Ollantaytambo to Urubamba is one of the shortest rides in the Sacred Valley. However, it is also one that travelers plan around trains, luggage, and tired legs.
This guide explains the distance, the drive time, and your real transport choices. Then it shows how a private transfer fits your valley stay.
We provide private transport only. Therefore, you book hotels, tours, and train tickets separately.
Ollantaytambo to Urubamba: Distance and Drive Time
The two towns sit on the same main road along the river. According to Frommer’s, the bus between them takes about 30 minutes.
The Only Peru Guide lists 30 to 40 minutes for Urubamba to Ollantaytambo. Therefore, plan about 35 minutes by car, plus time for luggage.
Altitude on the Ollantaytambo to Urubamba Road
Urubamba sits at 2,871 meters, according to Tierras Vivas. Ollantaytambo lies at about 2,800 meters, so the ride stays almost level.
As a result, the trip is easy on the body. Also, both towns sit well below Cusco.
Both towns sit far below Cusco, which stands near 3,400 meters, as Wikipedia notes. Therefore, many travelers feel better here.
Still, altitude sickness can appear on your first days. Drink water, rest, and avoid heavy meals on arrival night.
The Road Itself
The route follows the Urubamba River on a paved highway. Therefore, the ride is smooth, and the views stay green and open.
However, traffic slows near town centers and market days. In addition, early train departures leave the road quiet before dawn.
Your Transport Options for Ollantaytambo to Urubamba
Private Transfer
A driver meets you at your hotel or at the train station. Your driver then takes you directly to your door in Urubamba.
Because the ride is private, you leave when you are ready. As a result, you avoid waiting for a full vehicle.
Your Ollantaytambo to Urubamba driver waits while you load your bags. Moreover, you can stop for photos on request, which a shared van cannot offer.
Colectivos and Combis
Shared vans and combis run on this road, per Frommer’s. Combis to other valley points cost S/2 to S/4 and leave from the intersection at Avenida Castilla.
However, vans fill up with local passengers, and luggage space is limited. Therefore, big suitcases make this option stressful.
Shared Taxis and Mototaxis
Tierras Vivas says shared taxis run northwest on the main road. In addition, mototaxis are the quickest way to reach hotels in nearby Yucay.
Still, these rides suit short hops with light bags. Meanwhile, a private car suits families and long travel days.
Train
Urubamba has its own train station, according to Tierras Vivas. Trains toward Aguas Calientes also stop in Ollantaytambo.
However, schedules and prices change with demand. Therefore, check your ticket before you plan a ground transfer.
Planning the Ollantaytambo to Urubamba Ride
Short rides still need a plan, because trains and check-in times fix your day. Therefore, share your train time and hotel name before you travel.
In addition, the early hours are the busiest for luggage and platforms. As a result, a driver who knows the station saves you stress.
Finally, leave a small buffer for traffic near the town centers. Then you arrive without rushing.
Ollantaytambo to Urubamba Transfer Prices
Prices for the Ollantaytambo to Urubamba hop depend on your hotel and your group size. Share both, and we confirm a fixed price before you book.
For context, a private ride from Cusco costs $44 for a sedan to Ollantaytambo station. Urubamba and valley hotels cost $45 for a sedan, $65 for a minivan, and $80 for a Sprinter.
Vehicle Sizes
The sedan seats up to three passengers with luggage. Meanwhile, the minivan seats four or five, and the Sprinter takes up to 15.
Therefore, choose a larger vehicle if you carry big suitcases. Our fleet page shows each vehicle. For a closer look, read our Ollantaytambo taxi prices and tips.
Likewise, a couple with two suitcases fits comfortably in a sedan.
What Every Ride Includes
Every ride includes tolls and SOAT insurance. In addition, English-speaking staff answer on WhatsApp around the clock.
What We Do Not Sell
We provide transport only. Therefore, hotels, tours, entrance tickets, and train tickets come from other providers.
After Ollantaytambo to Urubamba: What to Do in Town
Urubamba is a base, not only a stop. The main square has a church and colonial buildings, per Tierras Vivas.
A fountain with a giant corn sculpture completes the scene. Therefore, it makes a pleasant first walk.
Seminario Pottery Workshop
The workshop on Berriozabal Street opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., per Tierras Vivas. It uses pre-Columbian techniques with local red clay.
Therefore, it makes a calm first stop after check-in. Also, hours can change, so confirm before you go.
Inkariy Museum
The Inkariy Museum shows archaeological artifacts and dioramas of pre-Inca and Inca history. Therefore, it suits a rainy afternoon.
Meanwhile, nearby hikes follow the river toward the old Inca bridge. Our Sacred Valley of the Incas guide explains the wider region.
When Ollantaytambo to Urubamba Makes Sense
Luggage and Larger Groups
Families and groups often carry several bags. Therefore, a minivan or Sprinter keeps everyone together.
In contrast, shared vans split groups and fill quickly. Also, one private ride makes the hand-off to your hotel simple.
After the Train Back From Machu Picchu
Many travelers return from Aguas Calientes in the evening. Therefore, a private car waiting at Ollantaytambo station saves a tiring search for a ride.
See our Ollantaytambo train station guide for the platforms. Also, Machu Picchu by train explains the schedule.
Before an Early Train
Some hikers sleep in Urubamba for its quiet hotels. Then they ride to Ollantaytambo before an early departure.
Your driver watches the clock for you. Therefore, you reach the platform with time to spare.
Read our Km 104 Inca Trail guide for the short hike. In addition, the Km 82 Inca Trail guide covers the classic route.
Splitting Your Valley Stay
Ollantaytambo offers ruins and train links. Meanwhile, Urubamba offers quiet hotels near Yucay, so the pairing gives variety.
Many visitors spend two nights in each town. Therefore, the ride between them marks a natural change of scene.
Our Ollantaytambo guide and Urubamba Peru guide compare both bases. Meanwhile, the Sacred Valley map shows how the towns connect.
A Sample Plan: Ollantaytambo to Urubamba and Beyond
On day one, rest in Ollantaytambo and explore the ruins. First, keep the day light, because the altitude is still new.
On day two, ride from Ollantaytambo to Urubamba after breakfast. Then check in and visit the main square.
On day three, explore the valley by road. Our Cusco to Urubamba guide covers the other direction.
Finally, return to Cusco when your trip ends. A Cusco private driver can then plan the rest of your days.
For the arrival leg, see Cusco airport to Sacred Valley. It covers the ride from the terminal to the valley.
Packing and Timing Tips
Keep your passport and train tickets in your daypack. Also, pack layers, because valley evenings turn cool.
Share your train time when you book. Then your driver arrives early enough for the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ollantaytambo from Urubamba?
The two towns sit on the same main road. The ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes by car or bus.
How much is a private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Urubamba?
The price depends on your hotel and group size. Share both, and we confirm a fixed price before you book.
Is there a bus from Ollantaytambo to Urubamba?
Yes. Buses and combis run on the main road, and combis cost S/2 to S/4. Luggage space is limited, so large bags are hard to carry.
Can you pick me up at Ollantaytambo station?
Yes. Share your train time, and your driver waits at the station and takes you to your Urubamba hotel.
Is the road between the towns safe?
The road is paved and follows the river. Also, a local driver knows each curve and checkpoint.
Should I stay in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba?
Ollantaytambo suits early trains and ruins. Urubamba suits quiet hotels and a calmer pace.
How many passengers and bags fit in each vehicle?
The sedan seats up to three, the minivan four or five, and the Sprinter up to 15. Tell us your luggage count, and we suggest the right size.
Can I continue from Urubamba to Cusco in the same ride?
Yes. Share your full plan, and we quote the whole trip. A private driver also makes stops on request.
Do you sell tours, tickets, or hotels?
No. We provide private transport only, so other providers handle your hotel, tours, and train tickets.
Book Your Ollantaytambo to Urubamba Transfer
Start your valley stay calm and unhurried. Share your hotel, train time, and group size.
We will confirm your private ride and a fixed price.
