Train trips to Machu Picchu allow you to have a different experience thanks to the services offered by the different trains of PeruRail and Inca Rail. Although the hiking routes to Machu Picchu also allow you to enjoy unforgettable experiences, train trips are ideal for saving time. They also allow you to have a trip through different landscapes and a change of geography. Choose to travel by train, especially if you have limited time, risk your physical condition and especially if you are looking for comfort to have a good time.

• Advantages of choosing the train on your trip to Machu Picchu
  • You will arrive at Machu Picchu in less time
  • You will carry less luggage, that is always good.
  • You will have the level of comfort you desire
  • You can experience luxury trips to Machu Picchu
• What are the options for taking the train to Machu Picchu?
• When should I make train reservations?
• How do I buy my entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?
• How do I use my train tickets?
• How to enter Machu Picchu?
• The best way to make your visit to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Train in the Sacred Valley heading to Machu Picchu

Advantages of choosing the train on your trip to Machu Picchu

More than 75,000 people trek the 40-kilometer Inca Trail to the Inca city of Machu Picchu each year. The scenery is truly breathtaking, but it is not for the faint of heart; the altitude, steep climbs, extreme weather and camping deter many people from doing the Inca Trail. Only 6% of people entering Machu Picchu each day do so via the Inca Trail, so more than 85% of daily visitors to Machu Picchu choose to arrive by train; the final station is in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) the closest town to Machu Picchu.

You will arrive at Machu Picchu in less time

The main station for boarding trains to Machu Picchu is in the town of Ollantaytambo; it will take you two hours to reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. What’s more, you can do your Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco tour in just one day. This will leave you time to see the main sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

You will carry less luggage, that is always good.

You won’t need to carry a heavy 30-liter backpack on your back during your trip, nor would you be able to board the train with it; but we do mean that you won’t need tents, rain ponchos, portable stoves, energy bars, etc. Your headphones, a book, your camera, sun protection, water, and a few other things will suffice. The train ride to Machu Picchu allows you to not worry about anything other than just enjoying the trip, so create unforgettable memories.

You will have the level of comfort you desire

The train journey will not only allow you to sit comfortably, but you can choose the train, depending on the service you want on board. Put on your chosen music playlist to relax as you travel through the natural Andean landscape of the Sacred Valley. There are many train services, all of them high-end, choose one and read that book under the warm rays of the sun, make new friends from all over the world or just close your eyes and enjoy, you are about to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

You can experience luxury trips to Machu Picchu

Train trips to Machu Picchu even allow for a completely luxurious travel experience. You can find the famous Hiram Bingham train and the First Class train from Inca Rail. Both trains offer services such as VIP reception at the train stations, lunch or gourmet menu during the trip, drinks and even entrance fees to Machu Picchu. Of course, you will have to book the luxury trains in advance.

Interior del tren The First Class

What are the options for taking the train to Machu Picchu?

These are the trains that can take you to Machu Picchu. They are of different categories and each train offers different services. Below is all the information about the trains and the main options for making the trip by train.

When should I make train reservations?

• Train tickets can be booked several months in advance.
• It is advisable to start with the train reservation, once you have already reserved and paid for the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• As we saw above, you can find up to 8 train services to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• The trains with the greatest availability and the largest number of tickets are the Expedition and The Voyager trains.
• The rest of the trains have other more convenient schedules, meaning they do not require waking up very early.
• However, the availability of entrance tickets to the citadel of Machu Picchu may be reduced.
• It is recommended that you make your reservation taking into account travel delays or similar details to avoid unpleasant experiences.
• Once your booking is complete, you can make payment to have your train tickets sent to you ready to use.

Ollantaytambo train station

How do I buy my entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?

• When making your reservation you will need to enter your personal details.
• It is recommended to write them down as they appear on your identification documents.
• For added security or to access discounts for being a minor or university student, you will need to attach these credentials.
• It is important that a person is in charge of the reservation with an email address that they have access to.
• Each data you enter must be entered correctly. This information will be verified at the time of use.
• Your train ticket reservations will arrive in your inbox and be ready to use.

How do I use my train tickets?

Once you have booked your train ticket for yourself and your companions, all that remains is to wait for the travel date and have everything ready to begin the adventure.

Another important factor is knowing what type of service you have purchased. This can be the bimodal service or the direct trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo. In the bimodal service you travel by bus to the Ollantaytambo station and from this station you continue the journey by train to your destination.

To use train tickets you only need to follow the following recommendations:

• You can print or show the QR code on your cell phone to validate your ticket credential.
• It is at this point that the registered data and that of the identity document or passport are corroborated.
• It is recommended to be at the train station 30 minutes before departure time.
• If you have a direct service there will not be much of a problem.
• In the bimodal service, you will have to change transport and look for the train you need to board.
• There is usually a team of assistants who will help you locate the next service.
• Try not to carry full backpacks or too many belongings. The route is easy to do and at most it only takes one day.
• It is also important that you make a reservation for both the outbound and return journeys so that you can choose the times that best suit you.

Hiram Bingham train – Peru Rail

How to enter Machu Picchu?

It would be unfair to talk to you about Machu Picchu and not tell you that you have to book tickets in advance, especially if you want the ticket that includes the Huayna Picchu mountain; this has to be booked several months in advance. But it is not enough to just get to Machu Picchu with tickets, you will also need to book train tickets, they sell out weeks in advance. During the high season (May – August) all reservations must be made months in advance.

Most trains to Machu Picchu depart from Ollantaytambo station, where you will board your train to Machu Picchu, provided you have booked tickets in advance. It is impossible to get tickets available at that time.

The best way to make your visit to Machu Picchu

One of the best strategies to get to Machu Picchu on time, whether you just want to be one of the first people, or if you book the Machu Picchu tickets that include the mountains in the first groups is; if possible, spend the night before your visit in Aguas Calientes and be one of the first people to enter Machu Picchu, the sunrise will seem magical to you and it is the closest you will get to being alone in Machu Picchu; however, people who enter Machu Picchu in the afternoon shift, can enjoy the sunset. The light at 4 pm is considered by many expert and amateur photographers, the best time to photograph Machu Picchu.

If you decide to go beyond Machu Picchu and climb one of its fabulous mountains – Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu – be aware that these tickets are very limited and that to access them you must book several months in advance.

Thousands of people board the train to Machu Picchu at the Ollantaytambo station every day. If you have already chosen your Machu Picchu ticket, choose your train, the Expedition, the Vistadome, the Hiram Bingham. If you don’t know which one to choose, please contact us by writing to [email protected].

Visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Can I travel every day by train to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, tours to Machu Picchu are normally carried out regularly and at the same time. However, they can be suspended due to announcements of demonstrations and also due to natural disasters. In the event of these abrupt changes in the routes, advance notices are issued to take the necessary precautions.

• 2) What services or types of train are the most used?

  The most popular trains are the economical trains, namely the Expedition trains and The Voyager trains. However, it should be noted that the most popular times are also the first ones of the day, as they allow you to make the trip to Machu Picchu in just one day.

• 3) Can everyone take the train to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, trains to Machu Picchu are available for everyone. That is, babies, children and seniors can travel.

• 4) Can you visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season?

  Yes, during the rainy season you can visit Machu Picchu. The rainy season starts in November and lasts until February. For this trip it is recommended to bring a poncho and other waterproof clothing.

• 5) What will I find at the train stations?

  At the train stations you can also book train tickets. There is also a space or waiting room for all tourists to board the trains. There are also toilets and some snacks and drinks for sale.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Manuel G.

“One of the most wonderful places in the world“

“It is a great wonder and my favorite place in the world. Number 1 on the list of places in the 26 countries I know. I recommend going early and climbing Waynapicchu, the places to enter this mountain are very limited. It is one of the most wonderful places in the world, one of those that cannot be missed under any circumstances.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 9, 2025

The post Advantages of traveling to Machu Picchu by train first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

The train trip is the way most visitors arrive to Machu Picchu. The train departs from different stations in Cusco, such as: San Pedro station, Wánchaq station, Poroy station or Ollantaytambo station. The latter is the most used because it allows more daily departures. The trip from Ollantaytambo is 1 hour 45 minutes to the final station of Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu village because it is only ten kilometers from the Inca site. Know 10 things you should know about the train to the Inca citadel.

• The train route to Machu Picchu
• The booking of train tickets
• The only two train companies to Machu Picchu
• The train stations to Machu Picchu
• The Ollantaytambo station, the most used
• The train route on your own
• Cancellation of train ticket
• The train journey in a wheelchair
• Lateness or absences on the train trip to Machu Picchu
• The trip to Machu Picchu without a train

Traveling by train through the Cusco jungle

Why choose to travel by train to Machu Picchu?
The train ride to Machu Picchu travels through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is built. This short train route is considered among the most amazing in the world, but it is also the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu and the best alternative for people who wish to avoid the four-day hike along the Inca Trail or the 8 hours through the alternative route by Hydroelectric.

The train route to Machu Picchu

• The train route to Machu Picchu is the way most tourists arrive to the famous Inca city from the city of Cusco in Peru.
• The train route departs from different stations in the city of Cusco or in the town of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes 1 hour 45 minutes on average. The distance between the two points is approximately 40 kilometers. The train travels at approximately 30 kilometers per hour. There are some stops along the way to allow other trains to pass, as well as for visitors doing the 2-day Inca Trail to get off.

This is the route to Aguas Calientes from Cusco

The booking of train tickets

• Many train services sell out weeks in advance, so the best time to book is immediately after booking your Machu Picchu tickets.
• Also, keep in mind that if you book Machu Picchu tickets that include the mountains in the first groups, it is best to arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes one day before your visit.
• Book round-trip train tickets, the cheapest train services often sell out many weeks in advance.
• It is recommended to first purchase tickets to Machu Picchu online. Then, depending on the time of your visit to the Inca city, you should purchase train tickets.
• It is not recommended to buy train tickets at the last minute, as there is a risk of not finding availability.

The only two train companies to Machu Picchu

• There are two companies that provide train services to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
• Peru Rail is the oldest and offers different services at many times; and, depending on the service you choose, you can board your train at one of the different stations.
• Its services are: local train (economical for Peruvians), Expedition train, Vistadome train, Vistadome Observatory train and Hiram Bingham luxury train.
• Inca Rail is the other company that provides train service to Machu Picchu, and like the previous one, it has various services and schedules; from tourist class to the presidential service aboard the Inca princess.
• Its services are: The Voyager train, The 360 train, The Premium & Lounge train, The First Class train and the luxury train The Private.

Inca Rail company train heading to Machu Picchu town

The train stations to Machu Picchu

• Most services of both train companies will depart from Ollantaytambo station; however, some services will depart from alternative stations in the cities of Poroy or Cusco.
• In the city of Cusco, Peru Rail has two stations: San Pedro Station and Wánchaq Station. Both stations, in addition to train departures, offer daily bus services to Ollantaytambo, known as bimodal services.
• In the town of Poroy, located 15 kilometers (35 minutes from the city of Cusco), there is a train station. Some of the most luxurious services depart from there, such as the Hiram Bingham train.
• The most frequent trains leave from Ollantaytambo station every day. That is why most tourists choose this station. From Cusco, Ollantaytambo is reached by road in an average of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The Ollantaytambo station, the most used

• The Ollantaytambo train station is the most used by tourists as it has the highest number of daily departures. The main services of both Peru Rail and Inca Rail depart from there.
• Ollantaytambo is 61 kilometers from the city of Cusco. You can get there with a train ticket that includes a bus (Bimodal service) or with a public transport service.
• You can reach the city of Ollantaytambo by taking buses, cars or minivans that leave from Pavitos Street in the historic center of the city of Cusco.
• These vehicles charge around 12 soles and will take you in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to the city of Ollantaytambo.
• If you choose to travel on the Bimodal service of either Peru Rail or Inca Rail, you will need to go to their main stations in the city of Cusco. Peru Rail has its bus station in the town of Wánchaq. Inca Rail has its bus station on El Sol Avenue, one of the main avenues in the city of Cusco.

The train route on your own

• If you decide to come to Machu Picchu on your own, remember to plan your time very carefully. The train schedule you choose must match the type of ticket to Machu Picchu you have chosen.
• You need to be in Machu Picchu at 7am if you booked the tickets that include the mountains in the first group. If this is the case, we recommend booking the train tickets for a day in advance, and spending the night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• The final station for the trains to Machu Picchu is in the town of Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the mountain where the Inca city is built. And just two blocks away is the bus station to Machu Picchu, which takes tourists to the gates of the Inca archaeological site in 30 minutes.
• That is to say, to organize the trip to Machu Picchu on your own you need to buy up to three tickets: the entrance to Machu Picchu, the train ticket and the final bus ticket to the Inca city.

Tourists at the Ollantaytambo train station

Cancellation of train ticket

• If you want to cancel your train tickets, do so at least 30 days in advance. The closer the day of your trip, the higher the cancellation penalty will be. And if you do not do it in time, you will lose your train tickets.
• The train ticket is non-transferable and cannot be changed once purchased. Only in cases of emergency such as natural disasters or social protests, flexibility can be granted for cancellation or change of date of the train trip.
• Cancellation is only possible by the ticket holder. The penalty for cancellation is 10% of the ticket value (for administrative costs). A ticket cannot be cancelled within twenty-four hours before the train journey.
• If you made the purchase through a travel agency, you must coordinate the cancellation of the ticket with them.

The train journey in a wheelchair

• Travelling by train for a wheelchair user is possible. Tourists must indicate their travel needs in their reservation. Visitors in wheelchairs are assigned a special seat in the carriage.
• However, to be honest, trains are not designed to provide space and comfort for a visitor in a wheelchair. Although there are no ramps for access to the trains, the tourist assistance staff will provide you with the necessary support to access the train.
• After the train ride, you will have to board the buses that will take you to Machu Picchu. These buses also do not have ramps or spaces inside for people in wheelchairs. However, the bus staff will provide you with the necessary support for this task.
• Once in Machu Picchu, there is a special route for wheelchair users. This includes the entrance to a special viewing point where you can contemplate the splendid landscape of Machu Picchu and its main Inca buildings.

Lateness or absences on the train trip to Machu Picchu

• In case of delay or failure to travel by train, there is no refund. The train departs punctually on the day and at the time shown on the ticket.
• In case of illness, an exception can be made by sending a doctor’s note as soon as possible. Even better, if it is sent before the trip.
• Events such as strikes, natural disasters and others beyond the control of the company may cause delays or cancellation of the service if it is believed that your safety and that of the rest of the group is at risk.
• You can change the date of your train ticket up to 24 hours before your trip; after this time there is no possibility of cancellation or change of any kind.

The trip to Machu Picchu without a train

• Travelling by train is not the only way to visit Machu Picchu. There are also two other routes: the 4-day Inca Trail hiking route or the alternative route via the Hydroelectric Station in the Cusco jungle.
• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 4-day hiking route in its classic version (there is also a short version of only 2 days). This route is through the historic Inca roads, the qhapac ñan. Therefore, it can only be done through a tour organized by a tourism agency, which provides the necessary permits.
• The alternative route via Hidroeléctrica allows you to travel to the town of Aguas Calientes through the Cusco jungle, via the Hidroeléctrica train station, located 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu town. The first bus ride from the city of Cusco takes between 5 and 6 hours. Then, there is a 2-hour walk to reach Aguas Calientes.
• The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a tour that costs approximately $500 per visitor. The Hidroeléctrica route, on the other hand, is considered the most economical route to Machu Picchu.

On the way to Machu Picchu via Hydroelectric

Advice from people who have been there

Vistadome Train

By: Gabriela U.

“Perfect trip“

“We booked our seats on the Vistadome train from Perurail, I travelled with a friend and it was a great experience, it has windows on the roof and this is very useful in a place like the Sacred Valley. There was dancing, music and a fashion show which enhanced our incredible visit to Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 18, 2024

The post 10 things you should know about the train to Machu Picchu first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

Of the three ways to go to Machu Picchu, the train trip is the fastest, safest and most comfortable. The other two are the Hidroelectrica route (5-hour bus ride with a 2-hour hike), as well as the famous 4-day Inca Trail (hiking route with camping along the historic qhapac ñan). The train trip offers different types of services in the only two companies available: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. What are the trains like? Learn more about the types of trains on the trip to the Wonder of the World!

• The train trip from Cusco city to Machu Picchu
• The types of trains of the company Peru Rail
• The types of trains of Inca Rail company
• The comfort of traveling by train to Machu Picchu
• Other trains in Cusco
• Questions and answers about the train ride to Machu Picchu

Train heading to Aguas Calientes station

Machu Picchu off the Unesco list
When planning the trip to Machu Picchu, if there is something as important as the entrance tickets, it is the train tickets, because unless you are planning to enter Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail or by the Hidroelectrica route, you will also have to book the train tickets in advance. Otherwise you may have to go to the Inca city through the Hidroelectric route, which includes 6 hours of travel and 2 more hours of walking to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. Train tickets have limited availability. And the best way to make your visit is to buy your ticket one or two months in advance. The purchase can be made on the websites of Peru Rail and Inca Rail. You can also make the purchase in person in the city of Cusco. However, you run the risk of not finding availability.

The train trip from Cusco city to Machu Picchu

The trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu can be done in three ways. The first, the most preferred by visitors, is with the train trip from the various stations, such as Ollantaytambo (the most used by tourists).

The second option is the adventurous route through the Hidroeléctrica station. This route consists of two stages. The first is a trip in a tourist minivan from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica passing through the jungle of Cusco (5 hours trip on average). The second part is a two-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village).

The third option is with the 4-day Inca Trail tour. This trekking route, one of the best in the world, covers 39 kilometers on foot, a part of the immense Inca network of the qhapac ñan (royal Inca roads). The final destination is Machu Picchu as the Incas did it, passing through the Intipunku, the Sun Gate.

Of the three options, most visitors prefer to travel by train because it offers a faster trip, a safer route, a comfortable experience and shows such as dance performances. Some trains even offer a gourmet menu and music show on board.

To make the trip by train you must choose between two types of train companies: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. Both complete the trip to Machu Picchu by minivan (Cusco – Ollantaytambo route) and train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes). In all cases, after arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes, you must take a bus that in 30 minutes takes the visitor to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.

Map of the routes to Machu Picchu village

The types of trains of the company Peru Rail

Peru Rail offers up to five types of tourist services to Machu Picchu:

• Local train to Machu Picchu – Train service for Peruvian visitors only, especially for locals who need this service on a daily basis. The train is not a tourist train, so there is no service on board, no snacks, drinks or any kind of show. The cost is very economical as it costs only 12 Peruvian soles.
• Expedition Train – Economy but tourist class train service with all the amenities on board such as large windows, tables, on board service, music with tourist information, as well as snacks and beverages for sale. The train is the most economical for tourists. It has an approximate cost of US$50 per leg (one way or return).
• Vistadome Train – Tourist train service that includes comfortable seats, panoramic upper and side windows, tables, as well as complimentary snacks and beverages. On the return trip, it includes a dance show and a parade of alpaca garments. It has an approximate cost of 70 dollars per leg (one way or return).
• Vistadome Observatory Train – High quality tourist train service that, in addition to tourist services such as comfortable seats, tables, 360 panoramic windows, offers an observatory car with a view and a balcony outside. There is also an on-board music show. It also includes complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as a dance show and a parade of alpaca garments. The train has an approximate cost of US$90 per leg (one way or return).
• Hiram Bingham Train – Luxury service that offers an unforgettable experience on the way to Machu Picchu. The trains offer dining cars, observatory car (with open-air balconies) and bar car with live music show. In addition, it offers gourmet menu, complimentary drinks, bus and tour guide service at the archaeological site.

Vistadome Observatory Train – Peru Rail

The types of trains of Inca Rail company

The Inca Rail company offers up to five types of tourist services to Machu Picchu:

• The Voyager Train – Inca Rail’s most economical tourist train. It offers comfortable seats, large windows, tables, tourist information during the trip, as well as staff on board and sale of snacks and drinks. The train also offers the Ollantay drama musical show, characterized by the staff on board. The train costs US$50 per leg (one way or return).
• The 360 Train – Inca Rail’s most requested tourist train. It offers comfortable seats, panoramic side and upper windows, tables, tourist information during the trip, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. The train also offers the Ollantay drama musical show, characterized by the staff on board. The train costs US$80 per leg (one way or return).
• The Premium & Lounge Train – An Inca Rail executive service that offers comfortable seating, panoramic side and top windows, as well as an open-air balcony observatory car. The train ride also offers complimentary snacks, desserts and beverages. The Ollantay drama musical show is also offered during the trip. The train costs US$130 per leg (one way or return).
• The First Class Train – The First Class train is a luxurious Inca Rail service that offers comfortable seating, large windows, tables and luxury cars such as the observatory car (with open-air balcony), dining car and bar car with live music show. The trip includes a selection of beverages. This is a luxury service with the option of adding the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, as well as the guide and transportation service.
• The Private Train – The Private train is a luxury service that operates only at the request of the tourist, his/her partner, group of friends or family up to 8 people. It includes all the amenities on board, as well as dining car, observatory car (with open-air balcony), bar car with live music show and a selection of drinks included. This is a luxury and exclusive service for a small group of people.

Interior of The First Class train

The comfort of traveling by train to Machu Picchu

Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail will make new trains available to visitors. This is to decongest the already congested route to Machu Picchu and to improve their service.

It will put into operation 6 carriages, equivalent to 252 additional seats on the trains to Machu Picchu, which will operate at sunset, thinking of people who wish to spend the night in Aguas Calientes before their visit to Machu Picchu.

All services are tourist services. That is, no visitor goes standing, all in their respective seats and enjoying the comfort on board. This is one of the best experiences when visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Attention inside the trains

Other trains in Cusco

• Luxury train from Cusco to Puno – Peru Rail’s luxury train service that offers one or two nights aboard a train with comfortable single or double rooms, a space to appreciate the scenery with an open-air balcony and even a bar car with free drinks. The final destination is the Puno station where you will visit Lake Titicaca and its main tourist attractions.
• Luxury Train from Cusco to Arequipa – Peru Rail’s luxury train service offering two or three nights aboard an exclusive train with comfortable connecting single, double or family rooms, an observatory car with open-air balcony, dining car and bar car with live music and free drinks. The final destination is Arequipa station. Puno is also visited on the route.
• Optional train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes – Peru Rail’s economical service that connects the Hidroeléctrica train station with the town of Aguas Calientes. The trip takes only 30 minutes. Instead of taking this train, many people prefer to make the 2 hour (10 km) hike parallel to the train tracks. This is the economical route to Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica.

Belmond Andean Explorer Train

Questions and answers about the train ride to Machu Picchu

• 1) Which are the companies that offer the train trip to Machu Picchu?

  There are two companies that offer the train trip to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail.

• 2) What is the train to Machu Picchu for Peruvians?

  The local train is a social service for Peruvians, especially for local people who need to travel the route Machu Picchu – Cusco or vice versa.

• 3) What is the most economical tourist train of Peru Rail?

  The Expedition train is the most economical service for tourists offered by Peru Rail.

• 4) What is the most economical Inca Rail train?

  The Voyager train is the most economical service for tourists offered by Inca Rail.

• 5) What is Inca Rail’s luxury train?

  The Private luxury train is Inca Rail’s most VIP service.

• 6) What is Peru Rail’s luxury train?

  The Hiram Bingham luxury train is Peru Rail’s most exclusive service.

• 7) How long does it take to travel by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

  The trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes 4 hours on average. It is usually done in three stages: from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minivan, from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by train and from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by bus.

• 8) Where to take the train to Machu Picchu?

  The train to Machu Picchu departs from several stations, the most used being the Ollantaytambo station. They also depart from the same city of Cusco.

• 9) What is the train from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu?

  It is an economic service of Peru Rail that connects the train station of Hidroeléctrica with the town of Aguas Calientes. The trip takes only 30 minutes. Instead of taking this train, many people prefer to make the 2 hour (10 kilometers) hike parallel to the train tracks. This is the economical route to Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica.

• 10) Which train gets you to Machu Picchu the fastest?

  All types of trains use the same route and are the fastest way to go to Machu Picchu. These are the Peru Rail and Inca Rail trains.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Gina Z.

“Machu Picchu“

“The attention, the tour through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, the service on board... everything added up to make our experience in Machu Picchu unforgettable! The staff is very friendly and the snacks are delicious, you just have to book the tickets in advance, otherwise you may have problems getting to Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 6, 2024

The post How are the trains that take you to Machu Picchu? first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

This post will solve many of your doubts about the train, the bus and the entrances to Machu Picchu. If you come on your own, remember that the organization must be thorough, especially if you have a visit to Machu Picchu for just one day.

Book your train, bus and Machu Picchu tickets in advance.

How and when to reserve Machu Picchu tickets?

Booking the tickets Machu Picchu is the first step to organize the trip to Machu Picchu; of the date in your tickets will depend on the train schedule to Machu Picchu. You can book tickets to Machu Picchu with us up to 48 hours before your visit.

How to get the entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu?

If you want to get one of the 400 tickets Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, you will have to book several weeks in advance; These tickets sell out several weeks before and offer one of the most amazing experiences in Machu Picchu. The trek from Machu Picchu to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain is considered one of the most amazing short walks of Machu Picchu.

How long can I be in Machu Picchu with each of the tickets?

The standard Machu Picchu entrances will allow you to stay at Machu Picchu for 4 hours. The entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu will allow you to be in Machu Picchu for 6 hours; This is enough time to tour the Inca city and the Huayna Picchu mountain. The entrance Machu Picchu + mountain will allow you a time of 7 hours in Machu Picchu and the mountain of the same name. All Machu Picchu tickets have an extra tolerance time so you can leave Machu Picchu without hassles.

When to book the train?

Train tickets run out a few weeks before, and in the end usually the most expensive services are left; this is why we recommend booking your train tickets immediately after booking the Machu Picchu tickets. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu for a day, we recommend you reserve the first trains, so you will have enough time to enter and tour Machu Picchu. In case you book the Machu Picchu tickets that include the mountains in the first groups, we recommend you to reserve the train tickets for a day before and spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is located.

Book your train tickets immediately after booking the Machu Picchu tickets

Where to board the trains to Machu Picchu?

Most train services to Machu Picchu depart from the Ollantaytambo station; It takes approximately 2 hours to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. You can board buses and minivans in Pavitos street, in Cusco; the vehicles will leave you only half a block from the train station.

Where to book bus tickets to Machu Picchu?

You can book bus tickets to Machu Picchu in a small ticket office just two blocks from the train station, and just in front of it you will have to board your bus to begin the ascent by the Hiram Bingham road to Machu Picchu.

How much does the bus to Machu Picchu cost?

A bus ticket to Machu Picchu costs US$ 24 (approx. S/ 76) round trip. The buses leave every 15 minutes or less and the ticket has a validity of 3 days, and can be used only once round trip. Boarding the first buses to Machu Picchu will allow you to be the first people to enter Machu Picchu. You can also choose to get on a bus and go down walking or vice versa; however, we recommend you to reach Machu Picchu with all your energy, you will need it.

Buses to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Sahara P

“Machu Picchu thrills me“

“I have been to Machu Picchu several times and I can not help but get excited; every time I discover something that I had not noticed before, it's really a wonder, a beautiful wonder in the middle of two mountains. It is a mystical and magical place.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 16, 2024

The post Train, buses and tickets Machu Picchu first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

• Where to take the train to Machu Picchu?
• What are the train stations to Machu Picchu?
• And where to take the train back to Cusco?
• How to get to Ollantaytambo?
• What are the train companies to Machu Picchu?
• What are the available trains to Machu Picchu?
• Questions and answers about where to take the train to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes Train Station – Machu Picchu Town

Where to take the transportation to go to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric?
The route from Cusco to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric is an alternative to the classic train ride. This route starts in the city of Cusco. The visitor must hire a group tourist transport through one of the many tourist agencies in Cusco. The cost varies between 15 to 20 dollars, depending on the tourist agency you hire. The trip is 5 hours to Hydroelectric in the jungle of Cusco. Then there is a 2-hour hike to the town of Aguas Calientes. Finally, day 2 concludes with the transportation (or hike) to Machu Picchu. The return trip follows the same route. This is the most economical way to get to Machu Picchu.

Where to take the train to Machu Picchu?

• The train to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco, in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
• Depending on the train service you choose, you can board your train at Cusco City Station, Poroy Station, or Ollantaytambo Station.
• Most train services depart from Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is a small town 2 hours away from the city of Cusco by bus.
• If you are making the trip on your own, remember to organize your time very well. The train schedule you choose, must match the type of Machu Picchu ticket you have chosen, believe us, you will not like to miss your entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain, for not being on time at the entrance to this mountain.

Wanchaq Train Station – Cusco

What are the train stations to Machu Picchu?

These are the train stations for the trip to Machu Picchu:

• San Pedro Station – The San Pedro train station is located in the historic center of Cusco, in front of the small square and the famous San Pedro market. In addition to the sale of train tickets, a few tourist services such as Expedition and Vistadome depart from there. The trip to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town) takes approximately 4 hours.
• Wánchaq Station – The Wánchaq station is also in the center of Cusco. It is the main station from where a few tourist trains such as Expedition and Vistadome depart, as well as the buses for the transfer to Ollantaytambo station. From Wánchaq the train ride takes 4 hours.
• Poroy Station – Poroy Station is located about 15 kilometers from the city of Cusco (30 minutes by road). From there depart some tourist train services such as Expedition, Vistadome, and Hiram Bingham. From there the trip to Aguas Calientes takes 3 hours 30 minutes on average.
• Ollantaytambo Station – Ollantaytambo station is located 61 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. It is the station most used by tourists as it offers the most daily departures including Expedition, Vistadome, Hiram Bingham, as well as the local train for Peruvians. The trip to Aguas Calientes takes 1 hour 45 minutes on average.

Train Station – PeruRail

And where to take the train back to Cusco?

• The final station of the train to Machu Picchu is at the Aguas Calientes station. Just 2 blocks from it, inside the town’s handicraft market, is the train station. The same point of arrival will be where you will have to board the return train. Remember to be at the station half an hour before the train departure time. The return trip to Ollantaytambo takes 1 hour 40 minutes. Then you continue with a bus ride of 1 hour 45 minutes to the city of Cusco.

How to get to Ollantaytambo?

• Ollantaytambo is one of the most used train stations by visitors because it offers the largest number of daily departures to Machu Picchu.
• Ollantaytambo is located 61 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco, passing through tourist towns like Chinchero and Urubamba.
• From the city of Cusco, you must take public or private tourist transportation. The tourist transport minivans leave from Pavitos Street and have a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes (the cost is 12 Peruvian soles). Private tourist transport can be contracted with a tourist agency in Cusco, either online or in person at an authorized agency.
• Another option is to buy a train ticket that includes the bus to Ollantaytambo. This type of service is called ‘Bimodal’ and is offered by both Peru Rail and Inca Rail, the two train companies to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo train station

What are the train companies to Machu Picchu?

• Two train companies cover the routes from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, Peru Rail, and Inca Rail; both have multiple frequencies and services.
• Peru Rail is the older company, however, it offers more daily departures at San Pedro, Wánchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo stations. It also offers the local train for Peruvians.
• Inca Rail is the other train company to Machu Picchu. It has important services with very similar prices to Peru Rail, including Bimodal services. It has daily departures from Ollantaytambo station and the city of Cusco.

PERURAIL company train

What are the available trains to Machu Picchu?

These are the trains available for the trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu:

Peru Rail Trains:

• Expedition – Tourist train for foreigners departing from all available stations: San Pedro, Wánchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo. It offers all the comforts, as well as attention on board.
• Vistadome – Tourist train for foreigners departing from all available stations: San Pedro, Wánchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo. It offers all the amenities, as well as upper and side windows, as well as snacks, complimentary drinks, and shows on board.
• Hiram Bingham – Luxury tourist train departing from Poroy and Ollantaytambo stations. It offers a dining car, observatory car (with balcony), gourmet lunch (or gourmet dinner), free bar, live music show, entrance and guide in Machu Picchu, and more. It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
• Local Train – Economical tourist train but available only for visitors from Cusco and Peru. Its purpose is to be used by people who need daily transportation along the route. It does not offer tourist services, only seats and windows.

Inca Rail Trains:

• The Voyager – Tourist train for foreigners available at Ollantaytambo station. It is the most economical service for foreigners. It offers all the comforts such as seats, tables, large windows, background music, and a musical show on board (Ollantay drama).
• The 360 – Tourist train for foreigners is available at Ollantaytambo station. It is characterized mainly by its upper and side windows with beautiful views. It offers snacks, complimentary drinks, as well as a musical show on board (drama Ollantay).
• The Private – Luxury tourist train departing from Ollantaytambo station. It offers a lounge bar car with an open-air balcony, drinks, a three-course gourmet menu, a live music show, a musical show (drama Ollantay), as well as a bus, an entrance, and a professional guide in Machu Picchu.

Questions and answers about where to take the train to Machu Picchu

• What is the best train station for Machu Picchu?

  Definitely from Ollantaytambo train station depart most services. It is the most recommended station, located 2 hours by road from Cusco.

• Where is Cusco and where is Machu Picchu?

  Cusco and Machu Picchu are just over 100 kilometers apart. The fastest route is by bus and train leaving from Ollantaytambo station.

• What are the Peru Rail trains?

  Peru Rail offers up to four types of services: Expedition, Vistadome, Hiram Bingham, and local trains (only for Peruvians).

• What are the Inca Rail trains?

  Inca Rail offers up to three types of services: The Voyager, The 360, and The Private.

• Where does the local train for Peruvians to Machu Picchu depart from?

  The local train for Peruvians to Machu Picchu departs from two stations: San Pedro station and Ollantaytambo station.

• Can I get to Machu Picchu on foot?

  Yes, the best-known walking route to Machu Picchu is the 4-day Inca Trail. This trekking route starts at kilometer 82 of the railway and ends in Machu Picchu through the sun gate, the Intipunku.

• Is it mandatory to take the train to Machu Picchu?

  The train is the fastest and safest route to Machu Picchu. The other routes are the Inca Trail and the Hydroelectric route. The latter starts from Cusco to the Hydroelectric station in the jungle of Cusco (5-hour trip). Finally, it is a 2-hour hike to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu village).

• How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima city?

  To get to Machu Picchu from Lima (the capital of Peru), you must first make a trip to the city of Cusco, either by bus or plane.

• What is the most expensive train to travel to Machu Picchu?

  The most expensive train to travel to Machu Picchu is Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham luxury service and Inca Rail’s Private luxury service.

• Where to take the return train from Machu Picchu to Cusco?

  The return train from Machu Picchu to Cusco is taken in the town of Aguas Calientes. The trip can be to Ollantaytambo station (then by bus) or directly to San Pedro station in Cusco.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Sandra V

“Incredible“

“One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life. I went up the Machu Picchu mountain because I didn't manage to book the tickets to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain. I like this mountain, it is higher than Huayna Picchu mountain but easier to climb, and you can take nice pictures of it. I was so amazed with Machu Picchu, that I returned home with several books about Machu Picchu and the Inca culture.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post Where to take the train to Machu Picchu? first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

There are many people who want to come to Machu Picchu and if this is added to the people who were already and who want to return, will understand that there are “many” people who wish to be in Machu Picchu; And in case you did not know, there are two things more important than the others in a trip to Machu Picchu; If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu soon, the first thing to do is to reserve Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. There have been cases of people with tickets to enter the Inca city of Machu Picchu and no way to get there; Then, if you do not enter by train through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the only way you will get to Machu Picchu is to walk the Inca trail for 4 days.

Acquiring the train ticket is very important, since it is the only means of transportation to Machu Picchu

How to book train tickets to Machu Picchu?

You can book the tickets through the web pages of the companies in charge of the train service to Machu Picchu. Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the authorized companies for the transfer of passengers to Machu Picchu and like the tickets Machu Picchu, the places available in the trains are very limited. If you prefer we can organize your entire trip to Machu Picchu, this will avoid having to deal with the meticulous organization that is needed for a trip to Machu Picchu.

When to book train tickets to Machu Picchu?

You should book train tickets immediately after booking Machu Picchu tickets, since if you do not come on an organized tour, this is the only way you can ensure your admission to the wonder of Machu Picchu. In addition, booking in advance will allow you to choose the service you like best and not have to buy (compulsory) the most expensive services. The high season in Machu Picchu (June, July, August) demands that Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets must be booked a few months in advance.

Machu Picchu on your own

If you are thinking of coming to Machu Picchu on your own, this is the order you should follow when making your reservations:

• Book tickets Machu Picchu; Keep in mind that ticket Machu Picchu that includes the mountain Huayna Picchu need at least 6 weeks in advance. Here you can find out how to buy Machu Picchu tickets. Remember that only 2,500 tickets are available to enter Machu Picchu.
• Book train tickets; Booking in advance will allow you to choose the service; The cheaper services often run out much earlier.
• Book plane tickets; Although this is very important, you will not be able to reserve them before knowing your date of entrance to Machu Picchu. But booking them in advance may allow you to get a discount on prices.
• Reserve your lodging; Although you can expect to arrive in Cusco to book your hotels in Cusco and / or Aguas Calientes, the high season (from June to August) demands that they also have to be reserved well in advance.
• Book a guide; This can wait for you when you arrive in Machu Picchu, but during peak season you also have to book it in advance. At the gateway to Machu Picchu you can find dozens of guides who are eager to guide you; However, a bad guide can ruin your trip to Machu Picchu. So if you want to ensure an insightful and fun guide, we recommend you book one with us. A “good guide service in Machu Picchu” can make your trip become the best cultural experience of your life.
• Book extra experiences; To get to Machu Picchu you must pass through the city of Cusco, and this offers great experiences. If you are already on your way to Machu Picchu, why not make the most of your time and enjoy excellent experiences in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. These can be booked on arrival in Cusco, unless of course, during the high season.

Machu Picchu on an organized tour

The detailed organization that needs the trip to Machu Picchu makes many people choose to book a complete tour to Machu Picchu; If it is your first time, this is your best option. If you would like us to arrange your trip to Machu Picchu, please contact us at [email protected]. We have made thousands of people have the trip of a lifetime in Machu Picchu.

The train service to Machu Picchu is of high quality

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Janett A

“What can I say about Machu Picchu?“

“The queues are long, tickets have to be booked in advance, there are many people, the bus is expensive; But when I passed the door, I came to the place I dreamed of as a child, it's incredible, it was one of the best days of my life; We climbed by bus and walked down, are about 10,000 steps (exaggeration) but the experience is incomparable, the views, the city, the mountains and the incredible buildings; I recommend bringing a good camera, the opportunities for the photographs are endless; But being there is worth the time, the tired money and everything. It's all I have to say about Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post About train tickets to Machu Picchu first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

• How to go to Machu Picchu?
• Bus trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
• Train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
• What is the ‘bimodal’ service to Machu Picchu?
• Peru Rail ‘bimodal’ service hours
• Inca Rail ‘bimodal’ service hours
• Why choose bimodal service?
• Questions and answers about the bimodal service to Machu Picchu

The bimodal service starts in the city of Cusco with a bus trip. Then a transfer is made at the Ollantaytambo train station. Finally, the trip is made by train to Machu Picchu town. Everything is included in a single service!

How to go to Machu Picchu?

• Machu Picchu is located more than 100 kilometers away from the city of Cusco .
• To get there you must take one of the public transports that lead to the Ollantaytambo station. The trip takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
• At the Ollantaytambo station you must board the train that will take you to the final station of Aguas Calientes. This trip also takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Once in the town of Aguas Calientes you must board one of the ecological buses that will transport you to the entrance door of Machu Picchu. This trip lasts approximately 30 minutes.
• The return trip from Machu Picchu to the city of Cusco takes the same route as the outward journey .

Bus trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

• The buses that go to the town of Ollantaytambo leave from the Pavitos station in the Historic Center of Cusco.
• The route runs through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It crosses the villages of Cusco – Chinchero – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo .
• The journey is a public service so stops are made at some of the authorized stops. The majority of passengers are local residents.
• The trip has an approximate cost of 15 soles per tourist (5 US dollars).

Train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

• The train station is located on the avenue Ferrocarril del Ollantaytambo. Public transport usually takes passengers to the same train station .
• Tourists must board the train station 30 minutes before the train leaves. If the visitor loses the trip, he cannot claim money back.
• There are various train services that offer different experiences. Visitors should choose the one that suits them best. It is recommended that the purchase of the train ticket be made online.
• The price of the train ticket depends on the type of service you chose. The trip lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

What is the ‘bimodal’ service to Machu Picchu?

• The ‘Bimodal’ service links the trip by bus and train into one service.
• It is a comprehensive offer that makes it easier for tourists to organize the trip to Machu Picchu .
• Peru Rail and Inca Rail train companies are responsible for organizing the ‘Bimodal’ service. The trip starts in Cusco (one way trip) and ends in the same city (for the return trip).
• Peru Rail offers the ‘Bimodal’ service from January 1 to April 30. Inca Rail offers its ‘Bimodal’ service throughout the year .
• The cost of the ‘Bimodal’ service depends on the type of train you choose.

The new dual service allows you to book the bus to Ollantaytambo and the train to Machu Picchu town

Peru Rail ‘bimodal’ service hours

• Peru Rail’s bimodal service operates every year from January 1 to April 30.
• Expedition and Vistadome train services depart from Cusco (at Wanchaq station) and make the train transfer at Ollantaytambo station.
• The Hiram Bingham luxury service departs from Cusco (at Wanchaq station) and transfers trains at the Belmond Río Sagrado hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley of the Incas).

* Departure in the city of Cusco. Arrival at Aguas Calientes station.

Inca Rail ‘bimodal’ service hours

• The Inca Rail bimodal service operates all year.
• All buses depart from Avenida El Sol 843, in the Historic Center of the city of Cusco. The transfer of train is done in the private parking of Inca Rail, in Ollantaytambo.
• Inca Rail offers the trip ‘Bimodal’ only for the train services ‘The 360º’ and ‘The Voyager’ .

* Departure in the city of Cusco. Arrival at Aguas Calientes station.

Why choose bimodal service?

• The ‘bimodal’ service schedules are perfectly coordinated so that all tourists will arrive in time at Ollantaytambo station.
• The ‘bimodal’ service makes it easy for tourists to organize the trip to Machu Picchu .
• All trains are tourist services that have comfortable seats, large windows, service on board, snacks, drinks and, in some cases, gourmet lunch, live show and even the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• The bimodal service buses are wide, comfortable and safe. Travel directly from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station. It only transports tourists.

When is the bimodal train service available?
Peru Rail – From January 1 to April 30.
Inca Rail – Every day of the year.

Questions and answers about the bimodal service to Machu Picchu

• a. How much does the bimodal service to Machu Picchu cost?

  Bimodal service prices depend on the type of train to choose. These are the approximate prices:

• b. How to buy the bimodal service?

  The bimodal service is purchased through the websites of Peru Rail or Inca Rail . It can also be purchased at the authorized offices of these companies in Cusco, Peru.

• c. Is there an age limit for bimodal service?

  No. All tourists can travel in the bimodal service. Children (under 12 years old) have special discounts.

• d. Where do buses board in the bimodal service?

  Peru Rail buses are boarded at Wanchaq station (5 minutes from the Historic Center of Cusco). Inca Rail buses are boarded at 843 El Sol Avenue, one of the main roads of the city.

• e. How long is the trip in total?

  The bus + train trip from Cusco to Aguas Calientes in bimodal service lasts approximately 4 hours.

• f. What happens if I lose the bus departure?

  The bus has an exact departure time from the city of Cusco. In case of losing the bus departure, there is no right to money back. However, it is still possible to take a collective taxi and arrive at Ollantaytambo station on your own.

• g. How long before arriving at the bus exit?

  It is recommended to arrive at the bus departure point 20 minutes in advance.

The Vistadome train to Machu Picchu offers you a spectacular panoramic view of the entire route

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Gerard M

“Definitely deserves the title of marvel“

“There is no camera or image that can capture all the majesty of this place. I suggest going up as early as possible. It's an hour's walk from the village to the entrance to the national park, but once there, you'll know it was worth it. The train ride is wonderful, but the Inca city is indescribably definitely worth the world title of wonder.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post Bus to Ollantaytambo and train to Machu Picchu in only one service first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

The train trip is as important as the visit to Machu Picchu. In addition, this trip is considered one of the best train routes in the world. Walk the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas until arriving at Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu village).

Below is the list of frequently asked questions about trains to Machu Picchu.

• What is the train route to Machu Picchu?
• How many types of trains are there?
• Where to take the train to Machu Picchu?
• What are the train schedules?
• Where to buy the train ticket?
• How to buy train tickets online?
• Is there a sale of tickets for foreigners and Peruvians?
• Do the train stations work all year?
• Do children or infants pay for the train ticket?
• What do train tickets include?
• How much luggage can I take on the train?
• What services does the San Pedro station offer?
• What is the most used train station?
• How long is the train journey from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu?
• Does the train leave me in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) or at the entrance to Machu Picchu?
• What is the Hydroelectric station?
• How long before I should be at the train station?
• How long does it take to get from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station?
• Does any train allow stops for passengers who make the Inca Trail?
• Do any train services include the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel and / or the bus up and down?
• If I do not arrive at the station on time, can I use the train ticket for another time?
• How far in advance should I buy my train ticket in high season?
• What happens if I lose my train ticket?
• Can I make changes to the train ticket already purchased?
• If I want to cancel my train tickets, how far in advance should I do it?
• What about the train service in case of emergencies?

The train trip is the safest and fastest way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco. However, it is also possible to arrive by the Inca Trail (4-day trekking route) or by the alternative hydroelectric route (approximately 7-hour trip).

What is the train route to Machu Picchu?

• The train journey starts at one of the Cusco stations: San Pedro, Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo . Walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley until ending at the Aguas Calientes station, also known as Machu Picchu town. In total the trip takes between 2 or 3 hours.

Poroy Station, train departure to Machu Picchu

How many types of trains are there?

There are two companies, which offer different types of trains to Machu Picchu:

• Peru Rail : Expedition, Vistadome, Sacred Valley and Hiram Bingham.
• Inca Rail : Voyager, 360º, First Class and The Private.

Where to take the train to Machu Picchu?

You can take the train to Machu Picchu in one of the 4 available stations:

• San Pedro : station located 1 kilometer from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. 2 train services depart daily.
• Poroy : station located 13 kilometers from the city of Cusco. 4 train services depart daily.
• Urubamba : station located 52 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Only 2 train services depart daily.
• Ollantaytambo : station located 72 kilometers from the city of Cusco. 16 train services depart daily. It is the station most used by tourists.

What are the train schedules?

• Train schedules depend on the type of company (Peru Rail or Inca Rail) as well as the chosen station (San Pedro, Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo).
• Check the train schedules to Machu Picchu

Where to buy train tickets?

• You can buy train tickets online (on the Peru Rail or Inca Rail websites) or in person at the authorized offices.

Authorized offices of Peru Rail:

• In Lima : Malecón de la Reserva 610 (Larcomar Shopping Center in Miraflores).
• In Cusco : Meat Portal 214 (Plaza de Armas of the city of Cusco).
• In Cusco : Avenida Pachacutec s / n (District of Wanchaq).

Authorized offices of Inca Rail:

• In Lima : Avenida Pérez Aranibar 1874 (San Isidro).
• In Cusco : Calle Portal de Panes 105 (Plaza de Armas of the city of Cusco).

How to buy train tickets online?

To buy train tickets online you must follow the following steps:

• Enter the website of Peru Rail or Inca Rail.
• Choose the type of train, the date and the time of the trip.
• Complete the personal data of each holder of the train ticket.
• Make the payment with credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.).
• Print the tickets or pick them up once in Cusco.

Incredible view from the Vistadome train

Is there a sale of tickets for foreigners and Peruvians?

• All people of all nationalities can hire the services of Hiram Bingham train, Vistadome, Expedition in Peru Rail or any of the Inca Rail services (Voyager, 360º, First Class and The Private).
• However, there is a local train to Machu Picchu that is exclusive for people from the department of Cusco and Peruvians , which can not be approached by foreigners.

Do children or infants pay for the train ticket?

• Infants of 0 and 2 years old do not need a train ticket and must be seated on their parents.
• However, if you decide that your children will be seated, you can pay the fare of a child between 3 and 11 years old which is 50% of the price of the ticket.

Do the train stations work all year?

Train stations operate at a certain time of the year, depending on the station chosen.

• The Ollantaytambo station operates all year round.
• The Urubamba station operates all year round.
• Poroy station only works from April to December.

What do train tickets include?

• Train tickets include round trip or both.
• The services on board are different for each type of service and you can check them on the websites of the train companies to Machu Picchu (Peru Rail or Inca Rail).

How much luggage can I take on the train?

• Only one handbag or backpack with the same measures allowed in the cabins of the aircraft is allowed: 8 kilos (11 pounds) maximum.
• Dimensions: 50 centimeters long by 40 centimeters wide and 25 centimeters high.

What services does the San Pedro station offer?

• San Pedro station offers 2 types of ‘Vistadome’ train services per day. The first part at 6.40 am and the second at 7.30 am The trip to the final station ‘Aguas Calientes’ takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is the most used train station?

• Ollantaytambo station is the most used by tourists since it offers a greater number of departures and arrivals of trains.
• San Pedro, Poroy and Urubamba stations only offer 2 train departures a day, respectively.

How long is the train journey from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu?

• The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• The train ride through the Sacred Valley of the Incas is considered among the best short train routes in the world, so enjoy it.

Does the train leave me in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) or at the entrance to Machu Picchu?

• All trains to Machu Picchu end at the Aguas Calientes station; After arriving here you must board the buses until the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• The only train service that includes Machu Picchu tickets and bus tickets is the Belmond Hiram Bingham; depending on the services you want to include in your trip.

What is the Hydroelectric station?

• The Hidroeléctrica station is an alternative train station operated by Peru Rail, which connects the town of Aguas Calientes with the villages of the Cusco jungle: Santa Teresa, Santa María, Quillabamba.
• The Hydroelectric station is used by young adventurers who want a cheaper way to get to Machu Picchu.
• The trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu by the Hydroelectric station takes about 7 hours. It is known as the alternative route through Santa María.

How long before I should be at the train station?

• Unless you need to get a copy of your lost ticket, in which case you will have to be at least 1 hour before; You can get to the train station 30 minutes before your train departs.

How long does it take to get from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station?

• It will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Ollantaytambo . If you are coming on your own you must take the buses to Ollantaytambo, from the Pavitos street in the Historic Center.
• However, the best way to make a trip to Machu Picchu is on an organized tour, which includes transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

Does any train allow stops for passengers who make the Inca Trail?

• If possible. If you could get one of the precious income to the Inca Trail (6 months in advance), some trains will allow you to make a stop at the bus stop that leads to the Inca Trail.
• However, you must communicate your intention to stop to the company at the time of booking your train tickets and at least 2 weeks in advance.

Do any train services include the entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel and / or the bus up and down?

• The train service Belmond Hiram Bingham, in the only service that includes everything : travel by train, bus, entrance and guided in the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Luxury service on the Hiram Bingham train

If I do not arrive at the station on time, can I use the train ticket for another time?

• You will definitely not be able to use that train ticket if you do not arrive on time at the departure of the train at the time indicated on the ticket.
• If you do not arrive at the station on time you will not be able to use your ticket for another service or other schedule; You will not receive a refund of any kind either.

How far in advance should I buy my train ticket in high tourist season?

• The high season in Machu Picchu occurs in the months of June, July and August.
• If you want to get train tickets for these dates, like the Machu Picchu tickets; You must buy them 2 months in advance.
• However, the high season of trains is considered between April 1 and November 14 and from December 21 to 31.

What happens if I lose my train ticket?

• If you lose your train ticket the train company is not obliged to reimburse you.
• However, you can request a new ticket by paying a penalty.
• If you lost your train ticket you must request a new one at least one hour before the departure of the train, otherwise you will be considered absent (no show).
• The most advisable in case of loss is to request the ticket 24 hours before the departure of the train.

Can I make changes to the train ticket already purchased?

• If you purchased your train tickets you can request a change of schedule or service through the company’s email (Peru Rail or Inca Rail).
• To avoid setbacks attach the copy of your scanned receipt in the email.
• If you wish to reschedule your trip, you may do so up to 24 hours before the departure of your train; Your seat will be released and you can reschedule your trip.
• The reprogramming of train tickets is subject to a penalty of 10%.
• Keep in mind that you can change your train ticket for a ticket in a smaller service (for example from Vistadome to Expedition). However, there is no refund of money for the difference in price.

If I want to cancel my train tickets, how far in advance should I do it?

• If you pay for your tickets in cash, you can cancel your train ticket reservations up to 24 hours in advance; you can only do it in person, at the corresponding train stations, from 7 am to 5 pm; the return is immediate with the 10% surcharge.
• If you pay for your train tickets with a credit card or a bank deposit, you must request a refund of your money through an email (to Peru Rail or Inca Rail) with a maximum of 24 hours before the departure of the train. .
• The surcharge for this operation is 10%. The refund of the money that you paid for your ticket will be paid to your credit card or through the bank account with which you made the payment of your train tickets.

What about the train service in case of emergencies?

• Train services are available every day of the year except in cases of emergency such as: protests or natural disasters.
• In cases of emergency, the companies (Peru Rail or Inca Rail) offer the option of changing the time or date without any cost.
• In case the change of date or schedule does not satisfy the tourist, you can request the return of money at no cost.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post FAQs about the Train to Machu Picchu first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

• What transportation tickets do I need to get to Machu Picchu?
• Travel by train to Machu Picchu
• How much luggage can I take?
• More prohibitions on train travel
• More information about the train
• Photo gallery

The train that will take you to Machu Picchu

What transportation tickets do I need to get to Machu Picchu?

• To get to Machu Picchu you will need the train tickets. It is best to reserve them immediately after knowing the entrance tickets.
• If you do not enter Machu Picchu by train, there are only two other ways in which you can enter Machu Picchu directly: one is the famous 4-day trekking route called the Inca Trail. The other route to Machu Picchu is possible by mixing walks and buses through the alternative route through Santa María.
• The Inca Trail requires hiring a tour through a tourism agency. Due to high demand, it is recommended to book the tour 6 months in advance.
• The route through Santa María does not require tickets, only the transportation service from Cusco to the Hydroelectric station. From there, there is a 10-kilometer walk to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• However, the easiest and fastest way to enter Machu Picchu is by train.

Travel by train to Machu Picchu

• The train trip starts at one of the 4 stations in Cusco: Cusco station (San Pedro), Poroy station or Ollantaytambo station.
• Depending on the station where you board your train, the trip will take approximately 4 hours to 1 hour 40 minutes.
• The final station is in the town of Aguas Calientes. This site is also known as Machupicchu town because it is only ten kilometers from the Inca archaeological site.
• Train travel is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Machu Picchu. The other option is the 4-day route through the Inca Trail or the 8-hour route through Hidroeléctrica (Santa María). This walk includes a final walk of 2 hours).
• Train tickets can be purchased online or in person in Cusco. There are only two companies available: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Choose the option that suits you best!

How much luggage can I take?

The allowed luggage is a handbag or backpack that meets the following characteristics:

PeruRail:

• A maximum weight of no more than 5 kilos (11 lb).
• One dimension not to exceed 62 linear inches (157 centimeters in height, length and width).

Inca Rail:

• A maximum weight of no more than 8 kilos (17 lb).
• One dimension not to exceed 46 linear inches (118 centimeters in height, length and width).

More prohibitions on train travel

• Passengers cannot carry any luggage that does not allow easy transit through the train aisle. In the car there are ideal areas for backpacks and handbags to allow easy movement of visitors.
• During boarding the train there is no inspection of the passenger’s baggage. However, if the presence of unauthorized objects is detected, the passenger may be asked to abandon the trip.
• In addition to the objects and utensils mentioned, tourists will not be allowed to board the train while intoxicated.
• In case of not boarding the train on time, the tourist loses the right to the trip without claim or refund.
• In addition, the consumption of food is prohibited during the train journey. Food sales are canceled until pandemic restrictions are lifted.

More information about the train

• The tourist is responsible for carrying, and safely, valuable or fragile objects such as money, jewelry, electronic devices or important documents. Train companies are not responsible for loss or damage to valuables.
• El consumo de snacks o bebidas sí están permitidos en el tren. .
• Inca Rail offers the luggage storage service.
• For more information, tourists can communicate directly by email or chat on the Peru Rail or Inca Rail websites.

Photos of the Train to Machu Picchu

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Train

By: Mario Alberto R.

“Fascicante“

“It is the first time that I go to Machu Picchu by train, incredible everything that the Incas could do in the mountains so far away.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post How much luggage can I take on the train trip to Machu Picchu? first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.

• What does it take to get to Machu Picchu by train?
• What does it take to get the ticket to Machu Picchu by train?
• What are the points of sale of the train to Machu Picchu?
• What does it take to go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
• How long is the train trip to Machu Picchu?
• What are the train companies to Machu Picchu?
• How is the train journey to Machu Picchu?
• Recommendations to go to Machu Picchu by train

To go to Machu Picchu by train, follow these steps: a) Buy your train ticket. b) Travel by bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. c) Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and d) Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

What does it take to get to Machu Picchu by train?

• The first thing you should do is book train tickets. It is recommended to do so as soon as you know the date on which you will enter Machu Picchu.
• With the train ticket in hand, the visitor must travel to the chosen station. Most tourists choose Ollantaytambo station because it is the one with the most frequent departures.
• Finally, you must show the train ticket and travel to the final station of the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is located.
• If you travel to the Inca City with a tour, check if the service includes the train trip to Machu Picchu. Most tours include train tickets.

The train will allow you to reach Machu Picchu quickly and with a view of beautiful landscapes

What does it take to get the ticket to Machu Picchu by train?

Anyone can buy their train ticket to Machu Picchu online or in person in Cusco.

To buy the train ticket online:

• Enter the website of the only two companies that offer the train ticket to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail or Inca Rail.
• Record the day of your visit as well as the type of train service you prefer.
• Make the payment of the train ticket by credit or debit card.
• Print your train ticket and show it along with your passport (or identity document) on the day of the trip.

To buy the train ticket in person:

• Approach the ticket offices enabled at the train stations in Cusco, Peru.
• Make the purchase of your train ticket showing your valid identity document or passport.
• Show the train ticket next to your identity document or passport for the day of the trip.

What are the points of sale of the train to Machu Picchu?

Peru Rail points of sale:

• Velasco Astete Avenue S / N, Wanchaq, Cusco. (At the Cusco airport).
• Meat Portal 214, Historic Center of Cusco (In the Plaza de Armas of Cusco).
• Pachacutec Avenue S / N, Wanchaq District (At Wanchaq train station).
• Roldán Street S / N, Poroy District (At the Poroy train station).
• Avenida Ferrocarril S / N, Ollantaytambo (At Ollantaytambo train station).
• Barrio Las Orquídeas S / N, Aguas Calientes (At Machu Picchu train station).

Inca Rail points of sale:

• Portal de Panes Street 105, Historic Center of Cusco (In the Plaza de Armas of Cusco).
• Cascaparo Avenue S / N, San Pedro (San Pedro train station).
• Avenida Ferrocarril S / N, Ollantaytambo (At the Ollantaytambo train station).
• Barrio Las Orquídeas S / N, Aguas Calientes (At Machu Picchu train station).

What does it take to go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?

• Most tourists board their train at Ollantaytambo station (located 73 kilometers from the city of Cusco, approximately).
• To go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo it is necessary to take one of the public transports located in Pavitos street, in the Historic Center of the city.
• The cost of the public transport service is 15 Peruvian soles (approximately 5 US dollars).
• The other option is to choose the bimodal service of the trains to Machu Picchu. These services include transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo as well as the transfer to the train.

How long is the train trip to Machu Picchu?

The time of the train journey to Machu Picchu depends on the station where the train is boarding. Most tourists choose to depart from Ollantaytambo station.

• From San Pedro station (Cusco) – approximately 4 hours.
• From Poroy station – 3 hours 30 minutes approximately.
• From Urubamba station – 2 hours 30 minutes approximately.
• From Ollantaytambo station – approximately 2 hours.

What are the train companies to Machu Picchu?

There are only 2 companies that offer the train trip to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Each company offers 4 different types of tourist services.

Peru Rail trains:

• Expedition – Service that includes comfortable seats, large windows and tables. There is preferential attention as well as sales service on board.
• Vistadome – Service that includes panoramic windows, comfortable seats and tables. It also includes on board service, snacks and complimentary drinks as well as music show and fashion show.
• Sacred Valley – Service that includes comfortable seating, panoramic windows and tables. It also offers a bar-observatory car, dining car, gourmet lunch, snacks, drinks and more.
• Hiram Bingham – Luxury service that includes comfortable seating, large windows, tables as well as gourmet lunch, open bar, observatory car, bus ticket, tour guide and entrance to Machu Picchu.

Inca Rail trains:

• The Voyager – Service that includes comfortable seats, large windows and tables as well as service on board and sale of products and drinks.
• The 360º – Service that includes panoramic windows, comfortable seats and tables. The trip offers an observatory car – bar, cold drinks and gourmet snacks.
• The First Class – Service that includes comfortable seating, tables and panoramic windows. It also includes a car bar, balcony car, gourmet menu, live music show, snacks and complimentary drinks.
• The Private – Luxury service that includes welcome champagne, gourmet menu, car bar with open bar as well as live music show and private bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

How is the train journey to Machu Picchu?

• The train trip to Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible railway routes on the planet.
• It crosses the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is considered one of the paths that best landscapes travel.
• All train services are tourist, so they offer comfortable seating, tables, large windows as well as attention on board.
• The train ride is safe and comfortable.

Recommendations to go to Machu Picchu by train

• Buy your train tickets the same day you know your date of visit to Machu Picchu. The sooner you do it, the safer your visit to the Inca city will be.
• The day of your trip to Machu Picchu, do not forget to carry your travel ticket as well as your identity document or passport. You must show these documents during boarding the train.
• The Vistadome train of Peru Rail is a tourist service that has panoramic windows that will allow you to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train also has complimentary snacks and drinks as well as a live music show.
• If you do not book train tickets in advance, you will have to choose between the remaining services, which are usually the most expensive.
• Once at the station, if time and schedule permit, we recommend visiting the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.
• Right next to the Aguas Calientes train station, you will find the bus ticket office to Machu Picchu. The town is small and it will not be difficult to find these places.

In several of the train services to Machu Picchu, you can enjoy a traditional show

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Coni G

“Simply magical“

“Absolutely everything that is said about Machu Picchu is true, it is magical, fantastic and you can feel its atmosphere charged with positive energy. We saw the sacred city of the Incas from the Huayna Picchu mountain, and it was amazing !!! We had a view and a feeling that I will never forget.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024

The post What does it take to get to Machu Picchu by train? first appeared on Ticket Machu Picchu.