How to get to Machu Picchu: train, bus, Hidroeléctrica and the Inca Trail
There is no direct road from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. You arrive by train, on foot via the Hidroeléctrica route, or along the Inca Trail. From town you reach the citadel by bus or on foot.
- Train from Ollantaytambo
- ≈ 1 h 30 min
- Train from Cusco
- ≈ 3 h 30 min
- Bus up to the ruins
- ≈ 25–30 min
By train: the most comfortable option
Two rail companies run the route, with services in different classes and price ranges. Trains leave from Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro stations, depending on the season) and from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. In some months the service from Cusco is bimodal: a bus to Ollantaytambo, then the train.
Departing from Ollantaytambo is faster and usually cheaper. It works best if you spend a night in the Sacred Valley, which also helps you acclimatize.
Key tips
- Check the exact departure station on your ticket: Poroy and San Pedro are in different places.
- Luggage allowance on the train is limited; travel with a small backpack.
Via Hidroeléctrica: the budget route
From Cusco you ride a van to Hidroeléctrica (around 6 to 7 hours on mountain roads), then walk 2 to 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes.
It is far cheaper but takes a full day each way. In the rainy season landslides can affect the road.
The Inca Trail and the final climb
The classic Inca Trail takes 4 days and requires a permit and a licensed operator; spots sell out months ahead and the trail closes every February for maintenance.
From Aguas Calientes, buses climb to the citadel in about 25 to 30 minutes. You can also hike up the stone stairs in roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
Key tips
- Buy your bus ticket the day before to skip the morning line.
- For the earliest time slots, the bus line forms very early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco?
Yes, but it is a very long day with no buffer for delays. A night in Aguas Calientes or the Sacred Valley makes the trip far more relaxed.
What is the cheapest way to get there?
The Hidroeléctrica route: a van from Cusco and a walk along the railway. You save money in exchange for time and effort.
Is it safe to hike up from Aguas Calientes?
Yes. It is a steep stair trail, but a busy one. Bring water, a headlamp if you start before dawn, and leave enough time before your entry slot.
