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Trains to Machu Picchu: Companies, Classes and How to Choose
Trains to Machu Picchu compared: PeruRail and Inca Rail, stations, travel times, classes from Expedition to Hiram Bingham, luggage rules and booking tips.
Two companies run trains to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both use the same railway along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the citadel. Most travelers board at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, 1.5–2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes, after a road transfer of about 2 hours from Cusco. Standard classes start at about US$ 55–85 one way.
The trains at a glance
| PeruRail | Inca Rail | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard class | Expedition | The Voyager |
| Panoramic class | Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory | The 360° |
| Premium and luxury | Belmond Hiram Bingham | First Class, The Private |
| Stations | Ollantaytambo, Poroy (seasonal), Urubamba (select services) | Ollantaytambo (with bus connections from Cusco) |
| Departures | The most daily departures | Fewer departures, covering the key morning and afternoon slots |
Stations and travel times
- Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley): the main station for both companies, with the most departures. About 1.5–2 hours to Aguas Calientes. From Cusco, it is about 2 hours by road.
- Poroy (Cusco): 20–25 minutes from central Cusco. Direct trains take about 3.5 hours, but they are seasonal and often suspended in the rainy months, when a bus-and-train combination replaces them.
- Urubamba (Sacred Valley): a few PeruRail services, convenient if you are staying in the valley.
Total journey from a Cusco hotel to Aguas Calientes is usually 3.5–4 hours, whichever way you go.
The classes explained
- Standard (Expedition, The Voyager): comfortable seats, large side windows, a snack and a drink. Fine for most travelers.
- Panoramic (Vistadome, The 360°): roof windows for the mountain views, a hot snack, and on the return journey a short show with music and dance. A popular upgrade.
- Vistadome Observatory: a panoramic car with an open-air observation area at the back.
- Luxury (Belmond Hiram Bingham): a 1920s-style train with fine dining, a bar car and live music, from Poroy. Several hundred dollars per leg, sold by quote.
Approximate prices
| Class | One way, per person |
|---|---|
| Standard (Expedition, The Voyager) | About US$ 55–85 |
| Panoramic (Vistadome, The 360°) | About US$ 85–120 |
| Observatory and premium | Higher, depending on date |
| Hiram Bingham | Several hundred dollars |
Prices change with the date, the time of day and demand: early-morning trains to Machu Picchu and afternoon trains back cost the most. Local trains are reserved for Peruvians.
Luggage rules
Each passenger can take one backpack of up to 8 kg or one carry-on bag of up to 12 kg. Leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley; most hotels store it for free.
How to choose your train
- Fit the train to your entry ticket. Arrive in Aguas Calientes with at least 1.5 hours before your entry time to allow for the bus.
- For a day trip, take an early train out and an afternoon train back, which gives you time at the citadel without rushing.
- With a night in Aguas Calientes, you can choose cheaper midday or afternoon trains.
- Choose by time, not company. The difference between the two companies is small; the right departure time matters more.
Trains in our tours
Every Machu Picchu tour we sell includes the train, matched to your entry time in the written quote before payment. Standard class is included, with upgrades to Vistadome (+US$ 65) or Vistadome Observatory (+US$ 145 round trip), and the Hiram Bingham in our Luxury Machu Picchu Tour. See the Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco and the Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour, or read how to get to Machu Picchu.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
Private train tour
Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco
See Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco with private transport and guide, train, shuttle bus and entrance ticket included. Ask our local team for a quote.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, ticket and guide included, subject to availability. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Machu Picchu journey
Luxury Machu Picchu
Travel in style on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, stay in a 5★ hotel and explore Machu Picchu with a private guide. Fully private, every detail handled.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Which is better, PeruRail or Inca Rail?
Both are reliable and run the same route. Choose by departure time and class rather than by company.
Can I take the train from Cusco?
Some services leave from Poroy, 20–25 minutes from central Cusco, but they are seasonal and take about 3.5 hours. Most travelers take a road transfer to Ollantaytambo and the train from there.
Is the Vistadome worth it?
It adds roof windows, a hot snack and a short show on the way back. It is worth it if you value the views; the standard class already has large windows.
How much luggage can I take on the train?
One backpack of up to 8 kg or one carry-on bag of up to 12 kg per person. Leave the rest at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Are train tickets included in your tours?
Yes. All our Machu Picchu tours include the train, timed to your entry ticket, with optional upgrades.