Everyone who goes to Machu Picchu, must take a train at some point.  Even hikers take the train for the return journey to Cusco because the Inca Trail hike is one direction only. And it's not surprising that there's confusion about train service to Machu Picchu. The internet is not always your friend. Apparently, neither is the Perurail website which displays conflicting information! Here's what you need to know about the service, the cost and the benefits of each level of train service. I've also included links to a virtual tour for each of the 3 levels of service.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

The only way to get to Machu Picchu is by hiking the 4 day Inca Trail or by taking the train.  There are no roads to Machu Picchu except one from the backside that ends at the Hidroelectrica station. Even if you had access to a vehicle, it's not possible to drive. (Follow this link to read about plans to build a road to Machu Picchu)

Which Tickets Should You Buy First?  Train, or Machu Picchu Entry

Always confirm there are places for entry to Machu Picchu. But I recommend buying train tickets at the same time you buy your Machu Picchu entry tickets. The reason is that if you are in possession of valid train tickets, you want to have entry tickets as well. With the new Machu PIcchu hourly entry tickets, you should have several choices for entry times unless you're trying to do the 1-day trip to Machu Picchu. Which brings up my next point.

Can Train Tickets to Machu Picchu be Cancelled or Refunded?

Inca rail does not allow changes to tickets. But you can always ask. Perurail tickets can sometimes be changed if you ask before the scheduled departure time if there is availability at a different time, and you're willing to pay a penalty fee (around $30 USD per person) plus the difference in cost if applicable. Read the cancellation policy before you buy train tickets. I try to stay up to date but these policies are always subject to change.

Machu Picchu Train Service Providers

Perurail - the largest and most well-known railroad operator in Peru. Has the most extensive year round schedule of train service to Machu Picchu. During the rainy season (Jan 1 - April 30) the Poroy station located about 30 minutes from Cusco, is closed and all train service is bi-modal.  Meaning that you take a bus from Cusco and ride about 2 hours to the train station in the Sacred Valley, where you board the train.

Inca Rail - limited service year round with about 6 roundtrips per day between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu stations.  During the rainy season (Jan 1 - April 30) They offer bi-modal service beginning in San Pedro in Cusco. You board their private bus to ride to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to the train. Departs 4:50 AM Daily. Returns 16:12 PM Daily - travel time 4 hours. It's $79 USD pp and this is a great deal considering it actually begins in Cusco. (Note: when purchasing tickets online with credit cards, Inca Rail requires that you must produce the ACTUAL credit card in Peru when you pick up your tickets in person. This system would not work for anyone who plans to purchase tickets for someone else, and will not be traveling)

Train Stations for Travel to Machu Picchu

Four train stations serve visitors who travel to Machu Picchu. There is no public transportation to any train stations. On the Perurail website, you see an option for train service from Cusco. There is no train station in Cusco city center for visitors going to Machu Picchu. The Cusco station refers to the station located 25 minutes by car in Poroy. It's misleading. There is no train station in Cusco except for the Andean Explorer Train which goes to Puno and Arequipa. 

  • Wanchaq (Cusco) - Perurail service only - main station located in the heart of Wanchaq district
  • San Pedro (Cusco) - Perurail service only - literally right next to the market of the same name not far from the Plaza de armas.
  • Avenida Sol (Cusco) - Incarail service only - bimodal service bus ride begins at the main office
  • Poroy - located about 25 minutes by car outside the city of Cusco (closed during the rainy season from Jan 1 - April 30) Limited service other times of the year.  This is the only station for Hiram Bingham Luxury service.  - travel time 3 hr/15 min - 45 min each way
  • Urubamba - located about 1 hour from Cusco by car in the village of Urubamba near the Tambo del Inka hotel. One departure each way per day - travel time 2.5 hours each way
  • Ollantaytambo village - located about 2 hour drive from Cusco, at the "end" of the Sacred Valley. This is the main station for the majority of trains going to and from Machu Picchu - travel time 1 hr /40 min each way.
  • Machu Picchu - the station is located in the village of Aguas Calientes. (sometimes referred to as Machu Picchu Pueblo) This is the end of the line for all trains. Then you walk to the bus stop and board shuttle buses for the 30 minute ride to the main entry of Machu Picchu (there are no motorized vehicles in the village except for buses that go to Machu Picchu)

Choose From 3 Levels of Peru Rail Train Service

Expedition is the most budget-friendly option.  Vistadome is slightly higher in cost.  And the Hiram Bingham luxury train is the most expensive.  I have included a quick overview of each option including a link to a virtual tour.  In case you have heard about another train, called the "Backpackers" train.  There is no such train. There is however a local train for people who live in Aguas Calientes. Tourists do not use this service.  Sometimes the guides and porters will use it.

Virtual tour of Expedition train

Virtual tour of Vistadome train

Virtual tour of Hiram Bingham Luxury Train

What's the Difference Between Expedition and Vistadome Train Service?

For most visitors, if you clicked the links above and viewed the inside of each train, you can see that there is very little difference in the look and the comfort of Expedition and Vistadome cars. Yet, tickets for the Vistadome train cost more. The main reason for the difference in cost is due to the on board snack service and the live theater show on Vistadome. (with the opportunity to purchase the locally made textiles if desired)  I suggest you choose the train service that best meets the needs of your schedule.  

Note:  while Expedition and Vistadome cars both have panoramic windows, Hiram Bingham wagons do not.  However there is a deck on the back of the Observatory car to enjoy the scenery

Train Tickets for Tour Guides

Why is my guide not riding on the train with my group? Guides who escort groups will accompany them in Cusco, Sacred Valley, on multi-day hikes and tours of Machu Picchu. But guides will sit separately from groups on the trains and here's why. Perurail gives a small discount to guides since they wait until the last minute to book their tickets. Even though the tickets for travelers are purchased up to 30 days prior to riding the train, the guides will not get their tickets until 24-48 hours before. Perurail counts on guides to have flexible seating to be able to sit anywhere. This allows Perurail to keep groups together and use guides to fill in single seats where available. Guides may also be booked on trains at different departure times when groups are riding the more expensive trains. Guides can be booked on a different train where the ticket is cheaper. Most operators will book the guide on a train right before or after the group they are guiding so as to maintain the continuity of the trip. However, for the 1 Day Inca Trail hikes, the guides usually go on the same train as groups they are guiding because they have to be with them to go through the check point and to the hike. But they will be seated in a different car. 

Is it possible to have my guide seated with my group on the train?  Yes, if you are willing to pay the full price for the guide's ticket, the guide can sit with your group. This must be arranged and booked at the same time your group tickets are purchased. Your tour operator must know in advance.

Luggage on the Train to Machu Picchu

Size. 5 kg/11 lb per passenger, 62 lineal in/157 cm (height + length + width) It is not necessary to take all your luggage to Machu Picchu because trips are usually no longer than 1-2 days. And it is not easy to lug large bags in Aguas Calientes. The streets are steep, uneven and cobbled, rendering bags with wheels pretty useless. There are no vehicles so it doesn't matter if you have a budget that allows you to hire assistance.  It's not available. It doesn't make sense to take large bags. All hotels in Cusco and Sacred Valley will store bags. And visitors traveling by train are expected to limit their personal belongings to only the essentials for 1 or 2 nights. There are no baggage cars for tourists going to Machu Picchu.  You can hold a small bag in your seat and stash a larger duffle bag or carryon bag at the end of the car in the bag storage area, or behind the backs of the seats.

Cost of Train Tickets to Machu Picchu (prices subject to change)

This is a moving target, so I decided to leave it out. Generally speaking the cost of 1-way tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu are less expensive than 1-way tickets from Poroy, but the duraton of the ride to Machu Picchu is longer from Poroy. If you're trying to save time, it's more efficient to arrange private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and get the train there. Without any public transportation from Cusco to the train stations, passengers can reserve bimodal bus+train service or are expected to make their own arrangments. We can arrange a driver to take you and pick you up, or ask your hotel.  

Important Things to Know about trains to Machu Picchu

  • Trains are subject to delay. Sometimes the delay may occur before boarding. Other times it could happen while you are on the train. It is not recommended to book flights out of Cusco on the same day as your train ticket.  
  • It is not possible to choose seats on any train. Groups who book their tickets in the same transaction are likely to be seated together. But this is not guaranteed. 
  • Train service can be mixed and matched. It's not necessary, nor is there any advantage to book the same train service roundtrip. There is usually no roundtrip discount unless the train company decides to offer a promotion.
  • Valid tickets can be transferred to someone else provided you follow the instructions and pay the penalty, and must do so no later than 24 hours prior to scheduled departure. If you're unable to go in person, contact: reservas@perurail.com 
  • If you miss your train due to delayed flights, strikes or verified health conditions, Perurail reserves the right to evaluate case by case, and if available, may offer alternative tickets on other travel dates. However, will not issue any refunds for any reason, unless they cancel the service.
  • You can change the date and time of your ticket if done more than 24 hours before departure. In some cases, you will pay 10% penalty and if the rate of the new service is higher, you will pay the difference. 

From Hidroelectrica Station to Machu Picchu

This station is part of the remote backdoor jungle route to Machu Picchu. From Cusco it takes at least 7-8 hours to drive through the Sacred Valley, up over the Abra Malaga pass (4316 m / 14,160 ft) then down into the semi-tropical jungle through small towns to Hidroelectrica. Where you actually buy the train tickets is a moving target. Some say you can buy in the village of Santa Teresa. But others say to buy at the hidroelectric station where you board the train. Tickets cannot be purchased anywhere else including online. You could go to the Perurail main office in Wanchaq (Cusco) and just ask. Or just take a chance and go to Santa Teresa and spend the night. Then ask your hotel where to buy tickets. The Perurail website shows 3 departures per day to the village of Aguas Calientes. They also say to be flexible since schedules are subject to last minute changes. From Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes by train is about 30 minutes or by foot you can walk about 2-3 hours. It's a delightful hike on flat terrain!

If you have specific questions about trains, feel free to contact our US office.  We're happy to help you get the answers you need to make the best choices for your trip to Machu Picchu.