Once you have decided to visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you also need to plan how you will get there. There are several options, such as the Inca Trail, which takes 4 days, or the route via Hydroelectric Station, which takes approximately 8 hours. However, traveling by train is the fastest, most comfortable, and safest way to reach Aguas Calientes. Here you can find all the information about the trains that provide service to Machu Picchu.
The route to Machu Picchu has five main stations from the city of Cusco. These stations connect different points of the Sacred Valley and allow travelers to make their way to the Inca citadel in an organized manner.
The route to Machu Picchu has five stations from Cusco:
PeruRail is the oldest company providing train services to two of Peru's most representative destinations, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. The train services it offers on the Cusco–Machu Picchu route are:
The Hiram Bingham train cars are operated by Belmond. They are the most exclusive service offered by PeruRail and are named after the American explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham cars are distinguished by their blue and gold colors and their warm interiors, decorated in the Pullman style of the 1920s. They feature comfortable wood and polished-bronze seats with elegant upholstery and have a capacity of up to 84 passengers.
The journey in this train includes a range of additional services that enhance the experience and make it unique and memorable for travelers:
This service has four cars:
Please note that prices vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, we present approximate prices.
| 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 a bus departing from Wanchaq Station, located 5 minutes from the center of Cusco, with a stop at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley. There, passengers transfer to the train to the final destination of Machu Picchu Pueblo Station. The train operates every day except 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. | Rio 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. | Rio 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 train cars are surrounded by glass and feature large panoramic windows that not only offer unparalleled views along the route but are also ideal for taking spectacular photographs and fully enjoying the scenery throughout the journey.
The journey in this train car includes several additional services:
This service has three cars:
Please note that prices vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, we present approximate prices.
| 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 includes a bus departing from Wanchaq Station, located 5 minutes from the center of Cusco. For the Vistadome Observatory 83 service, the transfer takes place in Urubamba, with the final destination being 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) | 3:37 p.m | Machu Picchu Pueblo | 5:02 p.m |
| Schedule | Boarding station | Departure time | Arrival Rio Sagrado | Departure from Rio Sagrado | Arrival and departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival 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 train cars equipped with panoramic windows, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural landscape. In addition, throughout the journey, travelers receive detailed information about the most important points along this ancient route, further enriching the travel experience. The train is furnished with leather seats that adapt to the traveler's body, providing greater comfort throughout the journey.
The journey in this train car includes some additional services:
Please note that prices vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, we present approximate prices.
| 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 include a bus departing from Wanchaq Station, located 5 minutes from the center of Cusco, with transfers in Poroy, Pachar, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, and a final destination of 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 main difference is the exclusive open-air observation car offered by the Vistadome Observatory, which is ideal for taking photographs without window reflections. This train is perfect for travelers looking for wider views and a closer connection with Andean culture and its most representative dances. The Vistadome is ideal for travelers who prefer comfort, background music, and a peaceful journey throughout the trip.
The Expedition train features cars equipped with comfortable seats and décor inspired by Inca culture. Its cars also have large panoramic windows, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the scenery and have a complete and immersive experience throughout the journey to Machu Picchu.
The journey in this train car includes some additional services:
Please note that prices vary depending on the time of year. Therefore, we present approximate prices.
| 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 the center of Cusco, with transfers in Poroy, Pachar, Ollantaytambo, or Urubamba, and a final destination of 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 Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu stations. 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 types of train services offered on the route to Machu Picchu are:
Designed for passengers seeking privacy, luxury, and maximum comfort, The Private offers an exclusive experience. With a capacity of only 8 passengers, it features a finely decorated lounge with large panoramic windows that allow travelers to fully appreciate the landscapes along the route. The car also 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 completely finished in wood, with warm lighting and luxurious details.
Reservations are made upon request at least 30 days in advance. Departures for this service can be scheduled from Ollantaytambo Train Station.
The journey in this train car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The Private Class train range from US$100 to US$185, depending on the departure 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 carefully designed to ensure passenger comfort. In addition, all seats have tables in front and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The First Class operates regularly on Inca Rail's six frequencies during the high season from May to October, as well as on special dates such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year's. Reservations or ticket purchases must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
The journey in this train car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The First Class train range from US$100 to US$185, depending on the departure 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 of 42 passengers and feature comfortable seats carefully designed to provide a comfortable travel experience throughout the journey. In addition, all seats have tables in front and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The purchase of tickets for this service can be made up to 30 minutes before the train departure at the station ticket offices, or 24 hours in advance through the Inca Rail website or at its offices in Lima and Cusco.
The journey in this train car includes some additional services:
Approximate prices for The 360° train range from US$100 to US$185, depending on the departure time.
Departure station: Ollantaytambo.
Schedules: From 4:20 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The cars on this service, with a capacity of 48 passengers, feature comfortable seats carefully designed to ensure maximum comfort. In addition, all seats have tables in front and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Voyager operates every day of the year. Tickets for this service can be purchased up to 30 minutes before departure at the station or 24 hours in advance through the Inca Rail website or at the company's offices in Lima and Cusco.
The journey in this train car includes some additional services:
In addition to offering comfort and a variety of schedules, PeruRail allows travelers to experience more of Andean culture through traditional dances, while Inca Rail is known for offering accessible fares along with comfort throughout the journey.
| Feature | PeruRail | Inca Rail |
| Main services | Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, and Hiram Bingham. | The Voyager, The 360°, The Premiere, The First Class, and The Private. |
| Panoramic experience | Vistadome and Vistadome Observatory, with large windows; the Observatory also includes an observation area. | The 360°, with large windows and an open-air observation car. |
| Luxury service | Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, its luxury service. | Premium categories such as The First Class and The Private. |
| Private service | Hiram Bingham offers a luxury experience. | The Private is designed as an exclusive and private service. |
| Luggage | Conditions and limits depend on the service booked. | For its Machu Picchu services, specific hand-luggage conditions apply, including an 8 kg limit. |
| Choice based on experience | Offers a choice between a standard option, a panoramic experience, and a luxury alternative. | Offers a choice between a standard option, a panoramic option, and different premium categories, including a private option. |
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For PeruRail and Inca Rail trains, it is recommended to book at least 30 to 60 days in advance. During the high season, to ensure availability of schedules and better prices, it is advisable to book more than two months in advance.
Yes. Both companies have websites where you can purchase your tickets. You can also visit the PeruRail or Inca Rail offices to buy your train ticket.
If PeruRail train tickets are sold out, you can check availability with Inca Rail, use the alternative route via Hydroelectric Station (bus + hike), or look for less-demanded schedules, either very early in the morning or later in the day.
If a train delay affects a subsequent connection, the solution will depend on whether the services are part of the same booking or were purchased separately.
If you will be spending several days away from Cusco, it is common to take only what you need for Machu Picchu and leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco.
If you have a reservation with a fixed departure time, you should arrive at the station with sufficient time. If you arrive after the departure time, boarding may not be possible, and any changes will depend on the fare conditions and the railway company.
Happy passengers