Once you have decided to visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you should also plan how you will get there. There are many ways to arrive, such as the Inca Trail, which takes 4 days, or the Hydroelectric route, which takes approximately 8 hours; however, the train service is the fastest, most comfortable, and safest way to reach Aguas Calientes. Find here all the information about the trains that offer travel service to Machu Picchu.
The route to Machu Picchu consists of five main stations from the city of Cusco, which connect different points in the Sacred Valley and allow travelers to move in an organized way toward the Inca citadel.
The route to Machu Picchu has five stations from Cusco:
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PeruRail is the oldest company providing train services to two of Peru’s most representative destinations, such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. The train services it offers on the Cusco - Machu Picchu route are:
The Hiram Bingham train cars, operated by Belmond, are the most exclusive cars PeruRail has and are named after the American explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu.
The Hiram Bingham cars stand out for their blue and gold colors and their warm interiors decorated in the Pullman style of the 1920s. It features cozy wood and polished bronze seats with elegant upholstery and has a capacity for up to 84 passengers.
The journey in this car includes a series of additional services that enhance the trip and turn it into a unique and memorable experience for the traveler:
This service has four cars:
Please keep in mind that prices vary according to the season; therefore, we provide an approximate price range.
| Route | Departure Station | Price |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes | Wanchaq Station | S/ 1766 (US$ 508) |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes | Poroy Station | S/ 2190 (US$ 630) |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco | Poroy Station | S/ 3504 (US$ 1008) |
The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, Machu Picchu service includes the bus departing from Wanchaq Station, located 5 minutes from downtown Cusco, with a stop at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley. There, passengers transfer to the train, whose final destination is Machu Picchu Pueblo Station. The train operates every day except for the last Sunday of each month.
Outbound
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Bus Departure Time | Boarding Station (bus to train) | Departure Time (train) | Arrival Station (train) | Arrival Time (train) |
| Morning | Wanchaq Cusco | 7:20 a.m. | Río Sagrado A Belmond Hotel | 9:40 a.m. | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 12:24 p.m. |
Return
| Schedule | Boarding Station (train) | Departure Time (train) | Arrival Station (train to bus) | Arrival Time (train) | Departure Time (bus) | Arrival Station (bus) | Arrival Time (bus) |
| Afternoon | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 5:50 p.m. | Río Sagrado A Belmond Hotel | 8:36 p.m. | 8:50 p.m. | Wanchaq (Cusco) | 10:10 p.m. |
Note: Schedules may vary due to operational reasons.
Its cars are surrounded by glass, with large panoramic windows that, in addition to offering unmatched views along the journey, are ideal for capturing spectacular photographs and fully enjoying the scenery throughout the trip.
The journey in this car includes some additional services to immerse you in Andean culture:
This service has three cars:
Please keep in mind that prices vary according to the season; therefore, we provide an approximate price range.
| Route | Departure Station | Price |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes | Wanchaq Station | S/ 563 (US$ 162) |
| Urubamba - Aguas Calientes | Urubamba Station | S/ 612 (US$ 176) |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco | San Pedro Station | S/ 1000 (US$ 285) |
The Vistadome Observatory train service include a bus departing from Wanchaq Station (located 5 minutes from downtown Cusco). For the Vistadome Observatory 83 frequency, the transfer is made in Urubamba, and the trip ends at Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Bus Departure Times | Transfer (bus to train) | Departure Time (train) | Arrival Station (train) | Arrival Time (train |
| Morning | Wanchaq Cusco | 3:20 a.m 5:10 a.m 4:00 a.m | Ollantaytambo Pachar Urubamba | 6:10 a.m 7:15 a.m 6:06 a.m | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 7:40 a.m 9:15 a.m 9:15 a.m |
| Afternoon | Wanchaq Cusco | 12:30 p.m. | Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley/Sacred Valley) | 3:37 p.m | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 5:02 p.m |
| Schedule | Boarding Station | Departure Time | Arrival Río Sagrado | Departure Río Sagrado | Arrival and departure from Ollantaytambo | Drop-off Station | Arrival Time |
| Morning | Urubamba | 6:06 a.m. | 6:23 a.m. | 6:26 a.m. | 7:27 a.m. 7:45 a.m. | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 9:15 p.m. |
Note: Schedules may vary due to operational reasons.
The Vistadome features cars equipped with panoramic windows, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural landscape. In addition, throughout the journey, you will receive detailed information about the most important points along this ancient route, which enriches the travel experience even more. It is furnished with leather seats that mold to the traveler’s body, providing greater comfort during the trip.
The journey in this car includes some additional services:
Please keep in mind that prices vary according to the season; therefore, we provide an approximate price range.
| Route | Departure Station | Price |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes | Wanchaq Station | S/ 330 (US$ 95) |
| Poroy - Aguas Calientes | Poroy Station | S/ 462 (US$ 133) |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco | San Pedro Station | S/ 925 (US$ 266) |
Trains with bimodal service includes the bus departing from Wanchaq Station (located 5 minutes from downtown Cusco), with transfers in Poroy, Pachar, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, and end their journey at Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Bus Departure Times | Transfer (bus to train) | Departure Time (train) | Arrival Station (train) | Arrival Time (train) |
| Morning | Wanchaq (Cusco) | 10:30 a.m. | Pachar | 12:20 a.m. | Av. Imperio de los Incas | 2:25 p.m. |
| Afternoon | Wanchaq (Cusco) | 4:30 p.m. | Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) | 7:04 p.m. | Av. Imperio de los Incas. | 8:45 p.m. |
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Departure Times | Arrival Station | Arrival Time |
| Morning | San Pedro | 6:40 a.m. | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 10:52 a.m. |
| Afternoon | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 4:43 p.m. | San Pedro (Cusco) | 9:23 p.m |
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Departure Times | Arrival Station | Arrival Time |
| Morning | Poroy (Cusco) | 7:35 a.m. | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 10:52 a.m. |
| Afternoon | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 4:43 p.m. | Poroy (Cusco) | 8:23 p.m. |
Note: Schedules may vary due to operational reasons.
The most notable difference is the exclusive open-air observation car offered by the Vistadome Observatory, ideal for taking photos without window reflections. This train is perfect for those seeking wider views, closer contact with Andean culture, and its most representative dances. The Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want comfort, background music, and peace throughout the journey.
The Expedition train features cars equipped with comfortable seats and décor inspired by Inca culture. In addition, its cars are designed with large panoramic windows, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the landscape and have a complete and immersive experience throughout the journey to Machu Picchu.
The journey in this car includes some additional services:
Please keep in mind that prices vary according to the season; therefore, we provide an approximate price range.
| Route | Departure Station | Price |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes | Wanchaq Station (Cusco) | S/ 327 (US$ 94) |
| Poroy - Aguas Calientes | Poroy Station (Cusco) | S/ 361 (US$ 104) |
| Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco | San Pedro Station (Cusco) | S/ 361 (US$ 104) |
Trains with bimodal service include a bus departing from Wanchaq Station (located 5 minutes from downtown Cusco), with transfers in Poroy, Pachar, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, and end their journey at Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Bus Departure Times | Transfer (bus to train) | Departure Time (train) | Arrival Station (train) | Arrival Time (train) |
| Morning | Wanchaq (Cusco) | 3:20 a.m. | Ollantaytambo | 6:10 a.m | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 7:40 a.m. |
| Afternoon | Wanchaq (Cusco) | 4:30 p.m. | Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) | 7:04 p.m. | Av. Imperio de los Incas | 8:45 p.m. |
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Departure Times | Arrival Station | Arrival Time |
| Morning | San Pedro | 6:40 a.m. | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 10:52 a.m. |
| Afternoon | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 5:43 p.m. | San Pedro (Cusco) | 9:52 p.m. |
| Schedule | Boarding Station (bus) | Departure Times | Arrival Station | Arrival Time |
| Morning | Poroy (Cusco) | 7:35 a.m. | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 10:52 a.m. |
| Afternoon | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 4:43 p.m. | Poroy (Cusco) | 8:23 p.m. |
Note: Schedules may vary due to operational reasons.
Unlike PeruRail, this company operates only between the stations of Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. However, it is possible to find departures from Cusco to Machu Picchu with the bimodal tourist bus service to Ollantaytambo, where passengers board the train. The train services it offers on the route to Machu Picchu are:
Designed for passengers seeking privacy, luxury, and maximum comfort, The Private offers an exclusive experience. With capacity for only 8 people, it features a finely decorated lounge, highlighted by large panoramic windows that allow passengers to fully appreciate the landscapes along the entire route. In addition, the car features an elegant onboard bar, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the journey while taking in the scenery on the way to Machu Picchu. It is fully wood-paneled, with warm lighting and luxurious finishes.
Reservations are made upon request with at least 30 days’ notice. Departures for this service can be scheduled from Ollantaytambo train station.
The journey in this car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The Private train range from US$ 100 to US$ 185, depending on the time.
Departure Station: Ollantaytambo.
Schedules: From 4:20 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
With only 30 passengers per car, this service features spacious and comfortable seats that have been carefully designed to ensure complete passenger comfort. In addition, all seats have front-facing tables and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The First Class operates regularly on Inca Rail’s six frequencies during the high season, between May and October, as well as on special dates such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year. Reservations or ticket purchases must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
The journey in this car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The Private train range from US$ 100 to US$ 185, depending on the time.
Departure Station: Ollantaytambo.
Schedules: From 4:20 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The 360° operates every day of the year on Inca Rail’s six frequencies. These cars have a capacity for 42 passengers and feature comfortable seats, carefully designed to offer a pleasant travel experience throughout the entire journey. In addition, all seats have front-facing tables and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Tickets for this service can be purchased up to 30 minutes before train departure at the station ticket offices, or 24 hours in advance through the Inca Rail website or at the company’s offices in Lima and Cusco.
The journey in this car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The 360° train range from US$ 100 to US$ 185, depending on the time.
Departure Station: Ollantaytambo.
Schedules: From 4:20 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
For this service, the cars with capacity for 48 passengers feature comfortable ergonomic seats that have been carefully designed to ensure maximum comfort. In addition, all seats have front-facing tables and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Voyager operates every day of the year. In addition, tickets for this service can be purchased up to 30 minutes before departure at the station or, if bought in advance, with 24 hours’ notice through the Inca Rail website or at the company’s offices in Lima and Cusco.
The journey in this car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The Voyager train range from US$ 100 to US$ 185, depending on the time.
Departure Station: Ollantaytambo.
Schedules: From 4:20 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
In addition to offering comfort and a variety of schedules, PeruRail invites you to get to know Andean culture a little more through traditional dances, while Inca Rail is known for offering affordable fares and, at the same time, comfort throughout your journey.
PeruRail trains include panoramic seating with large windows, snacks and drinks on board, an interpretive audio tour of the route, personalized service during the trip, and live dances. Inca Rail, on the other hand, offers promotions throughout the year, comfortable seats, background music, and panoramic windows.
PeruRail service can depart from several stations, depending on the chosen itinerary. The departure stations are in Cusco, specifically Wanchaq and San Pedro, while Inca Rail’s only departure station is Ollantaytambo.
To book trains with PeruRail and Inca Rail, it is recommended to do so at least 30 to 60 days in advance. During high season, however, to ensure schedule availability and better prices, it is advisable to book more than 2 months ahead, due to the high demand for trips to Machu Picchu.
Yes, both services have their own websites where you can purchase your tickets, but we recommend going to the offices to book your train, whether with PeruRail or Inca Rail.
If PeruRail train tickets sell out, you can look for availability on Inca Rail, use the alternative route via Hydroelectric (bus + hike), or check extreme schedules, whether very early or later in the day.
Happy passengers