The final stretch before entering Machu Picchu is done by bus. From the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance gate of the citadel, there is a mountain road that only authorized buses are allowed to use. Here is everything you need to know before you arrive.
Contents
The service: who operates it and how it works
Consettur is the only company authorized to transport passengers between Aguas Calientes and the entrance to Machu Picchu. Its buses are eco-friendly, have capacity for 29 passengers, seats with seat belts, and large windows. The road they travel is called Hiram Bingham and climbs in zigzags along the mountainside with direct views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding vegetation.
There are no taxis, moto-taxis, or any other vehicles operating on this road. The Consettur bus is the only motorized option available.
What time do the buses depart?
Uphill buses to Machu Picchu
The first bus departs at 5:30 a.m. from the stop located on Avenida Hermanos Ayar in Aguas Calientes. At that time, the frequency is one bus every 5 minutes. The last uphill bus leaves at 3:30 p.m. Throughout the rest of the day, buses depart continuously every 10 to 15 minutes.
Downhill buses to Aguas Calientes
The first return bus leaves from the Machu Picchu entrance gate at 6:00 a.m. The downhill service runs until 5:30 p.m. There is no fixed time assigned on the downhill ticket: travelers can take any available bus within that time range.
How long is the ride?
The uphill ride takes between 25 and 30 minutes. The downhill ride is faster: between 15 and 20 minutes on the same road.
Prices in 2026
The current prices for foreign tourists are as follows. A round-trip ticket costs 24 dollars. A one-way uphill or downhill ticket costs 12 dollars per leg. The child fare is 12 dollars round trip or 7 dollars per leg. Peruvian citizens have a different fare.
Where to buy the ticket
In Aguas Calientes on the same day
The Consettur office on Avenida Hermanos Ayar is open every day from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The ticket can be purchased the same day without prior reservation because availability is broad. The downside is the line: during high season between June and August, the wait can exceed 30 minutes, which takes away from your sightseeing time.
Online in advance
Consettur has its own online sales platform where tickets can be purchased days or weeks in advance by credit card. The ticket is sent by email in digital format with a QR code ready to show when boarding.
Through a travel agency in Cusco
Travel agencies in Cusco include the bus ticket as part of their Machu Picchu packages. It is the most practical option because it avoids any extra arrangements on the day of travel.
Can you hike up instead of taking the bus?
Yes. There is a stair route that connects Aguas Calientes with the entrance to Machu Picchu. It is approximately 8 kilometers, and the uphill hike takes around 2 hours at a normal pace. It is a valid option for those in good physical condition who prefer to save on the bus fare. However, it is not recommended if your plan includes climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, since arriving exhausted before a demanding ascent is not the wisest choice.
A popular combination is to go up by bus and walk down the stair route after the visit. It is a way to save money on one leg without sacrificing energy at the start of the day.
Tips before taking the bus
Arrive early at the bus stop. During high season, boarding lines can be long. It is recommended to be at the stop at least 1 hour before the entry time shown on your citadel ticket.
Bring your passport. Your identity document is checked together with the ticket when boarding. Without a passport, boarding is not allowed.
Do not bring large suitcases. Only a small daypack is allowed on the bus. Large luggage must be left at the hotel or in the town’s storage facilities before going to the stop.
Use the restroom before going up. There are no restrooms inside Machu Picchu. The available restrooms are located at the entrance to the site and in Aguas Calientes before boarding.
Travel with Peru Sites: the bus is already included
At Peru Sites, the Consettur bus ticket is part of our Machu Picchu packages. You do not have to look for it separately or wait in line in Aguas Calientes. We coordinate the bus together with the train, the circuit entry ticket, and the transfer from Cusco so that everything runs smoothly on the day of your visit. Contact us, and we will put together your complete itinerary.
