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.

• Amazon Access 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.

Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train

If you plan to take trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu, this is hands-down the best alternative. Fast, comfy, and straightforward, trains depart from Cusco to Machu Picchu at several stations like San Pedro, Wanchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo. 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. From 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.

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.

• 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.

Prices

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.

Different 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.

• The Premium & Lounge Train (Inca Rail)

If you're not one to spare any expense, this train is a great alternative. This upgraded version features bigger windows and more comfortable seats than the standard, with a small deck for observation and plenty of space to sit and relax.

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.

• 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

• Sacred Valley Train (PeruRail)

This premium train connects Urubamba with Machu Picchu and includes meals, drinks, and an observatory lounge where you can enjoy the views. Unfortunately, this train is currently not operating.

• 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. 

• 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.

• First Class (Inca Rail)

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

Best Trains From Cusco to Machu Picchu & Viceversa

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. Here are the most important ones:

Machu Picchu Train Stations

• Wanchaq Train station
• San Pedro station
• Poroy Train station
• Ollantaytambo Train Station
• Valle Sagrado Train station
• Aguas Calientes Train station

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 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 Huarcondo Canyon. It will then run through the Sacred Valley, follow the Urubamba River, and finally reach 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 Poroy to Machu Picchu

Poroy train station is located 40 minutes away from Cusco city. It 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 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.

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.

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). 

Inca Rail Trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

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. 

Peru Rail Trains from Machu Picchu Pueblo 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. 

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.

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

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

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's close to Machu Picchu Pueblo. To arrive in Ollantaytambo, you need to take a taxi, which takes around 1.5 hours from Cusco.

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

The travel time will depend on where you will board the train:

• From San Pedro train station it takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes to arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo
• From Poroy Train station, it will take around 3 hours and 40 minutes.
• From Ollantaytambo Train Station, it 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; for last-minute bookings, 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 US$ 55, the lowest, up to US$ 550, the highest, for way tickets depending on the train type 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 direct buses from Cusco 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 fantastic views of the mountains, the river, the Andes landscape, 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 on 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 kg or 17 lb.

Photo credits: Peru Rail, Inca Rail