How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

There are 3 main ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu: hiking, train, and bus. The easiest way is by train, and the most challenging is the Classic Inca Trail. Keep in mind that there isn't a direct bus that takes you from Cusco to Machu Picchu; you will have to make several stops on the way.

• Hiking to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is the most popular hike to reach Machu Picchu, usually taking 4 days to complete. Other treks include the Short Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Lares Trek, Choquequirao Trek, and Huchuy Qosqo Trek. 

• Machu Picchu Tours by Train

This is the easiest way to reach Machu Picchu. Most Tours by train start from Cusco, follow the Sacred Valley's countryside, and take you to explore Machu Picchu, even on the same day. Of course, there are variations, which we'll talk about later.

• Bus to Machu Picchu

This is the alternative entrance to Machu Picchu. You must drive to Hidroelectrica and walk along the railroad tracks towards Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). This journey can take up to 6 hours.

Train Companies to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

There are currently two train companies to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both operate trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes town) and trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Each offers different trains, facilities, and services, depending on your budget and preferences.

Both train companies offer slightly different prices, but it really depends on which departure time fits your schedule. At TreXperience, we offer tours with both trains depending on availability.

*Prices are approximate

• Peru Rail

Peru Rail is the most widely used train company for Machu Picchu with more schedules, services, and prices. They've been operating since 1999, so they've got a lot of experience, with a very professional staff and a modern infrastructure. The company has also been a key player in Peru's rail industry.

• Inca Rail

This is the newest train company to Machu Picchu. You will notice their green color right away, which usually operates under the name of Machu Picchu Train. Inca Rail offers different services from Cusco and Ollantaytambo, including tours of Machu Picchu, trekking excursions, and luxury trains.

Train Services to Machu Picchu

Now you're probably wondering which train to choose. Both have their unique styles and services, so we've outlined the various trains to Machu Picchu, complete with features and visuals, to help you make the best choice for your adventure:

Standard Trains to Machu Picchu

• Expedition Train (PeruRail)

This is Peru Rail's regular, standard, and cheapest train to Machu Picchu, but don't think you're skimping on comfort. You'll get to enjoy a pleasant ride. Inside, the trains feature some cool Inca culture designs, making you feel like you are in Machu Picchu after boarding the train. The trains depart from San Pedro, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo train stations.

• Voyager Train (Inca Rail)

The standard and affordable train option at Inca Rail. It has comfortable seats and stellar service but with slightly less legroom than the Expedition train. If you're willing to take that compromise, you're set for a satisfying journey. Inca Rail also offers tour options from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, which you can add to your itinerary.

Premium - Panoramic Trains to Machu Picchu

• Vistadome Train (PeruRail)

This is a popular train to Machu Picchu, mainly because its huge windows offer some of the best panoramic views as you travel along the Urubamba River. It hits a sweet spot in terms of price—not too pricey, but you definitely get your money's worth. Plus, every now and then, they include a live show thrown into the mix. If you're heading up with TreXperience, you'll ride these scenic trains for at least one leg of your journey.

• Vistadome Observatory Train (PeruRail)

The PeruRail Vistadome Observatory offers a comfortable and panoramic trip to Machu Picchu, with glass-roofed cars, an open-air observation car, traditional dances, an alpaca parade, Andean snacks, and an audio tour. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, local culture, and a unique experience on their way to the Inca citadel.

• 360° Train (Inca Rail)

This is the Panoramic version of the Inca Rail, with glass windows on the roof and an outdoor observation carriage. This train is an experience in itself, as it takes passengers through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru, including the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. It also has more comfortable seats than the standard version.

Luxury Trains to Machu Picchu

• Hiram Bingham Train (PeruRail)

Belmond's luxury train option. If you can travel here, expect to find an extravagant dining room, a bar, and an observatory lounge where you can get fresh air and enjoy a traditional Peruvian cocktail. Like any other luxury train, this one comes with live entertainment on board, including music and dance. This luxury train to Machu Picchu is operated by Peru Rail. 

• First Class (Inca Rail)

The Luxurious Train To Machu Picchu with maximum comfort, an observatory lounge, live music, and gourmet meals. 

Charter train to Machu Picchu

• Private Train (Inca Rail)

This is Machu Picchu's only private charter train, exclusive for small groups. It includes music, a bar, and meals onboard. It's pretty much the same carriage as the premium train but with the added luxury of having the whole experience for yourself.

Train Stations to Machu Picchu & Schedules

Now that we've set all the options, you can pick the best train to Machu Picchu. Your final choice will depend on timing, schedules, and the train station you depart from.

Fast, comfy, and straightforward, trains depart to Machu Picchu at several stations like San Pedro and Wanchaq (Cusco), Poroy (Surroundings Cusco), and Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley). The journey will take you around 2-3 hours, and trains will wind their way through the stunning Sacred Valley before arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. 

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the final stop, no matter the company you travel with or the train station you depart from. Once in Aguas Calientes, passengers must take a bus to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The buses depart every few minutes, and the journey takes around 25 minutes.

Here are the most important ones:

San Pedro Train Station

PeruRail is the only Company that departs from San Pedro Train station; these trains will cover the longest distance and are only available in 2 shifts. Also, during the dry season, these trains only run from late April to late December. 

San Pedro Train Station is located in the city center, only a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas. During your journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking views while leaving Cusco, including the high plains of Anta and the Huarocondo Canyon. It will then run through the Sacred Valley, follow the Urubamba River, and finally reach Machu Picchu.

• Trains from San Pedro to Machu Picchu

These trains are recommended for travelers who would like to enjoy different landscapes, take time to relax on the train, and arrive at their destination in almost five hours.

• Trains from Machu Picchu to San Pedro station

These four trains will continue further from Poroy until San Pedro Train station. Please note that this option is the longest train ride, and the arrivals are very late.

Poroy Train Station

Poroy train station is located 40 minutes away from Cusco city. It offers the second-longest train ride after San Pedro Train Station. 

• Trains from Poroy to Machu Picchu

Just so you know, all trains departing from San Pedro will also stop at Poroy, and booking and boarding the trains is possible. 

• Trains from Machu Picchu to Poroy station

Trains from Aguas Calientes Town (Machu Picchu Pueblo) will depart in the afternoon, taking almost 4 hours to reach Poroy train station. From there, you will need to travel by car for about 40 minutes to Cusco City.

Ollantaytambo Train Station

Ollantaytambo is the most popular train station; this town is beautiful and the most comfortable and fastest way to travel by train and bus to Machu Picchu. To reach Ollantaytambo train station, you will need to travel by car from Cusco in a 2-hour trip. 

This is the Train station we will use in our TreXperience tours unless the tour is confirmed with a specific train advised in emails. 

• Peru Rail Trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo

To board the Train from Ollantaytambo, you must travel by car from Cusco and arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departure. The train ride is around 1.5 hours until Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). 

• Inca Rail Trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

Inca Rail trains depart from Ollantaytambo with a welcome show.

• Peru Rail Trains from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo

• Inca Rail Trains from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo

Bimodal Train service to Machu Picchu & Viceversa

The bimodal Train Service to Machu Picchu is a one-of-a-kind journey that lets you see Machu Picchu's amazing ruins in a different way. You will travel from Cusco by bus to Ollantaytambo and by train to Machu Picchu. The return is the same way, halfway by bus and halfway by train. 

Just so you know, all train services from San Pedro and Poroy train stations will become Bimodal Services during the rainy season. The Bimodal service is perfect for those travelers who prefer an all-inclusive service where the train company covers all the Transportation from Cusco to Cusco. 

Peru Rail Bimodal Trains to Machu Picchu

To board the Perurail Bimodal service, you need to arrive by taxi at the WANCHAQ train station; from there, the buses will depart for Ollantaytambo. After 2 2-hour journey, you will arrive at the Train station of Ollantaytambo, where you will board the 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes. 

Pry = Poroy

Sv = Sacred Valley

Oll = Ollantaytambo

Peru Rail Bimodal Trains From Machu Picchu to Cusco (Wanchaq)

Pry = Poroy

Sv = Sacred Valley

Oll = Ollantaytambo

Inca Rail Bimodal Trains to Machu Picchu

You need to take a taxi to Sol Avenue in Cusco, where the office of Inca Trail is. From there, the buses will depart to Ollantaytambo and aboard the trains to Machu Picchu. You can choose to take a taxi, or you can also choose a door-to-door service that includes hotel pick-up.

Inca Rail Bimodal Trains From Machu Picchu to Cusco (Sol Avenue)

FAQs about Machu Picchu Trains

Photo credits: Peru Rail, Inca Rail