For most travelers heading to the Inca heartland, the journey from Cusco to Urubamba is the first crucial step in a smooth, successful trip. Why? Because Urubamba sits at a significantly lower altitude than Cusco, making it the ideal spot to acclimatize before tackling high-altitude ruins or the famous Inca Trail.
Whether you are looking for luxury, efficiency, or budget-friendly options, this guide breaks down all the best ways to complete the Cusco to Urubamba transfer. We will cover everything from private transport right from the airport to the popular local colectivos.
Transportation Breakdown: Cusco to Urubamba Driving Options
The distance between the two cities is roughly 50 to 75 kilometers (31 to 47 miles), depending on the route you take. There are two main Cusco to Urubamba driving routes: the faster route via Chinchero and the longer, more scenic route via Pisac.
The journey generally takes between 1 and 2 hours, making it an easy trip regardless of your chosen transport method. Here are your best options:
1. Private Taxi or Transfer: The Fastest and Easiest Way
For comfort, speed, and safety—especially immediately after landing—a private transfer is your best bet.
- Convenience: The driver meets you directly at the airport or your hotel and takes you straight to your accommodation in Urubamba without any stops. This is the top choice if you are feeling tired or concerned about altitude sickness.
- Time: The private car journey via the Chinchero route is the fastest, typically taking 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cost: The Cusco to Urubamba taxi cost varies based on negotiation and whether you pre-book. Expect to pay between S/ 100 and S/ 180 (approx. $27–$48 USD) for a direct private taxi. Pre-booking through a reputable tour company or your hotel may cost slightly more but offers reliability and usually includes a driver who speaks English.
Cusco Airport to Urubamba: Direct Transfers
If you are flying directly into Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), you can bypass Cusco city entirely and head straight to the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley.
- Strategy: This is the recommended strategy for anyone concerned about altitude sickness, as it minimizes the time spent at Cusco’s 3,400-meter elevation.
- Booking Tip: Always arrange this transfer in advance with your Urubamba hotel or a specialized transfer company. Finding a reliable, safe taxi immediately outside the airport without pre-booking can involve aggressive touts and high, non-negotiated fares.
2. Colectivos (Shared Minivans): The Budget-Friendly Choice
If you are traveling light and looking to save money, the local shared minivans, or colectivos, are an excellent, authentic option.
- The Route: You will need to take a taxi to the colectivo departure point in Cusco. The main terminal for Urubamba and Sacred Valley towns is generally located near Calle Pavitos or the main bus station area.
- Cost: The Cusco to Urubamba bus (or shared minivan) fare is incredibly cheap, usually around S/ 6 to S/ 10 (approx. $2–$3 USD) per person.
- Operation: The vans leave only when they are full. They are efficient and frequent during daylight hours (roughly 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Be aware that luggage space is minimal; large suitcases may be strapped to the roof or take up a seat you must pay for.
3. Tourist Buses and Tours: Combining Transport with Sightseeing
If you haven’t booked a specific transfer and want to see the sights on the way, book a Sacred Valley day tour.
- The Benefit: A one-way tour allows you to visit major sites like Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo before being dropped off at your Urubamba hotel in the evening. This combines sightseeing with transport.
- Sites Visited: The tour typically starts in Cusco, visits various Inca sites, stops for lunch in Urubamba (or nearby Calca), and often ends at Ollantaytambo to Urubamba (or vice versa).
Is There a Cusco to Urubamba Train?
No, there is no Cusco to Urubamba train service that is practical for travelers.
PeruRail and Inca Rail services primarily connect Cusco to Machu Picchu, but the Cusco train station is actually in the nearby town of Poroy or is a bimodal service starting with a bus from Cusco. Crucially, the train tracks that run through the Sacred Valley are primarily focused on the Machu Picchu route and do not serve as a general transport link between Cusco and Urubamba. If you want to travel by train, you must head to Ollantaytambo first, making the road journey far more direct and practical.
Continuing Your Journey: Urubamba as a Hub
Urubamba is centrally located, making it the perfect hub for exploring the entire valley:
- Urubamba to Ollantaytambo: This is an essential short trip if you are heading to Machu Picchu. The distance is only about 20 km (12 miles), and a taxi or colectivo takes about 25–35 minutes and costs around S/ 20–S/ 30 for a taxi or S/ 2 for a colectivo.
- Pisac to Urubamba: If you start your Sacred Valley day trip in Pisac, the journey to Urubamba is quick and scenic. Colectivos run frequently along the valley floor, taking approximately 1 hour for around S/ 4–S/ 6.
Conclusion
Making the transfer from Cusco to Urubamba is the first step toward a comfortable and memorable Andean vacation. Whether you choose the speed and comfort of a private transfer (especially from the airport) or the local charm and affordability of a colectivo, you are ensuring a smooth transition to the lower, more accommodating altitude of the Sacred Valley.
By planning your transport wisely, you can immediately begin enjoying the breathtaking scenery and rich culture that awaits you.
