Shuttle Buses to Machu Picchu

If you are travelling to Machu Picchu soon, you will more than likely use the shuttle bus service to get to Machu Picchu. Paul Jones, a Peru travel expert takes a closer look at everything you need to know about the shuttle buses to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is located in a remote location high up on the top of the Vilcabamba Valley. Apart from the exclusive Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, all the rest of the tourist hotels are based on the valley floor far below the citadel. Hardened hikers may choose to take the 60 minutes trek up the mountain on foot, but most people opt for the less-strenuous and relaxing shuttle bus option.

The journey aboard the shuttle buses to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes, and buses are modern, with comfortable seating and air-conditioning.

Hours of Operation & Departure times

Shuttle Buses to Machu Picchu operate throughout the day, and depart ether Aguas Calinetes or Machu Picchu when they are full. There are no set times for departures, but you will probably never wait more than 15 minutes for a bus. Buses going up to Machu Picchu operate from 05.30 – 15.30 hrs, and buses departing Machu Picchu operate from 06.00 – 18.00 hrs.

2013 Prices for shuttle buses to Machu Picchu were announced last month (November) and are as follows:

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

Where do you buy Shuttle Bus Tickets to Machu Picchu?

Tickets for shuttle busses to Machu Picchu can be purchased from Consettur office in Cusco, Aguas Calientes or at Machu Picchu. Tickets cannot be purchased as you get on the bus. During peak times you may wait up to 20 minutes to get a ticket (especially in Aguas Calientes).

Cusco Office:
Avenida Infancia 433, Wanchaq, Cusco.
Tel: 084 222 125
Opening hours:  Monday – Sunday, 08.00 – 12.45 & 15.00 – 18.00 hrs.

ENTERTAINMENT TIP: If looking for fun at night, or to watch sports during the day, or even a taste of home, visit the Wild Rover Hostel Cusco for great food, sports and beer! Entrance to their bar is free even for non-guests

Aguas Calientes Office:
Avenida Hermanos Ayar S/N
Aguas Calientes (where the buses depart)
Tel: 084 211 134
Opening hours:  Monday – Sunday, 05.00 – 21.00 hrs.

Tickets at Machu Picchu can be purchased from a small stand close to where the buses depart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to buy just a one way ticket? Yes, you can buy a ticket in either direction, but the price is just marginally higher.

Does the ticket need to be purchased for a specific date? No, the ticket is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase, but is only valid for one use.

What is the age of a child? A child´s ticket is applicable for children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. Children under 5 travel for free.

Do I need to present an I.D. to purchase the tickets? Yes, foreign visitors need to present a passport at the time of purchase. Peruvian Nationals can provide either a valid passport or national identity card (DNI).

Do you need to buy the tickets in Cusco? No, tickets can be bought in Cusco, Aguas Calientes or at Machu Picchu.

This article ´ Shuttle Buses to Machu Picchu´was brought to you by the TheOnlyPeruGuide, the free online guide to Peru.