Train to Machu Picchu: Definitive Guide

🚆 Peru Rail or Inca Rail – Which One to Choose for Your Train Journey to Machu Picchu?

Peru Rail and Inca Rail, each offering different options depending on the experience and comfort you seek.

🔵 Peru Rail

The oldest company operating the route, offering four services:

• Vistadome: Panoramic windows on the roof and sides for a better view of the landscape.
• Expedition: Onboard service with snacks and Peruvian cuisine, ideal for adventurous travelers.
• Sacred Valley: Luxury train journey through the Sacred Valley, including lunch or dinner.
• Belmond Hiram Bingham: Luxury train with exclusive carriages, gourmet dining, and entrance to Machu Picchu.

🔗 More information at www.perurail.com

🟠 Inca Rail

A Peruvian company with four service categories:

• The Voyager: Comfortable seats, Latin American music, and a selection of onboard drinks.
• The 360º: Larger panoramic windows, onboard service, and handicraft sales.
• The First Class: Elegant décor, natural flowers, and gourmet dining, available only in high season.
• The Private: Exclusive service for 8 people, with an open bar and personalized attention.

🔗 More information at www.incarail.com

🔵 Departure Train Stations:

• Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Cusco).
• Poroy Station: Calle Roldan s/n, Poroy District, Cusco.
• Urubamba Station: Avenida Ferrocarril s/n, Urubamba, Sacred Valley (Cusco).

🟠 Return Train Station:

• Aguas Calientes Station: Machu Picchu Pueblo, s/n, Las Orquídeas Neighborhood (next to Aguas Calientes Handicraft Market).

In most cases, you will board your train to Machu Picchu at the Ollantaytambo Station.
⚠️ The Poroy Station does not operate during the rainy season (November to March) for safety reasons.

The final destination of all trains is the Aguas Calientes Station (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there, buses to Machu Picchu depart every 15 minutes and the ticket office is located right in front.

🚆 How long is the train journey to Machu Picchu?

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

🟠 Available routes:

• From Poroy station (Cusco): Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• From Urubamba station: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• From Ollantaytambo station: Less than 2 hours.

📌 Note: The Ollantaytambo station is the most commonly used due to its proximity and shorter travel time.

🚆 What are the train schedules to Machu Picchu?

Train schedules are fixed and punctual. Most services depart from the Ollantaytambo station.

🔵 Peru Rail Train Schedules

🚞 ‘Vistadome’ Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

🚞 ‘Expedition’ Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

🚞 ‘Sacred Valley’ Train (Urubamba – Aguas Calientes):

🚞 ‘Hiram Bingham’ Train (Poroy – Aguas Calientes):

🟠 Inca Rail Train Schedules

🚞 ‘Voyager’ Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

🚞 ‘The 360º’ Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

🚞 ‘The First Class’ Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

🚞 ‘The Private’ Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes):

📌 Note: Schedules may vary according to season and availability. It is recommended to check with the railway company before booking.

💰 How much does the train to Machu Picchu cost?

Train prices depend on the service type and tend to increase the closer the travel date.

🎟️ Services included according to the category:

• Economy: Comfortable seats, panoramic views.
• Intermediate: Snacks, drinks, and cultural entertainment.
• Luxury: Alcoholic drinks, gourmet lunch or dinner, guides on board.

🔵 Peru Rail train prices (round trip):

🟠 Inca Rail train prices (round trip):

🎟️ Discounts for the train ticket to Machu Picchu:

• Children under 3 years:
  Peru Rail allows free entry for children under 3 years old, as long as they travel on their parent’s lap.
• Inca Rail:
  Children from 0 to 2 years travel for free if they share a seat with their parent or guardian.
• Discounts for children under 12 years:
  Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer a 50% discount for children aged 3 to 12 years.

📌 Note: Prices may vary according to season and availability. It is recommended to book in advance.

🚆 What is the train journey to Machu Picchu like?

The train journey offers spectacular views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and follows the banks of the Vilcanota River. The journey duration depends on the departure station.

📍 Distances and travel duration:

• From Poroy station (Cusco):
  📏 65.8 km journey.
  ⏳ Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• From Urubamba station:
  📏 47.6 km journey.
  ⏳ Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• From Ollantaytambo station:
  📏 30.5 km journey.
  ⏳ Duration: Just under 2 hours.

⚠️ Conditions to board the train to Machu Picchu:

• Identification:
  It is mandatory to present the travel ticket along with your ID card or passport.
• Ticket check:
  The staff will check your ticket before and during the trip.
• Restrictions:
  If you cannot prove that you are the ticket holder, you will not be allowed to board the train.
• Health:
  It is not allowed to board the train if you are in poor health or if you are over 7 months pregnant.
• Physical condition:
  Boarding will not be allowed for individuals who appear to be drunk or under the influence of substances.
• Minors:
  Children must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

🎯 Recommendations for the train journey:

• Advance purchase:
  Tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season (May to September).
• Documents:
  Bring your passport, as it is required to board the train.
• Luggage:
  Only one small backpack or bag up to 5 kg is allowed.
• Weather:
  The weather can change, so bring appropriate clothing for varying temperatures.

📌 Note: Enjoy the train ride with panoramic views and prepare for one of the best experiences at Machu Picchu.

🚆 Cusco – Machu Picchu by Train Route

This is the most common and accessible route, used by most travelers to reach Machu Picchu.

🛤️ a. From Poroy

• Start: Poroy is 25 minutes by car from downtown Cusco.
• Travel duration: Approximately 3.5 hours to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
• Features:
  Ideal for those seeking comfort and to avoid long transfers to the Sacred Valley.
• Availability:
  It does not operate during the rainy season (January to March), as trains depart from Ollantaytambo.

🚋 b. From Ollantaytambo

• Start: Ollantaytambo is about 2 hours from Cusco by land transport.
• Travel duration: 1.5 to 2 hours to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• Features:
  It is the most popular option, as it allows you to tour the Sacred Valley before the train journey.
• Access:
  There are **buses and taxis** that connect Cusco with Ollantaytambo.

🌄 c. From Urubamba

• Start: Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, is about 50 minutes from Ollantaytambo.
• Travel duration: 2.5 to 3 hours to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• Features:
  Mainly used by luxury trains like PeruRail’s Sacred Valley Train.

📌 Note: The route from Ollantaytambo is the most used by tourists due to its higher train frequency and easy access.