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Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, a great option is to take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo in the heart of the Sacred Valley. But what are the options? How can you get to the Inca citadel by train?

Train options, differences, and categories

There are two train companies authorized to run to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail.

Peru Rail offers four types of service: Vistadome, Expedition, Sacred Valley Train, and the luxurious Hiram Bingham.
Inca Rail offers four services as well: The Voyager, The 360º, The First Class, and The Private.

Both companies offer comfortable and scenic train rides designed for travelers.

Peru Rail: Train services

Vistadome: Spacious cars with panoramic windows, ideal for taking pictures during the trip.
Expedition: Comfortable with panoramic windows, onboard snacks, and Peruvian food.
Sacred Valley Train: Luxury train from Urubamba with lunch or dinner included.
Hiram Bingham: One of the most luxurious trains in the world. Includes gourmet meals, bar, transportation, and entrance to Machu Picchu.

Inca Rail: Train services

The Voyager: Comfortable seats, panoramic windows, Latin music, and drinks.
The 360º: Bigger windows, onboard service, and local crafts for sale.
The First Class: Elegant service with music, flowers, gourmet meals, and cocktails. Available in high season only.
The Private: Presidential-style car for up to 8 people. Open bar and full service. Available on request only.

Train stations to Machu Picchu

There are three stations to board the train to Machu Picchu:

Ollantaytambo Station (Sacred Valley)
Poroy Station (Cusco)
Urubamba Station (Sacred Valley)

And only one return station:

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Most trains depart from Ollantaytambo. Poroy is usually closed from November to March. All trains arrive at Aguas Calientes, where buses take you up to Machu Picchu.

How long is the train ride to Machu Picchu?

From Poroy: about 3 hours and 15 minutes
From Urubamba: about 2 hours and 30 minutes
From Ollantaytambo: just under 2 hours

What is the train ride like?

Poroy to Aguas Calientes: 65.8 km through the Sacred Valley
Urubamba to Aguas Calientes: 47.6 km along the Vilcanota River
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: 30.5 km through beautiful green landscapes

Each route offers amazing views of the Andes and the Urubamba River.

Tours to visit Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley

We have great tours to enjoy these destinations in Peru. One of our favorites is:

#555 – Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Titicaca Lake, La Paz & Uyuni

If that’s not what you’re looking for, no problem! We offer many other tour options to explore Peru and South America.

For more information, just contact us at info@ripioturismo.com