Trains to Machu Picchu – A Comparison
The trains to Machu Picchu run on one of the world’s most famous tourist train lines, passing through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Passengers are transferred to one of two train stations quite a distance from Cusco for this exciting journey. The route follows the Urubamba River with views of mountains, farms, Inca ruins and tropical foliage along the route.
There are now several train service levels to Aguas Calientes, the town that serves the ruins of Machu Picchu. They vary in a number of ways but, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Services range from reasonably simple to luxury level and a mid-range standard in between and are priced accordingly. Some services depart from Poroy station, but the vast majority leave from Ollantaytambo, in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Note: Most trains to Machu Picchu have a 5kg (11lbs) luggage limit. Therefore, you should just take a daypack and/or small overnight bag to Machu Picchu whilst the rest of your large suitcases and luggage are stored at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
1. Peru Rail
As a long-established operator, PeruRail provides the highest frequency of departures running from stations across Cusco and the Sacred Valley (including Poroy, San Pedro, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo).
Standard Level: Expedition
- Vibe: A straightforward, cost-effective service for standard transport.
- Features: Reclining seats, oversized windows, overhead luggage shelves, and light Andean music playing overhead. Light refreshments can be purchased onboard.
Mid Level: Vistadome & Vistadome Observatory
- Vibe: Improved sightseeing and some local cultural touches.
- Features: Domed, panoramic windows extending overhead for photographing the Urubamba canyon. Includes some complimentary snacks, a live performance by traditional Saqra dancers in the aisle (see photo above), and an onboard alpaca clothing showcase.
- Observatory Option: Includes an outdoor viewing carriage at the rear complete with a lounge area and live acoustic music.
Luxury Level: Belmond Hiram Bingham
- Vibe: An exclusive, 1920s-style Pullman train experience.
- Features: Polished wood-and-brass interiors, multi-course fine dining, open-bar Peruvian cocktails, live music performances, an observation car, and dedicated bus transfers to the citadel entrance.
2. Inca Rail
Inca Rail runs a smaller fleet of trains but the same kinds of experience types as Peru Rail. Most of its departures leave from Ollantaytambo or connect via Cusco.
Standard Level: The Voyager
- Vibe: A clean, comfortable standard class.
- Features: Leather seats, panoramic side windows, ambient music, and a short theatrical performance based on the Quechua legend of Ollantay.
Mid Level: The 360°
- Vibe: High-visibility panoramic views.
- Features: Extra-wide glass roofs, an outdoor observation platform, USB charging ports at each seat, and an interactive audio-guide app to point out ruins and mountain peaks along the way.
Premium Level: The First Class & Premium Lounge
- Vibe: A refined, boutique luxury experience.
- Features: An exclusive lounge wagon with live music, welcome cocktails, a gourmet menu with wine pairings, an open-air observation deck, and private shuttle transit to the ruins. This service offers high-end comfort without paying the Hiram Bingham rates.
Exclusive Level: The Private
- Vibe: A fully private chartered carriage.
- Features: Reserved exclusively for a single group (up to 8 guests), featuring a private open bar, personalised fine dining, and tailored departure times.
Where will you board?
Poroy
Poroy train station is located approximately 25 minutes from Cusco en route to the Sacred Valley. From Poroy, the journey to Machu Picchu takes a little over three hours. Poroy is essentially now the Cusco train station, because all trains, except the service for local people, stop here and do not continue up and down the hill into Cusco. This saves quite a lot of time as it avoids constant switchbacks.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo train station is located in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, approximately a 90-minute drive from Cusco and is the closest station to Machu Picchu. From Ollantaytambo, the journey to Machu Picchu takes around 90 minutes. Ollantaytambo is often used as the station when clients have enjoyed an overnight stay in the Sacred Valley. This allows people to get up later, or arrive much earlier, for their Machu Picchu tour.
Ollantaytambo station is by far the most used by tourists as the transfer by bus from Cusco, then the train to Aguas Calientes, is a lot faster than taking the train all the way from Poroy. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, then this station is just a short drive away.
Urubamba
Urubamba train station is located in the Sacred Valley, approximately a 70-minute drive from Cusco. This station only has one service per day, and it leaves from the platform actually within the Tambo del Inca hotel.
Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu
The train station in the small town of Aguas Calientes is about a five-minute walk from where the buses depart to take you to the site of Machu Picchu. The spectacular journey up to the site takes around 25 minutes. Apart from the buses that operate between Aguas Calientes and the site, there is no other traffic in town, and everything is within walking distance.
All of our packages include transfers to and from the train station, train tickets, return bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, entrance to the Inca citadel and a guided tour of the site. Most services to Machu Picchu depart in the morning and return in the afternoon, although there are some services at other times of day in both directions. Tickets are subject to availability at the time of booking.
