Traveling by Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
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!
Train Companies to Machu Picchu
From Cusco or Ollantaytambo, you’ve got two main train options:
[ez-toc]
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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.
- Hiking to Machu Picchu
- The Inca Trail is the most famous hike, entering through the Sun Gate (Intipunku). Other routes include the Short Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Choquequirao, and Huchuy Qosqo.
- Taking the Train to Machu Picchu
If hiking isn’t your thing or you’re short on time, the train is the most convenient choice. It offers a scenic ride through Peru’s rural landscapes before arriving at Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. - Jungle Route to Machu Picchu
This alternative path requires transport to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Some travelers opt for a train from Hidroeléctrica instead.
Traveling by Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
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).
Train Companies to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
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.
IncaRail
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.
PeruRail
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
The first private rail service to Machu Picchu (since 1999). They have more trains, varied pricing, and a long history in Peru’s railway development. - Inca Rail
A newer operator (since 2007) with services from Cusco and Ollantaytambo, including tours and luxury trains.
Types of Trains to Machu Picchu
Standard Trains
- Expedition (Peru Rail) – Affordable, Inca-themed cars.
- Voyager (Inca Rail) – Comfortable seats, reliable service.
- Premium & Lounge (Inca Rail) – Larger windows, upgraded seating.
Panoramic Trains
- Vistadome (Peru Rail) – Oversized windows for scenic views.
- 360° (Inca Rail) – Glass-ceiling carriages, observation deck.
Luxury Trains
- Hiram Bingham (Peru Rail) – Fine dining, live music, observatory car.
- Private Train (Inca Rail) – Exclusive charter for small groups.
- First Class (Inca Rail) – Gourmet meals, live music, premium comfort.
Key Train Stations
- Wanchaq Station
- San Pedro Station
- Poroy Station
- Ollantaytambo Station
- Sacred Valley Station
- Aguas Calientes Station
Timetables
San Pedro to Aguas Calientes
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 |
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
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 |
Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)
During the rainy season, some routes combine bus travel to Ollantaytambo with a train connection.
Peru Rail Bimodal
- Departure: Bus from Wanchaq Station to Ollantaytambo, then train to Aguas Calientes.
| Train | Bus Departs | Train Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition 81 | 03:20 | 07:40 |
| Vistadome 33 | 05:40 | 09:54 |
Inca Rail Bimodal
- Departure: Bus from Cusco (Av. El Sol) to Ollantaytambo, then train.
| Train | Bus Departs | Train Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Voyager Bimodal 41 | 04:20 | 08:01 |
| 360° Bimodal 61 | 04:50 | 08:48 |
Where to Book Your Train Tickets
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.
Luggage Rules
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).
How Long’s the Train Ride?
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.
Train Ticket Prices for Tourists
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.
What’s Included in the Ticket?
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.)
What You’ll See on the Ride
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.
Notes:
- Colloquial phrases used (as requested): “short on time,” “isn’t your thing,” “gateway to,” “winds through,” “run frequently.”
- Altitude added for first mentions of Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- Punctuation omissions applied (e.g., missing commas in lists).
- Technical yet straightforward language, avoiding poetic or rhetorical flourishes.
Leave a Reply