Machu Picchu from Cusco | Transportation, Trains & Travel Tips
To reach the Machu Picchu Citadel from the city of Cusco, the journey is organized in consecutive stages, combining ground transportation and tourist trains.
The first leg of the trip can be completed in two ways: by taking a direct train from Cusco to the town of Aguas Calientes, the starting point for the ascent to the citadel, or by following the regular route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which combines road and rail transportation.
Railway Companies Operating the Route
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PeruRail
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Inca Rail
Main Train Stations Along the Route
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Cusco City Train Station
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Ollantaytambo Train Station
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Aguas Calientes Train Station (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
Stage 1: Departure from Cusco City
Option A: Direct Tourist Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Limited Availability)
From the San Pedro train station in Cusco, there is a direct tourist train service to Aguas Calientes.
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Operating company: PeruRail
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Service type: Direct tourist train
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Travel time: Approximately 4 hours
This service is a comfortable option for travelers who want to avoid transfers. Due to limited capacity and schedules, availability should be confirmed well in advance.
Option B: Tourist Ground Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station
The regular alternative involves a tourist road transfer from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
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Road travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
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Transport type: Operator-provided tourist transport (bimodal service: bus + train), private service, or shared transportation
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Note: This road journey forms part of the Sacred Valley tourist circuit.
Stage 2: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (Regular Train)
From the Ollantaytambo train station, travelers board the regular tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the final railway point before ascending to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
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Train travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Railway companies operating this segment:
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PeruRail
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Inca Rail
It is important to note that only PeruRail operates trains departing from the city of Cusco, while Inca Rail operates exclusively from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Stage 3: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu Citadel (Tourist Bus)
Once in Aguas Calientes, travelers take the official tourist bus that ascends the road to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
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Bus travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
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Frequency: Continuous departures during official visiting hours
Proper transportation planning is essential for an organized and stress-free visit to Machu Picchu. Choosing the best route depends on train availability, travel time, and the type of experience each traveler is seeking.