Complete guide to getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco in 2026: the route via Ollantaytambo (most popular), direct bimodal train, Inca Trail and luxury train. Prices, times and what to choose based on your budget and schedule.
There is no road to Machu Picchu. The only motorized access is the train, and the only way on foot is the Inca Trail or alternative trekking routes. Cusco is the starting point for almost every traveler visiting the Inca citadel.
Here are all the options available in 2026, with real prices, journey times and clear recommendations.
Once you've chosen your route, read the PeruRail vs Inca Rail train comparison and the Machu Picchu tickets guide.
Route Summary
| Route | Total time | Difficulty | Approx. price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Train → Aguas Calientes | ~3h30 total | Easy | $80-150 | Most travelers |
| Bimodal train Cusco → Aguas Calientes (Poroy or Wanchaq) | ~5-6h total | Easy | $90-170 | Those who don't want to visit the Sacred Valley |
| Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | 4 days | Difficult | $600-900+ | Trekkers and adventurers |
| Short Inca Trail (2 days) | 2 days | Moderate | $350-550 | Those who want trekking without 4 days |
| Alternative treks (Salkantay, Lares) | 4-5 days | Difficult | $400-800 | Adventurers who want to avoid the Inca Trail |
Route 1: Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Train (the most popular)
This is the route used by 95% of travelers reaching Machu Picchu. It is fast, comfortable and allows you to visit the Sacred Valley along the way.
Step 1: Cusco → Ollantaytambo (~1h45)
By private taxi or transfer:
- Cost: $25-45 USD (shared taxi) or $50-80 USD (private door-to-door transfer)
- Duration: ~1h45 along the Sacred Valley road
- Recommendation: Private transfer if you're traveling with a group or luggage. More comfortable and the driver waits for you.
By shared minibus (combi):
- Cost: S/. 10-15 per person (very affordable)
- Duration: 2h-2h30 (makes stops)
- Departs from Chinchero market or Cusco terminal
- Only recommended if you have time and a very tight budget
Combined with a Sacred Valley tour: Many full-day Sacred Valley tours include the Pisac ruins, Pisac market, Moray, the Maras salt mines and end at Ollantaytambo in the afternoon to catch the train. This is the most complete option to make the most of the journey.
Step 2: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (train, ~1h25)
From Ollantaytambo station (5 minutes on foot from the town center), PeruRail and Inca Rail trains depart throughout the day.
- Price: From $62 USD (PeruRail Expedition) to $600+ USD (PeruRail Hiram Bingham)
- Duration: ~1h20 - 1h45 depending on the train
- First departure: 05:05 a.m.
- Last departure: ~21:00
Read the full train comparison to choose the best one for you.
Step 3: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (bus, ~25 min)
From the Aguas Calientes Plaza, buses depart to the citadel entrance.
- Price: ~$12 USD adult round trip, ~$6 USD child
- First departure: 05:30 a.m.
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes in high season
Alternative: Hike up via the pedestrian trail (~1h30, ~400 steps).
Total time for Route 1:
| Leg | Time |
|---|---|
| Cusco → Ollantaytambo (transfer) | 1h45 |
| Wait at station | 30 min |
| Train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes | 1h25 |
| Bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu | 25 min |
| TOTAL | ~4h |
If you leave Cusco at 6:00 a.m., you can be at Machu Picchu before 10:00 a.m.
Route 2: Bimodal Train Cusco → Aguas Calientes (from Poroy or Wanchaq)
PeruRail operates trains from Poroy station (20 min from Cusco by taxi) and Inca Rail from Wanchaq station in central Cusco. These trains go directly to Aguas Calientes without stopping in Ollantaytambo.
- Duration: ~5h30 - 6h to Aguas Calientes
- Price: Higher than from Ollantaytambo (~$90-180 depending on the service)
- Departure: First trains in the early morning
Why choose this route?
- If you've already visited the Sacred Valley on another day and want a different path
- If you fly directly into Cusco airport and want to take the train the same day
- For the Hiram Bingham by PeruRail (departs from Poroy) — all-inclusive luxury experience
Why NOT choose it?
- 2 extra hours of travel vs. from Ollantaytambo
- Higher prices
- Most tourists prefer the Ollantaytambo route
Route 3: Classic Inca Trail (4 days, 3 nights)
The Inca Trail is the most iconic way to reach Machu Picchu. It covers 43 km along original Inca paths, passing through archaeological sites, cloud forests and diverse ecosystems until arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with a view of Machu Picchu at dawn on the fourth day.
What's included:
- Porters and certified guide (mandatory)
- Equipped camps with tents and sleeping mats
- Meals during the trek
- Return transport to Cusco by train
Key details:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Distance | ~43 km |
| Highest point | Warmihuañusca Pass (4,215m) — "Dead Woman's Pass" |
| Difficulty | High (especially day 2) |
| Daily limit | 500 people maximum (including guides and porters) |
| When to book | 3-6 months ahead in high season |
| Annual closure | All of February |
| Price | $600-900+ USD per person (all inclusive) |
The trek day by day:
- Day 1: Cusco → Km 82 (start) → Wayllabamba (campsite). Gentle ascent.
- Day 2: The hardest day. Ascent to Warmihuañusca Pass (4,215m). Descent to Pacaymayu.
- Day 3: Ruins of Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka and Phuyupatamarka. Camp at Wiñay Wayna.
- Day 4: Pre-dawn departure toward Inti Punku. Sunrise view of Machu Picchu. Citadel visit. Train back Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo → Cusco.
Route 4: Short Inca Trail (2 days, 1 night)
The "Short Inca Trail" departs from Km 104 and reaches the citadel in 2 days. It covers the final section of the original Inca Trail, including the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and the arrival through the Sun Gate.
- Distance: ~14 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Price: $350-550 USD per person (all inclusive)
- Capacity: Does not have the strict 500-person limit of the classic trail
- Ideal for: Those who want the Sun Gate arrival experience without 4 days of trekking
Route 5: Alternative Trekking Routes
If the Inca Trail is sold out or you don't want to wait months for a permit, there are alternative routes that end in Aguas Calientes or at Machu Picchu:
Salkantay Trek (5 days)
The most popular alternative route. Passes below the Salkantay glacier (6,271m), descends through the jungle and arrives at Aguas Calientes. Spectacular scenery, without the limited permits of the Inca Trail.
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Difficulty: High
- Price: $400-700 USD (all inclusive)
Lares Trek (3-4 days)
Passes through high Andean communities, natural thermal pools and arrives at Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes. More cultural, less touristy.
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate-high
- Price: $350-600 USD
Which Route Should You Choose?
| If you... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Have 1-2 days for Machu Picchu | Route 1 (Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Train) |
| Want the iconic trekking experience | Classic Inca Trail (4 days) |
| Want trekking without 4 days | Short Inca Trail or Salkantay |
| Travel with children or seniors | Route 1 by comfortable train |
| Have a limited budget | Route 1 with Expedition (from $62 USD for the train) |
| Want extreme luxury | Route 2 with Hiram Bingham from Poroy |
FAQ
Can I drive to Machu Picchu? No. There is no road to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu. The furthest you can get by car is Ollantaytambo or Santa María (for unofficial alternative bus + walk routes).
How much does the whole trip from Cusco cost? A 1-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco costs a minimum of $150-200 USD per person (transfer + train + ticket + bus). With accommodation in Aguas Calientes and guided tour, $300-400 USD. With luxury, $600-1000+.
Can I do it as a day trip from Cusco? Yes, but it's exhausting. You'd leave Cusco very early (4:00-5:00 a.m.) and return around 22:00-23:00. Most travelers prefer at least one night in Aguas Calientes.
Do I need to book everything in advance? Yes. In high season (Jun-Aug) trains and tickets sell out weeks in advance. Book at least 4-8 weeks ahead as a minimum.
At Machupicchu Agency we coordinate the full logistics: transfer from your Cusco hotel, train, Machu Picchu entry, bus and local guide. Browse our packages from Cusco or contact us.
