Taking the train from Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m) to Machu Picchu is a fantastic way to experience stunning landscapes and the region’s rich cultural heritage. The journey itself is just as important as reaching the final destination—the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. This guide covers the best train options for this route.
If you’re planning to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, hopping on a train is one way to get there. Machu Picchu sits pretty close to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu town).
Wanna know other ways to reach Peru’s most famous ruins? We’ve got all the details on how to get there from Cusco. Ready? Let’s go!
From Cusco or Ollantaytambo, you’ve got two main train options:
There are currently three ways to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu: hiking, by train, or by car. The most popular option is the train, while the most challenging is the Inca Trail. Keep in mind there’s no direct bus, so you’ll need to make stops along the way.
The train is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu. The trip averages 3 hours, departing from stations like San Pedro, Wanchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo. The route winds through the Sacred Valley before reaching Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,040 m), the final stop. From there, buses run frequently to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride).
Two companies operate this route: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both run trains from Cusco and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, offering different service levels. Peru Rail is the more luxurious option. Prices vary slightly depending on departure times. At TreXperience, we book tours with both providers based on availability.
Their trains are newer (which is nice), but the schedules are kinda all over the place. From Cusco, departures are at 4:20 AM, 4:50 AM, 8:30 AM, and 1:30 PM. Return trains leave at 2:30 PM, 4:12 PM, and 7:00 PM.
If you’re leaving from Ollantaytambo, trains go at 6:40 AM, 7:22 AM, 11:15 AM, and 11:30 AM.
This is the one we picked—way more schedule options. From Cusco, trains leave daily at 7:45 AM, 8:29 AM, 9:40 AM, and 10:32 AM. Returns are in the afternoon at 5:15 PM, 6:10 PM, 6:40 PM, 8:50 PM, and even 10:10 PM.
From Ollantaytambo, trains run almost every hour from 5:05 AM to 9:00 PM.
Service Type | Peru Rail | Inca Rail | Approx. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Budget | Local Train | N/A | 12 soles (locals only) |
Standard | Expedition | Voyager | From $60 USD |
Premium | Vistadome | 360° | From $90 USD |
Luxury | Hiram Bingham | First Class | From $500 USD |
Peru Rail is the only operator here. Trains run only during the dry season (late April–late December).
Train | Departs San Pedro | Arrives Aguas Calientes |
---|---|---|
PeruRail Expedition 31 | 06:40 | 09:54 |
PeruRail Vistadome 31 | 06:40 | 09:54 |
PeruRail Expedition 203 | 07:30 | 12:11 |
PeruRail Vistadome 203 | 07:30 | 12:11 |
The most popular route.
Train (Peru Rail) | Departs | Arrives |
---|---|---|
Expedition 71 | 05:05 | 06:37 |
Vistadome 301 | 07:05 | 08:27 |
Hiram Bingham 11 | 10:53 | 12:24 |
Train (Inca Rail) | Departs | Arrives |
---|---|---|
The Voyager 41 | 06:40 | 08:01 |
360° Train 61 | 07:22 | 08:48 |
During the rainy season, some routes combine bus travel to Ollantaytambo with a train connection.
Train | Bus Departs | Train Arrives |
---|---|---|
Expedition 81 | 03:20 | 07:40 |
Vistadome 33 | 05:40 | 09:54 |
Train | Bus Departs | Train Arrives |
---|---|---|
Voyager Bimodal 41 | 04:20 | 08:01 |
360° Bimodal 61 | 04:50 | 08:48 |
You can grab your tickets at PeruRail’s offices in Cusco—there’s one at Plaza del Regocijo #202 and another near McDonald’s at Plaza de Armas (Portal de Carne). But heads up: Only do this in low season because tickets sell out fast.
PeruRail’s offices are pretty slick, with staff to help if you’ve got questions. They’ll print your tickets right there.
💡 Pro tip: You can also buy tickets at the Ollantaytambo office.
⚠️ Another option? Book a tour—either a day trip or a 2-day package with a hotel stay. These usually include pickup from your hotel, train tickets, entry to the ruins, and a guide.
PeruRail says you can bring 5 kg max (total dimensions: 157 cm), but honestly, we took a small suitcase and it was fine. IncaRail’s a bit nicer—they allow 8 kg of hand luggage.
💡 Need more space? You can stash extra bags at station lockers or leave them at your Cusco hotel (that’s what we did).
From Ollantaytambo, it’s about 1.5 hours, crawling at 30-45 km/h thanks to the crazy mountain terrain. From Cusco, though? A full 4 hours.
We paid $65 per person, one way. Prices can drop a bit in low season or spike if you book last-minute. Honestly? It’s way overpriced for what you get. But hey, everything around Machu Picchu is expensive.
Your fare covers a basic snack—coffee, tea, juice, and a cookie. The snack cart sells beer, wine, and other treats, but those cost extra. (A Cuzqueña beer? 10 Soles.)
The scenery to Aguas Calientes isn’t mind-blowing, but you’ll pass through mountains and little streams. The train crew points out highlights over the speakers in Spanish and English.