How to travel from Juliaca to Machu Picchu, Peru

The distance between Juliaca and Machu Picchu is around 403km (250 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly, then take the bus and then take the train which takes around 4hrs.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Juliaca to Machu Picchu by bus, train, car, plane and taxi. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Machu PicchuJuliaca if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
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bus
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train
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Plane, Bus and Train

Fly from Juliaca (JUL) to Cuzco (CUZ) then take the bus to Ollantaytambo then take the train to Machu Picchu.

  • Duration4hrs
  • Flight time48min
  • Typical cost
    $155($155)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
3 x bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Puno then Cusco and then to Ollantaytambo.

  • Duration13h 40m
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    $140($140)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

3
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Cusco - Wanchaq and then to Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu.

  • Duration15h 10m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $360($360)
Operated by

PeruRail

4
car
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Drive

Drive to Machu Picchu.

  • Duration9h 20m
  • Distance553km (344 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Juliaca and Machu Picchu

There are several options for getting from Juliaca to Machu Picchu by bus, train, car, plane and taxi. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $140 and will take around 13h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly, then take the bus and then take the train and arrive in approximately 4hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $155.

The distance between Juliaca and Machu Picchu is around 403km (250 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 367km (228 miles)

It takes around 13h 40m to get from Juliaca and Machu Picchu by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 9h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Juliaca to Machu Picchu is to fly, then take the bus and then take the train which takes around 4hrs and will set you back approx $155.

The cheapest way to travel between Juliaca and Machu Picchu, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $140 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Juliaca and Machu Picchu. It typically takes around 15h 10m and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Juliaca to Machu Picchu. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Puno and Cusco - Wanchaq. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 15h 10m.

PeruRail run train services between Juliaca and Machu Picchu. Trains depart 4 times a week and will take around 15h 10m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Juliaca and Machu Picchu. It typically takes around 13h 40m and departs on demand.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Juliaca to Machu Picchu. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Puno, Cusco and Ollantaytambo. These services run on demand and will take a minimum of 13h 40m.

Cruz del Sur, Turismo San Luis, Huayruro Tours, Transzela, Trans Salvador, Cusela and Real Inka run regular bus services between Juliaca and Machu Picchu. Buses run on demand and take around 13h 40m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Juliaca to Machu Picchu. We recommend that you fly from Juliaca (JUL) to Cuzco (CUZ) then take the bus to Ollantaytambo then take the train to Machu Picchu. instead which will take 4hrs.

The closest major airport to Machu Picchu is Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) (AQP) which is approximately 369km (229 miles) from Machu Picchu. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) (LIM) and Huanuco Airport (HUU) (HUU) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Juliaca and Machu Picchu. The distance is around 553km (344 miles) by road and it will take around 9h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Juliaca to Machu Picchu is to take the bus which takes, on average, 13h 40m and will usually cost around $140.

How do I get from Juliaca to Machu Picchu

Compare travel optionsbetween Juliaca and Machu Picchu

Transport options from Juliaca to Machu Picchu
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane, Bus and Train + 1 similar
4hrs
$155($155)
hourly403km (250 miles)
Plane, Bus and Taxi10h 25m
$300($300)
twice daily1,112km (691 miles)
Bus
13h 40m
$140($140)
every 20 mins640km (398 miles)
Train
15h 10m
$360($360)
4 times a week535km (332 miles)
Drive
9h 20m
$51($51)
on demand553km (344 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Juliaca and Machu Picchu

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Machu Picchu

The following major airports near Machu Picchu offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Peru and internationally.

AQP
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP)
International Airport
Distance
369km (229 miles) from Machu Picchu
LIM
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
International Airport
Distance
511km (318 miles) from Machu Picchu
HUU
Huanuco Airport (HUU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
543km (337 miles) from Machu Picchu