How to get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by train
Ollantaytambo is the natural gateway to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a town that preserves its original urban layout from the time of the Tahuantinsuyo and also hosts important archaeological attractions that demonstrate its significance. This is where the main train station to Machu Picchu is located, making it a mandatory stop for those taking this route. Below, discover more details about this journey.
- The town of Ollantaytambo
- Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu route: Essential information
- Frequently asked questions about the trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
- How much does the train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu cost?
- Can I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu on foot?
- Can I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by bus?
- Can I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by taxi?
- How to get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu cheaply?
- How long does the train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu take?
- Additional tips for your visit
Ollantaytambo town
Machu Picchu high season
From April to August, Machu Picchu experiences its peak tourist season. During these months, it is necessary to make reservations well in advance, especially for train services and entrance tickets to the Inca citadel. Prices remain stable throughout the year, but availability is lower due to high demand.
The town of Ollantaytambo
• What is the town of Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is a traditional and tourist town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, Peru. It is famous for being the only Inca town that preserves the original urban layout of its streets. Additionally, while exploring the area, you will find many historical sites, among which the Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress stands out.
• What tourist attractions are there in Ollantaytambo?
The main attraction of this place is the Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress, although there are also smaller archaeological sites such as: Pinkuylluna, Ñaupa Iglesia, the Inti Punku Gate, Pumamarka, Inkapintay, and Musqa Pukyo.
• What is the distance between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu?
Ollantaytambo has the main train station heading to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). Both tourist destinations are 44 kilometers apart by train.
• Where is the Ollantaytambo train station located?
The train station is located on Ferrocarril Avenue s/n, just a 15-minute walk from the main square of Ollantaytambo town.
• How to get to the Ollantaytambo train station?
To get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco, you must first take one of the minivans that depart from Pavitos Street. This trip costs approximately 15 soles. The final stop of this service is just a few meters from the Ollantaytambo train station.
Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu route: Essential information
• How to get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
From Ollantaytambo there are two ways to reach Machu Picchu. One of them is the Inca Trail, a four-day hiking experience that begins very close to this town.
The classic way to reach the Inca site is by traveling by train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). After arriving there, you only need to take one of the eco-friendly buses that go up to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
• What is the train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes like?
The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is a highly scenic experience, as it travels through the Sacred Valley from Andean zones to tropical cloud forest areas.
The entire route runs alongside the Urubamba River, in a trip of approximately 2 hours. It is highly recommended to do it during the day.
• How to book train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
To book train tickets, you only need to visit the websites of the railway companies PeruRail and Inca Rail. There is also the option to book through Boletomachupicchu and plan your entire trip.
Trains to Machu Picchu offer different service classes, depending on the visitor’s needs: from tourist class to luxury services with many included amenities.
• What to do in Ollantaytambo while waiting for the train?
If you have free time in the town of Ollantaytambo, you can visit many Inca archaeological sites that will add greater value to your travel experience:
- Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress – It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Inca culture. It is located along a mountain, where some of the most impressive structures of this civilization can be found. Entry is included with the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Ollantaytambo town tour – It is the only Inca town that preserves its original urban layout. While exploring it, you will find intact walls, cobblestone streets, historic water channels, and impressive landscapes.
- Pinkuylluna – Located on the slopes of a large mountain in Ollantaytambo, it is a small structure with defensive and storage functions. Entry is free and only requires a short 30-minute hike from the town’s main square.
Train route landscapes
Frequently asked questions about the trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
• How much does the train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu cost?
The price of train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu depends on the type of service you choose. Discover each option below:
PeruRail train service prices:
| PeruRail train services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Price in dollars | Price in soles |
| Expedition Train | $ 65 | S/ 223 |
| Vistadome Train | $ 95 | S/ 327 |
| Vistadome Observatory Train | $ 133 | S/ 457 |
| Hiram Bingham Train | $ 600 | S/ 2062 |
Inca Rail train service prices:
| Inca Rail train services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Price in dollars | Price in soles |
| The Voyager Train | $ 80 | S/ 275 |
| The 360º Train | $ 110 | S/ 344 |
| The Prime Train | $ 140 | S/ 481 |
| The First Class Train | $ 387 | S/ 1330 |
• Can I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu on foot?
Although it is possible, it is a very long route of nearly half a day that follows the train tracks. Very few visitors dare to do it, not because it is an economical alternative, but to enjoy the incredible landscapes along the route.
• Can I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by bus?
No, the only way to travel from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is by train. To go by bus, you must take the alternative route via Hidroelectrica.
This alternative starts from the city of Cusco heading to the town of Santa María (a 5-hour drive), where the Hidroelectrica station is located. From this point, it is an average 2-hour walk to reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Can I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by taxi?
No, taxi services can only cover the route from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. The only ways to reach Machu Picchu are: by train, walking from the Hidroelectrica station, or by choosing the Inca Trail experience.
| Main ways to travel to Machu Picchu | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect | Train from Ollantaytambo | Hidroelectrica Route | Inca Trail |
| Duration | 2 hours | 8 hours (bus + hike) | 4 days |
| Difficulty | Very low | Medium | High |
| Approximate cost | High ($ 70 – $ 200+) | Low ($ 20 – $ 50) | High ($ 800) |
| Experience | Comfortable and scenic | Budget adventure | Immersive and historical |
| Route | From Ollantaytambo by train | Cusco → Santa Teresa → Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes | Hiking along Inca trails |
| Entrance to Machu Picchu | Walk or bus from Aguas Calientes | Walk or bus from Aguas Calientes | Walking through the Inti Punku gate |
| Ideal for | Travelers seeking comfort | Backpackers | Adventure lovers |
| Planning level | Low | Medium | High (requires advance booking) |
• How to get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu cheaply?
The cheapest way to get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is by walking. However, the easiest budget-friendly option is to take the alternative route via Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu.
Peruvian tourists can access a special service called the ‘local train’ to Machu Picchu. The cost of this trip is 10 soles.
• How long does the train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu take?
The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. The travel time is the same for the return trip.
Streets of Ollantaytambo
Additional tips for your visit
- The train trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu should be booked at least 3 weeks in advance to find your preferred service and schedule.
- Tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked at least one month in advance, although for the most popular tickets it is recommended up to 3 months ahead.
- During the high tourist season (April to August), reservations for tickets, hotels, tours, and other services should be planned further in advance.
- Other train stations to Machu Picchu are located in San Pedro, Wanchaq, and Poroy. However, the station with the most departures and the fastest route is Ollantaytambo.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Nico D.“Unforgettable trip“
“The train route is perfect if you want to enjoy the scenery and take great photos during the journey. I chose a service with panoramic windows and the views of the valley and mountains were truly impressive.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 20, 2026