The standard way to get to Machu Picchu is to fly into Lima, take a domestic flight to Cusco, then travel by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), and finally ride the shuttle bus up the mountain to the citadel gates. The whole journey from Cusco takes a full day, and you’ll need a pre-booked entry ticket — visitor numbers are capped daily.
How to Get to Machu Picchu: The Step-by-Step Route
Understanding how to get to Machu Picchu starts with the geography: the ruins sit at 2,430m in the Andes, reachable only by train or on foot — there are no roads to the site itself. Nearly every visitor follows this sequence:
- Fly to Lima. From the UK there are no direct flights; you’ll connect via Madrid, Amsterdam, or a US hub. London–Lima typically takes 14–16 hours.
- Fly Lima to Cusco. A 75-minute domestic flight with LATAM, JetSmart, or Sky Airline, usually £40–£90 return when booked ahead.
- Acclimatise in Cusco (2–3 days). Cusco sits at 3,400m, and altitude sickness is the top trip-ruiner. Spend a couple of days exploring the Sacred Valley, which is lower, before heading up.
- Take the train to Aguas Calientes. PeruRail and Inca Rail run from Cusco (Poroy/San Pedro stations) or Ollantaytambo. The Ollantaytambo departure is cheaper and the ride through the Urubamba gorge is spectacular — about 1.5–2 hours.
- Shuttle bus to the gates. Buses run every few minutes from Aguas Calientes up the switchback road (25 minutes). Buy the bus ticket in town the day before.
- Enter in your timed slot. Entry tickets are sold for specific circuits and time slots — book weeks or months ahead in high season.
Train Options and Costs
The train is the priciest leg. PeruRail’s Expedition service from Ollantaytambo costs roughly £50–£70 return, while the luxury Vistadome and Belmond Hiram Bingham (with onboard dining) run £150–£400+. Inca Rail’s Voyager class is comparable to the Expedition. Booking direct on the operators’ websites is cheapest; third-party resellers add steep markups.
Total typical cost from Cusco: entry ticket (£35–£55 depending on circuit), train (£50–£140 return), bus (£18–£24 return), plus a night or two in Aguas Calientes (£25–£80 for mid-range hotels). Budget around £150–£300 per person for the Machu Picchu day itself, excluding international flights.
The Inca Trail Alternative
The classic 4-day Inca Trail trek from km 82 to the Sun Gate is the most famous way to arrive — walking through the Sun Gate at dawn is unforgettable. But permits are strictly limited (500 per day including porters) and sell out 4–6 months ahead for the May–September dry season. You’ll need to book through a licensed operator; independent trekking on the classic trail isn’t allowed.
Shorter alternatives include the 2-day Inca Trail (a single day of hiking, permits easier to get) and the Salkantay trek, a 5-day route that finishes at Aguas Calientes without needing Inca Trail permits. All treks include the Machu Picchu entry ticket in the package price.
Tickets, Circuits, and Rules
Since 2024, entry uses fixed circuits (1–5) with timed entry slots, and re-entry isn’t allowed. Circuit 2 is the most complete, covering the classic viewpoints and main temples — book it first. Tickets are sold only through the official Ministry of Culture platform and authorised sellers; buy as early as possible for June–August. Bring your passport — it’s checked against your ticket at the gate. Large backpacks, tripods, selfie sticks, and food are restricted or banned.
Practical Tips for UK Travellers
- Go in shoulder season. April–May and September–October offer decent weather with fewer crowds and easier ticket availability than June–August.
- Take altitude seriously. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, go easy on alcohol the first days, and consider asking your GP about acetazolamide before you fly — the NHS altitude sickness page explains symptoms and prevention.
- Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. It lets you catch an early entry slot before the day-train crowds arrive.
- Check FCDO advice. Review the gov.uk travel advice for Peru for entry requirements, safety guidance, and health recommendations before booking.
- Carry cash in soles. Small vendors, bus tickets, and tips in Aguas Calientes are cash-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
About 4–5 hours door to gate: 1.5–2 hours by train to Aguas Calientes plus the 25-minute bus ride, not counting station transfers and waiting time. Most people treat it as a full day, often with an overnight stay.
Can you get to Machu Picchu without the train?
The only alternatives are multi-day treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay. There is no road to the site, so independent travellers must take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu tickets?
For the June–August high season, book entry tickets 2–4 months ahead; Inca Trail permits need 4–6 months. In low season (November–March), a few weeks is usually enough for entry tickets.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Peru?
No — UK passport holders get up to 90 days visa-free for tourism. You’ll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay and may be asked for proof of onward travel.
Conclusion
Getting to Machu Picchu takes planning — international flights, acclimatisation days, train bookings, and timed entry tickets — but the logistics are well-trodden and entirely manageable. Book early, respect the altitude, and choose the circuit that matches what you most want to see.
