The price of the bus ticket to Machu Picchu
The town of Aguas Calientes is the final destination of the train trip from Cusco. There you must board the buses that transport visitors to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This journey is only 10 kilometers long. Bus tickets can be purchased in the city of Cusco or the town of Aguas Calientes. There are prices for foreigners, Peruvians, children and more.
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The buses to Machu Picchu
The bus trip is the final section of the train route to Machu Picchu. All train routes will drop you off at the final station in the town of Aguas Calientes. From there you must take a bus that will take you to Machu Picchu in just 30 minutes.
The buses are ecological. They do not emit toxic gases for the environment that surrounds Machupicchu. Each visitor travels comfortably in the twenty-nine available seats. None of them do it standing up. The buses are spacious. They have large windows to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the jungle of Cusco.
The one-way trip only takes 30 minutes as it travels 10 kilometers along the road called Hiram Bingham in honor of the discoverer of Machu Picchu. This section can also be done on foot for free. However, the walk is uphill so it requires a significant physical effort. It takes 2 hours or more to get to Machu Picchu on foot.
The bus tickets
Bus tickets can be purchased in the city of Cusco (Avenue Infancia 433, Wanchaq district) or in the same town of Aguas Calientes (Mayta Cápac street s/n).
They can also be purchased online through the official website of the Consettur company: www.consettur.com.
Whether you buy tickets online or in person, availability is wide. Any tourist who buys a bus ticket at the last minute can find free seats. In summary, bus tickets have very wide availability. Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and train tickets, no.
Bus tickets must be presented (physically or virtually) at the bus station along with the entrance to Machu Picchu. Boarding the bus is related to the visiting hours you have chosen. If your entry time to the Inca city is for 8 in the morning, you must board the buses an hour before (around 7 in the morning). If your entry time to the Inca city is for 10 in the morning, you must board the buses an hour before (around 9 in the morning).
The price of the bus ticket to Machu Picchu
These are the prices of the bus tickets to Machu Picchu for the outward or return leg.
Buses | Peruvians | Locales | Foreigners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 17.50 soles | x | 12 dollars |
| Students | 8 soles | x | x |
| Children* | 7 soles | x | 7 dollars |
| Citizens of Cusco | x | 9.50 soles | x |
| Citizens of Machu Picchu | x | 3 soles | x |
| Tour guides | 4.50 soles | 3 soles | x |
* Children from 5 to 11 years old at the time of travel (children under 5 years old travel for free in the same seat as their father or mother).
The option on foot to Machu Picchu
As we said, the bus route to Machu Picchu can also be done on foot for free. However, this hike is physically demanding. The outward section is the most difficult as it ascends through an immense network of stone steps. It takes 2 hours or more to reach the Inca city in this way. The return section is easier as it goes down through the same route as the outward journey. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to return from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes. That is why many young visitors prefer to take the bus on the outward journey and return on foot.
To ascend on foot to Machu Picchu it is necessary to show the entrance ticket to the Inca city. In the middle of the road (at the height of the Ruinas bridge) the authorities will ask you to enter. To get to Machu Picchu on foot, it is recommended to be in good physical condition. It is also a good idea to bring snacks, rehydrating drinks, comfortable clothing, a poncho in case of rain and resistant shoes.
More information
When purchasing the bus ticket, it is important to show an identity document that proves the nationality, age or university studies of the tourist. In this way you can access some available discounts.
The bus station is on Hermanos Ayar avenue in the town of Aguas Calientes. The buses leave from 5.30 in the morning until 3.30 in the afternoon. The departure frequency of the buses is every 5 minutes in the morning and every 10 minutes in the afternoons.
The bus tickets are valid for the day chosen by the tourist as well as one day before or after. Availability is wide so tourists can easily buy their ticket on the same day as their visit to Machu Picchu.
The bus ticket does not offer discounts for foreign university students or seniors of any nationality. One person can buy tickets for many visitors.