Why are there Shuttle Buses?
The Inca’s never built things in boring places and Machu Picchu is no exception. Perched on the top of a high mountain ridge, visitors must first ascend the side of the Urubamba Valley to reach the famous citadel. If you are feeling fit and adventurous then there is a path you can hike (1 hour), however, if you prefer the more relaxed approach you need to take the shuttle bus!
The Route
The shuttle bus operates from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and the ride takes about 35 – 40 minutes. The main bus stop in Aguas Calientes is located on Avenida Hermoas Ayer (see map at the bottom of this page), close to the train station and within a 5 minutes’ walk of any tourist hotel in the village. Leaving Aguas Calientes the bus follows the main Urubamba River for about 1 mile before crossing the river and ascending the mountain to Machu Picchu. The shuttle bus terminates outside of the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, just a few meters from the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Peru Travel Tips 2025:
- Cash/Card – Bring some USD to change to soles. Credit Cards accepted everywhere. ATM withdrawals have high fees.
- Rainbow Mountain, Huacachina Oasis and Secret Slave Tunnels in Chincha are Peru’s fastest growing tourist attractions in 2025!
- Internal Flights – use LATAM Airlines, most reliable company by far
- Bus Travel/Day Tours – use PERU HOP, #1 bus/travel company in Peru. More info here.
- Machu Picchu – Book in Advance! YAPA EXPLORERS excellent tour/trek operator. More info here.
- Top 1 day Tours – Day Tour to Paracas and Huacachina from Lima here or Route of the Sun Inca Ruins VIP tour with Inka Express here
Operating Hours
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu: 05.30 – 15.30 hrs
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes: 06.00 – 18.00 hrs
There are no set departure times throughout the day, the shuttle buses simply depart they are full. During peak times (mornings) shuttle buses will depart every 10 minutes. During afternoons waiting times are longer and departures occur every 15 – 20 minutes.
Prices (2014)
Foreign Adult (return): US$ 19.00
Foreign Adult (single): US$ 10.00
Foreign Child (return): US$ 10.00
Foreign Child (single): US$ 5.00
Click here to see the official price list from the operator Consettur Macuhpicchu S.A.C.
Ticket Sales
There is no official ticket sales website and tickets can only be purchased at one of four official ticket sales locations in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. We recommend that the best place to buy your tickets is in Aguas Calientes, before you get on the bus.
Cusco Office
Address: Av. Infancia 433, Wanchaq, Cusco
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 08.00 – 12.45 hrs & 15.00 – 18.00 hrs
Opening Hours: Sunday, 08.00 – 12.45 hrs
Click here for Google Map Location
Inter Bank
Address: Av. El Sol 380, Cusco
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 09.00 – 13.00 hrs & 14.00 – 18.00 hrs
Opening Hours: Saturday, 09.00 – 13.00 hrs
Click here for Google Map Location
Aguas Calientes Office (Bus Stop)
Address: Av. Hermanos Ayar S/N
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 05.00 – 21.00 hrs
Click here for Google Map Location
At Machu Picchu
Address: Bus Stop
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 07.30 – 17.30 hrs
Some Important Points
- Tickets can be purchase up to 7 days in advance, and are valid for 3 days but for 1 use only.
- Children under 5 travel for free.
- A child’s ticket is applicable from 5 – 11 years old, 12 and over is considered an adult.
- You need to present your original valid passport to purchase tickets.
- You can buy one way tickets.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- There are discounts for foreign students (only nationals).
- Tickets must be purchased in cash.
The Bus Stop in Aguas Calientes
