How to Get to Machu Picchu 2026: Transport Guide

There is no road that goes directly to Machu Picchu. To reach the citadel you must combine two or three transport segments: get to Cusco (or directly to a Sacred Valley town), take a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), then take the bus or hike up to the citadel itself.

This page is the master overview of the full journey. For deep dives on each leg, follow the links.

The standard route, end-to-end

  1. Fly to Cusco (CUZ airport) from Lima. ~1.5h flight, multiple daily.
  2. Acclimatize 2-3 days in Cusco (3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley (~2,800 m). Read about altitude →
  3. Travel to Ollantaytambo by private transfer, taxi, colectivo, or organized bus. ~1.5-2 hours from Cusco.
  4. Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. 1h30-1h45. Train guide →
  5. (Recommended) Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. So you can catch the first bus.
  6. Bus from Aguas Calientes to citadel entrance. 25-30 minutes up. Bus guide →
  7. Visit Machu Picchu on your timed-entry circuit ticket.
  8. Reverse the journey back to Cusco — usually all in the same day if you started early, or with a second night in the Valley.

Total time and minimum trip length

Some travelers attempt a single-day Lima-to-Machu Picchu round trip. Don't do this. You'll spend most of the day in transit, arrive exhausted at altitude, and risk missing your slot to a delay anywhere in the chain.

  • Absolute minimum: 3 days, 2 nights (1 night Cusco / Sacred Valley + 1 night Aguas Calientes)
  • Comfortable minimum: 4 days, 3 nights (2 nights for acclimatization + 1 night Aguas Calientes)
  • Recommended: 5-7 days, including the Sacred Valley and Cusco itself

The 4 ways to arrive at Aguas Calientes

1. Train (the standard way — 95% of visitors)

Two operators: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Most departures leave from Ollantaytambo (1h30-1h45 to Aguas Calientes). A few leave from Poroy or Cusco's San Pedro station (3-4 hours).

  • Cheapest: PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager — ~$80-120 round trip from Ollantaytambo.
  • Mid: PeruRail Vistadome or Inca Rail 360° — ~$140-180 round trip with panoramic windows and snacks.
  • Premium: PeruRail Hiram Bingham — $500-600+ round trip with gourmet meals, bar service, includes citadel entry.

Full train comparison and pricing →

2. The Inca Trail (the famous trek — 4 days)

You hike from KM 82 of the rail line to the Sun Gate, arriving at Machu Picchu on day 4. Permits are capped at 500/day (including porters and guides) and sell out 5-6 months ahead. Inca Trail guide →

3. Salkantay or Lares Trek (alternative treks)

If Inca Trail permits sold out, Salkantay (5 days, no permit cap) and Lares (4 days, cultural focus) end at Aguas Calientes via the train from Hidroeléctrica. Salkantay → · Lares →

4. The Hidroeléctrica route (budget backpacker option)

Bus or shared van Cusco → Santa Maria → Santa Teresa → Hidroeléctrica (8-10 hours), then a 2-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (or a short local train). Saves ~$40-60 vs the standard train, costs you a full day each way. Used mainly by budget travelers.

From Aguas Calientes to the citadel

Two options:

  • Consettur shuttle bus. 25-30 minutes up the switchback road. The bus runs continuously from 05:30 to 15:30. ~$24 USD round trip foreign adults in 2026. Bus guide →
  • Walk up. ~1.5-2 hours of steep stairs through cloud forest. Free. Trail opens at 05:00. Possible but tiring before a full visit.

Common arrival mistakes

  1. Booking the latest train + earliest entry slot. Build in buffer.
  2. Skipping acclimatization. Going Cusco → train → Machu Picchu in 24 hours invites altitude sickness.
  3. Packing too much. Backpacks over 40×35×20 cm aren't allowed in the citadel — you'll need to leave them at the gate locker (~$3).
  4. Forgetting the passport. Required to board the train AND to enter the citadel. Same passport, same number as on the ticket.

Train deep-dive →