Which Train to Machu Picchu? The Only 2025 Guide You’ll Need

Riding the train to Machu Picchu is a highlight of the trip according to all our clients. You glide through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River past mountains and terraced hillsides. But with two train companies and over ten service types, how do you choose?

Here’s the clearest, most complete guide to picking the right train for your travel style, timing, and budget — plus the critical details no one tells you.

Step 1: What Kind of Experience Are You Looking For?

Ask yourself:

• Am I after high-end elegance or a comfortable, worry-free experience?
• Are views and windows a priority?
• Am I traveling with kids, on a budget, or for a special occasion?
• Am I visiting Machu Picchu in one day, or staying overnight?
• Do I want a quiet, scenic ride or cultural shows?

Once you know your priorities, the choice becomes much easier.

Budget Trains: Clean, Scenic, No-Frills

PeruRail’s Expedition and Inca Rail’s Voyager are the most affordable options. They still offer a comfortable ride and good views, without luxury extras.

What you get:

• Spacious ergonomic seats
• Big windows for viewing the Sacred Valley
• Andean music playing softly in the background
• Luggage rack and tray tables

Expedition includes a basic snack and hot drink. On Voyager, snacks and drinks are for sale onboard. Neither includes entry tickets or bus transfers.

Great for: travelers who appreciate good value and straightforward service without bells and whistles.

 

Mid-Range Trains: Better Views, More Comfort, Cultural Touches

If you want larger windows, better service, and a more scenic experience — without luxury pricing — these are excellent choices.

From PeruRail:

• Vistadome: panoramic windows, complimentary Andean snacks and drinks, plus an alpaca fashion show on the return trip.
• Vistadome Observatory: includes an open-air observatory car and occasional cultural performances.

From Inca Rail:

• The 360°: extra-large dome-style windows, outdoor viewing deck, and included gourmet-style snacks.

How it feels onboard: quieter than budget trains, more space per passenger, better light for photography, and more curated service.

Great for: couples, photographers, culturally curious travelers, and those upgrading from basic without going full luxury.

Luxury Trains: For the Full, All-Inclusive Experience

If you’re celebrating or simply value extraordinary comfort, these trains offer refined service, meals, and extras from the moment you board.

Hiram Bingham (PeruRail)

The most iconic train in South America. Inspired by 1920s Pullman cars, with:

• Welcome cocktail
• Gourmet brunch on the way and dinner on return
• Fine wines and open bar
• Live Andean music and observatory car
• Entry ticket to Machu Picchu, bus to the citadel, and guided tour — all included

Ideal for: anniversaries, luxury travelers, or those who want everything taken care of in style.

First Class (Inca Rail)

A premium train with:

• Lounge seating and open-air balcony
• Three-course gourmet meal and wine
• Live music onboard

Note: Machu Picchu entry and bus not included in the base fare.

Ideal for: comfort-seeking travelers who want a high-end experience without the full package, and prefer to customize their itinerary.

The Private (Inca Rail)

A private carriage just for your group, with:

• Personal staff
• Open bar
• Customized menu
• Balcony and panoramic windows
• Live entertainment
• Private bus service from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu

Ideal for: private groups, VIP travelers, or those seeking maximum privacy.

Unless you're on the Hiram Bingham, your train ticket does not include:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the site
• A guide

You must purchase your entry ticket in advance from the official government site or authorized travel agents.

Entry Tickets Are Timed

Your Machu Picchu ticket will have a fixed time and circuit. Plan your train schedule to arrive in town at least 1.5 hours before your entrance slot to allow for the 30-minute uphill bus ride and possible lines.

Circuits range from scenic walk-throughs to full archaeological routes. Circuit 2 is the classic full route and sells out fast.

Travel Time: Depends on Your Departure Station

Ollantaytambo

• Most common departure point
• About 1.5 hours by train to Machu Picchu
• Located in the Sacred Valley, about 1.5–2 hours by car from Cusco
• Best for: reliable schedules and shortest route

Poroy (Cusco outskirts)

• Only used in dry season (Apr–Dec)
• About 3.5 hours to Machu Picchu
• Only a few trains per day, mostly luxury or Vistadome

San Pedro (Cusco center)

• Only for early departures
• Longest direct ride — around 4.5 hours
• Rare and seasonal, subject to changes

Wanchaq & Bimodal Services

• “Bimodal” means bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo + train
• Total trip time: 4–4.5 hours
• Comfortable, but not a direct rail journey

Urubamba

• Only available to luxury hotel guests (e.g. Tambo del Inka)
• Very limited departures
• Around 2.5 hours to Machu Picchu

Hidroelectrica

• Alternative route by road + 30 min train ride
• Requires bus or taxi from Cusco to the train station (6–8 hours via Santa Teresa)
• Used mainly by budget backpackers
• Not recommended for travelers seeking comfort, reliability, or luxury

Travel Time Matters

Choosing the right train schedule isn’t just about logistics — it shapes your whole Machu Picchu experience. Morning, midday, or evening? Each departure opens a different kind of day. Here’s how to decide what fits your rhythm.

Morning Trains (5:00–8:00 AM)

Best for same-day round trips to Machu Picchu.

• You’ll arrive by mid-morning, giving you enough time to tour the site and even enjoy lunch or shopping in Aguas Calientes before heading back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco in the evening.
• Great for travelers on tighter schedules or those who prefer to keep it all within a single day.
• Be ready for a very early start — expect to be up before sunrise.

Ideal if: You want to see Machu Picchu and sleep in the Sacred Valley the same night.

Perfect for those who want a balance between comfort and flexibility.

• A relaxed start to your day: breakfast, checkout, and scenic travel without the rush.
• Arriving in Aguas Calientes in the early to mid-afternoon gives you options:
• Visit Machu Picchu the same day if you’ve booked an afternoon ticket (entry after 12:00).
• Or rest and visit the next morning — ideal if you're aiming for a sunrise entrance without the fatigue of same-day travel.
• Less crowd pressure and less altitude fatigue.

Ideal if: You like to travel in comfort, enjoy the scenery, and keep your pace unhurried — but still want options.

For travelers with a full sightseeing day in the Sacred Valley.

• You’ll spend the day exploring places like Pisac, Moray, or Ollantaytambo, then head to Aguas Calientes in the evening.
• The ride is less about the views (it gets dark fast) and more about getting into position for a very early visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
• Hotels in Aguas Calientes are used to late arrivals — dinner, hot shower, early bedtime, ready for the magic at dawn.

Ideal if: You want to maximize your day in the Sacred Valley, sleep near the ruins, and be one of the first in line at the gates tomorrow.

Luggage Policy: Pack Light

All trains have strict luggage limits: usually 1 small bag (5–8 kg) per person.

Large suitcases are not allowed onboard. Leave them:

• At your Cusco hotel
• At your Sacred Valley hotel
• At secure storage lockers (some train stations offer them)

Pack in your day bag:

passport, entry ticket, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, snacks (if desired)

What’s Included Onboard

Budget (Expedition, Voyager)

• Basic snack or none
• Drinks for purchase
• Clean but crowded during peak season

Mid-Range (Vistadome, 360°, Premium & Lounge)

• Andean snack box
• Hot or cold drinks
• Panoramic views, onboard culture/music
• Alcohol available for purchase

Luxury (Hiram Bingham, First Class, The Private)

• Multi-course gourmet meals
• Open bar or wine pairing
• Live entertainment
• Lounge seating or private cabins
• Entry ticket (only for Hiram Bingham)

Traveling with Kids?

• Kids under 3 often ride free on a parent’s lap (confirm at booking)
• Midday trains are best for young children — less rush, good daylight, and no early wake-ups
• Bimodal services can be tiring for toddlers (bus + train)
• Food options are generally adult-oriented, so pack snacks for picky eaters

Accessibility

• Train cars are not fully wheelchair accessible
• Platforms in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes can be uneven or steep
• If you need mobility assistance, contact the train company in advance to request help boarding
• Luxury trains have better onboard space but still require stairs and some agility

How to Book Smart

• Book 2+ months ahead in high season (May–September)
• Choose midday trains if views matter
• Pair your train time with your Machu Picchu entry ticket wisely — leave a 1.5-hour buffer
• Triple-check the station — some trains require a bus connection

Boarding Rules and ID Requirements

• Arrive 30–40 minutes early at the station
• You must show your passport (no ID = no boarding)
• Name on the ticket must match your passport exactly
• Tickets can be digital or printed
• Trains depart on time — and they don’t wait

How Much Does It Cost?

• Budget: $50–$75 one way
• Mid-range: $90–$150 one way
• Luxury: $180–$550+ one way

Round-trip is typically double. Prices vary by season and class. Booking early gets the best rates.

Summary: Best Train for Each Type of Traveler

• Budget-minded travelers → Voyager or Expedition
• Scenery lovers → 360°, Vistadome Observatory, or First Class
• Cultural experience seekers → Vistadome, Premium & Lounge
• Families with kids → Midday Train of Selected Class
• Luxury and zero stress → Hiram Bingham
• Private group or celebration → The Private (Inca Rail)

Need help planning your tickets and choosing the right train? We’ll gladly help you find the best fit for your itinerary, travel style, and timeline.

FAQ: What Else Should I Know About Trains to Machu Picchu?

1. Can foreign tourists use the local train?

No. The local train (used by Peruvians for daily commuting) is reserved for Peruvian citizens and residents only. Foreign tourists are required to book tourist-class trains with PeruRail or Inca Rail.

You can:

• Book online at PeruRail.com or IncaRail.com
• Buy tickets at Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Aguas Calientes ticket offices
• Plan your trip with PeruVisit.com

Booking in advance is essential during high season (May–September).

Yes. Both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer:

• Free travel for children under 3 (on a parent's lap)
• Discounts for children under 12
• Occasional group discounts or private group options (especially with Inca Rail’s The Private)

Check the company’s policy during booking, as terms vary.

Yes, but conditions apply:

• Changes are usually allowed up to 24–48 hours before departure
• Cancellations often incur a fee or offer only a partial refund
• Always review the fare’s terms and conditions before payment

Yes — extremely. The route follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, with views of:

• Towering green mountains
• Cloud forest
• Waterfalls and Inca terraces

For maximum visibility, travel during daylight and choose a train with panoramic windows or a balcony (like 360°, Vistadome Observatory, or First Class).