It is a dream of most people to travel the world and see new and interesting things. Traveling can do all this for you, expand your mind, and teach you about new and different cultures. Traveling to South America is no different. Many people see South America as a mystery. Only in the last ten years have they shown interest in the continent. One of the most popular countries in the region is the Andean country.
In recent years, Peru has become a popular attraction. Especially because most people want to see the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Voters recently chose the Inca site as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and with good reason.
Most of you will want to travel there, and most of you will want to travel by train. So, how do you get Machu Picchu train tickets? To answer this, we have prepared an article where we delve into the subject. Together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru, we want to make your vacations much easier.
Everything you need to know about the train tickets to Machu Picchu
- The train trip to Machu Picchu
- Where to take the train
- Buying the tickets
- Types of trains
- Train Prices
- Back to Cusco
- Frequently questions
The train trip to Machu Picchu
One of the most beautiful train trips in the world is between the colonial city of Cusco and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. If you are looking to visit Machu Picchu, doing it on a comfortable train trip is one of the best ways.
Two companies in Peru are in charge of taking travelers to the citadel. PeruRail and the Inca Rail operate this route. They take care of transporting hundreds of passengers to this historic site every day.
Leaving the station in Cusco, the train to Machu Picchu passes through a narrow gorge and then into the Sacred Valley. Passengers usually board in Ollantaytambo and continue along the Urubamba River to the Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes.
During this part of the trip, the landscape changes dramatically. The foothills of the Andes have become dense cloud forests. A show that is worth seeing.
Where to take the train?
Trains to Machu Picchu depart mainly from 2 stations. The Poroy station, which is located in Cusco, and the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. From Poroy station, the train to Aguas Calientes takes an average of 3 hours.
The departure frequency is not as dynamic as that of the Ollantaytambo station. Both Inca Rail and Peru Rail bring tourists from this station. The train from Ollantaytambo station takes an average of 2 hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Most of the trains leave from this location. Depending on your train tickets to Machu Picchu, you will board at one station or another.
Buying the tickets
On the original website
The train tickets to Machu Picchu can be obtained in many different ways. But before buying your tickets, you must choose one of the many trains available. Once you decide which train from Cusco to Machu Picchu you want, you can enter the website of the train company of your choice. Either Peru Rail or Inca Rail is the primary company responsible for providing train services.
On the website, you can buy your tickets with your credit card. In this way, you will have your seat guaranteed and you will receive your ticket from the company. Keep in mind that once in Aguas Calientes, you will need another ticket to get to the citadel. You will also need to buy your bus ticket to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. Your entrance ticket to the site can also be obtained from the Peruvian government website.
All of this must be purchased in advance, and you will need to find a guide as you are not allowed to enter without one. This will save you some money but not time, as some of these websites are complicated to manage. To make this process even easier, you can choose to leave these tasks to a company like us. If you are planning a trip to Peru, it is advisable to organize it with a trusted company.
Buy tickets from a trusted company
Another option to buy your train tickets to Machu Picchu is to wait until you arrive in Cusco. From Cusco, you can buy the complete Machu Picchu package at any local tourist company. This can also save you some time and money, but the main risk is that there are no spaces on the trains and no entry tickets. Many agencies can help you go to Machu Picchu.
The preferred way and what most people do is to hire an online agency to buy the train to Machu Picchu. In this way, you will be sure to secure your train tickets to Machu Picchu, as well as the entrance tickets. This will cost you more, but in the long run, you will get what you want and arrive in Peru with peace of mind.
The agency will also provide you with a qualified guide to learn about the history of the Inca Citadel and some amazing Machu Picchu facts. A driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the train station in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. From here, they will put you on the train to Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive, your guide will be waiting for you to take your tour to Machu Picchu.
Types of trains
Travel packages to Machu Picchu are available throughout the year. Two different train companies offer train services in Peru. So pay attention to the next ideas, because they are important for your trip.
- The first is PeruRail, which offers three different services. The cheapest is the Expedition train, a tourist train that has many departures and round-trip tickets per day. The train has large windows and comfortable seats. Higher up the Expedition is the Vistadome. This train is famous for its glass roof panels, which provide wonderful views of the mountains and luxurious leather seats. Then there is the exclusive Hiram Bingham train. If you have the means to travel to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham, this is the most luxurious of the Peru Rail fleet. Free cocktails and lunch will be offered to you on board, and you will arrive in Aguas Calientes in luxury and style. For train enthusiasts, this is not to be missed on any trip to Peru.
- The other company that offers train trips to Machu Picchu is Inca Rail. This company has the same classes of luxury trains as Peru Rail, but less frequently. The service is the same, so you should take a look at this company as well. Once you have arrived at Machu Picchu, opt to take a guided tour. Find out what this ancient site has to offer; the history and mystery that the site offers will not disappoint the history buff. After your guided tour, spend some time exploring on your own and revisit some of the special places. One of the best tours in Peru to enjoy.
Train Prices
The cost of a train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo depends on the service, departure station, and time of booking. On average, prices range as follows:
| Service | Peru Rail | Inca Rail | Price |
| Standard | Expedition | Voyager | From USD 60 |
| Premiun (Panoramic) | Vistadome Vistadome Observatory | 360º – | From USD 90 From USD 120 |
| Luxury | Hiran Bingham | First Class | From USD 500 |
If you board from Urubamba station, tickets can be slightly higher due to the longer route (about an hour and 30 minutes). From Ollantaytambo, prices are more affordable since the ride is shorter.
Booking in advance is key, especially during high season, as tickets often sell out quickly. No matter the option, the journey itself is one of the best reasons to visit Machu Picchu, as the train ride combines comfort with breathtaking scenery.
Back to Cusco
Once you’ve finished touring the site, a bus ride back to the pretty town of Aguas Calientes awaits. Aguas Calientes is a city below where Machu Picchu is located. The city has many small markets and some beautiful hot springs. The springs are ideal to visit after having hiked in Machu Picchu. From here, you will take the train back to Cusco.
In general, when you buy your train tickets to Machu Picchu, you also buy the return tickets. A tour of Machu Picchu will live in your memory forever.
Be sure to do your research and decide how you want to buy your train tickets. Whether through company websites or a licensed travel agent, the experience will be memorable.
Frequently questions
1. How long is the train ride to Machu Picchu?
The train ride from Urubamba station to Machu Picchu Pueblo usually takes about an hour and 30 minutes. If you depart from other stations like Ollantaytambo or Poroy, the travel time can be slightly longer. Regardless of the station, the journey is one of the main reasons to visit Machu Picchu, as you get to enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes along the way.
2. Do all trains have panoramic windows?
Not all services include panoramic windows. Some rail offers provide standard windows, while premium services feature wide panoramic windows that allow you to fully appreciate the Urubamba Valley, rivers, and surrounding mountains. Choosing a train with panoramic views is highly recommended if you want the journey to be as memorable as the destination.
3. Can I combine the Inca Trail with a train ticket?
Yes. Many travelers choose to hike part of the Inca Trail and then board the train at a designated station to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo. This option is perfect if you want a balance between adventure and comfort, experiencing both the historic trail and the convenience of the train.
4. How much do Machu Picchu train tickets cost?
Train prices vary depending on the rail offer, service level, and departure station. Standard trains are more affordable, while luxury options with panoramic windows and onboard service are more expensive. Booking in advance helps you secure better rates, especially during peak tourist season.
5. Where does the train drop me off?
All trains arrive at Machu Picchu station, located in Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). From there, travelers must take a short bus ride or hike up to the archaeological site itself. The station is well-connected and easy to navigate, making your arrival stress-free.
6. Is it necessary to book train tickets in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended. Train tickets to Machu Picchu often sell out weeks ahead, especially during high season. Reserving early guarantees your preferred schedule, service type, and even the chance to ride from Urubamba station, which has limited departures
“THE TRAIN ALWAYS ARRIVE AT YOUR STATION. THE QUESTION IS WHICH ONE TO TAKE?”
We hope that, together with the travel experts at Machu Travel Peru, we have been of help in planning your next vacation. Getting train tickets is not something that takes too much time or effort. But if you are only looking to enjoy this wonderful country, it is advisable to leave this task to us. We will be happy to help you fulfill your dream trip to Machu Picchu. If you want to know more about our different travel programs, you can consult with our team of qualified advisers. We will be waiting for your visit to Peru!
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact Us today to plan your dream adventure!
