Cusco is well connected with Machu Picchu. You can get from Machu Picchu to Cusco by train!
Cusco is an unforgettable place with a captivating history and an unforgettable atmosphere!
The city is a cultural treasure, with gorgeous architecture and a dramatic setting at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain. It features a destination of incomparable beauty, with incredible food and accommodations.
Cusco also offers unparalleled sightseeing opportunities, including unique archeological sites and breathtaking nature! Every street corner in Cusco has a fascinating, mystical, and inviting story to tell.
Cusco is a place you can’t miss when planning an adventure to Peru! The site attracts tourists from all over the world because of its remarkable history and its breathtaking natural landscape.
Visit the Santo Domingo church and the Qorikancha temple, or hike to Rainbow Mountain. In addition, you can discover Cusco by booking a guided day tour and getting familiar with Peru’s beauty, culture, and history!
Traveling between Machu Picchu and Cusco is easy, and you can choose between various types of trains!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Machu Picchu to Cusco.
How far is Cusco from Machu Picchu?
The distance from Machu Picchu to Cusco is about 44.7 miles or 72 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Machu Picchu to Cusco
The following table outlines all transportation options from Machu Picchu to Cusco:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Train from Machu Picchu to Cusco | 3.5-4.5 hours | USD 66-USD 539 |
| Transport + Tour from Machu Picchu to Cusco | ~12 hours | – |
Getting to Cusco from Machu Picchu
1. Train from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Journey Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours
There are still many incredible Incan attractions and history to discover in Peru after you’ve witnessed Machu Picchu’s magnificence!
The next stop is Cusco, and you can get from Machu Picchu to Cusco by hopping on one of the many trains available!
A few operators only serve the route, but each one offers a variety of class options, including Tourist, Panoramic, VIP, and Luxury.
Since the breathtaking view from the window is enough to make this ride remarkable, many people choose the reasonably priced Tourist Train option for this route.
It is the least expensive choice, but this train offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey, including restrooms and snacks you can purchase on board.
The tickets for the Tourist Train start at USD 66, but for a slightly higher price, you can get tickets for the Panoramic Train!
Machu Picchu to Cusco Tourist Train Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:20 PM | 07:05 PM | 3 hours 45 minutes | USD 66 |   |
| 03:43 PM | 07:28 PM | 3 hours 45 minutes | USD 66 | |
| 10:32 AM | 02:32 PM | 4 hours | USD 68 | |
| 02:30 PM | 06:30 PM | 4 hours | USD 68 | |
| 07:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 4 hours | USD 70 | |
| 09:30 PM | 01:15 AM | 3 hours 45 minutes | USD 69 | |
| 04:43 PM | 09:23 PM | 4 hours 40 minutes | USD 69 | |
| 05:20 PM | 07:40 PM | 4 hours 20 minutes | USD 75 | |
| 04:22 PM | 08:42 PM | 4 hours 20 minutes | USD 75 | |
| 04:43 PM | 09:03 PM | 4 hours 20 minutes | USD 75 | |
It may be a bit more expensive, but Panoramic Trains offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscapes along the way and are a good option for those looking for the best views!
Machu Picchu to Cusco Panoramic Train Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:12 PM | 08:20 PM | 4 hours 8 minutes | USD 93 | |
| 04:12 PM | 07:42 PM | 3 hours 30 minutes | USD 99 | |
Furthermore, you can book a VIP Train ticket, which includes some additional amenities like complimentary snacks and comfortable reclining seats. Prices for the VIP trains start at USD 95!
Machu Picchu to Cusco VIP Train Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:20 PM | 07:45 PM | 4 hours 10 minutes | USD 95 | |
| 04:22 PM | 08:32 PM | 4 hours 10 minutes | USD 95 | |
| 06:20 PM | 10:30 PM | 4 hours 10 minutes | USD 95 | |
Consider taking a Luxury or First-class Train if you wish to have the most luxurious and memorable experience possible.
These train tickets are the most expensive alternatives, which offer the best for those seeking the greatest travel experience.
In addition to delicious meals and drinks that are included in the price, these luxurious trains include observation decks, pleasant seating places, live local music, and live entertainment!
Inca Rail and Peru Rail offer these experiences, with the prices of the tickets starting from USD 205.
Machu Picchu to Cusco Luxury Train Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:50 PM | 08:20 PM | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 539 | |
Machu Picchu to Cusco First-Class Train Schedule:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 4 hours | USD 205 | |
Additionally, all the train journeys take about 4 hours on average, with the longest lasting around 4 hours and 40 minutes.
When you arrive in Cusco, you will be awestruck by its wild beauty and fascinating history, just like you will at so many destinations in Peru along this Inca Trail.
No matter how you decide to travel from Machu Picchu to Cusco, the journey will be unforgettable! So, book your train tickets from Machu Picchu to Cusco online today and experience the best of Peru!
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Machu Picchu to Cusco. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
Best day tours in Cusco, Peru
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cusco, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the cheapest train from Machu Picchu to Cusco cost?
The cheapest train ticket from Machu Picchu to Cusco costs USD 66.
How much is the most expensive train ticket from Machu Picchu to Cusco?
The Luxury Train is the most expensive train ticket from Machu Picchu to Cusco, which costs USD 539.
How long is the train ride from Machu Picchu to Cusco?
Depending on what type of train you take, the journey between Machu Picchu and Cusco will vary in length. The fastest train takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Cusco, while the slowest train takes a little under 5 hours.
What is the most popular train option from Machu Picchu to Cusco?
The Tourist train operated by Inca Rail is the most popular traveling choice for the trip from Machu Picchu to Cusco!
Who operates the route between Machu Picchu and Cusco?
Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two train service providers on the route from Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Which train from Machu Picchu to Cusco is better: Inca Rail or Peru Rail?
Peru Rail offers more daily departures from Machu Picchu to Cusco than Inca Rail does. However, both provide excellent services.
Is the Inca Trail scary?
The Inca Trail is not dangerous. This hiking trail is taken by 67,400 tourists a year. Accidents happen rarely, and most of them result from a stumbling block.
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