How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Cusco to Machu Picchu is a two-stage journey: reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) by train or the “Hydroelectric” backdoor route, then go up to the citadel by shuttle bus or on foot. Travelers with time can also trek (Inca Trail/Salkantay). Below are your options, what they cost, and clear step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Cusco to Machu Picchu)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Train (Cusco/Poroy/Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes) + Shuttle	~3.5–4.5h total (from Ollanta) | ~4.5–5.5h (from Cusco/Poroy)	Most travelers, comfort & scenery
🏷️ Cost: Train ~US$60–180 one-way (class/season) + Aguas Calientes shuttle ~US$24 RT (adult). Official: » PeruRail | Inca Rail | Consettur shuttle
🚌🚶 Minivan/Bus to Hidroeléctrica + 10–12 km Walk	~6–7.5h to Aguas Calientes	Lowest cost, backpackers
🏷️ Cost: ~US$15–30 one-way (van) + free hike; optional train Hidroeléctrica↔Aguas Calientes from ~US$30–40.
🥾 Inca Trail / Salkantay Trek (Multi-day, guided)	2–5 days (route-dependent)	Hikers, bucket-list experience
🏷️ Cost: ~US$350–900+ pp (permits, guide, porters). Browse vetted tours on » GetYourGuide | Klook
🚐 Private Car to Ollantaytambo + Train	~2h road + ~1h30 train + shuttle	Families, lots of luggage, custom timing
🏷️ Cost: Private car ~US$60–120 per vehicle each way » get quotes + train fares above.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most comfortable: Train from Ollantaytambo (shorter, cheaper) or Cusco/Poroy (fewer transfers) + shuttle to the ruins.
• Cheapest: Minivan to Hidroeléctrica + walk (long day, weather-dependent).
• Iconic adventure: Inca Trail (permit-limited) or Salkantay trek.
• Door-to-door ease: Private car to Ollanta + train (great with kids/gear).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Entry ticket required: Buy Machu Picchu tickets well in advance at the official portal machupicchu.gob.pe (select circuit/time). Many tours on GetYourGuide include entry + guide.
• Trains: Compare schedules/classes on PeruRail and Inca Rail; Aguas Calientes shuttle on Consettur.
• Luggage: Big bags aren’t practical; store extras via Radical Storage Cusco or your hotel.
• Transfers: For hotel-to-Ollanta rides, compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer. Taxis/ride-hailing: use official cabs arranged by your hotel.
• Stay nights smartly: Sleep in Ollantaytambo before an early train, or at Aguas Calientes to catch the first shuttle. Compare stays on Booking.com Cusco or Aguas Calientes.

🚆 Option #1 — Train (PeruRail / Inca Rail) + Shuttle (Most Popular & Easiest)

Comfort Frequent departures Book early

• Overview: Board a PeruRail or Inca Rail service from Ollantaytambo (most common), Poroy, or San Pedro (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes. From the village, take the Consettur shuttle up to Machu Picchu’s entrance (or hike 1.5–2h up the stairs).
• How to book (with price): Trains from ~US$60–180 one-way depending on class/time. Book direct on PeruRail or Inca Rail. Shuttle bus Aguas Calientes↔Machu Picchu ~US$24 RT adult on Consettur. Entry tickets at machupicchu.gob.pe. Guided packages available on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Pros: Scenic, reliable, minimal walking. Cons: Peak dates sell out; luggage limits apply.

Step-by-step: Train to Aguas Calientes + Shuttle

1. Get to your departure station: taxi/hotel transfer or a private car via GetTransfer to Ollantaytambo, Poroy, or San Pedro (Cusco).
2. Board your prebooked PeruRail/Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes (allow 1.5–3.5h depending on origin).
3. In Aguas Calientes, follow signs to the Consettur shuttle stop; ride ~25–30 minutes up to the citadel entrance.
4. Enter with your timed ticket and passport; meet your guide if you booked one on GetYourGuide.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cusco/Poroy/Ollantaytambo)

• Cusco stations: San Pedro (center) and Poroy (about 30–45 min by road).
• Ollantaytambo: 1.5–2h by road from Cusco; many travelers stay overnight here for early trains.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌🚶 Option #2 — Van to Hidroeléctrica + Walk (Cheapest “Backdoor” Route)

Budget Scenic Long day

• Overview: Minivans run Cusco→Hidroeléctrica. From there, walk 10–12 km (2–3h) along the tracks to Aguas Calientes (mostly flat), or take the short local train if available.
• How to book (with price): ~US$15–30 one-way van via local agencies/hostels or online experiences on GetYourGuide / Klook. Optional Hidroeléctrica→Aguas Calientes train from ~US$30–40 (buy on site).
• Pros: Cheapest way to reach Aguas Calientes. Cons: Long, winding road; weather-dependent; limited daylight in wet season.

Step-by-step: Hidroeléctrica Route

1. Arrange a morning van pickup from your Cusco hotel/central meeting point (ask your accommodation or browse options on GetYourGuide).
2. Ride 6–7h to Hidroeléctrica (rest/meal stops en route via Santa María/Santa Teresa).
3. Walk the well-trodden trackside path to Aguas Calientes (~2–3h), or purchase the short train locally if operating.
4. Overnight in Aguas Calientes; next morning take the Consettur shuttle or hike up to Machu Picchu.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cusco center & Hidroeléctrica)

• Cusco pickup: Central hotels and agency offices near Plaza de Armas/Av. El Sol.
• Hidroeléctrica: End of the road before the tracks to Aguas Calientes; small eateries and kiosks on site.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🥾 Option #3 — Inca Trail / Salkantay Trek (Guided Multi-Day)

Iconic All logistics handled Permit-limited

• Overview: Classic Inca Trail (2D/4D) enters Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (permits required months ahead). Salkantay offers alpine passes and usually finishes with the bus up from Aguas Calientes.
• How to book (with price): ~US$350–900+ depending on duration and inclusions. Compare reputable operators and real reviews on GetYourGuide or Klook. Ensure your Machu Picchu entry time matches your route plan.
• Pros: Bucket-list sunrise views; porters/cooks; immersive history. Cons: Altitude, camping, weather variability; limited permits on Inca Trail.

Step-by-step: Trek to Machu Picchu

1. Choose route/dates and secure permits via a licensed operator (browse options and availability on GetYourGuide).
2. Attend pre-trek briefing in Cusco; pack light (operator provides porter weight limits).
3. Transfer from Cusco to trailhead; trek 2–5 days (route-dependent), overnighting at designated campsites or lodges.
4. Arrive to Machu Picchu (Sun Gate for classic Inca Trail) or via Aguas Calientes shuttle for Salkantay; tour the citadel with your guide.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cusco hotels & trailheads)

• Cusco: Operators pick up from central hotels/meeting points near Plaza de Armas.
• Trailheads: Km 82 (Inca Trail) or Soraypampa/Mollepata (Salkantay) reached by operator vehicles.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car to Ollantaytambo + Train (Family-Friendly Flex)

Door-to-door Custom timing Higher total cost

• Overview: Your driver collects you in Cusco, drops you at Ollantaytambo Station for the shorter/cheaper train to Aguas Calientes, waits or returns as arranged.
• How to book (with price): Private car Cusco↔Ollanta from ~US$60–120 each way depending on vehicle/time via GetTransfer. Book the train separately on PeruRail or Inca Rail; shuttle on Consettur.
• Pros: Smooth logistics with kids/luggage; time for a stop at Ollanta ruins if schedule allows. Cons: Adds car cost to train fares.

Step-by-step: Private Car + Train

1. Request quotes with pickup time and luggage count on GetTransfer (hotel/apartment pickup).
2. Ride ~1.5–2h to Ollantaytambo Station; board your prebooked PeruRail/Inca Rail to Aguas Calientes.
3. Take the Consettur shuttle up to Machu Picchu at your assigned entry time.
4. Return the same way or overnight in Aguas Calientes and catch an early train back.

Getting to the main embarking points (Cusco hotels & Ollantaytambo Station)

• Pickup: Anywhere in central Cusco; confirm child seats if needed.
• Station area: Cafés and baggage storage near the platforms; arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Cusco to Machu Picchu)

Do I need a guide?
A guide is optional but recommended for first-timers; many tickets are tied to set circuits and time slots—tours on GetYourGuide/Klook can bundle guide + entry.

Is altitude a problem?
Cusco is ~3,400 m; spend 1–2 nights acclimatizing before strenuous hikes. Machu Picchu is lower (~2,430 m) but you’ll still feel the sun—hydrate and use sunscreen.

Can I bring large luggage on the train?
Trains limit luggage (often ~5–8 kg carry-on). Leave big bags at your Cusco hotel or via Radical Storage.

When should I go?
Dry season (May–Sep) has the clearest skies; wet season (Nov–Mar) is greener but has more rain and occasional landslides affecting roads.

Can I hike up from Aguas Calientes?
Yes—1.5–2h stair trail to the gate; start early and carry water. Most visitors take the Consettur shuttle up and walk down.