The CONSETTUR bus is the standard way up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes: it’s a 30-minute ride, buses leave every 10 minutes, and it’s included in our tour packages. You don’t need to arrange it separately or time it precisely — buses run continuously through the morning, and your guide manages the timing against your entry slot. Below, we cover how the queue works, when to expect it to be busiest, and when walking up instead actually makes sense.
How the CONSETTUR bus works
CONSETTUR operates the bus service between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance, and it’s the main way most visitors reach the site. The ride takes about 30 minutes each way, and buses depart every 10 minutes, so there’s no fixed schedule to plan around — you simply queue and board the next one out.
On our tours, this is already built into the itinerary and included in the package, so you’re not sorting out tickets or queue logistics on your own. For everything else the site involves once you’re up there, our complete Machu Picchu guide covers the full visit end to end.
The queue: when it forms and how long it takes
The queue in Aguas Calientes forms at the bus terminal, and how long it takes depends heavily on the time of day — busier in the early morning as the first entry slots begin, and again around midday. Because buses leave every 10 minutes, the line moves steadily rather than sitting still, but at peak times you’re still waiting behind everyone heading to the same entry window as you.
Travelling with a group, your guide will factor the likely queue time into your morning so you’re not caught off guard by it — this is one of the small logistics differences between an independent trip and a guided one.
Timing the bus against your entry slot
Machu Picchu operates on assigned entry time slots, with the site open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Since a licensed guide is mandatory for entry, your guided visit and your bus timing are planned together — you need to be through the gate at your assigned time, which means allowing enough buffer for the queue plus the 30-minute ride.
Whether an earlier or later entry slot suits you better often comes down to light and crowds rather than the bus itself; if you’re deciding on timing, morning vs afternoon entry breaks down what changes across the day.
Buying tickets vs having them included
The bus ticket is a separate purchase from your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, and we won’t quote a price here since it can change — check current pricing when you book, or simply let us handle it, since it’s included in our tour packages along with your entrance ticket and guide. If you’re arranging your own trip independently rather than through a package, how to buy Machu Picchu tickets explains the entrance ticket process, which is separate from the bus.
For a fully organized version of the trip where the bus, tickets, transport and guide are all handled for you, our 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco covers the whole route from Cusco.
The road up: what the ride is like
The bus climbs a paved switchback road from Aguas Calientes, at the valley floor, up to the entrance near Machu Picchu at 2,430 m (7,972 ft). The road has a series of tight turns as it gains elevation, with views opening up over the Urubamba River and the surrounding cloud forest as you climb. It’s a comfortable ride — you’re seated the whole way, with no walking involved until you reach the entrance.
| Leg | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance covered | Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu entrance |
| Ride time | About 30 minutes |
| Departure frequency | Every 10 minutes |
| Road type | Paved switchback road |
| Included on tour | Yes, as part of the package |
The bus down after your visit
After your guided visit — which runs about 2.5 hours — the bus back down to Aguas Calientes works the same way as the ride up: queue at the bus stop near the site entrance, board the next departure, and it’s another 30-minute ride down. There’s no need to time this precisely from your side; your guide will factor the return trip into the day’s schedule, especially if you have a train departure from Aguas Calientes to catch afterward.
If you’re staying overnight in Aguas Calientes rather than heading straight back, Aguas Calientes guide covers what the town itself offers once you’re back down.
When walking makes more sense
Some travellers skip the bus entirely and walk up on foot instead, following a trail that runs alongside the road. It’s a genuinely different way to arrive — slower, more physical, and only worth it if you’re comfortable with a sustained uphill walk before your guided visit even starts. Walking up to Machu Picchu covers what that route actually involves and who it suits.
For most travellers on a tight morning schedule, or anyone who’d rather save their energy for the 2.5-hour guided visit itself, the bus is the more practical choice — which is why it’s the default on all our Machu Picchu itineraries, including the 6-day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu take?
About 30 minutes each way, with buses departing every 10 minutes from the CONSETTUR terminal in Aguas Calientes.
Is the bus ticket included in a Machu Picchu tour?
On our packages, yes — the bus, entrance ticket, and guide are all included as part of the itinerary.
Do I need to book the bus in advance?
Buses run continuously every 10 minutes rather than on a fixed pre-booked schedule, so you queue and board on the day. On a guided tour, this is managed for you.
Is it better to take the bus or walk up to Machu Picchu?
The bus is faster and easier, taking about 30 minutes with no physical effort required. Walking is a slower, more demanding alternative that some travellers choose deliberately — it depends on your fitness and how you want to start the visit.
