Quick answer: the usual route is a flight from Lima to Cusco (about 1 hour 20 minutes), then a road transfer to Ollantaytambo, a scenic train to Aguas Calientes (roughly 1.5–2 hours), and finally a shuttle bus up to the site (about 25–30 minutes). Many people break the journey with a night in the Sacred Valley or Cusco to acclimatise.
Machu Picchu is remote. There’s no road to the town at its base, so planning the route is part of the adventure.
Route Options Compared
| Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fly to Cusco + train | About 1 day of travel | Fastest and most popular |
| Bus Lima → Cusco + train | Around a day on the bus, plus the train | Cheapest, very long |
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 days on foot | Permits limited; book months ahead with a licensed operator |
| Alternative treks (e.g. Salkantay) | 4–5 days | No Inca Trail permit needed |
| “Back door” via Hidroeléctrica | Long road trip plus a walk along the tracks | Budget option |
Step-by-Step: The Classic Route
- Lima → Cusco by plane.
- Cusco → Ollantaytambo by taxi, transfer or bus (about 1.5–2 hours).
- Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes by train (PeruRail or Inca Rail).
- Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu by shuttle bus, or a steep walk up.
Tickets and Rules
- Buy entrance tickets in advance from the official site, tuboleto.cultura.pe, or a licensed operator. Daily visitor numbers are capped.
- Tickets are for a specific circuit and entry time.
- Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain need separate tickets.
- Bring the passport you booked with.
Altitude
Cusco is about 3,400 m high. Read our Machu Picchu altitude guide before you go.
FAQ
Can you do Lima to Machu Picchu in one day?
Technically yes, but it’s rushed and risky with altitude. Two to three days is far more comfortable.
How far in advance should I book?
Book tickets and trains weeks ahead, and months ahead for the high season or the Inca Trail.
Can I drive to Machu Picchu?
No. There’s no road to Aguas Calientes, only the train or walking routes.
Related: Machu Picchu elevation · Travel checklist
Last checked: November 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with official sources before you travel.
Keep reading
- Machu Picchu Elevation Guide
- Inca Trail vs Train to Machu Picchu
- Altitude Sickness in Cusco
- Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Hi, I am Emam Hasan — founder and editor of BrokeMountain. I oversee this blog’s hiking, camping and outdoor gear guides, making sure every article is well-researched, accurate and genuinely helpful for your time on the trail. Enjoy it!
