Train trips to Machu Picchu allow you to have a different experience thanks to the services offered by the different trains of PeruRail and Inca Rail. Although the hiking routes to Machu Picchu also allow you to enjoy unforgettable experiences, train trips are ideal for saving time. They also allow you to have a trip through different landscapes and a change of geography. Choose to travel by train, especially if you have limited time, risk your physical condition and especially if you are looking for comfort to have a good time.

• Advantages of choosing the train on your trip to Machu Picchu
  • You will arrive at Machu Picchu in less time
  • You will carry less luggage, that is always good.
  • You will have the level of comfort you desire
  • You can experience luxury trips to Machu Picchu
• What are the options for taking the train to Machu Picchu?
• When should I make train reservations?
• How do I buy my entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?
• How do I use my train tickets?
• How to enter Machu Picchu?
• The best way to make your visit to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Train in the Sacred Valley heading to Machu Picchu

Advantages of choosing the train on your trip to Machu Picchu

More than 75,000 people trek the 40-kilometer Inca Trail to the Inca city of Machu Picchu each year. The scenery is truly breathtaking, but it is not for the faint of heart; the altitude, steep climbs, extreme weather and camping deter many people from doing the Inca Trail. Only 6% of people entering Machu Picchu each day do so via the Inca Trail, so more than 85% of daily visitors to Machu Picchu choose to arrive by train; the final station is in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) the closest town to Machu Picchu.

You will arrive at Machu Picchu in less time

The main station for boarding trains to Machu Picchu is in the town of Ollantaytambo; it will take you two hours to reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. What’s more, you can do your Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco tour in just one day. This will leave you time to see the main sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

You will carry less luggage, that is always good.

You won’t need to carry a heavy 30-liter backpack on your back during your trip, nor would you be able to board the train with it; but we do mean that you won’t need tents, rain ponchos, portable stoves, energy bars, etc. Your headphones, a book, your camera, sun protection, water, and a few other things will suffice. The train ride to Machu Picchu allows you to not worry about anything other than just enjoying the trip, so create unforgettable memories.

You will have the level of comfort you desire

The train journey will not only allow you to sit comfortably, but you can choose the train, depending on the service you want on board. Put on your chosen music playlist to relax as you travel through the natural Andean landscape of the Sacred Valley. There are many train services, all of them high-end, choose one and read that book under the warm rays of the sun, make new friends from all over the world or just close your eyes and enjoy, you are about to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

You can experience luxury trips to Machu Picchu

Train trips to Machu Picchu even allow for a completely luxurious travel experience. You can find the famous Hiram Bingham train and the First Class train from Inca Rail. Both trains offer services such as VIP reception at the train stations, lunch or gourmet menu during the trip, drinks and even entrance fees to Machu Picchu. Of course, you will have to book the luxury trains in advance.

Interior del tren The First Class

What are the options for taking the train to Machu Picchu?

These are the trains that can take you to Machu Picchu. They are of different categories and each train offers different services. Below is all the information about the trains and the main options for making the trip by train.

When should I make train reservations?

• Train tickets can be booked several months in advance.
• It is advisable to start with the train reservation, once you have already reserved and paid for the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• As we saw above, you can find up to 8 train services to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• The trains with the greatest availability and the largest number of tickets are the Expedition and The Voyager trains.
• The rest of the trains have other more convenient schedules, meaning they do not require waking up very early.
• However, the availability of entrance tickets to the citadel of Machu Picchu may be reduced.
• It is recommended that you make your reservation taking into account travel delays or similar details to avoid unpleasant experiences.
• Once your booking is complete, you can make payment to have your train tickets sent to you ready to use.

Ollantaytambo train station

How do I buy my entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?

• When making your reservation you will need to enter your personal details.
• It is recommended to write them down as they appear on your identification documents.
• For added security or to access discounts for being a minor or university student, you will need to attach these credentials.
• It is important that a person is in charge of the reservation with an email address that they have access to.
• Each data you enter must be entered correctly. This information will be verified at the time of use.
• Your train ticket reservations will arrive in your inbox and be ready to use.

How do I use my train tickets?

Once you have booked your train ticket for yourself and your companions, all that remains is to wait for the travel date and have everything ready to begin the adventure.

Another important factor is knowing what type of service you have purchased. This can be the bimodal service or the direct trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo. In the bimodal service you travel by bus to the Ollantaytambo station and from this station you continue the journey by train to your destination.

To use train tickets you only need to follow the following recommendations:

• You can print or show the QR code on your cell phone to validate your ticket credential.
• It is at this point that the registered data and that of the identity document or passport are corroborated.
• It is recommended to be at the train station 30 minutes before departure time.
• If you have a direct service there will not be much of a problem.
• In the bimodal service, you will have to change transport and look for the train you need to board.
• There is usually a team of assistants who will help you locate the next service.
• Try not to carry full backpacks or too many belongings. The route is easy to do and at most it only takes one day.
• It is also important that you make a reservation for both the outbound and return journeys so that you can choose the times that best suit you.

Hiram Bingham train – Peru Rail

How to enter Machu Picchu?

It would be unfair to talk to you about Machu Picchu and not tell you that you have to book tickets in advance, especially if you want the ticket that includes the Huayna Picchu mountain; this has to be booked several months in advance. But it is not enough to just get to Machu Picchu with tickets, you will also need to book train tickets, they sell out weeks in advance. During the high season (May – August) all reservations must be made months in advance.

Most trains to Machu Picchu depart from Ollantaytambo station, where you will board your train to Machu Picchu, provided you have booked tickets in advance. It is impossible to get tickets available at that time.

The best way to make your visit to Machu Picchu

One of the best strategies to get to Machu Picchu on time, whether you just want to be one of the first people, or if you book the Machu Picchu tickets that include the mountains in the first groups is; if possible, spend the night before your visit in Aguas Calientes and be one of the first people to enter Machu Picchu, the sunrise will seem magical to you and it is the closest you will get to being alone in Machu Picchu; however, people who enter Machu Picchu in the afternoon shift, can enjoy the sunset. The light at 4 pm is considered by many expert and amateur photographers, the best time to photograph Machu Picchu.

If you decide to go beyond Machu Picchu and climb one of its fabulous mountains – Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu – be aware that these tickets are very limited and that to access them you must book several months in advance.

Thousands of people board the train to Machu Picchu at the Ollantaytambo station every day. If you have already chosen your Machu Picchu ticket, choose your train, the Expedition, the Vistadome, the Hiram Bingham. If you don’t know which one to choose, please contact us by writing to info@boletomachupicchu.com.

Visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Can I travel every day by train to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, tours to Machu Picchu are normally carried out regularly and at the same time. However, they can be suspended due to announcements of demonstrations and also due to natural disasters. In the event of these abrupt changes in the routes, advance notices are issued to take the necessary precautions.

• 2) What services or types of train are the most used?

  The most popular trains are the economical trains, namely the Expedition trains and The Voyager trains. However, it should be noted that the most popular times are also the first ones of the day, as they allow you to make the trip to Machu Picchu in just one day.

• 3) Can everyone take the train to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, trains to Machu Picchu are available for everyone. That is, babies, children and seniors can travel.

• 4) Can you visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season?

  Yes, during the rainy season you can visit Machu Picchu. The rainy season starts in November and lasts until February. For this trip it is recommended to bring a poncho and other waterproof clothing.

• 5) What will I find at the train stations?

  At the train stations you can also book train tickets. There is also a space or waiting room for all tourists to board the trains. There are also toilets and some snacks and drinks for sale.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Manuel G.

“One of the most wonderful places in the world“

“It is a great wonder and my favorite place in the world. Number 1 on the list of places in the 26 countries I know. I recommend going early and climbing Waynapicchu, the places to enter this mountain are very limited. It is one of the most wonderful places in the world, one of those that cannot be missed under any circumstances.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 9, 2025