How To Get From Cusco To Machu Picchu (Your 2025 Complete Guide)

The Four Standard Ways Of Getting From Cusco To Machu Picchu

There are actually a lot more ways of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu than you might think. However we’ve found that there are generally four main options that tourists take to get here, which we’ll now cover below.

Taking A Taxi

Booking a taxi or hailing a cab is one of the quickest ways, simply because you can book in advance and head there directly without any delays. Many tourists that do this will arrange pick-up to be from the Alejandro Velasco Airport in Cusco, and will usually visit Machu Picchu and come back the same day. You can expect a taxi from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (which is right below Machu Picchu) to cost around $150, and take around 5 hours to get here. Overall it’s a solid option for those who are in a rush, and also don’t mind paying a little more for a quicker private ride.

Boarding The Train

There are two famous trains that head from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, which are PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both begin in the Poroy Train Station, which is around a 10 minute drive from Cusco’s historic centre (although there are multiple stops along the way to Aguas Calientes). Here you can relax and enjoy both food and more comfort as you glide around beautiful mountain passes. The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu costs between $140-190 depending on the train you take, and takes roughly 3 and a half hours to arrive at Aguas Calientes. There’s also the third option of boarding the more luxurious Hiram Bingham Train that has more pick-up locations around the Sacred Valley.

Hopping On A Bus / Local Transport

There is a way of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu via local transportation. You’ll first need to take a colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and then another to the Hidroeléctrica track. From here you’ll then hike for a couple of hours before reaching Aguas Calientes, where you can then walk up or take a bus up to the ruins. Overall it will take 7-9 hours and costs $15 for the one-way journey (not including the price of the bus up to Machu Picchu). This is by far the best option for those who want to spend the absolute minimum possible to get to Machu Picchu, although you will also have longer travel times and less comfort. 

Heading With A Tour

One of the most popular ways of getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco, a tour is the perfect option for those who want a mix of adventure and comfort. On a same day tour you’ll have all logistics, food and your entry ticket included, and the travel time from Cusco will only take 4-5 hours as you use a combination of buses and the train to make the journey. Another option is to head on an overnight tour, where you’ll get to spend extra time exploring Machu Picchu as well as the highlights around the town of Aguas Calientes. 

Alternative Ways Of Getting From Cusco To Machu Picchu

Above we have covered the most common ways that tourists make their way from Cusco to Machu Picchu. However there are also longer multi-day circuits that are popular for the more adventurous travellers, where you can see hidden ruins, beautiful landscapes and more incredible wildlife along the way.

Hiking The Short Inca Trail (2 Days)

The most simple hiking circuit to Machu Picchu is the Short 2 Day Inca Trail trek, where you will first take a train to the trailhead at the 104 km marker. From here you’ll then explore various ruins such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku before arriving at Machu Picchu. You’ll also visit the famous Seventh Wonder of the World a second time the following day before returning to Cusco. As well as including all transport, accommodation, meals and your permits, you’ll also have an expert guide lead you along this sacred path that was once walked by the Inca civilization.

The Classic Inca Trail Trek (4 Days)

The original trek to Machu Picchu, the Four Day Inca Trail hike offers us the most complete experience possible. Beginning our hike at the KM82 trailhead, from here we will pass many indigenous villages, sacred ruins and a variety of landscapes that include cloud forests and spiralling Andean peaks. Each day you will have a tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared for you, and also get to camp at some of the most iconic spots along the entire Inca Trail route. Given this trek is very popular, you’ll want to try and book it at least 6 months in advance in order to guarantee your spot and preferred camping locations.

Choosing Other Multi-Day Treks To Machu Picchu

Although the Inca Trail route is the most famous, hiking companies like ourselves here at AB Expeditions also offer various alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu. This includes our 4 Day Salkantay Trek where we can enjoy high altitude glacial landscapes, as well as the infamous bright blue Humantay Lake. Another option is to head on the 4 Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu, where you’ll experience beautiful waterfalls and Andean villages before joining onto the Short Inca Trail. The benefit with the latter is that it’s great to embark on any time of the year – whilst others may be more challenging at certain times of the year.

Is There An Overall Best Way Of Getting From Cusco To Machu Picchu?

Overall it really depends on what is best for you personally, and how you want to experience Machu Picchu.

If we have to choose one, it would be the overnight Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, given most tourists don’t want to spend so much time getting here whilst still being able to get the full experience. We’ll also be able to enjoy the train ride here, as well as other destinations around Aguas Calientes such as the Hot Springs, the Mariposario as well as climbing the adjacent peak of Huayna Picchu.

However if you are looking for the most complete and memorable experience possible, then there is no beating the Four Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour. As well as visiting the legendary citadel, we’ll also enjoy breathtaking landscapes, exotic nature as well as other sacred ruins such as Wiñay Wayna and Sayaqmarca.

Cusco To Machu Picchu FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

How Do I Get From Cusco City To Machu Picchu?

There are many different ways of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which can vary from a simple train ride to a longer four day trek along the Inca Trail. The most popular method is to head on an organised overnight trip, where you will have an expert guide, all logistics included as well as plenty of time to explore the sacred Incan citadel. However there are more options mentioned in this guide depending on the kind of experience that you are looking for.

What Is The Easiest Way To Get To Machu Picchu?

The overall easiest way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco is to head on an organised day trip. Here you will have pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, as well as a train ride and bus transport to Aguas Calientes. It’s also one of the quickest options too, given all logistics have already been planned and booked for you in advance – meaning it will take roughly 4-5 hours to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

How Long Is The Train Ride From Cusco To Machu Picchu?

The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu usually takes around 3 and a half hours, where you’ll depart Poroy station and then make your way to the mountain town of Aguas Calientes (which is located just underneath Machu Picchu). Here you’ll pass through many green valleys and also see some unforgettable mountain views.  It’s important to check properly beforehand the route of the train you want, since some trains only begin in towns like Ollantaytambo within the Sacred Valley.  

Overview Of How To Get From Cusco To Machu Picchu

And that’s all for this guide on how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

This incredible Incan fortress remains one of the absolute must-visits on a trip to Peru, and thankfully there are a variety of different ways that we can make the journey here. This includes a day tour, by bus or train, as well as heading on a memorable multi-day hike along the Inca Trail before arriving at Machu Picchu.

Are you ready to explore Machu Picchu? Then check out our unforgettable overnight tour from Cusco which includes all transport, meals as well as an expert local guide to show you around the sacred Incan site.