No Train to Machu Picchu's Summit — Train to Aguas Calientes, Then Bus or Hike

**There is no train to the top of Machu Picchu.** The railway ends at **Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)** — the town at the mountain's base. From there, you have two options:

Option 1: Bus (30 min, $24 round-trip)

• **Consettur buses** depart every 15 min, 5:30 AM–3:30 PM
• Switchback road (Hiram Bingham Highway) — 9 km, 400 m elevation gain
• Tickets: Buy online (consettur.com) or at booth (cash/soles preferred)
• **First bus 5:30 AM** = sunrise at Machu Picchu (highly recommended)

Option 2: Hike (1.5–2 hrs up, 1 hr down)

• **Trail:** Well-marked stone steps from Aguas Calientes (km 82 marker)
• Elevation gain: 400 m (1,300 ft) — steep, relentless
• Start: 4:30 AM for sunrise; bring headlamp, water, snacks
• Difficulty: Strenuous — 1,600+ steps; altitude (2,040→2,430 m)

Getting to Aguas Calientes by Train

Alternative: Inca Trail (4-day trek)

• Arrive at **Sun Gate (Inti Punku)** at dawn — no bus needed
• Permits: 500/day (200 trekkers + 300 guides/porters) — book 6+ months ahead

Key Point

**Machu Picchu citadel (2,430 m) has no rail access.** The train stops at **Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)**. Plan the final ascent — bus or legs.