The Machu Picchu bus is the only road shuttle between Aguas Calientes and the citadel gate. It takes about 25 minutes and climbs a winding mountain road.
This guide explains the schedule, the ticket cost, and how to avoid long lines. It also shows how a private ride gets you to the train on time.
We provide private transport only, so we do not sell bus tickets, entrance tickets, or tours. Instead, we take you safely from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the station and back.
Machu Picchu Bus at a Glance
The Machu Picchu bus leaves from the center of Aguas Calientes, close to the train station and the river. It climbs the Hiram Bingham road up to the citadel entrance.
The ride covers about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) in roughly 25 minutes. Therefore, it saves your legs for the long walk through the ruins.
Only one company runs these shuttles, so you cannot compare operators. However, you can choose how and when you buy your ticket.
How the Machu Picchu Bus Works
Buses leave one after another as they fill, and the line moves quickly. Staff check your passport at the stop before you board.
The route has many tight switchbacks, so the road feels adventurous. Even so, drivers know it well, and the ride is safe and smooth.
Where the Bus Stops
The uphill stop sits on Avenida Hermanos Ayar, a short walk from the train platforms. At the top, the drop-off is just outside the citadel gate.
The return bus leaves from the same gate. As a result, you never need to find your way in the dark.
Machu Picchu Bus Schedule and Ride Time
The first Machu Picchu bus leaves Aguas Calientes at about 5:30 a.m. Buses then run every few minutes during the morning rush.
Service slows later in the day. Still, the last bus up leaves in the mid-afternoon, so plan to arrive well before that.
First Bus Uphill
Most travelers want the earliest buses to reach the gate before the crowds. Therefore, the line forms long before 5:30 a.m. in busy months.
If your entrance time is 6:00 a.m., aim to stand in line by 5:00 a.m. in the dry season. In the shoulder months, a little later is usually fine.
Buses Back Down
Buses return to Aguas Calientes from early morning until the late afternoon. The ride downhill takes about 20 minutes.
Return tickets have no fixed time, so you can leave when you are ready. However, check the last departure on the day, because it can change.
Machu Picchu Bus Ticket Cost
In recent years, a Machu Picchu bus ticket cost about $12 each way for foreign adults. A round trip was about $24, and children paid less.
Fares change, so confirm the current price with the bus company before you pay. Also, official sellers charge the listed price, while some resellers add a fee.
Entrance tickets are separate. You buy them on the official Ministry of Culture ticket site, and they have a fixed entry time.
One Way or Round Trip
A round trip is the simplest choice for most visitors. You ride up in the morning and ride down when you finish.
However, many people hike down to enjoy the stairs and the forest. In that case, a one-way ticket saves a little money.
Where to Buy Your Machu Picchu Bus Ticket
You can buy a Machu Picchu bus ticket online through the bus company or at its office in Aguas Calientes. The office sits on Avenida Hermanos Ayar and opens early and closes late.
Online tickets arrive by email as a QR code, so you can show them on your phone. Moreover, you skip the office line.
Inca Rail’s bus ticket guide explains the process step by step. In addition, never buy from street sellers, because they often charge more.
Bring Your Passport
Bring the same passport you used for your entrance ticket. The staff check it when you board the Machu Picchu bus and again at the gate.
A copy or a photo on your phone is not enough. Therefore, keep your passport in your daypack, not in your suitcase.
Machu Picchu Bus vs. Walking Up
You can also reach the citadel on foot, and many travelers do. The stone staircase is about 5 miles long and takes roughly two hours.
The climb is steep and starts in the dark if you want an early entry. Because of that, the Machu Picchu bus suits most visitors better.
Walking works well for fit travelers who start early and want a quiet forest morning. In contrast, the bus works best for families, older travelers, and anyone with a tight schedule.
Walking Down After Your Visit
Some visitors take the Machu Picchu bus up and walk down. This gives you views of the river without the steep climb.
Allow about 90 minutes for the descent, and wear shoes with good grip. If it rains, the bus is the safer choice.
How Early to Queue for the Machu Picchu Bus
Lines for the Machu Picchu bus grow fast between June and August. In the wetter months, they are shorter and move quicker.
For a 6:00 a.m. entrance, arrive at the stop between 4:15 and 5:15 a.m. depending on the season. Holidays and long weekends can add another 20 minutes.
Later entry times make life easier. For example, a 9:00 a.m. entrance lets you board mid-morning with a short wait.
Tips for a Shorter Line
Buy your Machu Picchu bus ticket the day before, so you can walk straight to the line. Also, dress in layers, because mornings are cold.
Keep your passport, entrance ticket, and bus ticket in one easy pocket. As a result, boarding takes a minute.
What to Bring on the Machu Picchu Bus
Machu Picchu limits bag size, so bring only a small daypack. Large suitcases must stay at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Pack water, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and a hat. Moreover, bring a portable charger and a few snacks for the long day.
Leave tripods, drones, and large umbrellas behind, because the gate staff will not allow them. Check the current rules before you travel.
Getting to Aguas Calientes Before Your Machu Picchu Bus Ride
Your Machu Picchu bus day starts with a train. Aguas Calientes has no road access from Cusco, so you ride the rails or hike in.
Most travelers take the train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Our PeruRail comparison in the Expedition vs. Vistadome guide helps you choose. After the train, review train company options for your Aguas Calientes arrival. Before you travel, read our guide to Machu Picchu train safety tips. Book your train first, then read our guide to Machu Picchu train tickets for the next step. If you join a guided visit, learn how tour transportation works in Cusco before the big day. For more detail, see our Inca Rail departure guide, PeruRail departure guide, Machu Picchu train times from Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu transportation budget. For the big picture, see our Lima to Machu Picchu travel time breakdown. If you are flying out to the capital afterward, read our guide to getting from Machu Picchu back to Lima. You may also like our Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train guide, which compares timing and costs.
Read our Machu Picchu by train guide for seats, luggage rules, and timing. It shows what to expect on board.
From Ollantaytambo Station
Ollantaytambo is the most popular boarding point, because the ride is shorter. See our Ollantaytambo train station guide for the platforms.
The Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes guide covers the 90-minute ride. Then you walk to the Machu Picchu bus stop in minutes.
From Poroy Station
Poroy is the closest station to Cusco, so it suits late sleepers. Our Poroy train station guide explains the schedule and the drive.
The train from Poroy takes longer than from Ollantaytambo. However, it saves you the drive through the Sacred Valley.
Your Private Ride From Cusco to the Train
A private driver picks you up at your Cusco hotel and drives you to the station before your train. You skip the crowded buses and the taxi bargaining.
Our fixed fare from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is $44 for a sedan, $58 for a minivan, and $73 for a Sprinter. Our fare from Cusco to Poroy is $20, $35, or $58 by vehicle size.
Prices are per vehicle, not per person. Therefore, groups and families split the cost easily. See our Cusco to Ollantaytambo guide for the full route.
Leaving Time and Luggage
Your driver arrives with extra time for traffic and check-in. As a result, you reach the platform calm and early.
You can leave larger luggage at your Cusco hotel and bring a small bag for the night. That keeps your Machu Picchu bus day light.
A Sample Machu Picchu Bus Day
Here is a simple plan that works for many travelers. You can adjust it to your train and entrance time.
Start with a private pickup in Cusco at about 5:00 a.m. for a morning train from Ollantaytambo. You reach Aguas Calientes before 10:00 a.m., then board the Machu Picchu bus.
Explore the citadel for about three hours. Next, ride the bus down and enjoy lunch in town before your evening train.
After the train, your driver meets you at the station. The late pickup takes you back to your Cusco hotel.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
A night in town lets you catch the first Machu Picchu bus without a rush. Also, you can see the citadel in softer morning light.
Our Machu Picchu day trip guide compares the day trip and the overnight plan. Our Cusco to Aguas Calientes guide covers the full route.
Returning After the Machu Picchu Bus: Back to Cusco
After the bus ride down, you still have a train and a road leg to finish. Many visitors arrive at the station tired and want a simple ride home.
Your private driver waits at Ollantaytambo or Poroy with your name on a sign. Read our Machu Picchu to Cusco guide for every return option.
The drive from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes about two hours. See the Ollantaytambo to Cusco guide for the route and the fare.
The Hidroelectrica Route
Some travelers skip the train and use the Hidroelectrica route. It is a long day with a drive and a walk along the tracks, so it needs careful planning.
Read our Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes guide before you choose it. It explains the timing, the road, and the walk.
Machu Picchu Bus Tips for Families and Slower Walkers
The Machu Picchu bus is a great choice for children and older travelers. Seats are standard bus seats, and there are no ramps or lifts.
Children under four may ride free on a parent’s lap, but check the current rule. Also, bring a small bag with snacks, water, and a warm layer.
At altitude, take your time. Our Cusco altitude guide explains how to feel better in your first days.
Common Machu Picchu Bus Mistakes
The most common mistake is arriving at the stop too late. Another is forgetting the passport at the hotel.
Many visitors also assume the bus ticket sets the entry time. In fact, the entrance ticket sets it, so the two are separate.
Finally, some travelers book a train that leaves too early or too late for their entrance time. Therefore, match the train, the bus line, and the entrance slot before you pay.
Do Not Rely on Street Sellers
Buy from the official counter or the official website only. That way, your Machu Picchu bus ticket is valid and the price is fair.
If you want a full plan without a tour, read Machu Picchu without a tour. It shows how independent travelers organize the day.
Plan Your Machu Picchu Bus Day With a Private Driver
The Machu Picchu bus is only one step in a full day of travel. A reliable ride before and after it keeps the whole trip calm.
Our drivers speak English, track your train, and wait if you are late. For more road options, see Machu Picchu transportation and Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.
Share your train time and hotel, and we confirm a fixed price in minutes.
How long is the Machu Picchu bus ride?
The Machu Picchu bus ride takes about 25 minutes uphill and about 20 minutes downhill. The road covers roughly 5.5 miles (8.9 km) of switchbacks.
How much does the Machu Picchu bus cost?
In recent years, a foreign adult paid about $12 each way or about $24 round trip, with lower child fares. Prices change, so confirm the current fare with the bus company.
What time does the first Machu Picchu bus leave?
The first bus leaves Aguas Calientes at about 5:30 a.m. In busy months, the line starts well before that time.
Can I buy the Machu Picchu bus ticket online?
Yes. You can buy it online through the bus company and receive a QR code by email. You can also buy it at the office on Avenida Hermanos Ayar.
Do I need my passport for the Machu Picchu bus?
Yes. Staff check your passport when you board, and the gate checks it again at the entrance. A photo on your phone is not enough.
Is the Machu Picchu bus ticket tied to my entry time?
No. The bus ticket does not set your entry time. Your entrance ticket sets it, so you buy the two separately.
Can I walk instead of taking the Machu Picchu bus?
Yes. The stone staircase takes about two hours uphill and about 90 minutes downhill. It is steep, so the bus suits most visitors better.
Does your company sell Machu Picchu bus tickets?
No. We provide private transport only, so we do not sell bus tickets, entrance tickets, or tours. We take you to and from the train station in Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo.
How much is a private ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
Our fixed fare is $44 for a sedan, $58 for a minivan, and $73 for a Sprinter, per vehicle. The fare covers the whole vehicle, not each person.
Can your driver pick me up after the Machu Picchu bus and train?
Yes. Your driver meets you at Ollantaytambo or Poroy station after your evening train. Share your train time and we track it for you.
