To reach Machu Picchu there are 3 main routes: through the Inca Trail, via the Hydroelectric route, and by train traveling through the Sacred Valley. If you are looking for the most comfortable and fastest option, you should choose the train journey. This experience to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable trip through incredible natural landscapes of Andean and tropical regions until arriving at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), at the foot of the Wonder of the World.

• Train travel map
• How to get to Machu Picchu by train?
• Train ticket reservation
• PeruRail or Inca Rail – Which company to choose?
• Where to board trains to Machu Picchu?
• How long is the train trip to Machu Picchu?
• What are the train schedules to Machu Picchu?
• How much does the train service to Machu Picchu cost?
• Discounts for train tickets to Machu Picchu
• What is the train journey to Machu Picchu like?
• Conditions for boarding trains to Machu Picchu
• Frequently asked questions

Train travel map

Train routes to Machu Picchu

How to get to Machu Picchu by train?

• The first step to reach Machu Picchu by train is to book tickets online weeks in advance. It is recommended to do so immediately after knowing your visit date to the Wonder of the World in order to choose the ideal schedule.
• There are several train stations (Ollantaytambo, Poroy, Wanchaq, and San Pedro), although the main one, with the most schedule availability, is Ollantaytambo station.
• The train journey takes approximately 2 hours, passing through incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• You can choose between two railway companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Each offers different service levels.
• From all train stations, the final destination is Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Upon arrival, you only need to take one of the buses that go to the entrance of the Inca citadel, in approximately 30 minutes.

Train ticket reservation

• To book train tickets, you can visit the websites of the two companies that provide the service: PeruRail or Inca Rail.
• You can also make the reservation through tourism company websites, such as Boletomachupicchu.
• It is important to make the reservation after purchasing your Machu Picchu ticket so that it matches your visit itinerary.
• It is recommended to purchase train tickets at least 3 weeks in advance to choose your preferred service, date, and schedule.

PeruRail or Inca Rail – Which company to choose?

• There are two authorized companies operating train routes to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail.
• PeruRail offers four services of different levels: Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, and the luxury train Hiram Bingham.
• Similarly, Inca Rail also offers four different services: The Voyager, The 360º, The First Class, and The Prime.
• Discover what each one includes:

PeruRail train route

PeruRail

PeruRail is the company with the longest experience operating routes to the town of Aguas Calientes. It offers up to four different services providing various levels of comfort.

• PeruRail

  PeruRail is the company with the longest experience operating routes to the town of Aguas Calientes. It offers up to four different services providing various levels of comfort.

  • Expedition: This option features carriages fully covered with panoramic windows and onboard service, as well as snacks and a tourist stop at Huaypo Lagoon.
  • Vistadome: A train with spacious carriages and panoramic windows on the roof and sides, allowing for a comfortable experience during the journey through the valley.
  • Vistadome Observatory: Unlike the Vistadome service, this option includes larger seats and tables, as well as cultural shows and an observation car to enjoy every landscape in detail.
  • Belmond Hiram Bingham: One of the most luxurious trains in the world, exclusive and fully serviced onboard. It includes a dining car, bar car, gourmet dinner, exclusive transportation, and entrance tickets to the Inca citadel.
• Inca Rail

  Inca Rail offers railway transport services from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. It also provides up to four different services with various levels of comfort.

  • The Voyager: Carriages feature comfortable seats, folding tables, and panoramic windows. Ambient Latin American music, onboard service, and a selection of beverages are included.
  • The 360º: Features large panoramic windows, ambient music, onboard service, complimentary snacks, and an observation carriage.
  • The Prime: Offers greater comfort, with a complimentary Andean tasting, live music, and priority boarding.
  • The First Class: This service includes a dining car, open-air balcony, bar carriage, gourmet menu, and various onboard experiences.

Inca Rail train service

Where to board trains to Machu Picchu?

• Ollantaytambo station is the most popular because it offers greater schedule availability and is also closer to Machu Picchu town. It operates all year round.
• Poroy station is restricted for safety during the rainy season (from November to March); it operates only from April to December.
• San Pedro station operates only from April to December and is also used as a return station.
• There are four boarding stations for the train journey to Aguas Calientes. However, there is only one station for return trains.

Outbound train stations:

• Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Cusco).
• Poroy Station: Calle Roldan s/n, Poroy District, Cusco.
• San Pedro Station: Calle Cascaparo s/n, San Pedro (Cusco).
• Wanchaq Station: Avenida Pachacútec, s/n (Cusco).

Return train station:

• Aguas Calientes Station: Machu Picchu Town, s/n, Las Orquídeas neighborhood (next to the Aguas Calientes Artisan Market).

How long does the train journey to Machu Picchu take?

The duration of the train journey (one way) depends on the station where you board the train:

• From Poroy station (Cusco): The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• From San Pedro – Wanchaq station: The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
• From Ollantaytambo station: The journey takes a little less than 2 hours.

What are the train schedules to Machu Picchu?

Train schedules are fixed and punctual. Most services depart from Ollantaytambo station, which is why it is the most recommended.

• PeruRail train schedules:

  Expedition Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  05:05 a.m.	06:37 a.m.
  06:10 a.m.	07:40 a.m.
  07:45 a.m.	09:15 a.m.
  08:29 a.m.	09:54 a.m.
  09:15 a.m.	10:52 a.m.
  10:32 a.m.	12:11 p.m.
  12:55 p.m.	14:25 p.m.
  19:04 p.m.	20:45 p.m.
  21:00 p.m.	22:45 p.m.

  Vistadome Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  07:05 a.m.	08:27 a.m.
  08:00 a.m.	09:25 a.m.
  08:53 a.m.	10:29 a.m.
  09:15 a.m.	10:52 a.m.
  19:04 p.m.	20:45 p.m.

  Vistadome Observatory Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  07:45 a.m.	09:15 a.m.
  08:29 a.m.	09:54 a.m.
  10:32 a.m.	12:11 p.m.
  13:27 p.m.	14:50 p.m.
  15:37 p.m.	17:02 p.m.

  Hiram Bingham Train (Poroy (Cusco) – Aguas Calientes)

  Departure time	Arrival time
  09:05 a.m.	12:24 p.m.

• Inca Rail train schedules:

  The Voyager Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  6:40 a.m.	8:01 a.m.
  07:22 a.m.	08:48 a.m.
  11:15 a.m.	12:45 p.m.
  12:36 p.m.	14:00 p.m.
  16:36 p.m.	18:09 p.m.

  The 360º Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  07:22 a.m.	08:48 a.m
  12:36 p.m.	14:00 p.m.

  The First Class Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  11:15 a.m.	12:41 p.m.

  The Private Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

  Departure time	Arrival time
  06:40 a.m.	08:01 a.m.
  16:36 p.m.	18:09 p.m.

How much does the train service to Machu Picchu cost?

Train prices depend on the type of service chosen. The cost tends to increase the closer it is to the travel date, so it is very important to make reservations in advance.

PeruRail train prices (one-way only):

Inca Rail train prices (one-way only):

Discounts for train tickets to Machu Picchu

Train tickets to Aguas Calientes also offer discounts throughout the year.

• If the service is purchased for both segments, a discount is available.
• PeruRail offers free entry for children under 3 years old. They must travel seated on their parents’ lap.
• Inca Rail also allows free entry for children aged 0 to 2 who travel on a parent or guardian’s seat.
• PeruRail offers a 50% discount for children under 12 years old.
• Inca Rail also offers a 50% discount for children aged 3 to 12.
• Peruvian citizens also have access to discounts.

What is the train journey to Machu Picchu like?

• The train journey to Aguas Calientes is an experience in itself, traveling through incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
• From Ollantaytambo, the route passes through Andean geographical areas and transitions into tropical cloud forest regions as it approaches Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• Throughout the journey, the train follows the Urubamba River. Along the route, you can also spot small archaeological sites, agricultural fields, and some villages.

Conditions for boarding trains to Machu Picchu

You must follow these instructions to board the train without complications:

• It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before your departure time.
• When boarding the train, you must present your travel ticket and your ID or passport.
• The railway company will check your ticket before and during the journey.
• If you cannot prove you are the ticket holder, you will not be allowed to board the train, with no option for claims.
• You will not be allowed to board if your health condition is delicate. The same applies to women with a pregnancy of seven months or more.
• You will be denied boarding if you are visibly intoxicated or under the influence of other substances.
• Young children must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Frequently asked questions

• 1) How can I get to Machu Picchu by train?

  You can reach Machu Picchu by train from stations such as Ollantaytambo, Poroy, Wanchaq, or San Pedro in Cusco. The most recommended option is to depart from Ollantaytambo due to its greater availability of schedules and proximity to Aguas Calientes.

• 2) How long is the train journey to Machu Picchu?

  The travel time depends on the departure station. From Ollantaytambo, it takes about 2 hours, while from Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro), it can take between 3 and 4 hours.

• 3) How much do train tickets to Machu Picchu cost?

  Prices vary depending on the type of service. In general, tickets can range from approximately $65 to over $600 per segment, depending on the level of comfort and experience chosen.

• 4) Which train company is better: PeruRail or Inca Rail?

  Both companies offer good quality services. The choice depends on the type of experience you are looking for, as each provides different service levels, from budget options to luxury trains.

• 5) How far in advance should I buy my train ticket?

  It is recommended to purchase tickets at least 3 weeks in advance, especially during high season, to ensure availability for your preferred schedule and service.

• 6) Where do trains to Machu Picchu arrive?

  All trains arrive at Aguas Calientes station, also known as Machu Picchu town. From there, you must take a bus to reach the Inca citadel.

• 7) Are there direct trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, but most services include a prior road transfer to Ollantaytambo. Direct trains from Cusco usually operate on a limited basis and during specific seasons.

• 8) What does the train service to Machu Picchu include?

  Depending on the service, it may include comfortable seats, panoramic windows, snacks, drinks, and even cultural experiences onboard.

• 9) Can I buy train tickets on the same day?

  Yes, but it is not recommended. Availability is usually limited, so booking in advance is advised to avoid issues during your trip.

• 10) What is the train journey to Machu Picchu like?

  The journey passes through the Sacred Valley, moving from Andean landscapes into cloud forest areas. It is a highly scenic experience and an important part of the trip.

Advice from people who have been there

Sacred Valley

By: Axel D.

“During the journey, you can observe the changing landscape as the train moves along the river, making the trip more memorable. I recommend choosing an early schedule to fully enjoy the views and have more time in Aguas Calientes.“

““

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 21, 2026