountains, the bus ensures you have the energy to complete these challenging yet memorable walks.
Why Not Take the Bus to Machu Picchu?
Here are some reasons why you might choose not to take the bus to Machu Picchu:
- The bus costs $12 per segment for foreign adults ($24 round trip). Walking, however, is free for all visitors. If you cannot walk both ways, at least consider the return trip, which is easier as it is mostly downhill.
- The walking route offers a much greater sense of adventure than the bus. Yes, the bus is safer and easier. However, hiking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is far more exciting, with sections surrounded by high mountains where you can hear birds singing and see a wide variety of flowers, trees, and butterflies.
- The bus is preferred by fit young travelers worldwide. If you are physically fit and enjoy outdoor walks, hiking to Machu Picchu on foot is perfect for you. You can even add other hikes within the Inca city, such as Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Inca Bridge, Intipunku, or the Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon).
Pros and Cons of the Bus Trip to Machu Picchu
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The bus route saves the tourist’s energy, especially on the ascent from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (an 8-kilometer climb on average). This energy will be needed to complete one of Machu Picchu’s walking circuits. | The bus ride does not allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu route. Walking, however, allows you to appreciate the wide variety of flowers, trees, and butterflies, as Machu Picchu is rich in flora and fauna. |
| The bus is the most comfortable and quickest way to reach Machu Picchu. The trip takes only 30 minutes one way or round trip. All passengers travel in their assigned seats. The bus ride is recommended for the whole family, especially when traveling with young children or elderly adults. | Walking, unlike the bus, is completely free for anyone able to complete the hike. A bus ticket costs $12 for foreign adults ($24 round trip). In contrast, the walking route is free—you just need to show your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and start walking. |
| The bus is the best way to arrive on time at Machu Picchu, especially if you need to catch a return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Walking can take a lot of time, and you might miss your train. | During peak tourist months (April to October), long queues often form to board the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or vice versa, which can be inconvenient. Walking, on the other hand, requires no queues and allows visitors to start at any time. |
More Information About the Bus Trip to Machu Picchu
Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu can be purchased in the town itself. The authorized office is located on Hermanos Ayar Avenue, where queues form to board the bus in Machu Picchu town. The same applies for the return trip. Tickets for the return from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes can be purchased at the exit gate of the archaeological site.
Bus tickets offer discounts for children under 11 years old. Additionally, children under 3 can travel for free on a parent’s lap. If you want the child to have their own seat, you must pay the under-11 fare. All passengers travel in their assigned seats, which are unnumbered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why take the bus to Machu Picchu?
The bus to Machu Picchu is the fastest, most comfortable, and safest way to get from Aguas Calientes. The ride takes only 30 minutes.
2. What is the advantage of taking the bus to Machu Picchu?
The advantage is that it allows you to reach Machu Picchu comfortably and in the shortest possible time. The journey takes only 30 minutes.
3. What is the disadvantage of taking the bus to Machu Picchu?
The disadvantage is that the bus ticket costs $12 per segment ($24 round trip). Walking, on the other hand, is free.
4. Why walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Walking is completely free and allows you to enjoy beautiful landscapes surrounded by lush vegetation.
5. Why shouldn’t I walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Walking is not recommended for older adults, children, or anyone not in good physical condition.
6. Why buy the Machu Picchu bus ticket online?
Bus tickets can be easily purchased online from anywhere in the world, allowing you to plan your trip in advance.
7. Why are there queues for the bus to Machu Picchu?
Queues form because many people want to visit Machu Picchu, especially during the high tourist season from April to October.
8. How long is the bus ride to Machu Picchu?
The bus ride to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes.
9. Who can choose to hike to Machu Picchu?
Hiking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is recommended for visitors in good physical condition.
10. Who should take the bus to Machu Picchu?
The bus is recommended for older adults, children, or anyone with obesity or physical limitations to reach Machu Picchu safely and comfortably.
