Town in Cusco, Peru
Getting around Machu Picchu
How to get around Machu Picchu
There are no roads from Cusco. Take PeruRail or Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes, then the shuttle bus or a steep walk to the gate.
Ways to get around Machu Picchu
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| PeruRail / Inca Rail | About US$60–85 one way (Expedition/Voyager); premium classes cost more | Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes about 1.5–2 hours; book ahead |
| Consettur shuttle bus | About US$12 each way | About 25 minutes up the switchbacks to the citadel entrance |
| Walk up from town | Free | About 1.5–2 hours up steep stairs; entry ticket is sold separately, online only |
| Hike-in routes (Inca Trail) | Permit and guide required | Licensed operators only; book months ahead |
Taxis in Machu Picchu
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps or cars in the town itself. Use the shuttle bus, your feet and prearranged transfers in Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
Arriving in Machu Picchu
Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete) (CUZ)
To Ollantaytambo by taxi or shared van about 2 hours (S/ 80–200), or taxi to Poroy station about 30 min (S/ 30–40); then train to Aguas Calientes.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Tourists can drive with a home licence plus an IDP for a limited period; driving in Lima is chaotic.
- Onward travel in Peru: Premium overnight buses (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa) link the coast and Andes; flying Lima–Cusco saves a long day. Trains run only to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Machu Picchu?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps or cars in the town itself. Use the shuttle bus, your feet and prearranged transfers in Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
What's the best way to get around Machu Picchu?
There are no roads from Cusco. Take PeruRail or Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes, then the shuttle bus or a steep walk to the gate.
How do I get from the airport to Machu Picchu?
To Ollantaytambo by taxi or shared van about 2 hours (S/ 80–200), or taxi to Poroy station about 30 min (S/ 30–40); then train to Aguas Calientes.
Is Machu Picchu walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Machu Picchu
Going to Machu Picchu solo?
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Sources
- Cruz del Sur
- PeruRail
- Inca Rail
- redBus Peru
- Machu Picchu official tickets (Ministry of Culture)
- Inca Rail
- Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (SERNANP)
- PeruRail tickets to Machu Picchu
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.