Complete guide to Cusco transport: public buses, taxis, colectivos to Sacred Valley, trains to Machu Picchu, bikes, and private tours. Prices and tips.
Cusco is one of Peru's most visited cities thanks to its historical richness, culture, and proximity to Machu Picchu. If you're planning to visit, it's essential to know the available transport options to get around safely and efficiently. Here's a complete guide to all transportation in Cusco.
Public transport in Cusco
Public transport in Cusco runs on buses and combis (minivans) covering fixed routes throughout the city.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Price | S/ 1.00 - S/ 2.00 per trip (~$0.30-0.55 USD) |
| Hours | 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM approx. |
| Payment | Cash only, coins |
Tip: Avoid rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM). Ask the fare collector if the combi passes by your destination before boarding.
Taxis in Cusco
Taxis are the most comfortable way to get around. Most don't use meters, so negotiate the price before getting in.
| Route | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Within historic center | S/ 5-7 (~$1.50-2 USD) |
| Center → Airport | S/ 15-25 (~$4-7 USD) |
| Center → Sacsayhuaman | S/ 10-15 |
Taxi apps: InDriver (most popular), Uber, Cabify.
Colectivos to the Sacred Valley
Colectivos are shared vehicles connecting Cusco with Sacred Valley towns.
| Destination | Departure point | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pisac | Puputi Street | 45 min | S/ 7 (~$2 USD) |
| Urubamba | Pavitos Street | 1.5 hours | S/ 10 |
| Ollantaytambo | Pavitos Street | 2 hours | S/ 15 |
For comfort, our Sacred Valley Full Day Tour includes private transport, bilingual guide, and entrance fees from $55 USD.
Trains to Machu Picchu
Two companies operate trains to Aguas Calientes:
- PeruRail — Expedition (from $60), Vistadome (from $80), Hiram Bingham (luxury, from $400)
- Inca Rail — The Voyager (from $55), The 360° (from $90)
Ollantaytambo is the most popular and economical station (1.5 hours to Aguas Calientes).
Our Magic Machu Picchu Tour includes train, bus, entrance, and guide from $305 USD.
Bicycles
Cusco has implemented bike lanes in some urban and Sacred Valley areas. We offer the Biking Maras Moray Tour, a downhill ride through the Sacred Valley.
Private tourist transport
At Ready to Travel Peru we offer:
- Airport transfers from $10 USD
- City Tour Cusco
- Sacred Valley Tour
- Multi-day packages
Tips for getting around Cusco
- Always carry soles cash — Many taxis don't accept cards
- Use Google Maps — Works well for public transport routes
- Watch the altitude — Walk slowly the first days. Drink coca tea
- The historic center is walkable — Main sites are within short walking distances
- Limited internet in rural areas — Download offline maps before heading to the Sacred Valley
Cusco is a city best enjoyed on foot, but knowing your transport options will save you time and money. From the S/ 5 colectivo to the luxury train to Machu Picchu, there's an option for every budget.
