Traveler’s Guide To The Train To Machu Picchu

When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s worthwhile to arrive in style. In this guide, learn how to journey to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of The World in a luxury mode—one that’s a little bit historic in its own right. Discover everything you need to know to take a train to Machu Picchu.

Visiting Machu Picchu by Train: History & Today

The railway has a beautiful, complex history in Peru. The unique nature of the mountainous landscape meant constructing railroads was a challenge. In the 1860s, Polish and Peruvian engineer Ernest Malinowski rose to that challenge. The Central Trans-Andean Railway—an extraordinary feat of mechanical design—was born.

Yet, after the first railway lines were built across the Andes, progress stalled out.

Until the 20th century. In 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham III worked with indigenous guides to rediscover the lost, ancient city of Machu Picchu. His uncovering sparked the world’s imagination—and innovation alongside it.

Two American investors (Henry Meiggs and W.R. Grace) collaborated with a duo of Peruvian entrepreneurs to kickstart a second wave of railroad expansion.

They envisioned a future where anyone could easily come to Peru to gaze in awe at the wonders Bingham recovered. They believed in a dream where new technology—steel steam trains capable of withstanding extraordinary altitudes—could take people on a profound journey into the ancient past.

Today, much of that dream did, indeed, come true. People from across the globe embark on journeys to Machu Picchu by way of a truly astonishing train system.

The Peruvian Central Railway has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, trains from the affordably comfortable to the stunningly luxe have become an iconic part of the Machu Picchu journey.

Entertainment & Popular Stops

Onboard entertainment is a festive part of many train trips. Often, folk dance, live music, and narrative guides are part of the experience.

Yet, most trains offer just as much, if not more, for quiet contemplation. Wide windows in observatory cars, gentle afternoon tea service, and stops at majestic vistas like La Raya, let people soak in the wild beauty of the Andes.

PeruRail Vs Inca Rail: Comparing Trains To Machu Picchu

Two companies offer train transport to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. PeruRail is more established, first launching in 1999. Since then, its classic, luxury train, the Hiram Bingham, has become a Peruvian icon.

Inca Rail began operations in 2007, and it’s swiftly become a popular alternative mode.

PeruRail Trains To Machu Picchu

Travelers can ride to and experience Machu Picchu by train at a wide range of price points. Each PeruRail train has something a bit different to offer.

Hiram Bingham

• Adult ticket cost: $500+ (one-way)
• Dining service: gourmet 3-course brunch, 4-course dinner included
• Entertainment: live music and dance performance
• Decor: Pullman carriages, luxurious furnishings
• View: Panoramic windows
• Mid-Point Stop: La Raya
• Private reserve carriages available

Vistadome Observatory

• Adult ticket cost: $80+ (one-way)
• Dining service: Complimentary authentic Peruvian snack box, hot and cold beverages, alcohol at bar for additional fee
• Entertainment: Live pisco sour show, traditional flower crown presentation, live music
• Decor: Andean-inspired minimalist decor, natural wood and leather upholstered seating, plush armchairs in observatory car, open-air balcony
• View: 360 degree panoramic windows
• Mid-Point Stop: Huaypo Lake

Vistadome

• Adult ticket cost: $70+ (one-way)

• Dining service: Complimentary snacks and beverages made with local ingredients, optional meals and drinks for extra fee

• Entertainment: Traditional dance performance, alpaca clothing fashion show, pre-recorded audio guide

• Decor: Comfortable upholstered seating

• View: Wide view windows

• Mid-Point Stop: Huaypo Lake

  Expedition

• Adult ticket cost: $60+ (one-way)

• Dining service: Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available for additional fee

• Entertainment: Pre-recorded audio tour, ambient music

• Decor: Wooden Andean tables with four comfortable seats each; traditional, tapestry fabrics embroidered in the Incan style

• View: Large, wide-view windows,

• Mid-Point Stop: None

Inca Rail Trains To Machu Picchu

Inca Rail has three types of trains to Machu Picchu. Prices vary by the journey’s distance and season.

The 360°

• Adult ticket cost: $70-$100 (one-way) or $95-$180 (round trip)
• Dining service: Complimentary snacks and drinks by local chefs, bar car with alcoholic drinks available for additional fee
• Entertainment: Live traditional Andean music, app-guided tour, Kintu ceremony
• Decor: Comfortably upholstered seats with spacious leg room
• View: Complete 360° views through UV-safe windows and glass roof, plus open-air observatory car
• Mid-Point Stop: None

The Voyager

• Adult ticket cost: $60-$80 (one-way) or $95-$180 (round trip)
• Dining service: Snacks and drinks available for additional fee
• Entertainment: Ambient music
• Decor: Comfortably upholstered seats with tables
• View: Wide windows
• Mid-Point Stop: None

The First Class

• Adult ticket cost: $400+ (one-way) or $900-$1000 (round trip)
• Dining service: Included 3-course gourmet meal with authentic Andean ingridients, wine pairing
• Entertainment: Live music, folklore performance, wine ceremony
• Decor: VIP lounge car with luxurious furnishings and wide windows
• View: Wide windows in all cars, open air balcony in observatory cars
• Mid-Point Stop: None

Stations Serving Trains To Machu Picchu

Three train stations in Cusco platform regular trains to Machu Picchu. Visitors can also board a train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo. Here’s what you need to know about each station.

San Pedro Station, Cusco

San Pedro is the smallest station platforming trains to Machu Picchu. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Cusco, at the hub of the vibrant San Pedro Market.

San Pedro Station’s convenient location and smaller crowds make it a popular choice. But, its limited number of trains means seats often sell out fast.

Trains & Departure Times

• Inca Rail
  • The 360° departs at 5:00 AM and 8:38 AM
  • The First Class departs at 8:28 AM
  • The Voyager departs at 8:38 AM
• PeruRail
  • Vistadome departs at 6:40 AM and 7:30 AM

Insights

• Length of Journey: The train ride from San Pedro Station to Aguas Calientes takes about 4 hours.
• Address (GPS): Cascaparo 154, Cusco 08002, Peru
• Address (Street): Calle Cascaparo S/N, Cusco
• Altitude: 11,152 ft. (3,400 m.) above sea level

Wanchaq Station, Cusco

Wanchaq Station is a transit center rather than a train station. It’s located in the seni-central Wanchaq District in Cusco, about a mile from Plaza de Armas.

Travelers can start their journey to Machu Picchu by departing from Wanchaq station on PeruRail’s private, luxury bus, then transferring to a train at a second station.

Bimodal Departure Times

• PeruRail
  • The bus to transfer to the Expedition or Vistadome trains at Ollantaytambo Station departs at 3:20 AM, 5:10 AM, 5:40 AM, 6:40 AM, 7:50 AM, 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM
  • The bus to transfer to the Hiram Bingham departs at 7:20 AM

Insights

• Length of Journey: The train trip from Wanchaq Station to Aguas Calientes takes 4-5 hours, depending on the season and transfers.
• Address (GPS): Estacion Wanchaq, El Sol, Cusco 08002, Peru
• Address (Street): Av. Pachacuteq s/n, Wanchaq District, Cusco
• Altitude: 11,200 ft. (3,400 m.)

Poroy Train Station, District of Poroy, Department of Cusco

The Poroy Train Station is only open from May-December, during the Andean Highlands’ dry season. It’s closed from January through April due to heavy rains.

The station sits slightly higher on the mountain than Cusco itself. It’s one of the most ecologically rich transit hubs in Peru, integrated with the lush wildlife of the mountainscape.

Trains & Departure Times

PeruRail

• The Expedition departs from Poroy at 6:40 AM, 7:35 AM, and 8:25 AM
• The Vistadome departs from Poroy at 7:35 AM
• The Vistadome Observatory departs from Poroy at 6:40 AM and 8:25 AM
• The Hiram Bingham departs from Poroy at 9:05 AM

Insights

• Length of Journey: The train trip from Poroy Train Station to Aguas Calientes takes about 3 hours, plus 15-30 minutes
• Address (GPS): Estacion Wanchaq, El Sol, Cusco 08002, Peru
• Address (Street): Av. Pachacuteq s/n, Wanchaq District, Cusco
• Altitude: 11,663 ft. (3,555 m.)

Ollantaytambo Station, Ollantaytambo

The Ollantaytambo Train Station is a brisk, 15-minute walk from Ollantaytambo’s main plaza. It’s one of the best places to catch a ride to Machu Picchu from The Sacred Valley in Urubamba, Peru.

Visitors can catch both Inca Rail and PeruRail trains at Ollantaytambo Station.

Trains & Departure Times

• PeruRail

  • The Expedition departs at 6:10 AM, 7:45 AM, and 3:37 PM
  • The Vistadome Observatory departs at 3:37 PM
  • The Vistadome departs at 12:55 PM and 7:04 PM
  • The Hiram Bingham departs at 10:53 AM

• Inca Rail

  • The 360° departs at 8:48 AM and 2:00 PM
  • The First Class departs at 11:15 AM
  • The Voyager departs at 8:01 AM, 8:48 AM, 12:41 PM, 2:00 PM, 6:09 PM, and 9:09 PM

• Insights

  • Length of Journey: The train trip from Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes takes 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Address (GPS): Estación de Tren, Av. Ferrocarril, Ollantaytambo, 08675, Peru
  • Address (Street): Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Cusco
  • Altitude: 9,160 ft. (2,792 m.)

Hidroeléctrica Station

Hidroeléctrica Station marks the final leg of the journey to Machu Picchu for most travelers. Named after the power plant, it’s nestled in the mountains at a lower altitude than Cusco.

Hikers often stop at the Hidroeléctrica train station to rest, grab a bite to eat, and refill drinks. Only one train runs from the station to Machu Picchu.

Trains & Departure Times

PeruRail’s Expedition is the only train that runs from Hidroeléctrica Station to Machu Picchu. It departs at 7:54 AM and 2:50 PM.

Insights

• Length of Journey: The train trip from Hidroeléctrica Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) takes 30-45 minutes
• Address (GPS): RCGR+2MM Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes 08680, Per
• Address (Street): Estación de tren de Hidroeléctrica, Linea Férrea Kilómetro 122, Hidroeléctrica, RCGR+3G8, Urubamba 08680, Peru
• Altitude: 6,200 ft. (1,890 m.)

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) Train Station

Machu Picchu Pueblo Station, also called Aguas Calientes Train Station, receives all inbound trains carrying passengers to Machu Picchu. It’s also the point of departure for most people after they’ve gotten to explore the ruins.

Trains & Departure Times

• PeruRail

  • The Expedition departs at 1-2 hour intervals throughout the day, starting at 5:35 AM.

    • Its last trip, to Ollantaytambo, departs at 9:50 PM

  • The Vistadome Observatory departs at 2-3 hour intervals throughout the day, starting at 10:55 AM.

    • Its last trip, to Wanchaq, departs at 5:23 PM

  • The Vistadome departs at 40-60 minute intervals throughout the day, starting at 12:46 PM.

    • Its last trip, to Ollantaytambo, departs at 9:50 PM

  • The Hiram Bingham departs at 6:00 PM

• Inca Rail

  • The 360° departs at 10:32 AM and 4:12 PM
  • The First Class departs at 7:00 PM
  • The Voyager departs at 1-2 hour intervals, starting at 8:30 AM. Its last departure is at 9:30 PM.

Insights

• Length of Journey: The train trip from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) Station to Ollantaytambo is 1 hour, 25-45 minutes. The route to Cusco takes 4 hours.
• Address (GPS): Estación de Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Urubamba Province, 08681, Peru
• Address (Street): Av. Machu Picchu Pueblo s/n, Barrio Las Orquídeas, Machu Picchu Pueblo
• Altitude: 6,693 ft. (2,040 m.)

Routes To Machu Picchu

There are a several different routes to Machu Picchu. Some are bimodal: travelers take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station. There, they board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

Others are trimodal, first taking a bus from Cusco to Santa Maria, then a taxi to Hidroeléctrica Station, then finally a train to Machu Picchu.

Most popular are the regular routes. These are trains from Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo directly to Aguas Calientes. They don’t require any transfers.

How To Get To Machu Picchu By Train In 5 Steps

Getting to Machu Picchu by train doesn’t have to be complicated.

1. Plan To Arrive & Acclimate In Cusco, Peru

Both Cusco has an altitude of 11,000+ feet above sea level.

When planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you might fly into the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Or, you arrive in Lima and increase your elevation slowly, as you travel up to Cusco over the course of several days.

Either way, it’s important to build altitude acclimation into your trip’s plan. Give your body the time and supplies it needs to get comfortable at a higher elevation. Once you’ve adjusted, you can move forward.

2. Plan Your Departure

Choose whether it’s best to leave from the Cusco stations or Ollantaytambo. Weigh factors like the distance between the station and your lodgings, package deals, whether you’re seeking a round trip, and your preferred train.

3. Book Your Train Ticket Well In Advance

Tickets sell out fast. Be sure to book your seat as soon as you know the date you plan to enter Machu Picchu. Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail sell tickets online.

A single, adult ticket typically ranges from $75 USD for a one-way ride on a budget-friendly train, to $1,008 for a round trip on the Hiram Bingham.

4. Arrive At Your Station At Least 30 Minutes Before Departure

Don’t delay. For safety reasons, all passengers must be boarded 30 minutes prior to the train’s physical departure from the platform.

For your own comfort, build in a bit of extra time, so you can find the correct platform and board without needing to rush.

5. Seek Guidance As Needed

All Cusco and Ollantaytambo train stations are staffed with customer service agents who can help you find your platform, store or retrieve your bags, and troubleshoot any issue s you might face booking, checking in, or boarding.

Both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer travel information to guests online and 24/7 customer service professionals that can be reached by phone.

Ride The Machu Picchu Train On A Peruvian Adventure

Caravan’s all-inclusive tours take the travel-planning stress off your plate. All our guests have to do is enjoy the adventure!

To book a spot on our curated, eight-day Tour of Peru, call 1-800-227-2826. Or, connect with us and get more information by calling 1-312-321-9800.