Ollantaytambo train station: how to get there from Cusco, schedules, and tips
The Ollantaytambo station is the most important starting point to take the train to Machu Picchu. It is located in the Sacred Valley, about 70 kilometers from the city of Cusco, and is where both Peru Rail and Inca Rail operate, offering the most daily departures. Knowing how to get there, what time to leave, and what to expect upon arrival ensures the travel day flows smoothly.
Where is Ollantaytambo station?
The station is located on Avenida Ferrocarril, at the southern edge of the village of Ollantaytambo, about a 10-minute walk from the main square. The village is well-signposted, and reaching the station from anywhere in the center is easy on foot.
The village of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is not just a train stop. It is one of the best-preserved Inca villages in the Sacred Valley, with stone streets, pre-Hispanic water canals still in use, and an Inca fortress at the top that is worth visiting if you arrive with enough time before your train.
Avenida Ferrocarril
The street that leads directly to the station has several restaurants, shops, and craft stands. It is common for travelers to take advantage of this area to have breakfast or grab something before boarding, especially for early morning departures.
How to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
The drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic and the type of transport chosen.
By tourist bus or bimodal service
PeruRail and Inca Rail offer a bimodal service combining a bus from Cusco with the train in Ollantaytambo. The bus departs from specific points in the city and goes directly to the station with calculated timing for boarding. It is the most comfortable option since everything is coordinated in a single service.
By private transport
Hiring a private car or minivan is the most flexible alternative. It allows you to depart from the hotel at the exact time needed and make stops along the way if desired. It is recommended for families, groups, or travelers with large luggage who prefer not to rely on shared bus schedules.
By shared minibus from Cusco
The shared minibuses heading to the Sacred Valley depart from Avenida Grau in Cusco and have stops in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. It is the most economical option but also the least predictable in terms of schedules, so it is not recommended when there is a fixed-time train waiting.
Train schedules from Ollantaytambo
Departures from Ollantaytambo start in the early morning and extend into the afternoon, with different frequencies depending on the company and season.
Early morning and first shift departures
The first trains of the day leave between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning. These are the most popular for those who want to arrive in Aguas Calientes early and enter Machu Picchu in the first shift, especially if they have reserved the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain circuit.
Late morning departures
Between 7:00 and 10:00 in the morning, most of the day’s trains depart. These are the most demanded during high season and the first to sell out. They allow travelers to reach Aguas Calientes before noon and visit the citadel with enough time to return on the same day.
Afternoon departures
Afternoon trains depart between 2:00 and 5:00 PM and are aimed at those who prefer to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next morning. They are a good option for travelers who want to enjoy the village without rushing before heading to the citadel.
What is at Ollantaytambo station
Waiting room and platforms
The station has a covered waiting area with seats and ticket-checking windows where tickets and ID are verified before boarding. The platforms are organized by company and service, and the staff clearly indicates where to wait according to the reserved train.
Luggage storage
There is a free luggage storage service to leave bags or backpacks that exceed the allowed limit for boarding. The maximum weight allowed on the train is 8 kilograms with dimensions up to 115 centimeters (length, width, and height).
Shops and cafeteria
In the immediate surroundings of the station, there are cafeterias, bakeries, and shops where you can buy water, snacks, and crafts. Arriving with some food or drinks is useful, especially on the earliest trains when there isn’t time for a leisurely breakfast.
Practical tips before boarding
Arrive 30 minutes in advance
Ticket checks and boarding take time, especially during peak hours. Arriving less than 20 minutes before may cause unnecessary stress or even result in missing the train if there is a delay in document verification.
Bring your ticket and passport
Both documents are mandatory when boarding. You cannot board with just the reservation number without the ID document that matches the name on the ticket.
Check the condition of the tracks during the rainy season
Between November and March, Urubamba River overflows may cause delays or cancellations. Before leaving Cusco, it is recommended to check with the agency or directly with the railway company that the service is operating normally.
Travel from Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu Viajes Peru
At Machu Picchu Viajes Peru, we coordinate private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo station and manage train tickets with Peru Rail or Inca Rail, depending on the schedule and category that best fit your itinerary. Everything is confirmed in writing before your arrival, so on the travel day, you only need to show up and enjoy.
