There is definitely no highway that accesses Aguas Calientes from Cusco, so getting a bus for the whole journey is just not an option. The trains are your best wager! Our tour director was practical, experienced and an excellent mix amongst flexible and scheduled. I would hugely suggest this trip, https://machupicchutoursfromcusco71593.tribunablog.com/helping-the-others-realize-the-advantages-of-machu-picchu-tours-40539869