How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

There are 3 main ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu: 

1. A 4 or 2 day hiking journey to Machu Picchu
2. By train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
3. By bus + walk via Hidroeléctrica. 

The easiest is by train, while the most challenging is the Classic Inca Trail. There is no direct public bus from Cusco to the Machu Picchu entrance—the only buses run the short shuttle between Aguas Calientes and the citadel gate.

• Hiking to Machu Picchu 

The Inca Trail is the classic way to arrive on foot, typically taking 4 days with limited permits and a guided group. If you have less time, the Short Inca Trail lets you hike a scenic final section in 1–2 days. Other great treks to Machu Picchu include the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Choquequirao Trek, and Huchuy Qosqo Trek.

• Best for: Travelers who want scenery and ancient sites along the way, and don’t mind altitude and camping.
• Good to know: Permits for the Classic Inca Trail are limited; book well in advance. Pack light and acclimatize in Cusco before you start.

• Machu Picchu by Train

This is the simplest and most comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu. 

Most tours by train to Machu Picchu start in Cusco and connect to trains in the Sacred Valley, taking you to Aguas Calientes and up to the citadel the same day or with an overnight. Two operators run the route (PeruRail and Inca Rail) with services from standard (Expedition/Voyager) to panoramic (Vistadome/360) and premium options.

• Where you start: Most travelers board in Ollantaytambo (most departures). From Cusco, you can sometimes take a train from Poroy/San Pedro when available, or use the bimodal service from Wanchaq (bus + train on one ticket).
• How to check live schedules: Compare times on the official pages and book directly: PeruRail schedules and Inca Rail trains.
• Luggage tip: Plan for one small carry‑on up to 8 kg on Machu Picchu trains; use station storage for bigger bags. Always confirm on the operator site.
• Final step: From Aguas Calientes, take the official shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance (about 25–30 minutes).

• Machu Picchu by Car

This is the budget / alternative route. Travel by road from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (via Santa María and Santa Teresa), then walk ~10 km along the rail line to Aguas Calientes (about 2–3 hours, mostly flat). 

From town, ride the official shuttle bus up to the entrance. It’s the longest option and requires flexibility, but it works if you’re watching costs.

• Best for: Travelers on a tight budget who don’t mind a long day and a straightforward track walk.
• Good to know: Road and train operations can change; always check live schedules and local notices before you go.

Train companies to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)

There are two train companies to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both operate trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes), as well as trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Town.

There are plenty of options, and they vary by comfort and service level, exclusivity, cultural experience, and what’s included. In general, the different train categories are known for friendly service and comfortable onboard facilities.

Prices can differ slightly; however, your best choice often depends on your departure time. At TreXperience, we offer trips with both rail companies and help you choose the train option that works best for you.

*Prices are approximate

• Peru Rail

Peru Rail has a long history, has played a key role in developing Peru’s rail networks, and remains one of the leading names in the industry. 

Since 1999, it has been the first company to offer passenger train service to Machu Picchu. Today, it runs more trains and offers more price points and service options than Inca Rail. 

• Inca Rail

Inca Rail, founded in 2007, is the newer company operating the route to Machu Picchu. In addition to train service, Inca Rail also offers complementary transportation and lodging options.

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 (Peru Rail)

This is Peru Rail’s regular, standard, and most affordable train. The carriages feature a design inspired by Peruvian culture and nature throughout the train, creating an atmosphere that already feels connected to Machu Picchu.

Highlights include large windows, thoughtful wood details, and Andean textiles in both the furniture and the carriage design, along with comfortable seats. 

• 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.

• The Prime Train (Inca Rail)

This comfortable upgrade from Inca Rail is its premium economy option, designed with care to make your trip to Machu Picchu even more enjoyable. 

Enjoy panoramic views from the dining car with large windows, a complimentary snack, and live music along the way.

Panoramic trains to Machu Picchu

• Vistadome Train - Peru Rail

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 - Peru Rail

The Peru Rail Vistadome Observatory offers a comfortable, panoramic ride to Machu Picchu, enhanced by an exclusive carriage with a glass roof and an open-air observation car. 

It also includes traditional dance performances, an alpaca clothing fashion show, Andean snacks, an audio tour, background music, and a scenic stop to take in the views at a relaxed pace.

This option is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Andean landscapes, local culture, and a unique experience on the way to the Inca citadel.

• 360° Train - Inca Rail

This is Inca Rail’s panoramic option, with glass roof panels and an observation carriage.

The train is an experience on its own, taking you through some of Peru’s most impressive scenery, including the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. Seats are also more comfortable than the standard service.

Luxury trains to Machu Picchu

• Hiram Bingham Train - Peru Rail

The Hiram Bingham is a luxury train operated by Peru Rail. If you travel on it, expect elegant, high-quality service. 

This service lets you enjoy a detail-filled journey from start to finish, with no stress along the way. 

Enjoy a welcome show, live music, a cocktail toast, a more relaxed ride, a gourmet lunch or dinner, and admission to Machu Picchu. 

You can also walk around the train at your own pace, including the dining car, bar car, and observation lounge.

• First Class Train - Inca Rail

This luxury train takes you to Machu Picchu with maximum comfort. It includes pre-journey service with priority boarding, a transfer to the station, and live music.

Enjoy access to the lounge/bar car and the open-air carriage, a 3-course gourmet menu, plus a cultural ceremony and tea time.

Charter train to Machu Picchu

• Private Train (Inca Rail)

This is the only private charter train to Machu Picchu, reserved for a small group of passengers only.

Services are exclusively for your group, with more personal, attentive service, plus music, bar access, and food served onboard.

The best trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu (and back)

Now that you’ve seen all the options, you can choose the best train to Machu Picchu. Your final choice will depend on your Machu Picchu entry time and the train station you want to depart from.

Fast, comfortable, and convenient, trains to Machu Picchu depart from several stations:

The trip can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. Trains travel through the impressive Sacred Valley before reaching Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) is the final stop, no matter which company you travel with or which station you depart from. 

Once in Aguas Calientes, passengers must take a bus up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Buses leave every few minutes, and the ride takes about 25 minutes.

San Pedro Train Station

Peru Rail is the only company that departs from the San Pedro train station; these trains cover the longest route

These trains run only in two departures, from May through late December. 

San Pedro train station is located in the city center, about a 10-minute walk from the Cusco Main Square.

• Trains from San Pedro to Machu Picchu

These trains are a great choice for travelers who want to take their time and enjoy a relaxed ride. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours.

The route is perfect for taking in views of Cusco city, the Anta plains, the Huarocondo canyon, and the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River all the way to Machu Picchu

• Trains from Machu Picchu to San Pedro Station

Trains on this route return to Cusco, arriving at the San Pedro train station in the historic center. Keep in mind the train ride is longer, so arrivals are quite late.

Poroy Train Station

The Poroy train station is about 40 minutes from the city of Cusco, in the Poroy district. This route only operates from May to December. 

The train ride from this station is the second-longest after San Pedro, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

• Trains from Poroy to Machu Picchu

Keep this in mind: for operational reasons, all trains departing from San Pedro also stop in Poroy, so you can book and board the trains from this point as well. 

• Trains from Machu Picchu to Poroy Station

Trains from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) to Poroy depart only in the afternoon and take nearly 4 hours to reach their destination. 

From there, you’ll need to continue by car for about 40 minutes to the city of Cusco.

Ollantaytambo Train Station

The Ollantaytambo train station is the most popular route, and it’s the most comfortable and fastest way to travel by train to Machu Picchu.

This is the station we use for our TreXperience tours, unless the tour is confirmed with a specific train requested in advance.

• Peru Rail trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Town

To reach Ollantaytambo train station, you’ll travel about 1.5 hours by car from Cusco. 

It’s important to arrive at least 30 minutes before the train departs. The train ride takes about one and a half hours to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

• 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 Town to Ollantaytambo

Hidroelectrica train station

• Inca Rail trains from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu

• Peru Rail trains from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica

Bimodal Train service to Machu Picchu & Viceversa

The bimodal train service to Machu Picchu is ideal if you want to travel smoothly and arrive on time to board your tourist train to Machu Picchu. 

This service includes a bus transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and a train ride to Machu Picchu. The return trip follows the same itinerary: one bus ride and one train ride.

This service turns all train services from San Pedro and Poroy stations into bimodal services during the rainy season, in the months of January–April. 

The bimodal service is perfect for travelers who prefer an all-in-one option, where the train company covers transportation from Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco.

Peru Rail Bimodal trains to Machu Picchu

To board the Peru Rail Bimodal service, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Wanchaq train station; buses to Ollantaytambo depart from there. 

After about 1.5 hours of travel, you’ll arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, ready to board the 1.5-hour train to Aguas Calientes.

Pry: Poroy

Pch: Pachar

Sv = Sacred Valley

Oll = Ollantaytambo

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

Pry: Poroy

Pch: Pachar

Sv = Sacred Valley

Oll = Ollantaytambo

Inca Rail Bimodal Trains to Machu Picchu

You’ll need to take a taxi to the Inca Rail office on El Sol Avenue in Cusco. From there, buses depart to the Ollantaytambo station, where you’ll board the train to Machu Picchu. You can take a taxi on your own, or choose a service that includes hotel pickup.

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

FAQs about Machu Picchu Trains

Photos: Peru Rail, Inca Rail