Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu are the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the train companies operating between these destinations. Both companies offer different classes of services, with PeruRail being the more luxurious option.

The journey by Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes around 3 hours. The trains depart from several stations like San Pedro, Wanchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo. The trains wind their way through the stunning Sacred Valley before arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain.

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the final stop for all trains, regardless of which company you are traveling with. From Aguas Calientes, passengers must take a bus to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The buses depart every few minutes, and the journey takes around 25 minutes.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

There are 3 main ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu: hiking, Train, or bus. The most famous tour of Machu Picchu is the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

• Hiking to Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu tours by Train

Tours by train to Machu Picchu are an amazing experience. You can see the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the beautiful countryside of Peru while riding on the train.

• Amazon Access to Machu Picchu

Hidroelectrica offers an alternative entrance to Machu Picchu. You will need to drive there and walk back along the railroad tracks towards Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

Train Companies to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes Town)

There are 2 train companies to Machu Picchu; Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both companies offer Trains From Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Also called Aguas Calientes town) and Trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Both companies offer excellent service with comfortable facilities. There might be a slight difference in prices; however, it will depend on the departure times convenient for your schedule. At TreXperience, we offer tours with both trains depending on availability.

Train companies to Machu Picchu

• Peru Rail (perurail.com)

One of the best train companies to Machu Picchu, they started taking travelers to Machu Picchu in 1999. They have more trains than the other company and different services and prices. PeruRail has a long and rich history, reflected in its experienced team and modern infrastructure. The company has played an essential role in developing Peru's railway network and is a leading player in the rail industry.

• Inca Rail (incarail.com)

The newest train company to Machu Picchu, they started taking travelers to Machu Picchu in 2007. They have different services from Cusco and Ollantaytambo. Inca Rail offers various other services, including tours of Machu Picchu, trekking excursions, and luxury trains.}

Machu Picchu Train Stations

• Wanchaq Train station

• San Pedro station

• Poroy Train station

• Ollantaytambo Train Station

• Valle Sagrado Train station

• Aguas Calientes Train station

Different Train Service to Machu Picchu

Standard Trains to Machu Picchu

• Expedition Train

This is the regular, standard, and cheapest Train to Machu Picchu in PeruRail. The train cars are immersed in Inca culture's designs, making you feel like Machu Picchu after boarding the Train. The Expedition Train offers an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian countryside, with stunning views of the Andes Mountains and glimpses of traditional villages. The Train departs from San Pedro, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo Train stations.

• Voyager Train

The standard version and the cheapest train option at IncaRail have comfortable seats with excellent service, and you can book Travel from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

• Voyager Premium Train

This version has more oversized windows and more comfortable seats than the standard version.

Panoramic Trains to Machu Picchu

• Vistadome Train

The train cars have panoramic windows to enjoy the surrounding environment while you travel along the Urubamba River. All our TreXperience tours include one-way of these scenic trains. The Vistadome train offers panoramic views of the Peruvian countryside, comfortable seats, and plenty of legroom.

• 360° Train

This is the Panoramic version of the Inca Rail with glass windows on the roof and an outdoor observation carriage. This unique train ride takes passengers through some of the most stunning scenery in Peru, including the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. The train ride is an experience, with comfortable seats and large windows offering panoramic views of the passing landscape.

Luxury Trains to Machu Picchu

• Sacred Valley Train

This premium train connects Urubamba with Machu Picchu; it includes meals, drinks, and an observatory lounge to enjoy the views. Peru Rail offers this service. 

• Hiram Bingham Train

Board the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train. Enjoy the elegant dining, bar, and observatory lounge, where you can enjoy the fresh air with traditional Peruvian cocktails and listen to live local music. This luxury train to Machu Picchu is operated by Peru Rail. 

• Private Train

Machu Picchu's only private charter train, an exclusive train for small groups with music, a bar, and meals onboard. Inca Rail offers this service. 

• First Class

The Luxurious Train To Machu Picchu with maximum comfort, an observatory lounge, live music, and gourmet meals. This train is operated by Inca Rail. 

Best trains From Cusco to Machu Picchu & Viceversa

Trains from San Pedro to Machu Picchu

PeruRail is the Only Company that departs from San Pedro Train station; these trains will cover the longest distance and is 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 teh city center, 10 minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas; travelers will be able to enjoy the views while exiting Cusco city, and it also allows them traveler to enjoy the views of the high plains of Anta, the Huarcondo canyon, and finally arrive to the Sacred Valley and follow the Urubamba river until Machu Picchu. 

These trains are recommended for those travelers who would like to enjoy different landscapes, take time and relax in the train and arrive to the destination in almost 5 hours.

• PeruRail Expedition 31 - Departs at 6.40am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09.54 am. 
• PeruRail Vistadome 31 - Departs at 6.40am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09.54 am.
• PeruRail Expedition 203 - Departs at 7.30 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12.11 pm.
• PeruRail Vistadome 203 - Departs at 7.30 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12.11 pm.

Trains from Poroy to Machu Picchu

Porory train station is located 40 minutes drive from Cusco city. This train station offers the second longest train ride after San Pedro Train Station. Just so you know, all trains departing from San Pedro will also stop at Porroy, and booking and boarding the trains is possible. 

• PeruRail Expedition 33 - Departs at 6.40am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09.54 am. 
• PeruRail Vistadome 33 - Departs at 6.40am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09.54 am.
• PeruRail Expedition 31 - Departs at 7.35 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 10.52 am.
• PeruRail Vistadome 203 - Departs at 7.35 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 10.52 am.
• PeruRail Expedition 203 - Departs at 8.25 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12.11 pm.
• PeruRail Vistadome 203 - Departs at 8.25 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12.11 pm.
• Belmond Hiram Bingham 11 - Departs at 9.05 am and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12.24 pm.

Trains from Machu Picchu to Poroy station

Trains from Aguas Calientes Town (Machu Picchu Pueblo) will depart in the afternoon and takes almost 4 hours to reach Poroy train station, form there; you will need to travel by car for about 40 minutes to Cusco city to your hotel.

• PeruRail Expedition 34 - Departs at 15:20 and arrives to Poroy at 19:05
• PeruRail Vistadome 34 - Departs at 15:20 and arrives to Poroy at 19:05
• PeruRail Vistadome 32 - Departs at 16:43 and arrives to Poroy at 20:23
• PeruRail Expedition 32 - Departs at 16:43 and arrives to Poroy at 20:23
• PeruRail Vistadome 604 - Departs at 17:23 and arrives to Poroy at 20:52
• PeruRail Expedition 604 - Departs at 17:23 and arrives to Poroy at 20:52
• Belmond Hiram Bingham 12 - Departs at 17:50 and arrives to Poroy at 21:16

Trains from Machu Picchu to San Pedro station

These 4 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. 

• PeruRail Vistadome 32 - Departs at 16:43 and arrives to Poroy at 21:23
• PeruRail Expedition 32 - Departs at 16:43 and arrives to Poroy at 21:23
• PeruRail Vistadome 604 - Departs at 17:23 and arrives to Poroy at 21:52
• PeruRail Expedition 604 - Departs at 17:23 and arrives to Poroy at 21:52

Best trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Pichu & Viceversa

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). 

• PeruRail Expedition 71 - Departs at 05:05 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 06:37
• PeruRail Expedition 81 - Departs at 06:10 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 07:40
• PeruRail Vistadome 301 - Departs at 07:05 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 08:27
• PeruRail Expedition 83 - Departs at 07:45 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09:15
• Vistadome Observatory 83 - Departs at 07:45 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 9:15
• PeruRail Vistadome 601 - Departs at 08:00 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09:25
• PeruRail Expedition 33 - Departs at 08:29 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09:54
• PeruRail Vistadome 33 - Departs at 08:29 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 09:54
• PeruRail Vistadome 501 - Departs at 08:53 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 10:29
• PeruRail Vistadome 31 - Departs at 09:15 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 10:52
• PeruRail Expedition 31 - Departs at 09:15 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 10:52
• PeruRail Vistadome 203 - Departs at 10:32 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12:11
• PeruRail Expedition 203 - Departs at 10:32 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12:11
• Belmond Hiram Bingham 11 - Departs at 10:53 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12:24
• PeruRail Expedition 91 - Departs at 11:52 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 13:34
• PeruRail Expedition 73 - Departs at 12:55 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 14:25
• PeruRail Vistadome 73 - Departs at 12:55 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 14:25
• Vistadome Observatory 303 - Departs at 13:27 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 14:50
• PeruRail Vistadome 603 - Departs at 15:37 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 17:02
• PeruRail Expedition 75 - Departs at 19:04 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 20:45
• PeruRail Vistadome 75 - Departs at 19:04 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 20:45
• PeruRail Expedition 51 - Departs at 21:00 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 22:45

Inca Rail Trains from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo

Inca Rail trains depart from Ollantaytambo with a welcome show. If you are traveling to Aguas Calientes, we recommend upgrading your train to the Premium Lounge service. 

• The Voyager 41 - Departs at 06:40 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 08:01
• The Voyager 61 - Departs at 07:22 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 08:48
• 360° Train 61 - Departs at 07:22 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 08:48
• The Voyager 43 - Departs at 11:15 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12:41
• Premium Lounge 43 - Departs at 11:15 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 12:41
• The Voyager 65 - Departs at 12:36 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 14:00
• The Voyager 45 - Departs at 16:36 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 18:09
• The Voyager 67 - Departs at 19:27 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 21:09
• The Voyager 41 - Departs at 06:40 and arrives at Aguas Calientes at 08:01

Peru Rail Trains from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo

• PeruRail Expedition 50 - Departs at 05:35 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 07:44
• PeruRail Expedition 72 - Departs at 08:53 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 10:52
• Vistadome Observatory 302 - Departs at 10:55 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 12:32
• PeruRail Vistadome 602 - Departs at 12:46 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 14:19
• PeruRail Vistadome 204 - Departs at 13:37 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 15:04
• PeruRail Expedition 74 - Departs at 14:55 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 16:31
• PeruRail Vistadome 74 - Departs at 14:55 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 16:31
• PeruRail Expedition 34 - Departs at 15:20 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 17:08
• PeruRail Vistadome 34 - Departs at 15:20 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 17:08
• PeruRail Vistadome 304 - Departs at 15:48 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 17:29
• PeruRail Expedition 504 - Departs at 16:22 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 18:10
• Vistadome Observatory 504 - Departs at 16:22 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 18:10
• PeruRail Vistadome 32 - Departs at 16:43 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 18:31
• PeruRail Expedition 32 - Departs at 16:43 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at  18:31
• PeruRail Vistadome 604 - Departs at 17:23 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 19:02
• PeruRail Expedition 604 - Departs at 17:23 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 19:02
• PeruRail Vistadome 606 - Departs at 18:10 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 19:51
• PeruRail Expedition 84 - Departs at 18:20 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at  20:05
• PeruRail Vistadome 84 - Departs at 18:20 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 20:05
• PeruRail Expedition 86 - Departs at 20:50 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 22:20
• PeruRail Expedition 76 - Departs at  21:50 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 23:37
• PeruRail Vistadome 76 - Departs at 21:50 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 23:37

Inca Rail  Trains from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo

• The Voyager 42 - Departs at 08:30 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 10:10
• The Voyager 62 - Departs at 10:32 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 12:12
• 360° Train 62 - Departs at 10:32 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 12:12
• The Voyager 44 - Departs at 14:30 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 16:04
• The Voyager 64 - Departs at 16:12 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 17:50
• 360° Train 64 - Departs at 16:12 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 17:50
• The Voyager 46 - Departs at 19:00 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 20:41
• Premium Lounge 46 - Departs at 19:00 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 20:41
• The Voyager 66 - Departs at 20:20 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 21:59
• The Voyager 68 - Departs at 21:30 and arrives to Ollantaytambo at 22:54

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 new and 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 Sa 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 to Ollantaytambo. After 2 hour's journey, you will arrive at the Train station of Ollantaytambo, where you will board the 1.5 hours train ride to Aguas Calientes. 

• PeruRail Expedition 81 - Bus Departs at 03:20 and train arrives at 07:40
• PeruRail Expedition 83 - Bus Departs at 05:10 and train arrives at 09:15
• Vistadome Observatory 83 - Bus Departs at  05:10 and train arrives at 09:15
• PeruRail Expedition 33 - Bus Departs at 05:40 and train arrives at 09:54
• PeruRail Vistadome 33 - Bus Departs at 05:40 and train arrives at 09:54

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.

• Voyager Bimodal 41 - Bus Departs at 04:20 and train arrives at 08:01
• Voyager Bimodal 61 - Bus Departs at 04:50 and train arrives at t 08:48
• Bimodal 360° Train 61 - Bus Departs at 04:50 and train arrives at 08:48
• The Voyager 43 - Bus Departs at 08:30 and train arrives at 12:41
• Bimodal Premium Lounge 43 - Bus Departs at 08:30 and train arrives at 12:41
• The Voyager 65 - Bus Departs at 09:55 and train arrives at 14:00
• Bimodal 360° Train 65 - Bus Departs at 09:55 and train arrives at 14:00
• Voyager Bimodal 45 - Bus Departs at 13:30 and train arrives at 18:09
• Voyager Bimodal  67 - Bus Departs at 16:15 and train arrives at 21:09

Peru Rail Bimodal Trains From Machu Picchu to Cusco

• PeruRail Expedition 34 - Train departs at 15:20 and bus arrives to Wanchaq at 19:45
• PeruRail Vistadome 34 - Train departs at 15:20 and bus arrives to Wanchaq at 19:45
• PeruRail Expedition 504 - Train departs at 16:22 and bus arrives to Wanchaq at 20:30
• Vistadome Observatory 504 - Train departs at 16:22 and bus arrives to Wanchaq at 20:30
• PeruRail Expedition 84 - Train departs at 18:20 and bus arrives to Wanchaq at 22:30
• PeruRail Vistadome 84 - Train departs at 18:20 and bus arrives to Wanchaq at 22:30

Inca Rail Bimodal Trains From Machu Picchu to Cusco

• Voyager Bimodal 62 - Train Departs at 10:32 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 14:32
• Bimodal 360° Train 62 - Train Departs at 10:32 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 14:32
• The Voyager 44 - Train Departs at 14:30 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 18:30
• Bimodal Premium Lounge 44 - Train Departs at  14:30 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 18:30
• The Voyager 64 - Train Departs at 16:12 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 20:20
• Bimodal 360° Train 64 - Train Departs at 16:12 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 20:20
• Voyager Bimodal 46 - Train Departs at 19:00 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 23:30
• Bimodal Premium Lounge 46 - Train Departs at 19:00 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at 23:30
• Voyager Bimodal  68 - Train Departs at 21:30 and bus arrive to Sol Avenue at  01:15

FAQs about Machu Picchu Trains

Where to board the trains to Machu Picchu?

When going to Machu Picchu, you can board the Train at the three designated train stations. Remember to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departure for boarding.

• San Pedro train station

It is located in front of the famous San Pedro Market, just a few blocks from the main square of Cusco city. You can walk or take a taxi, depending on your hotel location.

• Poroy Train station

 Located outside Cusco, about a 25-minute drive on the route to Lima, you need to take a taxi from your hotel.

• Ollantaytambo Train Station

Located in the Sacred Valley, this train station is the main and preferred one because it is close to Machu Picchu Pueblo. To arrive in Ollantaytambo, you must take a taxi, which takes around 1.5 hours to reach Cusco.

How long does it take to travel by Train to Machu Picchu?

The time of Travel will depend on where you will board the Train:

• From San Pedro train station, arriving at Machu Picchu Pueblo will take around 4 hours and 40 minutes.
• From Poroy Train station, arriving at Machu Picchu Pueblo will take around 3 hours and 40 minutes.
• From Ollantaytambo Train Station, arriving at Machu Picchu Pueblo will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How much does the Train to Machu Picchu cost?

The price of the Train tickets to Machu Picchu varies a lot depending on the demand. During the high season, the costs will rise, and train companies will offer significant discounts in the low season. Train tickets to Machu Picchu work very similarly to the flight ticket system. You must book far in advance to get the best prices; last-minute booking; the cost will usually be very high.

The lowest prices are always the standard version, like the Expedition and Voyager trains; if you want to get the best prices, you must travel early or late.

The price will go from 55.USD is the lowest, up to 550.USD is the highest for way tickets depending on the type of Train and departure time.

Are there any discounts on the train ticket to Machu Picchu?

Children from 0 to 2 years old don't need to pay for train tickets; however, they must sit with their parents, and no seat will be assigned for babies.

Children from 3 to 11 years old must pay for the train ticket; however, they will benefit from a 50% discount. Inca Rail allows this discount for up to 12 years with 11 months.

Discounts for children are not available in the luxury version. If you are traveling with children, you can contact the train company or us to help you better.

Can I take a Bus From Cusco To Machu Picchu?

There are no buses from Cusco directly to Machu Picchu; you must take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then board the Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

The second option, but not recommended, is to take private transportation from Cusco to Hidroelectica through a winding route for about 6 hours and then hike for 3 hours along the train track back to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

How is the train trip to Machu Picchu?

If you board the Train In Cusco or Poroy, you will enjoy the beautiful views of the high plains of Izcuchaca and Huarocondo. You will descend into the Sacred Valley and follow the Urubamba into the Cloud Forest, where Machu Picchu is located.

If you board the Train in Ollantaytambo, you will enjoy the fantastic views of the mountains, the river and the landscape of the Andes, and the cloud forest.

It's important to note that there is only one railway from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo and Poroy and Ollantaytambo's train stations on the way.

Are there any restrictions for boarding the Train to Machu Picchu?

You must bring your tickets (printed or digital) and show them before boarding with your passport.

There is a luggage restriction as well. You can only board the Train with a small backpack or a carry-on of a maximum of 8 kilos.