How to get to Machu Picchu: train or trek?
There is no road to Machu Picchu — you arrive on foot or by train, and the journey is half the experience. Here are all the realistic ways to reach the citadel, and how to choose between them.
Part of our complete guideThe complete Machu Picchu guide →The two big choices: train or trek
Either you take the scenic train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes and a short bus up to the gates, or you walk in via the Inca Trail or an alternative trek. The train is fastest and suits any fitness level; trekking is slower, harder and far more rewarding for those who want it.
| Route | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Train from Ollantaytambo | ~1.5 h + bus | Comfort, families, limited time |
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 days | Bucket-list trekkers |
| Short Inca Trail | 2 days | Sun Gate without camping |
| Salkantay / Lares treks | 4–5 days | Mountains plus Machu Picchu |
Our recommendation
If you can walk and you have the days, trek at least the Short Inca Trail for the Sun Gate arrival. If not, the train day tour is wonderfully easy and still unforgettable. Either way, book Machu Picchu entrance ahead — daily tickets are capped.
Plan your Machu Picchu trip
From train day tours to the Inca Trail — see every option.
Every way to reach Machu Picchu
There is no road directly to Machu Picchu, so every route ends with either a train or a trek, plus the final shuttle bus (or a steep walk) up from Aguas Calientes. The realistic options break down as follows.
| Route | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Ollantaytambo/Cusco → Aguas Calientes → bus up | Most travellers; comfort and speed |
| Classic / Short Inca Trail | Walk the original Inca path to the Sun Gate | Trekkers wanting authenticity |
| Salkantay / Lares | Multi-day trek, then train for the final leg | Trekkers wanting scenery/culture |
| Hidroeléctrica (by car) | Long drive + walk along the railway | Budget travellers with time |
Train or trek? The core decision
The train is the choice for most: comfortable, scenic and reaching Aguas Calientes in a couple of hours from Ollantaytambo. Trekking — whether the Inca Trail, Salkantay or Lares — trades comfort for a profound sense of journey and landscapes the train never sees. Neither is 'better'; it depends on your time, fitness and what you want the trip to feel like. Our overview pairs well with the budget Hidroeléctrica route if cost is your priority.
The final leg from Aguas Calientes
Whichever route you take, almost everyone overnights or passes through Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the town directly below the citadel. From there a shuttle bus winds up the mountain in about 25–30 minutes, or you can walk up a steep stairway trail in roughly 1.5 hours. Book the bus and your timed entrance in advance. See our Aguas Calientes guide.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no road to the citadel. You reach Aguas Calientes by train or on foot, then take a short bus or walk up to the entrance.
Yes — the ride through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River is beautiful, and it is the most comfortable way to reach the site.
Yes. Entrance is capped daily and timed, and popular dates sell out, so book ahead together with your train or trek.
