train to machu picchu

During the last few years, Peru has become a popular attraction. Especially because most people want to see the Inca ruins of  Machu Picchu, which was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in recent years, and with good reason. Even many South American travel packages have, as a final destination, the Lost Inca city. And to get there, you can’t forget a vital transportation service, the service of the train to the Inca citadel. The train to Machu Picchu is offered by two rail companies, Inca Rail and Peru Rail, both companies have train stations in Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Aguas Calientes Town and have different classes of services, which depart in many schedules during the day.

Together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru, we want to make your vacations much easier. Learn how to use the train heading to Inca world wonder, its schedules, types, routes, and more!

2023 Update: Everything you need to know about the train to Machu Picchu

Two train Companies, a single destiny

inca rail train to machu picchu

The service of the train to Machu Picchu, among other forms to visit Machu Picchu (trekking and by car are the other ones), was always the principal and safest. Through the years, the train trip to Machu Picchu was improved and now, we can say that Peru has two of the best train companies in all of South America (according to satisfaction surveys of quality, services, and prices make by these train companies) Therefore, if you ask us which way is the best to get to Machu Picchu (Among train, walking, or take a bus), the train definitely worth it and is the best form to get to the Inca citadel.

PERU RAILINCA RAIL
Train company founded in 1999 (As a result of concession of government trains, formerly called ENAFER). All its services are destined for tourism, except the “Local train” offered to local people and Peruvians. It has 4 different levels of trains, the Expedition, the Vistadome, the Sacred Valley, and the Hiram Bingham train. All of them with comfortable and padded seats, dining tables, air conditioning, large windows, toilets, and food onboard among other services.Train company was founded in 2009 by a Peruvian investment group with a large experience in the tourism sector. In this case, its 4 levels of trains, the Executive, the 360º, the First Class, and the Private are destined for tourists. In the same way, all its train cars are equipped with large windows, toilets, dining tables, air conditioning, comfortable and padded seats, and food onboard inter alia.

Where to take the train?

station train to machu picchu

Both Inca Rail and Peru Rail usually use 3 main train stations. Depending on your train tickets to Machu Picchu, you will board at one station or another. But it does not matter from which station you start any of the Machu Picchu tours, since the trip will be memorable.

TRAIN STATIONLOCATIONTRIP DURATION TO MACHU PICCHUADVANTAGECOMPANY USING IT
San Pedro StationIn the same Cusco city

(Cascaparo 154, Cusco center)
4 hours approxBeautiful Cusco streets, colonial church domes, amazing surrounding landscapes of the cityPeru Rail
Wanchaq StationIn the same Cusco city

(Alameda Pachacutec, S/N, Wanchaq distric)
4:30 hours approxAmazing surrounding landscapes of the modern part of the CityPeru Rail
Poroy Station1 hour from Cusco

(Roldan Street, Poroy District, Cusco)
3 hours approxLandscapes of surrounding Cusco and colonial towns (Huarocondo, Zurite), Sacred Valley towns, and geographic limits between Andean and Peruvian junglePeru Rail
Urubamba Station1 hour and 45 min from Cusco

(Av. Ferrocarril, Urubamba, Sacred Valley)
2 hours with 20 minLandscapes of Sacred Valley, quaint Urubamba village, geographic limits between Andean and Peruvian jungle, the Vilcanota RiverPeru Rail
Ollantaytambo Station2 hours from Cusco

Av. Ferrocarril, Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado)
2 hours approxLandscapes of Sacred Valley, geographic limits between Andean and Peruvian jungle, the Vilcanota RiverPeru Rail
Inca Rail

Unfortunately, for most of the year, the Urubamba train station is not operational, with few exceptions. The Sacred Valley 5-star hotel Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection managed it (However, the station is owned by Peru Rail) and sometimes it is used for boarding its guests in the frequencies of Vistadome or Expedition trains.

1. Aguas Calientes arrival station

aguas calientes train to machu picchu

If you are asking how to get to Machu Picchu. Well, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu local town will always appear in your searches. Although there are many starting stations, there is only one arrival station, the Aguas Calientes train station. It is the closest to Machu Picchu (Address: Machu Picchu Pueblo, Las Orquídeas Neighborhood –  Next to the Artisan Market) All train services of both companies arrive there and return from it. It is located inside Aguas Calientes, the local and modern town of Machu Picchu.

Types of the trains

PERU RAILINCA RAIL
ExpeditionVoyager
Train wagons with wide and padded seats. It has large windows on the sides. Diner tables, snacks, services, and Peruvian food onboard.These trains have comfortable seats, folding tables, large windows at the sides, Andean music during the trip, services, and a variety of Peruvian herb drinks onboard.
Vistadome360º
Similar to Expedition with large windows that covered the sides and roof of carriages, having a 180º grade of view. Usually offer a fashion catwalk in the middle aisle during the route.Similar to Voyager service with the difference of panoramic windows, an offer of hot and cold Peruvian drinks of native herbs, and the possibility of buying Andean handicrafts on board.
Hiram BinghamFirst Class
The glamorous train is cataloged as the best luxury train in South America by the Condé Nast Travel Magazine. 4 carriages (Observatory, dinner, bar, and kitchen). Open bar, brunch, and dinner (If you take the round trip), landscape’s observatory carriage, tour guide, and services onboard. Also, this train ticket includes Machu Picchu entrance and bus transportation (once arrived in Aguas Calientes) to get there.Well-adorned carriages with natural and native flowers, tables covered by luxury tablecloths. Gourmet dinner & lunch (If you take the round trip) or one of them is the only way. The train personnel will welcome you with an alcoholic drink and Andean ambient music. This service only operates in the tourism high season (From March to November) and on special dates.
Private train
Charter train with a capacity of only 8 passengers. This train receives another name, ”La Princesa Inca” (The Inca princess). Personnel of train and chefs for the exclusive attention of the passengers. The train has many decoration details inside, à la carte foods, and an open bar on board. This train is operated on request and reservation.

Train schedules and prices

back cusco train to machu picchu

Once we know the different train levels of both companies, choosing the right schedule of the train will be important. Why? Because of the arrival time of each train service. One will have to fit with the entrance hour of your Machu Picchu tickets.

For example, if you arrive at Aguas Calientes train station at 10:00 am, you will have to count 1 hour to get to the same entrance of Machu Picchu Archeological park (a Bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will take this hour) Therefore, your hour of the entrance to Machu Picchu will be 11:00 am.

PeruRail

perurail train to machu picchu

1. Expedition train

This is the most comfortable and economic option of all. These trains have soft and large seats. In addition to huge windows with which to observe the landscape. Onboard you will be offered different free drinks such as coffee, tea, and other juices.

Price per person: $140 – S./ 459 approx (Round Trip)

Go:

San Pedro Stn.(Departure)Poroy Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. Stn.(Departure)Aguas Calientes Stn.(Final destiny)
Exp 3106:40 am07:35 am09:15 am10:52 am
Exp 7105:05 am06:35 am
Exp 8106:10 am07:40 am
Exp 8307:45 am09:15 am
Exp 3306:40 am08:29 am09:54 am
Exp 20307:30 am08:25 am10:32 am12:11 pm
Exp 8307:45 am09:15 am
Exp 9111:52 am 13:34 pm
Exp 7312:55 pm14:25 pm
Exp 60315:37 pm17:02 pm
Exp 7519:04 pm20:45 pm
Exp 5121:00 pm22:45 pm

Return:

Aguas Calientes Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. Stn.(Final destiny)Poroy Stn.(Final destiny)Cusco Stn.(Final destiny)
Exp 3415:20 pm17:08 pm19:05 pm
Exp 3216:43 pm18:31 pm20:23 pm21:23 pm
Exp 50416:22 pm18:10 pm
Exp 5005:35 am07:44 am
Exp 7208:53 am10:52 am
Exp 7414:55 pm16:31 pm
Exp 60417:23 pm19:02 pm20:52 pm21:52 pm
Exp 8418:20 pm20:05 pm
Exp 8620:50 pm22:20 pm
Exp 7621:50 pm23:37 pm

2. Vistadome train

This wonderful train has panoramic windows on each side and on the roof through which you can contemplate the rolling landscape of the Andes and Peruvian jungle. All while drinking one of the classic infusions offered there (of payment). Food service is offered, besides a fashion show with fine Alpaca fabrics and clothes and a representation of a Cusco traditional dance, the Saqra (The devil). All of them are performance onboard.

Price per person: $190 – S./623 approx (Round Trip)

Go:

San Pedro Stn.(Departure)Poroy Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. Stn.(Departure)Aguas Calientes Stn.(Final destiny)
Vtd 3106:40 am07:35 am09:15 am10:52 am
Vtd 3306:40 am08:29 am09:54 am
Vtd 20307:30 am08:25 am10:32 am12:11 pm
Vtd 8307:45 am09:15 am
Vtd 60108:00 am09:25 am
Vtd 50108:53 am10:29 am
Vtd 7312:55 pm14:25 pm
Vtd 30107:05 am08:27 am
Vtd 30313:27 pm14:50 pm
Vtd 60315:37 pm17:02 pm
Vtd 75 19:04 pm20:45 pm

Return:

Aguas Calientes Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. Stn.(Final destiny)Poroy Stn.(Final destiny)Cusco Stn.(Final destiny)
Vtd 3415:20 pm17:08 pm19:05 pm
Vtd 3216:43 pm18:31 pm20:23 pm21:23 pm
Vtd 50416:22 pm18:10 pm
Vtd 30210:55 am12:32 pm
Vtd 60212:46 pm14:19 pm
Vtd 20413:37 pm15:04 pm
Vtd 7414:55 pm16:31 pm
Vtd 30415:48 pm17:29 pm
Vtd 60417:23 pm19:02 pm20:52 pm21:52 pm
Vtd 60618:10 pm19:51 pm
Vtd 8418:20 pm20:05 pm
Vtd 7621:50 pm23:37 pm

3. Belmond Hiram Bingham train

This is the most recognized and excellent luxury train to get to Machu Picchu in style. The carriages resemble the luxurious British Pullman trains of the 1920s, and also these features plush seats and polished wood accents. You will enjoy a wonderful gourmet brunch in an elegant dining car in one way, and on your return, you will have a delicious gourmet dinner. In the bar car, you will also find a large selection of wines, cocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages, all of which are available with the benefit of the open bar on the route.

In addition, the train has a separate observation car with panoramic windows to enjoy the amazing views of the Peruvian south, besides live Andean music, and tour guides who will accompany you on all journeys, even in the same Inca citadel. The Belmond Hiram Bingham train offers a unique experience within the train services to Machu Picchu. The service includes both shuttle bus tickets and a guided tour of the citadel.

Price per person: $950 – S./3115 approx (Round trip)

Go:

Wanchaq Stn.(Departure in Bus)Poroy Stn.(Transfer to train)Ollanta. Stn.(Departure)Aguas Calientes Stn.(Final destiny)
HB 1107:20 am09:05 am10:53 am12:24 pm

Return:

Aguas Calientes Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. Stn.(Final destiny)Poroy Stn.(Final destiny – Transfer to bus)Wanchaq Stn.(Final destiny)
HB 1217:50 pm19:25 pm21:16 pm22:10 pm

IncaRail

incarail train to machu picchu

1. Voyager train

Among the different train options to Machu Picchu, this is a classic. This incredible train has some wonderful features, from about 480 reclining leather seats to panoramic windows, and skylights. Also, it offers one of the greatest budget options. This astounding train provides its service between the destinations of Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel itself and has about five daily departures a day. Its first shift is early in the morning (6:00 am – 6:40 am) and its last shift is during the night (9:30 pm). On board, you can enjoy numerous traditional gourmet dishes and beverage services (of payment)

Price per person: $140 – S./ 459 approx (Round Trip)

Go:

Inca Rail Cusco office Stn.(Departure – Bus + Train)Ollanta. Stn.(Transfer)Aguas Calientes Stn.(Final destiny)
Vyg04:20 am06:40 am08:01 am
Vyg13:30 pm16:36 pm18:09 pm
Vyg16:15 pm19:27 pm21:09 pm

Return:

Aguas Calientes Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. St.(Transfer)Inca Rail Cusco office Stn.(Final destiny)
Vyg08:30 am10:10 am
Vyg14:30 pm16:04 pm18:30 pm
Vyg19:00 pm20:41 pm23:00 pm
Vyg20:20 pm21:59 pm
Vyg21:30 pm22:54 pm01:15 am

2. 360º train

This is another of the Machu Picchu trains where you can admire the wonderful landscapes of the Sacred Valley. The train has about 312 seats to experience a comfortable journey. Through its large panoramic windows and its roof with skylights, you can listen to an audio guide narration as well as experience the different landscapes that offer the Andes and Peruvian jungle; besides, enjoy the warm weather where you can get to know the great Machu Picchu. This train is a great possibility to get to know the Machu Picchu surrounding valley like other places.

Price per person: $ 150 – S./ 491 approx (Round Trip)

Go:

Inca Rail Cusco office Stn.(Departure – Bus + Train)Ollanta. Stn.(Transfer)Aguas Calientes Stn.(Final destiny)
360º04:55 am07:22 am08:48 am
360º09:55 am12:36 pm14:00 pm

Return:

Aguas Calientes Stn.(Departure – Train + Bus)Ollanta. Stn.(Transfer)Cusco Stn.(Final destiny)
360º10:32 am12:12 pm14:32 pm
360º16:12 pm17:50 pm20:35 pm

3. First Class train

This journey is both exciting and wonderful. The destiny of the train has about 60 seats where the different passengers are received with a welcome cocktail. In addition, the train has a live music show that will let you know a little about our culture. You can also enjoy traditional dishes prepared by the chef on board. The train tickets also include the transfer by private bus to the entrance. This service oper only in the high season of tourism (April – November)

Price per person: $ 398 –  S./ 1305 approx (Round Trip)

Go:

Inca Rail Cusco office Stn.(Departure – Bus + Train)Ollanta. Stn.(Departure)Aguas Calientes Stn.(Final destiny)
FC08:30 am11:15 am12:41 pm

Return:

Aguas Calientes Stn.(Departure)Ollanta. Stn.(Final destiny)Cusco Stn.(Final destiny)
FC19:00 pm20:41 pm23:32 pm

4. Private train

This train has about eight seats and is the only private charter to Machu Picchu. This service could be considered as a party onboard where you will be welcomed with a glass of champagne. Then you will continue enjoying an open bar and an exquisite menu to taste Peruvian gastronomy. The menu includes about three gourmet dishes using local ingredients. Get ready to know Machu Picchu luxuriously and privately. All are accompanied by delicious cocktails, local musicians, even a Machu Picchu guide tour, and much more.

Price per person: It depends on passenger quantity, services, and details included in the order.

Schedule: On the same form, it will depend on the date of operation requested in the order. In general, the train is available every day of the year.

Bimodal services (Bus + Train)

bimodal train to machu picchu

Take note that both companies offer Bimodal services in their routes and frequencies. But,  What does it mean? Well, the bimodal service of trains to Machu Picchu consists of dividing the route to Machu Picchu into two parts; one of them by bus and the other one by train (In case of a return, it will be the opposite, first train and after bus). In both cases, the Ollantaytambo train station will be the transshipment zone.

This system comes about the necessity of getting fast to Machu Picchu citadel. Because, the train carriages are usually delayed between the Cusco – Ollantaytambo railways part (these go slower). Therefore, before buying a ticket of train, check if the train type offers bimodal service. In the end, you decide if you want to take this option to get to Machu Picchu faster or enjoy more time onboard the train.

Discount for a child, the underage person

kids train to machu picchu

In the case of Peru Rail, the tickets of the train to Machu Picchu have some deals and promotions for underage persons. Below you will find the most important.

  • Perurail considered infants to be someone from 0 to 3 years old. In this case, they will not pay anything (Free). As long as they occupy the same seat as their parents.
  • In case infants occupy a seat, they will pay only 50% of the adult price.
  • From 04 to 11 years old, Peru Rail considered them as children and had a 50% discount over the adult price.
  • If the child travels with the parent in the same seat, he will not pay anything (A maximum of one child traveling in the same seat as a parent is allowed). Please, take it in mind when you calculate your Machu Picchu Trip Cost.
  • If you have more information, you can enter this link.

In the case of Inca Rail, it has its own discount policies.

  • Inca Rail considers infants to be someone from 0 to 03 years old. They will not pay for passage as long as they travel in the same seats as their parents.
  • In case, the infant needs his own seat. They will pay 50% of the adult ticket.
  • Inca Rail is considered infants from 04 to 12 years old, they pay 50% of the adult ticket and always occupy a seat.
  • If you have more information, you can enter this link.

Buying the tickets

tickets train to machu picchu

Nowadays, you have three ways to get train tickets to Machu Picchu; through websites, travel agencies, or personally (once you arrive in Cusco). Our recommendation is always the same, the earlier you buy your train tickets, the better. Because Machu Picchu is a demanded destiny, not only in Peru but all of South America and train spaces usually run out one or two months before a trip. Therefore, buying these through websites or travel agencies will be your best option.

  1. On the original website

Both, Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer their train tickets through their social networks and have friendly, intuitive web pages developed for online purchase and payment. On their websites, you can buy your tickets with your credit card, and best of all, they accept different types of credit card providers like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club inter alia. In this way, you will have your seat guaranteed and you will receive your ticket from the company through e-mail. This is one of the safest ways to experience the train to Machu Picchu.

  1. Buy tickets from a trusted travel agency

This is the preferred way to get tickets for the train to Machu Picchu, and what most people do. In this way, the travel agencies will be sure to get an ideal seat on the train for you. Despite it will cost more (because they add administrative costs), in the long run, you will get what you want and arrive in Peru with peace of mind. The agency can also provide you with a qualified guide to learn about the history of the Inca Citadel and some amazing Machu Picchu facts (Remember that entrance to Machu Picchu without a tour guide is forbidden)

Even better, a complete tourism package in which you can be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the train station to go to Machu Picchu, with all services included, without worries, will be the best. Also, it will be perfect to plan a honeymoon in Machu Picchu, or celebrate a birthday or an anniversary, but always in advance!

Happily, the most recognized travel agencies have developed websites where you can keep in contact with them, and even pay for your services in advance there, they accept all credit card types, too!

  1. Personally

Another option to buy your train tickets to Machu Picchu is to wait until you arrive in Cusco. Among the different ways to get tickets for trains to Machu Picchu, this is the least recommended. Why? Because the demand is high, and usually they buy train tickets in advance and, if you don’t do the same, you can run out of space. Therefore, buying your tickets train to Machu Picchu once you arrive in Cusco is risky. We don’t recommend it.

Things to know before boarding your train

enjoy train to machu picchu
  • Carry with you always your train tickets to Machu Picchu and your passport. Why? Because these documents will be requested to board the trains and enter Machu Picchu.
  • Peru Rail allows hand luggage with a maximum weight of 11 pounds. On the other hand, Inca Rail allows hand luggage of a maximum weight of 17 pounds.
  • Note that the train winds slowly on one side of the Urubamba River. So if you are prone to dizziness, we recommend you go to the bathroom before the trip begins. The ride can also be a bit bumpy.
  • Another great tip is to have your camera ready, the trip is packed with wonderful views and landscapes of mountains, snowy peaks, and much more.
  • During the train trip, you will be accompanied by a guide (in the case of Belmond Hiram Bingham train of Peru Rail and the First Class of the Inca Rail) who will point out various Inca sites of interest. Remember, enter to Machu Picchu without a certificate tour guide is forbidden.

Back to Cusco

back cusco train to machu picchu

Once you’ve finished touring the site, a bus ride back to the pretty town of Aguas Calientes awaits. Aguas Calientes is a city located on the slopes of the mountain where is Machu Picchu 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 return tickets. A tour of Peru, 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.

“THE TRAIN ALWAYS ARRIVES AT YOUR STATION. THE QUESTION IS WHICH ONE TO TAKE?”

We hope together with the travel experts of Machu Travel Peru to have been of help for 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 soon 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!