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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.
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Lima
Marriott Courtyard Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.
Days 3, 4, 5 • Urubamba
Rustica Hotel Urubamba-Cusco
Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba is a brand-new boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. With just 32 spacious rooms, each offering panoramic views of the Andes, the hotel provides an intimate and serene experience. Resident alpacas freely roam the hotel grounds offering guests a chance to interact and take photos with these gentle Andean locals. Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba has a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, and three jacuzzis. Spa services are available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.
Day 6 • Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a luxury hotel housed in the beautifully restored 16th-century San Augustin convent, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The hotel offers oxygen enriched rooms, two restaurants, and a boutique gift shop. Guests can unwind at the full service spa which features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room - all available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.
Day 7 • Lima
Marriott Courtyard Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Marriott Courtyard Miraflores (Calle Schell 400, Miraflores) in Lima. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the counters for official taxi companies such as Taxi Seguro and Green Taxi. Here you can request your taxi. You can book and pay at the counter before exiting the terminal. The driving time from the airport to your hotel, Marriott Courtyard Miraflores, is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic. You can pay using U.S. Dollars, Peruvian Soles, or with a credit card. Taxi fares range from 90 - 130 Peruvian Soles, or $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars (depending on the exchange rate) plus tip. ATMs and a currency exchange are available at the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes fixed departure transfers from your hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), scheduled to arrive at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. These transfers are only available at these set times on the day the tour ends. If you extend your stay in Peru or if you wish to go at a different time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Fares are approximately $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Peru requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Lima | Urubamba | Machu Picchu | Cusco | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 79/68 | 1.0 | 73/51 | 5.5 | 69/53 | 13.4 | 62/44 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 80/69 | 1.6 | 73/51 | 4.1 | 69/53 | 12.8 | 62/44 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 80/68 | 1.3 | 73/51 | 3.6 | 70/53 | 13.4 | 63/44 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 76/65 | 0.5 | 74/48 | 1.9 | 70/53 | 7.3 | 64/41 | 1.1 |
| May | 72/62 | 0.3 | 74/43 | 0.3 | 71/51 | 2.3 | 65/36 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 69/61 | 0.5 | 74/40 | 0.5 | 72/50 | 2.0 | 64/33 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 67/60 | 0.6 | 74/38 | 0.2 | 72/49 | 2.1 | 64/32 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 67/59 | 0.5 | 75/41 | 0.4 | 74/50 | 2.4 | 64/35 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 67/60 | 0.4 | 75/45 | 0.5 | 74/52 | 3.0 | 65/39 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 69/61 | 0.4 | 76/49 | 1.9 | 73/53 | 6.4 | 65/42 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 72/63 | 0.3 | 76/50 | 2.7 | 73/54 | 6.8 | 65/43 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 76/65 | 0.5 | 74/51 | 4.2 | 70/54 | 10.8 | 64/44 | 3.2 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | ||||||||||||
| temp | 79/68 | 80/69 | 80/68 | 76/65 | 72/62 | 69/61 | 67/60 | 67/59 | 67/60 | 69/61 | 72/63 | 76/65 |
| rainfall | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Urubamba | ||||||||||||
| temp | 73/51 | 73/51 | 73/51 | 74/48 | 74/43 | 74/40 | 74/38 | 75/41 | 75/45 | 76/49 | 76/50 | 74/51 |
| rainfall | 5.5 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 4.2 |
| Machu Picchu | ||||||||||||
| temp | 69/53 | 69/53 | 70/53 | 70/53 | 71/51 | 72/50 | 72/49 | 74/50 | 74/52 | 73/53 | 73/54 | 70/54 |
| rainfall | 13.4 | 12.8 | 13.4 | 7.3 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 10.8 |
| Cusco | ||||||||||||
| temp | 62/44 | 62/44 | 63/44 | 64/41 | 65/36 | 64/33 | 64/32 | 64/35 | 65/39 | 65/42 | 65/43 | 64/44 |
| rainfall | 4.2 | 3.8 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 3.2 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
