The fastest and safest way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by train. Usually, all travelers are asking "How to get a Machu Picchu ticket", the most important thing is to book the ticket days or weeks in advance. For this you must enter the official website of Peru Rail or Inca Rail, also you can contact the Inca Trail Machu Tour Operator and our staff will give you all the information required for it. By booking the Machu Picchu tickets through the web, entrance to the Wonder of the World is guaranteed.
The train trip to Machu Picchu travels through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, the final destination. This picturesque town is known as Machu Picchu town because it is located at the foot of the Wonder of the World.
During the train ride to Machu Picchu, you will appreciate the changing climate from Sierra to the Subtropical zone and the Vilcanota river roam, the journey (approximately 2 hours), the tourist can enjoy a quality onboard service. Depending on the type of service, there are dance shows on board, live music, welcome cocktails, gourmet lunch, and even a free bar.
This year the Perurail and Inca Rail companies created new protocols for aboard the trains. these protocols are the following:
RELATED READ: MACHU PICCHU NEW RULES
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Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The trains leave for Machu Picchu mainly from 3 stations: San Pedro (Cusco), Poroy (Cusco), and Ollantaytambo.
- The Cusco to Machu Picchu train has only two services, Vistadome and the Expedition train. These trains are leaving and return every day. The trip duration is 4 hours. These services only operate with PeruRail.
- The trains that depart from the Poroy station in the direction of Aguas Calientes take 3 hours on average. The departure frequency is not as dynamic as in the Ollantaytambo station. Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail trains bring tourists from this station.
- The trains that depart from the Ollantaytambo station take an average of 2 hours to get to Aguas Calientes. The vast majority of trains depart from this point.
What is the train route to Machu Picchu?
The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 2 hours. The route is incredibly beautiful. The train takes you through a Sacred Valley tour of Peru, next to the Urubamba River. In the distance, you can see the Vilcabamba chain in the Andes Mountains.
Peru Rail or Inca Rail - Which one to choose to travel by train to Machu Picchu?
There are two companies with authorization to travel the train tracks to Machu Picchu.
Peru Rail has 4 different quality services: Vistadome trains, Expedition, Sacred Valley, and the Hiram Bingham luxury train.
Inca Rail has 4 different services: The Voyager, The 360º, The First Class, and The Private.
Both train companies have adequate services for tourists. Below we detail what each of them includes.
Peru Rail
Peru Rail is the oldest company, authorized to operate the Machu Picchu route, it has different services. His website is www.perurail.com.
- Vistadome: It is a train with wide wagons, with panoramic windows on the roof and the sides that will allow you to take photographs of the entire route through the valley.
- Expedition: The Expedition has wagons covered by panoramic windows and service onboard, snacks, and Peruvian food.
- Belmond Hiram Bingham: It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world, exclusive and with service on board. It has 4 coaches, a dining car, a car bar, gourmet dinner, transportation, and tickets to Machu Picchu.
Inca Rail
Inca Rail is a Peruvian company that offers rail transportation services from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Its website is www.incarail.com.
- The Voyager: The cars have comfortable seats, folding tables, and panoramic windows. Set with Latin American music. There is onboard service and a selection of drinks made with Andean fruits and herbs.
- The 360º: They have large panoramic windows, set with Latin American music, on-board service, a selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as selling handcrafted products on board.
- The First Class: It has ambient music, natural flowers, and covered tables. You will be served a welcome cocktail, lunch, and/or gourmet dinner. Serves only in high tourist season (from April to October) and on special dates.
- The Private: With capacity for 8 people. The car, known as the 'Princess Inca' is of the presidential class. The car has many details in its decoration, food onboard, and free bar. This train operates only by request.
Buy train tickets to Machu Picchu
How much do Machu Picchu train tickets cost?
The price of Machu Picchu train tickets depends on the type of service.
Peru Rail offers 4 types of service: 'Expedition', 'Vistadome', 'Hiram Bingham luxury train' and 'Local train'.
- Price of Peru Rail trains: Cusco - Machu Picchu (round trip)
| Train Service |
Price in dollars |
| Train "Expedition" |
USD 75 |
| Train "Vistadome" |
USD 115 |
| Luxury Train "Hiram Bingham" |
USD 450 |
- Price of Inca Rail trains: Cusco - Machu Picchu (round trip)
| Train Service |
Price in dollars |
| The Voyager |
USD 75 |
| The 360° |
USD 95 |
| The First Class |
USD 180 |
Are there discounts on the price when we buy train tickets to Machu Picchu?
In Peru Rail:
- Children from 0 to 2 years old do not pay for their Machu Picchu train tickets as long as they travel in the arms of their parents. It is only allowed to carry one child per passenger.
- Children from 3 to 11 years old buy train tickets to Machu Picchu with a discount of 50% of the adult rate.
In Inca Rail:
- Infants (from 0 to 2 years old) do not pay for the Machu Picchu train tickets. Children travel on the arms or legs of their father or mother. Only one infant is allowed per adult passenger.
- Children from 3 to 12 years old buy train tickets to Machu Picchu with a discount of around 50% of the adult price.
What is the time of the train tickets?
Train schedules are set by Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
Choose the time and service of your preference according to the time and day of your visit to Machu Picchu.
Peru Rail train schedules
- Peru Rail 'Vistadome' train schedules (Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes).
| Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| 7.05 a.m. |
8.27 a.m. |
| 8 a.m. |
9.25 a.m. |
| 8.53 a.m. |
10.29 a.m. |
| 9.15 a.m. |
10.52 a.m. |
| 1.27 p.m. |
2.50 p.m. |
| 3.37 p.m. |
5.02 p.m. |
- Peru Rail 'Expedition' train schedules (Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes).
| Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| 6.10 a.m. |
7.40 a.m. |
| 7.45 a.m. |
9.15 a.m. |
| 8.29 a.m. |
9.54 a.m. |
| 12.55 p.m. |
2.55 p.m. |
- Train schedule Peru Rail 'Hiram Bingham' (Poroy (Cusco) - Aguas Calientes).
| Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| 9.05 a.m. |
12.24 p.m. |
Inca Rail train schedule
- Inca Rail 'The Voyager' (Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes)
| Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| 6.40 a.m. |
8.01 a.m. |
| 11.15 a.m. |
12.41 p.m. |
| 11.30 a.m. |
1.06 p.m. |
| 4.36 p.m. |
6.09 p.m. |
| 7.27 p.m. |
9.09 p.m. |
- Inca Rail 'The 360°' (Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes)
| Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| 7.22 a.m. |
8.48 a.m. |
| 12.36 p.m. |
2 p.m. |
- Inca Rail 'First class' (Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes)
| Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
| 11.15 a.m. |
12.41 p.m. |
How to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu online?
To book a Machu Picchu train ticket, you must enter the Peru Rail or Inca Rail website. To get availability, the reservation must be made weeks in advance.
How buy train tickets to Machu Picchu with Peru Rail?
- Enter the official website of Peru Rail.
- Complete the spaces with the trip details: 'destination', 'route', date ', and several passengers. In the end, click on 'Find your train'.
- Check availability and choose the train of your choice. Do the same with the train back.
- Check that the train schedules and prices are correct.
- Fill in the spaces with your personal information.
- Check the validity of your personal information as well as the details of the train trip.
- Select a payment method: PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, or a bank transfer. Accept the 'terms and conditions and make the payment.
- After making the payment, you can print the tickets and present them on the day of your trip.
How to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu with Inca Rail?
- Enter the official website of Inca Rail.
- Complete the trip information: date of departure, return, number of passengers, and currency. Click on 'Buy tickets'.
- Select a route and check that the train you like has availability.
- Complete the passenger register with the personal information of each one.
- Check the validity of the information. Then select a payment method and complete the requested spaces. Finally, click on 'Start payment'.
- After the payment has been made, you only have to print the tickets purchased and present them on the day of the trip.
How to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu in Cusco (Peru)?
Are you not sure about booking the Machu Picchu train tickets online? It is also possible to do it personally in Peru. For this, you must buy them directly at the offices authorized by Peru Rail or Inca Rail in Lima and Cusco Peru.
Peru Rail - Authorized offices:
- Larcomar Shopping Center: Av. Malecón de la Reserva 610, Stand 214 - Plaza Gourmet - Miraflores-Peru.
- Jorge Chávez International Airport: Av. Elmer Faucett s / n, National Departures, 2nd. Floor (between door 13 and 14) - Callao-Peru.
- Plaza Norte Shopping Center: Av. Alfredo Mendiola 1400, 1st. Floor (South Gallery) - Lima-Peru.
In the capital of the Incas - Cusco:
- Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport: Velasco Astete Av. S / n, Wanchaq-Cusco.
- Plaza de Armas: Portal de Carnes 214, Plaza de Armas-Cusco.
- Plaza Regocijo: Plaza Regocijo 202 - Cusco.
- Avenida El Sol: Av. El Sol 409 - Cusco.
- Wanchaq Station: Av. Pachacutec s / n, Wanchaq District - Cusco.
- Poroy Station: Roldan Street s / n, District of Poroy - Cusco.
- Urubamba Station: Av. Ferrocarril s / n Urubamba, Sacred Valley - Cusco.
- Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s / n Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley - Cusco.
- Machu Picchu Station: Machu Picchu Pueblo s / n, Barrio Las Orquídeas - Cusco.
Inca Rail - Authorized offices:
In Cusco:
- Plaza de Armas: Calle Portal de Panes 105, Plaza de Armas - Cusco.
- Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s / n Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley - Cusco.
- Machu Picchu Station: Machu Picchu Train Station Pueblo s / n - Cusco.
How long before buying train tickets to Machu Picchu?
Train tickets must be reserved as soon as the date of the visit to Machu Picchu is known. It is recommended to make the purchase one week in advance.
If you plan to make the trip during the high season of tourism in Machu Picchu (from April to October), you must separate the tickets one month in advance.
During May, June, and July it is recommended to book train tickets one month or more in advance. The number of visitors and passengers during those days increased in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Recommendations to get the train ticket to Machu Picchu
- Book in advance the entry tickets to Machu Picchu. After knowing the date of the visit to the Wonder of the World, separate the train tickets online.
- The prices of the train ticket tend to increase if the reservation is made from one day to the next. Make the reservation weeks before and get the best rates.
- Inca Rail offers a private train service where tourists can travel with their companions in a personal car.
- Peru Rail has a service called 'Sacred Valley', which stops at the hotel Belmond Río Sagrado de Urubamba for its guests to enter the car.
- For security reasons, the methods of payment of trains to Machu Picchu only accept Visa and MasterCard with security codes. The best alternative is to pay with PayPal.
- The trains only allow baggage no more than 5 kilos per person. Carry only what is necessary. If not, request more luggage space with train services.
- Remember that if you do not enter the train at the scheduled time, you will lose the trip without the right to a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do children pay the normal price of the train ticket to Machu Picchu?
No. Children from 0 to 3 years old do not pay the price of the train ticket as long as they travel in the arms of their father or mother. Children from 3 to 12 years old have a 50% discount.
2. How long does it take to travel by train to Machu Picchu?
The train ride from the city of Cusco takes more than 3 hours. The Urubamba section is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the section from Ollantaytambo is a maximum of 2 hours.
3. Who can not take the train to Machu Picchu?
People who are drunk or under the influence of drugs can not board the train.
4. How to get to Machu Picchu without a train?
The most used way to get to Machu Picchu without a train is the alternative route through Hidroeléctrica. This form is longer (6 or 7 hours) but it is the most economical.
5. How to get to the train station?
You can take a taxi or book a private car. Depending on your train tickets to Machu Picchu, the transfer price is more. For example:
- Cusco to San Pedro station: U$ 2
- Cusco to Poroy: U$ 10
- Cusco Ollantaytambo U$ 60.
6. How to get to the Machupicchu train station?
The Machupicchu town is small, you don't a taxi or transfers. You can walk around the small city.
7. How to buy the entrance fee, train and guide for Machu Picchu ?
If you want to book both tickets, we recommend you click in this link: Entrance fee to Machu Picchu, train tickets and professional tour guide.
Trips to Machu Picchu included train tickets
During your visit to Machu Picchu, you can choose between a variety of tours. These range from a full-day excursion to Inca Trail tours through the Sacred Valley. The multi-day tours can be combined with climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain or walking along the Urubamba Riverside, following in the footsteps of the classic Inca Trail 4 days on their original paths, visiting other archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Sacsaymarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna. Also, you can combine them with the Rainbow mountain tour. A trek through the Andes villages with living traditions.
If you are looking for adventure, the best hiking option is the Short Inca Trail or alternative treks to Machu Picchu. These trails are the best hiking alternatives to the lost city of the Incas.
Inca Trail Machu Picchu tours
On the day trips, travel by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Enjoyed the beautiful scenic trail during the trip.
