How to Get to Machu Picchu from Lima: Flight, Train and How Many Days You Need
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Lima: Flight, Train and How Many Days You Need
Almost every trip to Machu Picchu starts in Lima: that's where international flights land. But between Lima and the citadel there are more than 1,000 kilometers, a mountain range and several modes of transport. This guide explains the full route, how much time you need and the mistakes we see most often.
The route in brief
- Lima → Cusco: a 1 hour 20 minute flight (or more than 20 hours by bus).
- Cusco → Ollantaytambo: 1.5 to 2 hours by road to the train station.
- Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes: a 1.5 to 2 hour train ride.
- Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu: a 25-30 minute bus ride.
There's no way to get from Lima to Machu Picchu without going through Cusco or its surroundings. And there are no flights to Machu Picchu: it has no airport.
Step 1: Lima to Cusco
By plane (recommended)
There are very frequent daily flights between Lima and Cusco, run by several airlines such as LATAM, Sky and JetSMART. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and lands at Alejandro Velasco Astete airport, about 10 minutes from central Cusco.
- Tip: morning flights tend to be more punctual. In the rainy season, afternoon flights can be delayed by weather.
- Price: varies a lot by date. Booking ahead and avoiding Peruvian public holidays helps.
By bus
The road trip takes more than 20 hours. It's cheaper, but you lose almost two days round trip. We only recommend it if you have plenty of time or want to stop along the way. More details in how to get to Cusco.
Step 2: acclimatize in Cusco (don't skip it)
This is the most common mistake: landing in Cusco and wanting to go to Machu Picchu the same day or first thing the next morning. Cusco sits at 3,400 meters, and going from sea level to that altitude in an hour takes its toll on almost everyone.
Good news: Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, at about 2,430 meters. That's why some travelers head down to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu in their first days to acclimatize better. Even so, give your body at least half a day of rest on arrival. Read our altitude sickness guide.
Step 3: Cusco to Machu Picchu
From Cusco you travel by road to Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes and then the bus to the citadel. We explain stations, companies and prices in our guide to the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
If you'd rather not organize it all yourself, our Machu Picchu 2D/1N from US$280 includes tourist train, bus, entrance ticket, guide and a night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
How many days do you need from Lima?
| Days (excluding international flights) | What you can do |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Machu Picchu only, very rushed and with altitude risk. Not recommended |
| 3 days | Cusco + Machu Picchu 2D/1N. Tight |
| 4 days | Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2D/1N. Ideal for a first trip |
| 5-7 days | All of the above plus Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake |
For the 4-day plan with prices, see our Cusco and Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights package. For more options, read how many days you need in Cusco.
Mistakes to avoid
- Going to Machu Picchu the same day you land. Between the flight, the road, the train and the bus, it's too much, and the altitude is unforgiving.
- Flying back to Lima on the same day you visit Machu Picchu. The return train reaches Cusco in the afternoon or evening. One delay and you miss your flight. Spend a night in Cusco.
- Buying your flight before securing your Machu Picchu ticket. In high season, tickets sell out. Lock in the ticket and train first, then the flight, or do it all at once.
- Forgetting your passport. It's checked on the train and at the Machu Picchu entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go from Lima to Machu Picchu in one day?
Technically yes, by taking the first flight to Cusco and heading straight to the train, but we don't recommend it: it's exhausting, there's no buffer for delays and the altitude change is abrupt. Ideally, allow at least 3-4 days.
How long does it take to get from Lima to Machu Picchu?
The Lima-Cusco flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes. From Cusco it's about 4 more hours to Aguas Calientes by road and train, plus a 30-minute bus to the citadel.
Are there direct flights from Lima to Machu Picchu?
No. Machu Picchu has no airport. You fly to Cusco and continue by train to Aguas Calientes.
Is it better to travel from Lima to Cusco by plane or bus?
By plane: the flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes, versus more than 20 hours by road. The bus only makes sense if you have lots of time and a tight budget.
