The train journey is the most popular and convenient way to reach Machu Picchu. The main train station is located in Ollantaytambo, so travelers must first take a short trip from the city of Cusco. With the bimodal service, both the bus transfer and train ride to Aguas Calientes town are included, making the entire journey easier through a single booking. If you are looking for a comfortable and organized alternative without worrying about schedules or connections, this is one of the best options available. In addition, both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer multiple schedules and train services to match every travel style and budget.

• How to get to Machu Picchu?
• Bus trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
• Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
• What is the bimodal service?
• PeruRail bimodal service schedules
• Inca Rail bimodal service schedules
• Why choose the bimodal service?
• Questions and answers about the bimodal service to Machu Picchu

Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu

The bimodal service operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail begins in the city of Cusco with a bus transfer. Travelers then board the train at Ollantaytambo station to continue the journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), crossing the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Everything is included in one convenient service.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

• The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
• Although there are three main routes (the Inca Trail, the Hydroelectric route, and the train journey), the most popular and comfortable option is traveling by train.
• When choosing this option, travelers must first take a car or bus to Ollantaytambo station. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• From Ollantaytambo station, passengers board the train that crosses the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes station. This trip also takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• After arriving in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the final step is to take one of the eco-friendly buses that travel up to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. This ride lasts about 30 minutes.
• The return trip from Machu Picchu to the city of Cusco follows the same route as the outbound journey, although visitors may also return via the Hydroelectric route.

Bus trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

• To travel independently from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, visitors must go to Pavitos Street, where buses and shared cars depart toward this town.
• The route crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas,passing through historic villages surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes.
• The journey takes nearly 1 hour and 45 minutes, with an approximate cost of 15 Peruvian soles per person (around 5 US dollars).
• This transportation service is available from early morning until approximately 8:00 p.m.
• Private transportation services can also be hired from this location.

Wanchaq train and bus station

Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

• The Ollantaytambo train station is located on Ferrocarril Avenue, just a few minutes from the main square.
• Buses and cars arriving in Ollantaytambo usually stop directly at the train station.
• Travelers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the train departure time. If a passenger misses the train, refunds are generally not available.
• There are several train services available, offering experiences tailored to different types of travelers.
• It is recommended to book train tickets several weeks in advance to secure the preferred schedule and service.
• The price of the train ticket depends on the type of service selected. The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Ollantaytambo train station

What is the bimodal service?

• The bimodal service is a travel option that combines bus transportation and train travel in a single journey.
• It is a complete travel solution that helps visitors organize their trip to Machu Picchu more easily.
• The train companies PeruRail and Inca Rail are responsible for operating the bimodal service.
• The journey starts in Cusco (outbound trip) and ends in the same city for the return trip.
• PeruRail offers the bimodal service year-round, with more frequent departures between January 1 and April 30. Inca Rail also operates its bimodal service throughout the year.
• The cost of the bimodal service depends on the train category selected.

Train to Machu Picchu

PeruRail bimodal service schedules

• PeruRail’s bimodal service operates throughout the entire year.
• However, from January 1 to April 30, there is a wider range of daily departure schedules available.
• The service departs from Wanchaq Station, located just a few minutes from Cusco’s Main Square.
• The train transfer takes place at PeruRail’s private parking area in Ollantaytambo.
• If you book the luxury Hiram Bingham service, the bus transfer is also included. In this case, passengers transfer at the Belmond Río Sagrado Hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley of the Incas), where the luxury train journey begins.

*Departure from Cusco city. Arrival at Aguas Calientes station.

Inca Rail bimodal service schedules

• Inca Rail’s bimodal service operates year-round.
• Buses depart from Avenida El Sol 843, located in Cusco’s Historic Center (just 5 minutes from the Main Square).
• The train transfer takes place at Inca Rail’s private parking area in Ollantaytambo.

*Departure from Cusco city. Arrival at Aguas Calientes station.

Why choose the bimodal service?

• The bimodal service schedules are punctual and perfectly coordinated to ensure timely arrival at Ollantaytambo train station and Aguas Calientes town.
• The bimodal service makes organizing a trip to Machu Picchu much easier for travelers.
• All trains are tourist-class services featuring comfortable seats, panoramic windows, onboard service, and, in some cases, gourmet meals, live entertainment, and even Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
• The buses included in the bimodal service are spacious, comfortable, and safe. The trip is direct from the city of Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station and is available exclusively for passengers who book this service.

Questions and answers about the bimodal service to Machu Picchu

• 1) How can I book the bimodal service?

  The bimodal service can be booked through the Boletomachupicchu website or directly on the PeruRail and Inca Rail official websites.

• 2) Is there an age limit for the bimodal service?

  No. Travelers of all ages can use the bimodal service. Children under 12 years old receive special discounts.

• 3) Where do the buses depart for the bimodal service?

  PeruRail buses depart from Wanchaq Station (5 minutes from Cusco’s Historic Center). Inca Rail buses depart from Avenida El Sol 843, one of the city’s main avenues.

• 4) How long does the complete journey take?

  The combined bus and train trip from Cusco to Aguas Calientes using the bimodal service takes approximately 4 hours.

• 5) What happens if I miss the bus departure?

  The bus departs at a fixed schedule from Cusco city. If you miss the bus, refunds are not available. However, travelers may still take a shared taxi to Ollantaytambo station on their own.

• 6) How early should I arrive before the bus departure?

  It is recommended to arrive at the bus departure point at least 20 minutes in advance.

• 7) Is the bimodal service worth choosing for visiting Machu Picchu?

  Yes, especially if you are looking for a practical and organized travel option. The bimodal service includes the bus transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the train ride to Aguas Calientes, avoiding the need to arrange both journeys separately.

• 8) How much does the bimodal service to Machu Picchu cost?

  The prices of the bimodal service depend on the train category selected. These are the approximate rates:

PeruRail	Price in US dollars	Price in Peruvian soles
Expedition Bimodal	90 USD	314 S/.
Vistadome Bimodal	114 USD	398 S/.
Vistadome Observatory Bimodal	162 USD	565 S/.

Inca Rail	Price in US dollars	Price in Peruvian soles
The Voyager Bimodal	90 USD	314 S/.
The 360º Bimodal	119 USD	415 S/.
The Prime Bimodal	140 USD	488 S/.
The First Class Bimodal	378 USD	1319 S/.

• 9) What is included in the bimodal service to Machu Picchu?

  This service includes ground transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the train ticket to Aguas Calientes. Some train categories also offer onboard service, panoramic windows, and additional premium experiences.

• 10) Is it necessary to book the bimodal service in advance?

  Yes, it is highly recommended to book several weeks in advance, especially during the high tourist season. This allows travelers to secure better schedules and greater service availability.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Gerard M.

“It truly deserves the title of wonder“

“No camera or photograph can fully capture the majesty of this place. I recommend going up as early as possible. It is about a one-hour hike from the town to the entrance of the national park, but once you arrive, you will realize it was completely worth it. The train journey is spectacular, but the Inca citadel itself is indescribable. It truly deserves its title as one of the wonders of the world.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 8, 2026