Taking the train to Machu Picchu is the standard, and still the most scenic, way to arrive. The ride through the Peruvian Andes is a proper piece of travel rather than a transfer to grind through.
From Cusco (Poroy, seasonal) or Ollantaytambo, the line follows the Urubamba river down through the Sacred Valley. Terraced slopes, Andean grassland, cloud forest further down — the panoramic windows on the Vistadome and 360° trains let you see all of it. The Expedition service is cheaper and gets you the same views.
Onboard service runs to Peruvian snacks and drinks, with a brief cultural element on the longer services. As you drop into the gorge the scenery tightens: the river speeds up, the vegetation thickens, and Aguas Calientes appears sooner than you expect.
From Aguas Calientes the Consettur shuttle covers the final 25 minutes up to the citadel entrance, so the whole chain stays short.
Book through Peruways to get train, shuttle and entry ticket in one booking. The train is one of the real pleasures of this trip — set it up properly.
