Machu Picchu is quintessentially the best destination in Peru and the reason why our country receives several visitors. As you may know, there’s only one way of transportation to get to the ancient citadel: By train.
In this blog, we’ll show you what to expect from this service, what kinds of trains are available, and how to maximize your train ride during your visit to Machu Picchu.
Two Companies sharing the same destination
Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the only train companies that run the Machu Picchu line:
Peru Rail is a railway corporation in southern Peru. It provides tourism, freight, and charter services. It was founded in 1999 by two Peruvian entrepreneurs. They were previously called the Ferrocarril del Sur (Peru Southern Railway). In the past was owned and run by the state company ENAFER for some time.
Inca Rail was founded in 2009. It provides unique trips to and from Machu Picchu Citadel. There, you can immerse yourself in the spirit of Machu Picchu on their five train services. They are The Private, The First Class, The Premium & Lounge, The 360°, and The Voyager. In the next chart, you’ll see how much time a train to Machu Picchu will take.
Timetable to Get to Aguas Calientes Train Station
| Leaving From | Train Station | Travel time Duration | Company |
| Cusco | Wanchaq | 5 hours approx | Peru Rail |
| Cusco | San Pedro | 5 hours | Peru Rail/Inca Rail |
| Cusco | Poroy | 4 hours | Peru Rail |
| Sacred Valey | Urubamba | 3 hours approx | Peru Rail |
| Sacred Valley | Ollantaytambo | 2 hours approx | Inca Rail |
Peru Rail Services
Peru Rail operates trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu Village and Ollantaytambo. This railway has the following train stations: Wanchaq, San Pedro, and Poroy. The final option is Peru Rail’s bimodal service. It offers services to Cusco and Machu Picchu with a bus ride.
Peru Rail Trains
Vistadome trains have panoramic windows and wide carriages on the sides. The roof lets you see the amazing views. You can take pictures during the whole trip through the old Inca citadel. Vistadome is one of Perurail’s most popular service types, ideal for those seeking a unique experience. It blends culture, elegance, and thrill in one place. Enjoy the panoramic windows of the train and bring home a one-in-a-kind experience.
Vistadome Observatory is one of Peru Rail’s most luxurious trains thanks to its spectacular carriage, which provides a unique experience. This train has few schedules because it is one of the most expensive ways to reach Machu Picchu. It has an onboard service similar to the standard Vistadome train.
Expedition: This train’s wagons have panoramic windows. They feature amenities such as Peruvian cuisine and drinks. The Expedition Train is a convenient and economical choice. It features comfortable seats, panoramic windows, and onboard entertainment. It’s great for people who want a fun experience without spending much.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham is one of the world’s most luxurious trains. It has premium amenities and service onboard. Besides the train ride, this train offers a car bar and gourmet meals. It also has a dining bar, live music, shows, and Machu Picchu tours.
Belmond and Peru Rail debuted the 1920s-style train in 2003. It is named after the legendary American explorer who revealed Machu Picchu. The route roughly follows Hiram Bingham’s first journey, where he went to the famed sanctuary in 1911. Boarding this train will be a truly unique experience.
Inca Rail Services
Inca Rail trains travel from Cusco’s San Pedro station to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. They also offer a bimodal service including a private shuttle from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Inca Rail Trains
The Private train is a rail wagon allocated exclusively for you and your family. It’s a lovely place. It has comfy lounge seating.
It has a welcome drink and an open bar. It has live Andean music. It has an open-air balcony to see the views. And it has tasty Peruvian food and drinks. They even offer cooking lessons.
The ticket includes a private bus journey. It goes from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance. This is the only private option for touring Machu Picchu with either company.
First Class provides the largest luxury and spaciousness onboard. The Observatory Lounge offers a unique setting with a bar, live music, a gourmet meal, and an outside balcony. There, you can take in the beauty of nature and Andean culture.
This service includes private transportation between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the Citadel. Travel while having a unique experience that will make your dreams come true. This deluxe service includes a well-designed carriage. It has huge windows and comfy seats.
The 360°: This train car has the largest walls and ceiling windows. Additionally, there is an outdoor observation vehicle. These advantages will allow you to see the magnificence of the Andes and cloud forest, and the Urubamba river
This train has an app that tells you about your surroundings and the Incas. You’ll have access to Wi-Fi, charging ports, and a packed lunch.
The Voyager train is Inca Rail’s most basic and affordable service choice. However, it’s far from being uncomfortable as this train has comfortable seats and folding tables facing each other. You may enjoy the landscape while you’re being carried across the Andes.
Booking tickets and Schedules
You can get your train tickets in three ways: In person once you arrive in Cusco, via travel agencies, or online. We recommend booking your tickets as soon as you can, as they may be sold out in peak season. Buying your tickets one or two months in advance is a good idea and you’ll feel sure to visit Machu Picchu without worrying about missing something. Both train companies offer the options we’ll give below:
When buying your tickets in person, keep in mind that according to the season, train companies won’t have available spaces. This is a risky option because you’ll be wasting time when you can buy tickets beforehand.
The most popular way to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu is via a tour operator. Of course, you’ll pay more due to administrative fees, but you’ll have a guaranteed service. Viagens Machu picchu is a licensed travel agency, with more than 90 thousand satisfied clients. We offer tours to Machu Picchu with everything included to enjoy your stay in our beautiful city.
The third option is buying your tickets online. This is the most simple and practical option as you can do it from the coziness of home. Both company’s webpages accept all kinds of cards. Like this, you’ll have your seat already reserved by the moment you get to Cusco. Both company trains have different and varied schedules.
Peru Rail vs Inca Rail. Which can I Choose?
| Peru Rail | Inca Rail |
| Provides more scheduling options and freedom when organizing your journey. Peru Rail offers services to Urubamba, and Santa Teresa, a village near Aguas Calientes. | Inca Rail doesn’t have as many options as its rival, however, the service is great. |
| Peru rail has options besides Machu picchu, such as Arequipa, puno and the Titicaca Lake | Inca Rail focuses only on Machu picchu and Cusco routes offering a quality service. |
| Peru Rail’s most affordable offering for foreign travelers is the ‘Expedition.’ The approximate cost of this service (one-way) is USD 63. | The train can carry up to eight passengers. The cheapest service is ‘The Voyager.’ This train costs approximately USD 63 for each one-way trip. |
| Hiram Bingham is the most expensive service to Machu Picchu. A one-way trip costs approximately USD 482. | The most expensive service provided by Inca Rail is ‘The Private,’ which departs exclusively on request from travelers who wish to hire it. The train can carry up to eight passengers. |
| The luggage permitted is 5kg | Inca Rail allows up to 7 kg |
What About Prices?
Peru Rail Services (Roundtrip)
| Train Service | Price |
| Expedition | 140 $ |
| Vistadome | 190 $ |
| Hiram Bingham | 950 $ |
Inca Rail Services (Roundtrip)
| Train Service | Price |
| The Voyager | $ 140 |
| The 360 | $ 160 |
| The First Class | $ 180 |
| The Private | * According to availability and request* |
Keep in mind the following tips:
- You’ll show your ID or passport before boarding the train, don’t forget them!
- Pregnant women or those in a state of gestation won’t board the train
- The trains go slow in certain areas such as Urubamba River, keep at hand your camera.
- If your health condition is delicate you won’t board the train
- If you go with kids, you must prove your relationship.
Going to Machu picchu is a thrilling adventure with different options to see the Inca’s old citadel. Viagens Machu Picchu is a renowned tour operator that specializes in destinations such as Machu picchu. Let’s embark together to discover what Peru has to offer. Viagens Machu picchu offers a journey that inspires, and moments that last.