Key facts
- There’s only one authorized operator: Consettur Machupicchu.
- Buses go up from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and down from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; the ride takes 25 to 30 minutes.
- Reference fare for foreign visitors: US$24 round trip.
- Walking up takes about an hour and a half on a trail of stone steps.
A winding road of about 8 km links Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) with the sanctuary entrance. Just one authorized bus service runs along it, operated by Consettur Machupicchu.
Schedules and ride time
| Uphill (Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu) | 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Downhill (Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes) | 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Ride time | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Frequency | Every few minutes, depending on demand |
Reference fares
| Passenger | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult foreign visitor | US$12 | US$24 |
| Foreign child (under 12) | US$7 | US$12 |
| Peruvian adult | S/ 8 | S/ 15 |
| Peruvian student | S/ 6 | S/ 10 |
| Peruvian child | S/ 5 | S/ 8 |
Fares as published in PeruRail’s travel guide. Confirm them when you buy, as they may change.
Where to buy
- Online, by card, on the operator’s ticketing website.
- In Aguas Calientes, at the office on Avenida Hermanos Ayar, before the Puente Ruinas bridge.
- In Cusco, at the office on Avenida Pardo.
Bring your passport or ID when you board: the ticket is personal. It’s valid on any bus during service hours.
Walking up
You can also hike up on a trail of stone steps that crosses the road several times. It’s a tough climb, so plan on about an hour and a half. Many travelers take the bus up and walk down.
Tips
- For the first entry time slot, get in the bus line early: in peak season, lines start forming before 5:30 a.m.
- Buy a round-trip bus ticket so you don’t have to wait in another line on the way out.
- Remember that the bus doesn’t include your entry ticket.
Still need a train? Read our guide to the train to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the bus to Machu Picchu?
According to PeruRail’s guide, US$24 round trip for adult foreign visitors and US$12 for children under 12. Confirm the fare when you buy.
What time does the first bus to Machu Picchu leave?
The first bus up leaves Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m. In peak season, it’s best to get in line before then.
Can you walk up to Machu Picchu?
Yes, on a trail of stone steps from Aguas Calientes. It’s challenging and takes about an hour and a half.
