Train classes compared
| Operator | Class | Typical one-way price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| PeruRail | Expedition | From ~US$50–90 | Basic, comfortable, snacks to buy |
| PeruRail | Vistadome / Vistadome Observatory | From ~US$90–150 | Panoramic windows, snack, live show |
| PeruRail | Hiram Bingham | From ~US$500 | Luxury, meals, drinks |
| Inca Rail | The Voyager | From ~US$55–90 | Basic class |
| Inca Rail | The 360° | From ~US$90–150 | Panoramic windows, outdoor viewing car |
Fares vary a lot by season and time of day; early-morning and late-afternoon trains are often cheapest. Book on the official PeruRail and Inca Rail websites.
Which station?
- Ollantaytambo: the main station, with the most departures. About 1.5–2 hours by road from Cusco, then 1.5–2 hours by train.
- Poroy or San Pedro (Cusco): some services start near Cusco or combine a bus with the train (bimodal). Total time is about 3.5–4 hours. Routes change with the season.
- Urubamba: limited PeruRail services from the Sacred Valley.
Luggage rules
Most classes allow one bag or backpack of up to about 5 kg and 157 cm (length + width + height) per passenger. Leave your big suitcase at your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel.
From Aguas Calientes to the ruins
From the station, walk 5–10 minutes to the Consettur bus stop. Buses take about 25–30 minutes up the winding road (about US$24 return). The first buses leave around 5:30am and queues form early. You can also hike up in about 1.5 hours on steep stairs.
Budget route via Hidroeléctrica
Backpackers sometimes take a minibus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (about 6–7 hours on mountain roads) and then walk about 10 km (2–3 hours) along the tracks to Aguas Calientes. It’s much cheaper but long, and risky in the rainy season because of landslides. Use a reputable company if you do it.
Tips
- Book trains as soon as you have your Machu Picchu tickets; popular times sell out.
- Sit on the left side going to Aguas Calientes for the best river views on many services.
- Leave a buffer: in the rainy season, delays happen.
Plan your route with our Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary.
More Cusco guides
- Cusco travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Cusco
- Cusco and Machu Picchu itinerary
- Where to stay in Cusco
- Best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu tickets and circuits
- Sacred Valley tour
- Cusco altitude sickness
FAQ: train to Machu Picchu
Is PeruRail or Inca Rail better?
Both are similar in comfort and price at each level. Choose by departure time and price.
How long is the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
About 3.5–4 hours from the Cusco area, or 1.5–2 hours from Ollantaytambo.
Is the Vistadome worth it?
For a first trip, the panoramic windows are lovely in daylight. On early-morning or evening trains, the basic class is fine.
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