Train to Machu Picchu: Definitive Guide

The train to Machu Picchu is a unique journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), at the foot of the Wonder of the World. There are 3 ways to get to Machu Picchu: through the Inca Trail, with the long route through Hidroeléctrica and by train. If you are not one of those people who enjoy hiking outdoors, you should choose the train trip.

How to get to Machu Picchu by train?

To get by train to Machu Picchu you must book your tickets in advance online, do it as soon as possible because at various times of the year these are scarce and it becomes complicated to obtain them.

Once in the city of Cusco (Peru), the visitor must go to the chosen train station (Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo station). It is advisable to be there 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

All train services have as their final destination the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there you have to board one of the buses that take you to the gate of Machu Picchu in a journey of about 30 minutes.

Booking train tickets

To book train tickets, you must enter the website of the companies that provide the service: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. It is important to make the reservation as soon as you know the date on which you will visit Machu Picchu. The tickets are as much in demand as the entrance tickets to the Wonder of the World.

Peru Rail or Inca Rail – Which one to choose to travel by train to Machu Picchu?

There are two companies authorized to travel by train to Machu Picchu. Peru Rail has 4 services of different quality: Vistadome, Expedition, Sacred Valley and the luxury train Hiram Bingham.

Inca Rail has 4 different services: The Voyager, The 360º, The First Class and The Private. Both train companies have adequate services for tourists. Below we detail what is included in each of them.

Peru Rail

Peru Rail is the oldest company, authorized to operate the Machu Picchu route, it has different services. Its website is www.perurail.com.

• Vistadome: It is a train composed of spacious wagons, with panoramic windows on the roof and sides that will allow you to take pictures of the entire journey through the valley.
• Expedition: The Expedition has wagons fully covered by panoramic windows and service on board, offering snacks and Peruvian food.
• Sacred Valley: This train connects the town of Urubamba with Machu Picchu in a luxurious journey through the incomparable landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Includes lunch (or dinner) in the observatory car or restaurant car.
• Belmond Hiram Bingham: It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world, exclusive and with on-board service. It has 4 cars, dining car, bar car, gourmet dinner, transportation and Machu Picchu tickets.

Inca Rail

Inca Rail is a Peruvian company that offers rail transportation services from the town of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Their website is www.incarail.com.

• The Voyager: The cars have comfortable seats, folding tables and panoramic windows. They are decorated with Latin American music. There is service on board and a selection of drinks made with Andean fruits and herbs.
• The 360º: Composed of large panoramic windows, set with Latin American music, onboard service, with a selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as sale of handicrafts on board.
• First Class: It has ambient music, natural flowers and covered tables. You will be served a welcome cocktail, lunch and/or gourmet dinner. It only offers its services during the high tourist season (from April to October) and on special dates.
• El Privado: With cars for up to 8 people, it is known as ‘Princesa Inca’ and is considered presidential class. The car has many details in its decoration, food on board, free bar. This train operates only upon request.

Booking train tickets

To book train tickets you must enter the website of the only 2 companies that provide the service: Peru Rail or Inca Rail.

It is important to make the reservation as soon as you know the date of entry to Machu Picchu. The tickets are as much in demand as the entrance tickets to the Wonder of the World.

Where to board the trains to Machu Picchu?

There are 3 boarding stations for the outbound trains. To board the return train there is only one station.

One way trains:

• Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Cusco). Poroy Station: Calle Roldan s/n, District of Poroy, Cusco.
• Urubamba Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Urubamba, Sacred Valley (Cusco). Return train stations:
• Aguas Calientes Station: Machu Picchu Pueblo, s/n, Barrio Las Orquídeas (next to the Artisan Market of Aguas Calientes).

Almost on all tickets booked you will have to board your train to Machu Picchu at Ollantaytambo station. The Poroy station is restricted for security during the rainy season (November to March).

The place where all trains arrive is the Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu village). One block from the train station you can board the buses to the citadel of Machu Picchu. They leave every 15 minutes and the ticket office is right in front of the station.

How long is the train ride to Machu Picchu?

The duration of the train trip (one way) depends on the boarding station:

• From Poroy station (Cusco): The trip takes 3 hours and 15 minutes approximately.
• From Urubamba station: The trip takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, approximately.
• From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours. Traveling by train is the most popular way for visitors to reach Machu Picchu Picchu. There are different types of services whose costs vary according to the quality of the service and the comfort the passenger is looking for. The most popular are the Expedition and the Vistadome which offer on-board service and even shows.

What are the train schedules to Machu Picchu?

Train schedules are fixed and punctual. Most services depart from ‘Ollantaytambo’ station.

Train schedules of Peru Rail:

Train schedules ‘Vistadome‘ (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

“Expedition” train schedule (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

”Valle Sagrado” train schedule (Urubamba – Aguas Calientes):

”Hiram Bingham” Train Schedule (Poroy (Cusco) – Aguas Calientes)

Inca Rail train schedules:

Train schedules ‘Voyager‘ (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Timetable of the train ‘Los 360º‘ (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

Timetable of the train ‘La Primera Clase‘ (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

”El Privado” train schedule (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

How much does the train to Machu Picchu cost?

The prices of the trains will depend on the type of service they provide. This tends to increase the closer the date of travel.

Prices of Peru Rail trains (round trip):

Prices of Inca Rail trains (round trip):

Discounts for train ticket to Machu Picchu

• The train ticket to Machu Picchu offers discounts for children under 3 years old.
• Peru Rail offers free admission for children under 3 years old. They must be carried by their parents.
• Inca Rail also allows free admission to children from 0 to 2 years old traveling in the parent’s or guardian’s seat.
• Peru Rail offers a 50% discount to children under 12 years old. Inca Rail also has a 50% discount for children from 3 to 12 years old.

What is the train ride to Machu Picchu like?

• The distance from Poroy station (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes is approximately 65.8 kilometers. The route goes through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• The distance from the town of Urubamba to Aguas Calientes is 47.6 kilometers. The route is parallel to the Vilcanota River and the mountains. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• The distance from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes is approximately 30.5 kilometers. The train travels through the beautiful green Sacred Valley of the Incas that blooms on the banks of the Urubamba River. The trip takes just under 2 hours.

Conditions to board the train to Machu Picchu

As a passenger you have to follow the following conditions to board the train to Machu Picchu without complications:

• When boarding the train, you must show your travel ticket and your identity card or passport. The railway company will check your ticket before and during the trip.
• If you cannot prove that you have the ticket, you will be prevented from boarding the train, with no option to make a claim. You will also not be allowed to board the train if you are in poor health. Also women in a state of gestation greater than or equal to seven months.
• You will be prevented from boarding the train if you are obviously intoxicated or under the influence of other substances.
• Young children must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.