The distance between Machu Picchu and Cusco is around 106km (66 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 4hrs.
We've found 4 different ways to get from Machu Picchu to Cusco by taxi, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Cusco → Machu Picchu if you're planning a return trip.
Take the train to Cusco.
Inca Rail
+ 1 othersTake a taxi to Ollantaytambo then take the bus to Cusco.
Multiple operators
Take a taxi to Cusco.
Multiple taxi operators
There are several options for getting from Machu Picchu to Cusco by taxi, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around $54 and will take around 4hrs.
The distance between Machu Picchu and Cusco is around 106km (66 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 73km (45 miles)
It takes around 4h 50m to get from Machu Picchu and Cusco by taxi and bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 20m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Machu Picchu to Cusco is to take the train which takes around 4hrs and will set you back approx $54.
The cheapest way to travel between Machu Picchu and Cusco, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around $54 for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Machu Picchu and Cusco. It typically takes around 4hrs and departs 5 times a day.
Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Machu Picchu and Cusco with no changeovers required. The train runs 5 times a day and takes 4hrs.
Inca Rail run train services between Machu Picchu and Cusco. Trains depart 5 times a day and will take around 4hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Machu Picchu and Cusco. We recommend that you take the train to Cusco. instead which will take 4hrs.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Machu Picchu to Cusco. We recommend that you take a taxi to Ollantaytambo then take the bus to Cusco. instead which will take 4h 50m.
The closest major airport to Cusco is Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) (AQP) which is approximately 318km (197 miles) from Cusco. 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.
Yes it is possible to drive from Machu Picchu and Cusco. The distance is around 209km (130 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 20m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Machu Picchu to Cusco is to take a taxi and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 50m and will usually cost around $115.
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Train | 4hrs | $54($54) | every 4 hours | 106km (66 miles) |
Taxi and Bus | 4h 50m | $115($115) | on demand | 209km (130 miles) |
Taxi | 4h 20m | $150($150) | on demand | 209km (130 miles) |
Drive | 4h 20m | $19($19) | on demand | 209km (130 miles) |
Inca Rail
PeruRail
Real Inka
The following major airports near Cusco offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Peru and internationally.