How to Get from Lima to Machu Picchu: Plane, Bus and Itineraries (2026)

There is no direct route from Lima to Machu Picchu. No flights, no buses, no trains: first you have to reach Cusco, by plane or by road, and from there continue to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), almost always by train. In this guide we explain the two ways to cover the first leg, how long they take, which prices we were able to check on the airline and bus company websites, and how to plan your days so the altitude doesn't ruin your visit.

Before buying any tickets, make sure you have your entry ticket: tickets to the citadel sell out in high season and without one you can't get in. We cover this in our guide to Machu Picchu tickets.

Lima–Machu Picchu at a glance

The journey always has two parts:

• Lima–Cusco: by plane (about 1 h 20 min in the air) or by bus (about 21 h 30 min to 23 h 45 min on the direct route).
• Cusco–Machu Picchu Pueblo: by road to Ollantaytambo and then by train (1 h 30 min), on a bimodal service from Cusco, or on the budget route via Hidroeléctrica.

From Machu Picchu Pueblo you go up to the citadel by bus (25 to 30 minutes) or on foot.

Option 1: fly from Lima to Cusco

This is the fastest way and the one most travelers choose.

Airlines and flight time

Three airlines fly nonstop between Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima and Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco: LATAM, Sky and JetSMART. The flight takes around 1 h 20 min to 1 h 25 min, according to the schedules shown by flight search engines.

There are flights throughout the day. Search engines such as KAYAK count between 36 and 38 daily flights across the three airlines, with departures from 4:40 until close to midnight. These are search-engine figures, not official ones, but they give an idea of the supply. Since December 1, 2025, Cusco airport has been operating from 4:00 to 2:00, according to CORPAC, which allowed airlines to add more flights.

How much the flight costs

Fares change every day depending on the date, how far ahead you book and the fare type you choose. These are the prices we saw on the official websites in September 2026:

• JetSMART: from S/146 one way, excluding taxes and fees. In its fare calendar for the following months, prices ranged from S/146 to S/299.
• Sky: from USD 66 one way on the Basic fare, which only includes a small carry-on bag.
• LATAM: we couldn't verify its fares; check them at latamairlines.com.

On the cheapest fares, extra baggage and other optional services cost extra, so compare the final price with the luggage you will actually take.

Lima airport: the new terminal

Since June 1, 2025, all flights at Jorge Chávez have operated from the new passenger terminal, three times larger than the old one, according to Lima Airport Partners. Access is via Avenida Morales Duárez in Callao, not through the old entrance on Avenida Elmer Faucett. If you haven't flown from Lima for a while, keep this in mind when working out how long it takes to get to the airport.

What about Chinchero airport?

The new Chinchero international airport, in the Sacred Valley, is not operating yet. In March 2026, the Ministry of Transport and Communications reported 40 % progress and expected it to start operating in 2027. In May 2026, the Comptroller's Office warned that the contractor had extended the deadline for the main works to December 2028. For now, all flights from Lima land at the airport in the city of Cusco.

Option 2: bus from Lima to Cusco

The bus costs less, but it means almost a full day on the road. It makes sense if you are on a tight budget or want to stop at other places along the way.

Direct route via Nazca and Abancay

This is the shortest route, about 1102 km according to Cruz del Sur. These are the details published by the companies themselves:

• Cruz del Sur: from S/185 one way, with journeys of 21 h 30 min to 23 h 45 min and 3 technical stops. It has 7 daily departures on its Suite service, between 12:45 and 16:45, from its Javier Prado terminal (Av. Javier Prado Este 1109, La Victoria). It arrives at the Terminal Terrestre in Cusco (Av. Vallecito 538). The fare includes 20 kg of checked luggage and 6 kg of hand luggage, and you should arrive 30 minutes early.
• Oltursa: states a journey of about 21 h and fares from S/89 on its economy service up to S/250 on its VIP bus-cama service. In Cusco it operates from Av. Industrial 24, Urb. Huancaro.

Agencies that sell Cruz del Sur tickets mention stops in Ica, Nasca and Abancay. Other companies also run this route; compare schedules and services before buying.

Route via Arequipa

It is longer, but it lets you split the journey in two and see Arequipa. With Cruz del Sur:

• Lima–Arequipa: from S/142, between 17 h 15 min and 20 h, with 17 to 18 daily departures.
• Arequipa–Cusco: from S/85, between 10 h and 10 h 40 min, with 6 overnight departures between 19:00 and 22:30.

That is roughly 27 to 31 h on the bus alone, not counting your time in Arequipa. Arequipa also sits at 2335 m above sea level, according to Cruz del Sur, so spending a couple of nights there is an intermediate step before Cusco's 3400 m.

Tips for the bus journey

• Choose a bus-cama or Suite service: on a trip of more than 20 h, the difference between a seat that reclines 160° and an economy seat is noticeable.
• Pack warm clothes in your hand luggage: the route crosses high parts of the Andes and it gets cold at night.
• If you get carsick, talk to your doctor before the trip: the road has lots of curves.
• Keep your ID at hand: Cruz del Sur checks documents at boarding.
• Book ahead in high season and on public holidays.

From Cusco to Machu Picchu

Once in Cusco, the usual plan is to travel by road to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, and take the train from there to Machu Picchu Pueblo:

• Taxi or car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: 1 h 30 min to 2 h. PeruRail estimates between S/70 and S/85 by taxi from central Cusco.
• Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo: 1 h 30 min, with PeruRail or Inca Rail.
• Bimodal service: bus plus train on a single ticket from the city of Cusco, about 4 h in total with PeruRail.
• Route via Hidroeléctrica: the cheapest, but it takes a whole day between road and hiking.

We explain each option, with schedules, train classes and prices, in our guide on how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Suggested itineraries from Lima

Keep the altitude of each place in mind: Lima is at sea level, Cusco at about 3400 m, Ollantaytambo at 2792 m and Machu Picchu at about 2430 m. In other words, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are lower than the city of Cusco.

Fly and acclimatize in Cusco

• Day 1: flight from Lima to Cusco. Rest for the rest of the day.
• Day 2: an easy walk around central Cusco.
• Day 3: transfer to Ollantaytambo and train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Night in town.
• Day 4: visit Machu Picchu early in the morning and return by train.

This is the classic itinerary. PeruRail recommends spending one or two days in Cusco to adapt to the altitude before going to Machu Picchu.

Fly and head straight down to the Sacred Valley

• Day 1: flight from Lima to Cusco and direct transfer from the airport to Ollantaytambo or another town in the Sacred Valley. Night in the valley.
• Day 2: train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Night in town.
• Day 3: visit Machu Picchu.
• Day 4 onward: return to Cusco, already somewhat adapted, to explore the city.

Because the Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, many travelers prefer to spend their first nights there and leave the city for the end.

Short on time

You can take an early flight, drive to Ollantaytambo and catch a train to Machu Picchu Pueblo on the same day, but we don't recommend visiting the citadel that same day: any delay to your flight or on the road could make you miss your entry slot. Sleep in Machu Picchu Pueblo and go in the next day.

By bus

If you reach Cusco by bus after more than 20 hours on the road, give yourself at least one day of rest in Cusco before continuing to Machu Picchu.

Comparison: plane or bus

On top of this comes the leg from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo: by road to Ollantaytambo and 1 h 30 min by train, with train fares that agencies quote from about USD 62 one way (not verified with the rail companies).

Altitude: how to avoid altitude sickness

Going from sea level to Cusco's 3400 m in just over an hour can cause what Peruvians call soroche, or altitude sickness. Peru's Ministry of Health recommends:

• Ascending gradually, if you can, so your body can adapt.
• Eating light during the first 24 hours, in small portions, and staying well hydrated.
• Not self-medicating: altitude sickness medication should only be used under medical supervision.
• Going to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing at rest, a severe and persistent headache, vomiting, confusion or excessive drowsiness.

Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions are at greater risk of complications. If that applies to you, see your doctor before the trip.

Before you travel: tickets and documents

• Buy your Machu Picchu ticket first and then fit your flights and trains around your time slot. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, see our guide to Huayna Picchu tickets.
• Choose your circuit before buying: our guide to Machu Picchu circuits, our comparison of circuit 2A vs 2B and our guide to circuit 3 (Royal Machu Picchu) will help.
• Bring your original ID document: you need it at the airport, on the bus and at the citadel gate. Check our Machu Picchu entry requirements.
• If you can't find tickets online, tickets are sold in person in Machu Picchu Pueblo; we explain how in our guide to buying tickets in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Frequently asked questions

Are there direct flights from Lima to Machu Picchu?

No. Machu Picchu has no airport. You have to fly to Cusco and continue by road and train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Is there a train from Lima to Machu Picchu?

No. Trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo leave from Ollantaytambo and from stations in Cusco, not from Lima.

How long is the flight from Lima to Cusco?

Around 1 h 20 min to 1 h 25 min, according to the schedules shown by flight search engines.

How long is the bus from Lima to Cusco?

On the direct route, between 21 h 30 min and 23 h 45 min with Cruz del Sur, or about 21 h according to Oltursa. Via Arequipa, about 27 to 31 h on the bus alone.

Can you get from Lima to Machu Picchu in one day?

Reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo in a day is possible if you take an early flight and an afternoon train, but visiting the citadel that same day is not advisable. The sensible plan is to sleep in town and go in the next day.

Is Chinchero airport open yet?

No. Construction is still under way and the completion date keeps slipping. All flights land at the airport in the city of Cusco.

Which is better for the altitude, plane or bus?

According to Cruz del Sur, arriving overland helps because the ascent is gradual, but it is a very long trip. If you fly, you can head straight down to the Sacred Valley, which is lower than Cusco, and spend your first nights there.

In summary

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you have to go through Cusco. The most practical option is to fly to Cusco, in just over an hour and with three airlines to choose from, and then continue to Ollantaytambo and take the train. The bus is cheaper but takes almost a full day, or longer if you go via Arequipa. Whatever you choose, buy your entry ticket first, allow at least one day to adapt to the altitude and spend a night in Machu Picchu Pueblo before your visit.

Sources

1. JetSMART, flights from Lima to Cusco (fares seen in September 2026): https://jetsmart.com/ofertas/es-pe/vuelos-desde-lima-a-cusco
2. Sky Airline, flights to Cusco (fares seen in September 2026): https://www.skyairline.com/flights/es-pe/vuelos-a-cusco
3. CORPAC, extended opening hours at Cusco airport (November 27, 2025): https://www.gob.pe/institucion/corpac/noticias/1299178-aeropuerto-internacional-del-cusco-amplia-horario-de-operaciones-de-4-a-m-a-2-a-m-desde-1-de-diciembre
4. Lima Airport Partners, opening of the new Jorge Chávez terminal: https://www.lima-airport.com/comunicados/noticias/326
5. El Comercio, opening of the new terminal and access via Avenida Morales Duárez: https://elcomercio.pe/lima/transporte/nuevo-aeropuerto-jorge-chavez-abre-sus-puertas-al-publico-conoce-los-primeros-vuelos-ultimas-noticia/
6. Ministry of Transport and Communications, progress on Chinchero airport (March 31, 2026): https://www.gob.pe/institucion/mtc/noticias/1373243-megaproyecto-del-aeropuerto-de-chinchero-sigue-avanzando-y-atenderia-hasta-12-millones-de-pasajeros
7. RPP, Comptroller's Office on the Chinchero airport deadline (May 11, 2026): https://rpp.pe/economia/economia/aeropuerto-de-chinchero-contraloria-advierte-contratista-busca-ampliar-culminacion-de-obra-sin-sustento-noticia-1687867
8. Cruz del Sur, bus from Lima to Cusco: https://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/pasajes/lima-a-cusco/
9. Cruz del Sur, bus from Lima to Arequipa: https://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/pasajes/lima-a-arequipa/
10. Cruz del Sur, bus from Arequipa to Cusco: https://www.cruzdelsur.com.pe/pasajes/arequipa-a-cusco/
11. Oltursa, bus tickets to Cusco: https://www.oltursa.pe/cusco
12. PeruRail, how to plan your own trip to Machu Picchu (taxis and acclimatization): https://www.perurail.com/es/como-armar-tu-viaje-a-machu-picchu-por-tu-cuenta/
13. PeruRail, Machu Picchu destination (altitude): https://www.perurail.com/es/destinos/machu-picchu/
14. Inca Rail, Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route (altitude of Ollantaytambo): https://incarail.com/es/rutas/ollantaytambo-a-machu-picchu
15. Ministry of Health, recommendations against altitude sickness (July 28, 2026): https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/noticias/1423549-minsa-brinda-recomendaciones-clave-para-prevenir-y-detectar-a-tiempo-complicaciones-por-mal-de-altura
16. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco flight duration and number of flights (unofficial reference): https://www.kayak.es/vuelos/Lima-Aeropuerto-Internacional-Jorge-Chavez-LIM/Cuzco-Aeropuerto-Internacional-Alejandro-Velasco-Astete-CUZ
17. Lima–Cusco bus stops published by an agency (unofficial reference): https://www.incatrilogytours.com/tour/pasajes-de-bus-a-cusco-desde-lima-con-cruz-del-sur-ida-y-vuelta/
18. Train prices published by agencies (unofficial reference): machupicchuagency.com and railmachupicchu.com