A Complete Guide On How To Get To Machu Picchu From Cusco

Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for many people, including myself. After crossing it off my dream travel list, I can say it absolutely lives up to the hype. However, one of the challenges of visiting Machu Picchu is figuring out the best way to reach it.

After many hours of research, we settled on travelling from Cusco to Machu Picchu as a day trip rather than travelling and spending a night somewhere else. In this guide, I will outline all the information you need about transportation options and plenty of tips for the route to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Before I delve into the details, we booked this tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu which sorts everything for you including the train tickets, entry and tour guide – you just need to pick which train option you’d like!

How To Get To Machu Picchu From Cusco Airport

You’ll arrive at Cusco Airport, also known as Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, to start your journey to Machu Picchu. Once there, you can choose between two main options: taking a taxi or a combination of buses and a train ride.

Taxi

A taxi ride is definitely the easiest option but also the most expensive one. It will take about 4 to 5 hours and cost around $150. 

Bus and Train

The more common and cheapest option is to take a combination of buses and a train ride. This process takes about 5 to 6 hours and can cost between $50 and $500, depending on whether you want to ride economy or in a luxury class. 

How To Get From Cusco To Machu Picchu By Train

There are two main ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Depending on the time of year, you can hop on a direct train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, or you’ll need to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then train from there. 

If you’re looking for more information about the different transportation options, keep reading below as I dive into them in more detail. 

Train Direct From Cusco to Aguas Calientes 

Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu is easiest by taking a direct train to Aguas Calientes. This journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and offers stunning views.

There are many different train options to choose from, including different price points. The two main train companies that can take you to Machu Picchu are: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. We went with the Vistadome option with Peru Rail, and it was amazing. They offer free snacks and plenty of great panoramic views. 

Bus From Cusco To Ollantaytambo, Then Train 

Depending on the season, you might need to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board a train. The good news is that the train company manages everything smoothly. If you opt for this route, you can book directly through the train company, and they’ll arrange both the bus transfer and your train journey.

Which Is Better, Inca Rail or Peru Rail?

It depends on your preferences. We decided to go with Peru Rail because they offer more daily departures. We were impressed by their Vistadome option, especially considering the reasonable price. The Vistadome provided panoramic views throughout the journey, an audio guide explaining the route, cultural presentations, and complimentary snacks on board. 

Additionally, Peru Rail serves more destinations than Inca Rail and offers a group discount for 12 adults or more, which is a nice perk. 

Our experience with Peru Rail was fantastic, and I highly recommend them. 

Another Popular Option: Hiking The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night hike that starts near Ollantaytambo and leads to Machu Picchu. It’s well-known for its amazing views, tough terrain, and rich history. While it doesn’t begin in Cusco, it’s a popular way to reach Machu Picchu. You’ll need a permit and guide, but the scenery makes it worth it. Although I didn’t do the hike, it deserved to be mentioned because it is very famous.

Tips For Visiting Machu Picchu

Having visited Machu Picchu, I have a few tips that will make your trip to this epic site smoother. Take a look at my top suggestions below.

Bring Your Passport

You’ll need to bring your passport with you to Machu Picchu. Some places will even offer a novelty Machu Picchu stamp. But I don’t recommend getting a novelty stamp on your passport because it might invalidate them for certain countries you may travel to afterward. 

Book Your Tickets In Advance

The number of people entering Machu Picchu each day is limited, so you should book your tickets in advance. We booked our guided tour tickets about two weeks ahead of time, which worked great for us, but the sooner, the better, so you can secure your spot. 

Only Bring A Small Bag

You’ll need a small bag as large ones aren’t allowed inside Machu Picchu. Also, remember that tripods, food, drones, and some other items are prohibited.

My main advice is to bring layers and mosquito repellent. Bugs can be a nuisance due to the jungle nearby, and the high elevation of Machu Picchu means it can get chilly, so layers will keep you comfortable.

Choose Which Circuit Is Right For You

Machu Picchu has a set route that visitors follow, and there are four circuits to choose from. Our guide suggested Circuit 2, which offers the site’s best views, and I agree that the views were brilliant!

Take The Bus From Aguas Calientes Instead Of Hiking

Once in Aguas Calientes, you have two main choices. You can hike for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to Machu Picchu or take a quick bus ride to the site. I recommend the bus since the hiking path and bus route are the same, and this saves you energy and time when exploring Machu Picchu itself.

Consider Staying In Aguas Calientes The Night Before

The trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu is quite lengthy. Although we enjoyed ourselves, travelling and exploring the site took about 14 to 15 hours. If you feel this might be too much, especially if you’re travelling with children and need to break up the travel time, think about staying overnight in Aguas Calientes before visiting the site. It’s a great way to orient yourself and have a more relaxed experience.

Make Sure To Stay Hydrated During Your Travels

Machu Picchu is about 2,430 metres above sea level, and at such a high elevation, it can be easy to get dehydrated or experience altitude sickness. Be sure to drink a bunch of water to stay hydrated and healthy while exploring this fascinating site.  

FAQs About How To Get To Machu Picchu From Cusco

Below, I have answered a few frequently asked questions about how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco. 

What is the best way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The best way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by direct train. We took the Peru Rail and had a lovely time. 

How long is the train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes about 3 to 4 hours. 

How much does it cost to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The cost to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu varies from $50 for economy to $500 for luxury. 

Can you do Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco?

You can do Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco but it’ll be a long day of about 14-15 hours. 

Should I go to Cusco before or after Machu Picchu?

You should go to Cusco before Machu Picchu because it helps with altitude sickness, and it’s an easy place to stay before you venture onto Machu Picchu.

Final Thoughts On How To Get To Machu Picchu From Cusco

Our trip to Machu Picchu was incredible. It’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen, and despite the long journey, it’s worth it for the experience, scenery, and history. While both train companies are good choices, we had a great time with Peru Rail, especially with the Vistadome option for its amazing views. 

I also suggest following the tips I mentioned to ensure you have the best time at Machu Picchu. The most important tip is to bring layers and mosquito repellent; you don’t want to miss out on enjoying this beautiful place because you weren’t prepared.

Overall, we loved visiting both Cusco and Machu Picchu, and I hope this guide to travelling between the two helps you plan your next getaway.