How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: Train, Bus and Ticket Order
Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu normally involves several connected stages. Depending on your train, you may travel by road to Ollantaytambo or use a combined bus-and-train service. The train then finishes in Machu Picchu Pueblo, also called Aguas Calientes, where a separate mountain bus takes you to the entrance.
The most important step is choosing your Machu Picchu entry before finalizing the transport.
Choose your visit first. We coordinate the return train and bus around it.
What is the simplest route from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
For many independent travelers, the clearest route is Cusco to Ollantaytambo by road, Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo by train, then the authorized mountain bus to the entrance. The complete journey must be timed around a route-specific Machu Picchu entry.
| Stage | What you need |
|---|---|
| Cusco to Ollantaytambo | Transfer, taxi, shared vehicle or bimodal ticket |
| Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo | Train ticket |
| Pueblo to entrance | Mountain bus ticket |
| Machu Picchu visit | Route-specific entry permit |
| Return | Bus down, train back, then onward transport |
PeruRail runs regular rail and bimodal services; Inca Rail's Cusco connection uses a bus to Ollantaytambo followed by rail. Services vary by date, so read the full itinerary.
Is there a direct train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Some services operate from stations in or near Cusco, and some operate as bimodal journeys combining a road transfer with a train. Other travelers make their own way to Ollantaytambo and board there.
The exact departure station and transport combination depend on the operator, season, service and travel date. Always read the full itinerary rather than assuming that a Cusco departure means one uninterrupted train journey.
The correct order for planning Cusco to Machu Picchu
- 1Check Machu Picchu route availabilityConfirm the circuit and date first.
- 2Choose the date and entry timeThis fixes the rest of the day.
- 3Select a train that arrives early enoughAllow for the walk, bus queue and mountain journey.
- 4Arrange Cusco to the correct train stationRoad transfer or bimodal, depending on your train.
- 5Add the mountain bus in both directionsSeparate from the train and the entry permit.
- 6Choose the return trainOnly after allowing for the visit and bus descent.
- 7Arrange the onward journey to CuscoPlan how you get back from Ollantaytambo.
Option 1: Travel to Ollantaytambo and board the train there
This gives you the widest choice of Ollantaytambo train departures and lets you control how you reach the Sacred Valley.
It works particularly well for travelers already staying in Ollantaytambo or visiting the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu.
| Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Wide choice of trains | Cusco transfer must be arranged |
| Useful for Sacred Valley itineraries | Allow for road delays |
| Clear starting point for a Get to Machu Picchu package | You must reach the station early |
Option 2: Use a bimodal bus-and-train service from Cusco
A bimodal service combines a bus from Cusco with a train from Ollantaytambo or another operational transfer station.
It can simplify the first part of the journey, but it does not include the separate mountain bus from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the archaeological entrance.
PeruRail states that its bimodal bus does not travel to the citadel. A separate authorized mountain bus is still needed after the train.
What happens after the train arrives?
The train arrives in Machu Picchu Pueblo, not at the entrance. From the station, you walk to the mountain-bus boarding area, queue, travel up the mountain and present your timed entry permit.
This is why the train should arrive well before the printed entrance time.
Learn how the Machu Picchu mountain bus works, or see what train time you need for your entry.
Can you visit Machu Picchu from Cusco in one day?
Yes, a same-day journey can work for later entry times when the road, train and mountain-bus connections provide a comfortable buffer.
A 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. entry generally requires staying in Machu Picchu Pueblo the previous night. Do not force an early entry into an unrealistic same-day schedule.
Get to Machu Picchu packages currently begin with the return train from Ollantaytambo. Travel between Cusco and Ollantaytambo is not included unless clearly stated in your selected package.
Cusco to Machu Picchu: FAQs
Not in one uninterrupted ride. Some services leave from stations in or near Cusco, and some are bimodal, combining a road transfer with a train. The train ends in Machu Picchu Pueblo, also called Aguas Calientes, not at the entrance. Always read the full itinerary.
Allow most of a day one way once you combine the road transfer to Ollantaytambo, the train, the walk in Machu Picchu Pueblo and the mountain bus. Early entries usually mean staying overnight the night before.
Most independent routes pass through Ollantaytambo, either because you travel there by road to board the train, or because a bimodal service transfers you there. It is the main Sacred Valley rail station for Machu Picchu.
No. The train is a separate ticket from the Machu Picchu entry permit, and the mountain bus is separate again. A train ticket alone does not give you access to the citadel.
Yes for later entry times when the connections give a comfortable buffer. Very early entries such as 6:00 a.m. generally require staying in Machu Picchu Pueblo the night before rather than traveling from Cusco that morning.
No. Get to Machu Picchu packages currently begin with the return train from Ollantaytambo. Travel between Cusco and Ollantaytambo is not included unless your selected package clearly states otherwise.
For many travelers, road transfer to Ollantaytambo, train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, then the authorized mountain bus to the entrance. The whole journey should be timed around a route-specific Machu Picchu entry.
Start with your Machu Picchu visit
Choose your circuit, date and entry time. We coordinate the entry permit, return train from Ollantaytambo and return mountain bus.
Check Complete Journey AvailabilityCusco to Ollantaytambo transfer not included unless stated in your package.
Last reviewed: 23 July 2026. Reviewed by: Get to Machu Picchu Booking Team. Primary sources: PeruRail and Inca Rail service information and current government visitor information. Official schedules, prices and availability can change. Our planning recommendations are conservative guidance and are clearly identified as recommendations.