Inform yourself here about all the train options to get to Machu Picchu and assure that you chose the best travel option for your personal preferences. From budget to luxury, there is a train for every passenger´s needs. Get ready for this beautiful experience, crossing the Sacred Valley to reach the lost city of the Incas.
Please know that the train ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu must be purchased in advance as tickets sell out quickly. However, the first thing to do when planning your trip to Machu Picchu, make sure you buy your ticket for the citadel itself first before reserving your train tickets. This is just to avoid that you book your train just to find out afterwards, that there are no tickets left to get to your actual destination, Machu Picchu.
The companies that operate the train route are PeruRail and IncaRail, both offering different types of services. They mainly operate either from the Poroy station, 20 minutes from Cusco, or from Ollantaytambo, one hour and a half from Cusco. The travel times to your destination, called Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Town), are about 4 hours from Poroy and one hour and 50 minutes from Ollantaytambo.
PeruRail operates four different trains. These are the Expedition, the VistaDome, the Sacred Valley and the Hiram Bingham, which is one of the most luxurious trains in the world.
IncaRail, for its part, offers three types of services; the Presidential, First Class and Executive in its three trains; Inca Princess, Inca and Machu Picchu (operating since 2018).
Remember to take into account that the train services only allow 5 to 8 kg of luggage, depending on the company.
If you are Peruvian, PeruRail also offers an additional service: the local train, having less amenities compared to the tourist trains, is much cheaper, costing only S/. 20 for a round trip.
Picchu, or even your whole trip to Peru, from arrival to departure. If you´d like to use this service and plan your trip hassle-free, you can contact us here. Or, if you prefer, you can directly make use of our Custom Itinerary Service and we will tailor-make your trip.
PeruRail trains
The Expedition train is designed for travellers looking for quality and service at an economic price. During the trip, you will be informed about the main attractions on the route. The wagons are equipped with panoramic windows (also on the ceiling), which allows for a great view of the landscape. The Expedition train leaves from the train stations of Poroy and Ollantaytambo.
The Vistadome is almost completely surrounded by windows, which gives the passenger a feeling of being outside in the landscape. The service on board is very personal and of high quality. The wagons have air-conditioning, a heating system and comfortable seats. This train leaves from the train stations of Poroy, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
The Sacred Valley train is a luxurious car operating only since July 2017. It only covers the route Urubamba – Machu Picchu. Taking three hours, it offers a high-level cuisine and amenities for the Hotel Rio Sagrado guests.
Belmond Hiram Bingham is one of the most luxurious and exclusive trains in the world, with a first class service that includes everything you could wish for. Its four wagons are elegant and equipped with dining rooms, a bar, observatories, kitchens and more. Included in the service are welcoming aperitifs, brunch, wine, entertainment on board, a guide per 14 passengers, entrance tickets and transport to Machu Picchu, tea time in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and a gourmet dinner.
The local train is exclusively accessible for Peruvian passengers. This is the most economic one, since it is not very comfortable and many passengers travel standing with their luggage in the corridors. Tickets for this train are available at the train stations of Wanchaq and San Pedro in Cusco and at the train station of Ollantaytambo. At RESPONS, we do not sell these tickets as the passenger has to purchase it personally holding a Peruvian identity card. All the information concerning this service can be acquired through PeruRail.
IncaRail trains
The Voyager Machu Picchu. This train is a modern and comfortable car where music from Latin-America is played along the trip. In between seats, you will find tables to share with travel partners. The service on board offers various drinks made with products from the Andes. Moreover, you can buy mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hats, walking sticks and more on board.
Voyager Machu Picchu Train Premium offers larger windows as well as larger and more comfortable seats, a faster boarding process and personalized assistance on board. This service is recommended for passengers traveling with wheelchairs and/or special needs.
The Voyager Premium & Lounge gives you the opportunity to travel in a premium service and enjoy the comfort of the lounge and open-air balcony, beautiful and vibrant landscapes, and ambient Andean music that will make your trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience. You will have preferential boarding, more comfortable seats, private tables and panoramic windows.
THE 360° MACHU PICCHU TRAIN. Experience a unique way to travel to Machu Picchu, exploring the Andean landscape like never before with wider and higher panoramic windows and an open-air observatory car. The only train in Peru with an onboard entertainment system and wifi will allow you to learn more about the journey and the Inca civilization.
Enjoy our healthy box lunch made with organic ingredients from the Sacred Valley, as well as an appetizing selection of hot and cold drinks, prepared with fruit juices and Andean herbs.
The First Class offers you maximum comfort and space on board. Enjoy the unique scenery in the Observatory-Lounge with live music, gourmet menu, bar and an open-air balcony where all the beauty of nature and Andean culture are revealed before your eyes. This service includes private transportation from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the Citadel. Travel enjoying a different experience that will make your dreams come true.
In this luxury service, you will enjoy a finely decorated wagon with panoramic windows and comfortable seats. Taste a Pisco Sour, our signature drink followed by a 3-course gourmet menu prepared with Andean ingredients from the Sacred Valley including an exclusive selection of wines.
During this unique adventure, you can also learn how to prepare a delicious Chilcano and Pisco Sour on board. Finally, there will be a pisco tasting while enjoying the incredible views in our lounge bar with live music.
Buying tickets from either company is actually pretty straightforward. But if you prefer us to do the work, remember that at RESPONS we can plan and coordinate your entire trip to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Write to us at [email protected], or fill out our brief questionnaire so our travel specialists can start designing your 100% tailor-made experience through Peru.
