There’s no road to Machu Picchu — the last leg is a train ride down the Urubamba gorge to Aguas Calientes, and that ride is one of the great scenic rail journeys in South America.
PeruRail and Inca Rail run the services between them, out of Ollantaytambo (most common now, around 1h30 to Aguas Calientes) or Poroy near Cusco (currently reduced service). Classes range from the budget Expedition and Voyager through the Vistadome and 360° observation cars to the Belmond Hiram Bingham, which adds a dining car, bar and brunch service.
The scenery is identical across all tiers — you’re paying for seat width, meals and the glass roof. Sit on the left heading down and on the right coming back for the Urubamba views. From Aguas Calientes, the Consettur bus runs up the 13 switchbacks to the citadel in about 25 minutes.
Book several weeks ahead in the dry season (May–September), and go through Peruways if you want the train, Consettur bus and timed Machu Picchu entry in a single reservation.
