Train to Machu Picchu: PeruRail vs IncaRail, Routes and Prices
Train to Machu Picchu: the Complete Guide to Choosing Well
No road reaches Machu Picchu directly. Unless you hike the Inca Trail or another trek, the only way in is by train to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), then a shuttle bus up to the gate. Here is how the train works, the two companies, and how to pick the right service.
TL;DR — The short answer
- Two companies: PeruRail and IncaRail. Both are safe and good.
- Recommended station: Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley), the shortest leg.
- Book ahead — trains fill up in high season.
- The train does NOT drop you at the citadel: it arrives in Aguas Calientes; the shuttle bus is still ahead of you.
The two companies: PeruRail vs IncaRail
| PeruRail | IncaRail | |
|---|---|---|
| Budget service | Expedition | The Voyager |
| Mid / panoramic service | Vistadome | The 360° |
| Luxury service | Hiram Bingham | First Class / Private |
| Departures | Very frequent | Frequent |
The marketing-free truth: for the average traveler, both deliver. The difference between the budget and panoramic services lies in the larger windows (even in the roof) and on-board service. The Urubamba canyon scenery is spectacular from either.
Which station should you depart from?
This is the decision that most affects your time and price:
| Station | Where it is | Time to Aguas Calientes |
|---|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo | Sacred Valley | ~1h 30min (most used) |
| Poroy / Cusco | Near Cusco | ~3h 30min (longer and pricier) |
| Urubamba | Sacred Valley | ~2h 30min |
Our recommendation: depart from Ollantaytambo. It is the shortest, cheapest leg. To reach Ollantaytambo from Cusco you take a ~1h 45min road transfer, which also lets you see the Sacred Valley on the way. It is exactly the route we detail in how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Service classes: which one should I pick?
- Budget (Expedition / The Voyager): the best value. Comfortable, with big windows. What most travelers choose.
- Panoramic (Vistadome / The 360°): roof windows, snacks and sometimes an on-board show on the return. Worth it to maximize the views.
- Luxury (Hiram Bingham / First Class): very expensive, with gourmet dining, a bar car and premium service. For special occasions.
Key train tips
- Book weeks ahead in the dry season (May–September); the good departure times sell out.
- Luggage is limited: trains allow one carry-on bag (approx. 5 kg / 157 linear cm). Leave your big suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
- Carry your passport: it is checked at boarding and must match your ticket and your Machu Picchu entry ticket.
- Keep your return ticket safe and arrive early at the Aguas Calientes station on the way back.
Do not forget the shuttle bus
The train leaves you in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the mountain. From there, a bus climbs a zigzag road for 25–30 minutes up to the citadel entrance. It is a separate (round-trip) ticket, best bought in advance. The alternative is walking up (~1h 30min of steep stairs) — free, but demanding at altitude.
What many people fail to calculate: everything must line up
The magic (and the headache) of Machu Picchu is that train + bus + timed entry ticket must all match. If your entry is at 10:00, your train and bus must get you there on time. One miscalculated link and you lose your entry, which is non-refundable.
Leave the logistics to us
At Danfer Tours Cusco we coordinate train, bus, the right circuit ticket and a guide — all synchronized — so all you do is enjoy it. Browse our Machu Picchu tours or write to us at hola@danfertourscusco.com with your dates. We know Machu Picchu by heart and we will get you there stress-free.
Frequently asked questions
PeruRail or IncaRail: which is better?
Both are safe and well run; they differ in schedules and onboard service. For the average traveler either works perfectly — choose based on departure time and price.
Which station should I depart from?
From Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley: it is the shortest (~1.5 hours) and cheapest leg. Departures from Poroy/Cusco take about 3.5 hours and cost more.
How much luggage can I take on the train?
Only a carry-on bag of about 5 kg (157 linear cm). Leave your big suitcase at your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo — everyone does.
Does the train reach the citadel itself?
No: it arrives at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From there you still need the 25–30 minute shuttle bus (separate ticket) or a 1.5-hour stair climb.
