Which Is the Best Train to Machu Picchu? – Options and Recommendations
Trains to Machu Picchu 2026: Complete Guide to Schedules, Prices & Train Types
Peru Rail
Peru Rail is a pioneer in tourist rail transportation in Peru, beginning operations in 1999. Since then, it has positioned itself as a leader in the sector, connecting thousands of travelers with Machu Picchu. This company stands out for offering a wide range of services and prices, adapting to different traveler needs and budgets.
History and Contributions:
- Pioneer in the industry: The first private company to offer tourist rail service to Machu Picchu.
- Rail network development: It has played a key role in developing and maintaining rail infrastructure on routes through southern and southeastern Peru.
- Variety of services: Offers different travel options, from budget trains to luxury services such as the Belmond Hiram Bingham.
Inca Rail
Inca Rail began operating in 2007 and quickly gained a strong position in the market thanks to its focus on service quality and customer care. Although newer than Peru Rail, Inca Rail has built a solid reputation by offering services ranging from affordable to premium.
Innovations and Services:
- Focus on customer experience: Special attention to traveler comfort and satisfaction.
- Service variety: From The Voyager (comfortable and affordable) to The Private, an exclusive service that allows a fully customized travel experience.
- Additional services: Beyond transportation, it offers travel packages that include guided tours and accommodations.
Both companies, Peru Rail and Inca Rail, offer experiences tailored to each traveler’s needs—making the journey to Machu Picchu not only a destination, but also an essential part of the overall experience.
Types of Trains to Machu Picchu
In Cusco, there are two companies that operate train services on the different routes to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu): Inca Rail and Peru Rail. The train types by service are:
Peru Rail: Featured Services
- Expedition Train: Budget-friendly option for travelers who want comfort at a reasonable price.
- Vistadome Train: Ideal for panoramic landscapes thanks to its large windows.
- PeruRail Vistadome Observatory: Includes an observation car with an open-air balcony.
- Belmond Hiram Bingham: Luxury service with gourmet meals and live entertainment onboard.
Inca Rail: Featured Services
- The Voyager: Panoramic windows and snack service—an affordable option to enjoy the scenery.
- The 360°: Enhanced views with wide windows and an open-air observation car.
- The First Class: Luxury service with a gourmet menu and Observatory-Lounge car.
- The Private: Exclusive, customizable service for small groups with a private railcar.
- Premium & Lounge: Premium service with personalized attention and VIP lounge access.
Standard Trains to Machu Picchu
The most commonly used standard services are:
- Expedition Train (Peru Rail)
- Voyager Train (Inca Rail)
Expedition Train (Peru Rail)
The Expedition Train is Peru Rail’s budget option for travelers looking for comfort at an accessible price on the way to Machu Picchu. Designed for travelers who prioritize value for money, the Expedition offers large panoramic windows to enjoy the Urubamba Valley and the changing landscape from the Andes into the cloud forest.
Main Features:
- Panoramic windows: Wide views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding nature.
- Andean décor: Interiors that reflect local culture with handcrafted elements.
- Onboard service: Snacks and drinks with Peruvian flavors; audio guide available.
Voyager Train (Inca Rail)
Inca Rail’s Voyager Train is the company’s standard service for travelers who want a balance of comfort and great views. It features comfortable seating and panoramic windows with scenic views of the Sacred Valley along the Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes route.
Main Features:
- Panoramic windows: Designed for optimal visibility of Andean landscapes and the Urubamba River.
- Comfortable atmosphere: Elegant interiors, ideal for relaxing during the trip.
- Quality service: Personalized service with a selection of local drinks and snacks.
Both trains are popular choices for travelers who want to reach Machu Picchu comfortably. Most tourists choose these standard services, and the choice between Expedition and Voyager often comes down to company preference—since both offer comparable services.
The Premium & Lounge (Inca Rail)
Inca Rail’s “The Premium & Lounge” is a premium option designed to offer a more exclusive travel experience to Machu Picchu. It stands out for extra comfort and attention to detail, with wider seats, VIP lounge access, and personalized service throughout the journey.
Panoramic Trains to Machu Picchu
Both train companies offer panoramic services:
Vistadome Train (Peru Rail)
This train is known for panoramic windows that extend up to the roof—larger than other services. It allows you to enjoy views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, and the transition from the Andean highlands into the cloud forest. Onboard service includes drinks, typical snacks, and live Andean cultural shows.
360° Train (Inca Rail)
The 360° Train by Inca Rail is one of the most innovative options for traveling to Machu Picchu, standing out for superior panoramic views. It is specially designed to maximize the scenery of the Sacred Valley with wide windows and an open-air observation car.
Travelers can enjoy full views of the natural surroundings, making it an ideal choice for photography lovers. A unique highlight of the 360° Train is its completely open-air observation car. The service also offers a festive atmosphere with live music and Andean dances during the journey to Machu Picchu.
Luxury Trains to Machu Picchu
Luxury trains to Machu Picchu combine exceptional comfort, first-class service, and panoramic views. They are ideal for travelers who want exclusivity and elegance. Below are the most notable luxury trains:
Hiram Bingham Train (PeruRail – Belmond)
Operated by Peru Rail, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Named after the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, this train offers an experience that evokes the golden age of rail travel, with Pullman-style carriages from the 1920s.
Features:
- All-Inclusive Service: Includes gourmet brunch (outbound), gourmet dinner (return), selected wines, cocktails, and open bar.
- Live Entertainment: Traditional Peruvian music and dance during the trip.
- Vintage Décor: Elegant interiors with polished wood and blue-and-gold details, 1920s style.
- Exclusive cars: Two dining cars, bar-observation car, and kitchen car.
- Extra services: Cocktail at Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, exclusive bus, VIP lounge, and guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Important: The Hiram Bingham does not operate in January (annual maintenance). During the rainy season (January–April), it may operate from Urubamba instead of Poroy for safety reasons.
Private Train – The Private (Inca Rail)
Inca Rail’s “The Private” is an exclusive luxury option for travelers who want a personalized and private journey to Machu Picchu. This service is characterized by total privacy, exceptional comfort, and meticulous attention to detail.
It offers a railcar reserved exclusively for families or small groups (up to 8 people). Includes personalized service, a private chef, spacious comfortable seats, and premium amenities. Schedules are coordinated according to the group’s needs.
First Class Train – The First Class (Inca Rail)
Inca Rail’s “The First Class” service is its luxury option designed to provide a refined and comfortable travel experience to Machu Picchu. It offers a high level of comfort and exclusivity, with personalized service throughout the route.
It includes a gourmet menu with organic Andean ingredients (trout, quinoa, goldenberry), a selection of wines, a welcome cocktail, natural beverages, and access to the Observatory-Lounge car with live music, an onboard bar, and an outdoor balcony.
Train Schedules and Routes to Machu Picchu
In Cusco, there are several train stations that serve as departure points to Machu Picchu. Choosing the right station is important to optimize your itinerary, considering both train schedules and travel time to Aguas Calientes—now officially called Machu Picchu (town), the closest town to the archaeological site.
- Wanchaq train station.
- San Pedro train station.
- Poroy train station.
- Ollantaytambo train station.
- Sacred Valley station.
- Aguas Calientes train station.
Trains from San Pedro Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu): Schedules
At San Pedro station in Cusco, the only company providing service is PeruRail. These trains follow a longer route to Machu Picchu and operate at two specific departure times. They run during the dry season, from late April to late December.
The station is located about a 10-minute walk from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), next to the San Pedro Market. The route offers charming views as you leave Cusco, passing through the province of Anta and the Huarocondo canyon, before entering the Sacred Valley and following the Urubamba River to the town of Aguas Calientes, where Machu Picchu is located. This adventure takes around 5 hours and is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy more of the landscape.
| Train | Departs San Pedro | Arrives Aguas Calientes |
|---|---|---|
| PeruRail Expedition 31 | 06:40 | 09:54 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 31 | 06:40 | 09:54 |
| PeruRail Expedition 203 | 07:30 | 12:11 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 203 | 07:30 | 12:11 |
Trains from Poroy Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu): Schedules
To board at Poroy station, you must travel about 40 minutes by car. This is the second-longest segment to reach Aguas Calientes after San Pedro station.
| Train | Departs Poroy | Arrives Aguas Calientes |
|---|---|---|
| PeruRail Expedition 33 | 06:40 | 09:54 |
| PeruRail Expedition 33 | 06:40 | 09:54 |
| PeruRail Expedition 31 | 07:35 | 10:52 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 203 | 07:35 | 10:52 |
| PeruRail Expedition 203 | 08:25 | 12:11 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 203 | 08:35 | 12:11 |
| Belmond Hiram Bingham 11 | 09:05 | 12:24 |
Trains from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to San Pedro Station: Schedules
This route has very late schedules and is considered the longest route as well.
| Train | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| PeruRail Vistadome 32 | 16:43 | 21:23 |
| PeruRail Expedition 32 | 16:43 | 21:23 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 604 | 17:23 | 21:52 |
| PeruRail Expedition 604 | 17:23 | 21:52 |
Trains from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Poroy Station: Schedules
Hiram Bingham Train: Schedules. These are some of the schedules chosen by travelers who do a Full Day tour to Machu Picchu. Departures from Aguas Calientes take about 4 hours to reach Poroy station. From there, you must travel by car for about 40 minutes to Cusco city.
| Train | Departs Machu Picchu | Arrives Poroy |
|---|---|---|
| PeruRail Expedition 34 | 15:20 | 19:05 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 34 | 15:20 | 19:05 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 32 | 16:43 | 20:23 |
| PeruRail Expedition 32 | 16:43 | 20:23 |
| PeruRail Vistadome 604 | 17:23 | 20:52 |
| PeruRail Expedition 604 | 17:23 | 20:52 |
| Belmond Hiram Bingham 12 | 17:50 | 21:16 |
These are the trains most commonly used by tourists for round-trip travel to Machu Picchu.
These trains are the most purchased by our passengers and recommended by our travel agency, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru.
Peru Rail Trains from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1 hour. The train service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure.
| Train | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition 71 | 05:05 | 06:37 |
| Expedition 81 | 06:10 | 07:40 |
| Vistadome 301 | 07:05 | 08:27 |
| Expedition 83 | 07:45 | 09:15 |
| Observatory 83 | 07:45 | 09:15 |
| Vistadome 601 | 08:00 | 09:25 |
| Expedition 33 | 08:29 | 09:54 |
| Vistadome 33 | 08:29 | 09:54 |
| Vistadome 501 | 08:53 | 10:29 |
| Vistadome 31 | 09:15 | 10:52 |
| Expedition 31 | 09:15 | 10:52 |
| Vistadome 203 | 10:32 | 12:11 |
| Expedition 203 | 10:32 | 12:11 |
| Belmond Hiram Bingham 11 | 10:53 | 12:24 |
| Expedition 91 | 11:52 | 13:34 |
| Expedition 73 | 12:55 | 14:25 |
| Vistadome 73 | 12:55 | 14:25 |
| Vistadome Observatory 303 | 13:27 | 14:50 |
| Vistadome 603 | 15:37 | 17:02 |
| Expedition 75 | 19:04 | 20:45 |
| Vistadome 75 | 19:04 | 20:45 |
| Expedition 51 | 21:00 | 22:45 |
Inca Rail Trains from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Inca Rail trains depart from Ollantaytambo with a welcome show for our passengers before heading to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
| Train | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| The Voyager 41 | 06:40 | 08:01 |
| The Voyager 61 | 07:22 | 08:48 |
| 360° Train 61 | 07:22 | 08:48 |
| The Voyager 43 | 11:15 | 12:41 |
| Premium Lounge 43 | 11:15 | 12:41 |
| The Voyager 65 | 12:36 | 14:00 |
| The Voyager 45 | 16:36 | 18:09 |
| The Voyager 67 | 19:27 | 21:09 |
Peru Rail Trains from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo
| Train | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition 50 | 05:35 | 07:44 |
| Expedition 72 | 08:53 | 10:52 |
| Vistadome Observatory 302 | 10:55 | 12:32 |
| Vistadome 602 | 12:46 | 14:19 |
| Vistadome 204 | 13:37 | 15:04 |
| Expedition 74 | 14:55 | 16:31 |
| Vistadome 74 | 14:55 | 16:31 |
| Expedition 34 | 15:20 | 17:08 |
| Vistadome 34 | 15:20 | 17:08 |
| Vistadome 304 | 15:48 | 17:29 |
| Expedition 504 | 16:22 | 18:10 |
| Vistadome Observatory 504 | 16:22 | 18:10 |
| Vistadome 32 | 16:43 | 18:31 |
| Expedition 32 | 16:43 | 18:31 |
| Vistadome 604 | 17:23 | 19:02 |
| Expedition 604 | 17:23 | 19:02 |
| Vistadome 606 | 18:10 | 19:51 |
| Expedition 84 | 18:20 | 20:05 |
| Vistadome 84 | 18:20 | 20:05 |
| Expedition 86 | 20:50 | 22:20 |
| Expedition 76 | 21:50 | 23:37 |
| Vistadome 76 | 21:50 | 23:37 |
Inca Rail Trains from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo
| Train | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| The Voyager 42 | 08:30 | 10:10 |
| The Voyager 62 | 10:32 | 12:12 |
| 360° Train 62 | 10:32 | 12:12 |
| The Voyager 44 | 14:30 | 16:04 |
| The Voyager 64 | 16:12 | 17:50 |
| 360° Train 64 | 16:12 | 17:50 |
| The Voyager 46 | 19:00 | 20:41 |
| Premium Lounge 46 | 19:00 | 20:41 |
| The Voyager 66 | 20:20 | 21:59 |
| The Voyager 68 | 21:30 | 22:54 |
So, which is the best train to Machu Picchu?
Choosing the best train to Machu Picchu depends on personal preferences, budget, and the type of experience you want. Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two companies that operate train services from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes—the closest town to Machu Picchu.
Recommendations based on your needs:
- Best value for money: Expedition (Peru Rail) or Voyager (Inca Rail)
- Best for panoramic views: Vistadome Observatory (Peru Rail) or 360° (Inca Rail)
- Best for luxury and exclusivity: Hiram Bingham (Peru Rail) or The First Class/The Private (Inca Rail)
- Best departure station: Ollantaytambo (shorter ride, operates year-round, and usually less traffic than departing from Cusco)
- Best for a one-day tour: Morning trains (05:00–07:00) from Ollantaytambo with afternoon return (14:00–17:00)
- Best for a two-day tour: Afternoon/evening trains (15:00–21:00) on day one to sleep in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu early the next day
Frequently Asked Questions about Trains to Machu Picchu
Can you visit Machu Picchu without taking a train?
Yes. There is an alternative route known as “Machu Picchu by Car” or the “Hydroelectric route.” This option combines a bus ride from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (about 6–7 hours) and then a 2–3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes.
The full journey can take an entire day (one way) and may be physically demanding. During the rainy season (November–March), this route involves higher risk due to possible landslides and slippery roads, so it is not recommended during those months.
This alternative is cheaper than the train, but it requires more time and better physical condition.
How long is the train ride?
Train travel time varies depending on the departure station:
- From San Pedro (Cusco): 4 to 5 hours (longest route)
- From Poroy (Cusco): 3.5 to 4 hours
- From Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley): 1.5 to 2 hours (shortest route)
- Bimodal service (Bus + Train from Wanchaq): 4 to 5 hours total
The fastest option is from Ollantaytambo, although it requires about 2 hours by car from Cusco to the station.
Where do the trains to Machu Picchu depart from?
The main train stations are:
- San Pedro Station (Cusco) – downtown Cusco, operates May to December
- Poroy Station (Cusco) – 30–40 minutes by car from Cusco, operates May to December
- Wanchaq Station (Cusco) – starting point for bimodal service (bus + train)
- Pachar Station – bimodal transfer point since September 2025
- Ollantaytambo Station (Sacred Valley) – about 2 hours by car from Cusco, operates year-round (most recommended)
- Urubamba Station (Sacred Valley) – used for select Hiram Bingham services during the rainy season
- Aguas Calientes Station (Machu Picchu Town) – arrival and return station
Important: During the rainy season (January–April), San Pedro and Poroy stations are closed for maintenance. During that period, all services operate from Ollantaytambo or via bimodal service.
How far in advance should I buy train tickets?
It’s recommended to buy tickets 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (May–September and December). For luxury services like the Hiram Bingham or The First Class, it’s recommended to book at least 1 month in advance due to limited capacity.
How much luggage can I bring on the train?
The standard limit is 8 kg per person with maximum dimensions of 115 cm (height + length + width). Most stations offer free luggage storage for additional baggage you don’t need to take to Machu Picchu.
Do trains operate every day of the year?
Most services operate daily, with some important exceptions:
- San Pedro and Poroy stations close from January to April (rainy season)
- The Hiram Bingham does not operate in January (annual maintenance)
- Ollantaytambo station operates all 12 months of the year
- There may be temporary closures due to track maintenance (check in advance)
