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Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, a good idea is to take a train ride from Cusco, or may be from Ollantaytambo in the heart of the Sacred Valley. But, which options you have? How can I go from Cusco or from the Sacred Valley by train to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu?

Trains to Machu Picchu: Options, differences and categories

There are two companies with authorization to travel the train tracks to Machu Picchu. These are Peru Rail and Inca Rail.

Peru Rail has 4 services of different qualities: Vistadome, Expedition, Sacred Valley trains and the Hiram Bingham luxury train. Inca Rail has 4 different services: The Voyager, The 360º, The First Class and The Private. Both train companies have adequate services for tourists.

Peru Rail: Trains to Machu Picchu

Peru Rail is the oldest company authorized to operate the Machu Picchu route. It has different services. The Vistadome is a train with wide carriages, with panoramic windows on the roof and sides that will allow you to take pictures of the entire route through the valley. In the other hand, The Expedition has wagons fully covered by panoramic windows and on-board service, snacks and Peruvian food. The Sacred Valley Train connects Urubamba with Machu Picchu in a luxury trip through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Includes lunch (or dinner) in the observatory car or dining car. Finally, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is one of the most luxurious trains in the world, exclusive and with all-on-board service. It has 4 cars, dining car, bar car, gourmet dinner, transportation and tickets to Machu Picchu.

Inca Rail: Trains to Machu Picchu

Inca Rail is a Peruvian company that offers rail transportation services from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. The Voyager is a great train. The cars have comfortable seats, folding tables and panoramic windows. Set with Latin American music. There is service on board and a selection of drinks. The 360º have large panoramic windows, set with Latin American music, service on board, with a selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as sale of artisan products on board. The First Class has background music, natural flowers and covered tables. They will serve you a welcome cocktail, lunch and / or gourmet dinner. It only attends in high season of tourism (from April to October) and special dates. Finally, the Private has capacity for 8 people. The wagon, known as the “Inca Princess” is of the presidential class. The car has many details in its decoration, food on board, open bar. This train operates by request only.

Trains to Machu Picchu. Different trains stations

There are 3 boarding stations for outbound trains. There is only one station to board the return train.

One Way Train station:
Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s / n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Cusco).
Poroy Station: Calle Roldan s / n, Poroy District, Cusco.
Urubamba Station: Avenida Ferrocarril s / n, Urubamba, Sacred Valley (Cusco).

Return train stations:
Aguas Calientes Station: Machu Picchu Pueblo, s / n, Las Orquídeas neighborhood (next to the Aguas Calientes Artisan Market).

In most cases, you will board your train to Machu Picchu at the Ollantaytambo station. Poroy station is restricted for safety during the rainy season (November to March).
The place where all the trains arrive is the Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu town). One block from the train station you can board the buses to Machu Picchu. They run every 15 minutes and the ticket office is right in front.

How long does the train trip to Machu Picchu take?

The duration of the train trip (one way) depends on the station where the train is boarded:

From Poroy station (Cusco): The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
From Urubamba station: The trip lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, approximately.
From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours.

How is the train tour to Machu Picchu?

The distance from Poroy station (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes is approximately 65.8 kilometers. The tour crosses the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The distance from Urubamba to Aguas Calientes is 47.6 kilometers. The route is parallel to the Vilcanota river and the mountains. The trip lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, approximately.

The distance from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes is approximately 30.5 kilometers. The train travels through the beautiful and green Sacred Valley of the Incas along the banks of the Urubamba River. The trip takes a little less than 2 hours.

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

We have some great programs to enjoy these amazing destinations in Peru. Take a look at one of my favorites: 555 – Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Titicaca Lake, La Paz & Uyuni

If it´s not what you´re looking for, no problem. We have many other options to enjoy Peru and South America. Check the image below to see the complete list of tours to visit Peru