Bus ticket to Machu Picchu

One way ticket

The train ride from Cusco ends in the town of Aguas Calientes, from where buses depart to the citadel. These vehicles are environmentally friendly, have seats for all passengers and allow you to enjoy the scenery during the journey. The service starts at 5:30 in the morning and runs until 3:30 in the afternoon, with departures every 10 minutes approximately and a totally safe route.

Return ticket

The descent begins at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu and ends in the town of Aguas Calientes. This section, being downhill, is faster and more comfortable, although the service conditions are similar to the outbound trip. The buses maintain a constant flow from 6:30 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon and everyone travels seated, without complications or risks.

Full ticket (round trip)

By purchasing the full ticket, you will have the possibility to make both journeys by bus: the ascent from Aguas Calientes and the return from Machu Picchu. The outbound trip takes about an hour and a half, while the return takes about thirty minutes. The service runs continuously between 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., guaranteeing a comfortable, safe ride with breathtaking views at all times.

Table of prices and details

Frequent questions

These are the most recurrent questions that tourists send us about the bus ticket service to Machu Picchu.

• Can I buy tickets in advance?

  Of course! If you’re a cautious traveler who wants to have everything ready, this is one of your best options. This way, you’ll be able to get to the town of Aguas Calientes and board the bus quickly, without any hassles, to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu.

• What are the bus departure times?

  Something you should know is that buses operate from 5:30 a.m. with continuous departures, so there are no specific schedules. Don’t worry! The wait time is very short, offering an efficient service to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu.

• How often do buses leave for Machu Picchu?

  When you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll see that buses depart every 10 minutes, both from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and on the return trip. Take note! The trip takes approximately 30 minutes each way.

• Is it necessary to print the ticket or can it be shown on a cell phone?

  It’s highly recommended to have a printed copy. Why? Electronic devices, like cell phones, can fail at unexpected times, so having a printed copy will always be important. Don’t forget it.

• Does the bus ticket include admission to Machu Picchu?

  Please note! The only service offered by this ticket is transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back, but it does not include admission to the citadel. To enter, you will need a separate ticket, which you must reserve well in advance.

• Does the ticket to go up also work for going down?

  That’s up to you. On our platform, you can find purchase options for upload-only, download-only, or both services.

• Do children pay for bus tickets?

  Yes, but please note that this fare applies only to children over 5 years old. If the infant is younger, they can access the service free of charge as long as they share a seat with their parents.

• What happens if I miss my bus boarding time?

  Don’t worry! To begin, you should know that your ticket doesn’t have a specific time slot, but it does have a specific date. You can use this service at any time you see fit within that day. The same applies to the descent.

• What documents do I need to show to board the bus?

  It’s very important that you carry your ID and passport with you, as they may ask for them to verify the validity of your tickets. These documents are also required at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Don’t forget them!

• Can I use the bus ticket on another day if I don’t use it on the scheduled date?

  Traveler, this is a detail you should avoid at all costs. If you don’t use your ticket on the scheduled date, it will be invalidated and you’ll have to purchase a new one for the date you wish to use the service.