How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: Every Option Explained (2026)
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: Every Option Explained (2026)
Getting to Machu Picchu is not as simple as hopping on a bus. There is no direct road from Cusco to the citadel: every route combines train, hiking, or a long drive on mountain roads. The option you choose completely changes the cost, the duration and the experience. At Danfer Tours we operate all five existing routes — here is each one explained so you can pick the best fit for your time and budget.
First things first: Aguas Calientes is the gateway
Every route ends in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes, 2,040 m / 6,690 ft), the only town at the foot of the mountain. From there you reach the citadel in one of two ways:
- Shuttle bus (Consettur): 30 minutes up a zigzag road. US$24 round trip for foreigners.
- On foot: 1.5 to 2 hours up steep Inca stairs. Free, but demanding at 2,400 m.
What changes between routes is how you get to Aguas Calientes.
Option 1 — The train (classic and most comfortable)
This is how about 80% of visitors arrive. Trains depart from two stations:
- Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley): the main one. From Cusco it is ~2 hours by car/bus to the station, then a 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes.
- Poroy / San Pedro (Cusco): operate only in the dry season, with fewer departures.
Two companies run the route, PeruRail and IncaRail, with different service levels:
| Service | Company | One-way price approx. | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition / Voyager | PeruRail / IncaRail | US$70–90 | Best value |
| Vistadome / The 360 | PeruRail / IncaRail | US$110–170 | Panoramic windows |
| Hiram Bingham | PeruRail | US$500+ | Luxury, gourmet dining |
Our advice: for most travelers, leave Cusco early, take the train from Ollantaytambo and either return the same day (Full Day) or sleep one night in Aguas Calientes to enter at sunrise. See our Machu Picchu tours.
Option 2 — The Inca Trail (the legendary trek)
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is the only route that lets you walk the original Inca path and enter through the Intipunku (Sun Gate) at dawn. It requires a SERNANP permit (limited spots that sell out months ahead) and good physical condition. If it is your dream, read our step-by-step Inca Trail guide.
Option 3 — Salkantay Trek (the best permit-free alternative)
The 5D/4N Salkantay trek loops around the Salkantay glacier peak (6,271 m) and reaches Machu Picchu with no SERNANP permit needed. The scenery is even more varied than the Inca Trail: glaciers, turquoise lakes and high jungle. Details in our Salkantay Trek guide.
Option 4 — Via Hidroeléctrica (the budget route)
The backpacker option: a minivan from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica power station (6–7 hours via Santa María and Santa Teresa), then a 2.5–3 hour walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. It costs a fraction of the train (US$30–60 round trip for the transport), but it is a full day of travel and the road section is dangerous in the rainy season (October–April) due to landslides. Best for travelers with lots of time and a tight budget.
Option 5 — Inca Jungle (adventure + adrenaline)
The young, active version: it combines downhill mountain biking, optional rafting, ziplining and hiking, reaching Machu Picchu in 3–4 days via Santa Teresa. Very popular with backpackers who want action without the Inca Trail permit.
Quick comparison
| Route | Time to MP | Approx. price (round trip) | Effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Half a day | US$140–340 | Low | Comfort, short trips |
| Inca Trail 4D | 4 days | US$650+ | High | Trekkers, once-in-a-lifetime |
| Salkantay 5D | 5 days | US$550–700 | High | Adventure without permits |
| Hidroeléctrica | 1 long day | US$30–60 + hike | Medium | Low budget |
| Inca Jungle | 3–4 days | US$250–350 | Medium-high | Adrenaline |
Documents and rules you cannot forget
- Original passport (not a photocopy): you will need it on the train, at the entrance gate and for the free Machu Picchu passport stamp.
- Entry ticket with an assigned circuit (1, 2, 3 or 4) and a timed entry slot: book 1–2 months ahead, more in high season.
- Guide required for larger groups; maximum time inside: 3 hours.
Our recommendation
Short on time and want comfort? Train from Ollantaytambo. Looking for the experience of a lifetime and fit for it? Inca Trail (or Salkantay if permits are gone). Traveling on a budget? Hidroeléctrica.
Want us to plan your route to Machu Picchu? Browse all our tours or check the perfect 7-day Cusco itinerary. Questions? Write to us at hola@danfertourscusco.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get to Machu Picchu by car?
No. There is no direct road to the citadel: every route combines train or hiking. The most common option is taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and riding the bus up for the last 30 minutes.
How much does the train to Machu Picchu cost?
Between US$70 and US$170 each way depending on the service: Expedition/Voyager are the budget options and Vistadome/The 360° the panoramic ones. Round trip, expect US$140 to US$340 per person.
What is the cheapest way to get there?
The Hidroeléctrica route: a minivan from Cusco (6–7 hours) plus a 2.5–3 hour walk along the railway. It costs US$30–60 round trip, but it takes a full travel day and is not recommended at the height of the rainy season.
Do I need my passport to enter Machu Picchu?
Yes, your original passport (not a copy). It is checked when boarding the train and at the citadel gate, and it must match the document you used to buy your ticket.
