The Inca city of Machu Picchu receives more than 5,000 thousand tourists from all over the world every day. Among these travelers around 70% arrive by train to Machu Picchu. Traveling to Machu Picchu by train is surely the easiest and safest way to reach the Inca citadel. For there are two railway companies that operate and provide service to this impressive route: PERU RAIL and INCA RAIL. Which we will know the services, outlets, and prices offered by each of them.
Contents
Which train company to choose to travel to Machu Picchu?
Peru Rail vs. Inca Rail
Choosing either of these 2 companies will depend on the type of service you want to receive. However, it should be noted that Perurail is the company that provides the highest frequency and availability on this route. However, its main operating routes are from: Cusco, Poroy, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). It has 4 tourist train services to Machu Picchu: Belmond Hiram Bingham Luxury Train, Sacred Valley Train, Vistadome Train, and Expedition Train. In addition, it also provides local train services for area residents and Peruvian passengers.
1.- Expedition Train
Designed for adventurous travelers, who in turn seek comfort and safety. The Expedition trains modified their seats with tapestries in Inca patterns, giving them a very local and indigenous style, and the comfort of providing plenty of space for luggage.
2.- Vistadome Train
It is the fastest and most comfortable way to visit Machu Picchu. During the journey, you can enjoy delicious snacks and hot and cold drinks. The vistadome train was recently renovated and equipped with panoramic windows, which allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery and take beautiful photos.
3.- Hairam Bingham luxury train
It has 02 cars for 42 passengers, it also has a bar and a kitchen for food preparation. Among the exquisite design details, the train offers large and comfortable seats and extra-wide tables.
Rates and departure times of trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Perurail
Boarding Places: Cusco, Poroy, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Disembarkation: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
| Boarding Station | Perurail Train | Departure | Arrival | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco, San Pedro | Vistadome 31 | 06:40 | 10:52 | $ 95.00 |
| Cusco, San Pedro | Vistadome 203 | 07:30 | 12:11 | $ 95.00 |
| Poroy | Expedition 33 | 06:40 | 09:54 | $ 63.00 |
| Poroy | Vistadome 31 | 07:35 | 10:52 | $ 86.00 |
| Poroy | Vistadome 205 | 08:25 | 12:11 | $ 86.00 |
| Poroy | Hiram Bingham 11 | 09:05 | 12:24 | $ 482.00 |
| Urubamba | Vistadome 601 | 06:50 | 09:24 | $ 95.00 |
| Urubamba | Sacred Valley 91 | 10:30 | 13:34 | $ 203.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 71 | 05:05 | 06:35 | $ 59.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 81 | 06:10 | 07:40 | $ 68.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 83 | 07:45 | 09:15 | $ 63.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 33 | 08:29 | 09:54 | $ 63.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 91 | 11:52 | 13:34 | $ 63.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 73 | 12:55 | 14:25 | $ 69.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 75 | 19:04 | 20:45 | $ 63.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Expedition 51 | 21:00 | 22:45 | $ 63.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Sacred Valley 91 | 11:52 | 13:34 | $ 203.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 301 | 07:05 | 08:27 | $ 95.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 601 | 08:00 | 09:25 | $ 95.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 501 | 08:53 | 10:29 | $ 86.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 31 | 09:15 | 10:52 | $ 86.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 203 | 10:32 | 12:11 | $ 86.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 303 | 13:27 | 14:50 | $ 78.00 |
| Ollantaytambo | Vistadome 603 | 15:37 | 17:02 | $ 77.00 |
Rate and return schedules of trains from Machu Picchu to Cusco, Perurail.
Boarding: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
Disembark: Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Poroy and Cusco.
| Perurail Train | Departure | Arrival | Price | Arrival Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition 50 | 05:35 | 07:44 | $ 60.00 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 72 | 08:53 | 10:52 | $ 54.00 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 74 | 14:55 | 16:31 | $ 81.00 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 34 | 15:20 | 17:08 | $65 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 504 | 16:22 | 18:10 | $65 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 84 | 18:20 | 20:05 | $65 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 86 | 20:50 | 22:20 | $65 | Ollantaytambo |
| Expedition 76 | 21:50 | 23:35 | $55 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 302 | 10:55 | 12:32 | $75 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 204 | 13:37 | 15:04 | $75 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 304 | 15:48 | 17:29 | $110 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 504 | 16:22 | 18:10 | $95 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 32 | 16:43 | 18:31 | $110 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 604 | 17:23 | 19:05 | $95 | Ollantaytambo |
| Vistadome 606 | 18:10 | 19:51 | $85 | Ollantaytambo |
| Sacred Valley 92 | 19:30 | 21:28 | $170 | Ollantaytambo |
| Sacred Valley 92 | 19:30 | 22:37 | $170 | Urubamba |
| Vistadome 304 | 15:48 | 18:43 | $110 | Urubamba |
| Expedition 34 | 15:20 | 19:05 | $65 | Poroy |
| Vistadome 32 | 16:43 | 20:23 | $115 | Poroy |
| Vistadome 604 | 17:23 | 20:52 | $110 | Poroy |
| Hiram Bingham 11 | 17:50 | 21:16 | $430 | Poroy |
IncaRail
Inca Rail is the second railway company to provide passenger service from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It is characterized by providing personalized and private service and by having the most modern wagons in South America, which are distributed in 4 classes: Voyager, 360º Train, First Class, and Private Train.
1.- The Voyager
This service is ideal for those who want to enjoy a comfortable trip at an affordable price. Soft seats with tables in front, large panoramic windows, and delicious natural drinks will make your trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
2.- The 360°
In addition to all the services provided by the business class service, our exclusive first class service also provides maximum comfort and space onboard. Each car has only 30 spaces, and its spacious and comfortable seats have been carefully designed to ensure the complete comfort of our passengers. Relaxing ambient music, floral fragrances, a wide variety of delicious and healthy snacks, homemade chocolates, all free of chemicals or preservatives, and exquisite natural drinks from around the world will be in your hands.
3.- First Class
In this luxury service, you will be able to enjoy a finely decorated carriage with panoramic windows and comfortable seats. As a starter, you will be offered a Pisco Sour, Peru’s flagship drink, followed by a 3-course gourmet menu prepared with Andean ingredients that also includes an exclusive selection of wines.
4.- Private Train
It is the exclusive train where you will enjoy the best service with spacious seats, bar, premium drinks, gourmet menu, and live Andean music. You will enjoy the most beautiful scenery on an open balcony.
How to buy your train tickets on Peru Rail?
For the purchase and reservation of train tickets, you must take into account that there are no refunds after making the transaction.
1.- Via the Internet:
To book online you must follow these steps:
- Enter the official page of Perurail.(www.perurail.com)
- Complete the required data: destination, route, date and number of passengers.
- Check availability and choose the train of your choice, both outward and return.
- Fill in your personal information.
- Select a payment method: credit card (Visa, MasterCard), PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Accept the terms and conditions and make the payment.
- Print your voucher or train ticket.
Buy and reserve your train tickets following points of sale:
Larcomar Shopping Center: Av. Malecón de la Reserva 610, Stand 214, district of Miraflores – Lima.
Jorge Chávez International Airport: Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, between gates 13 and 14 for domestic flights, Lima.
Plaza Norte Shopping Center: Av. Alfredo Mendiola 1400, first floor of the South Gallery, Lima.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport: Av. Velasco Astete s/n, Cusco.
Main Square: Portal de Carnes 214, Cusco.
Plaza Regocijo 202, Cusco.
Av. El Sol 409, Cusco.
Wanchaq Station: Av. Pachacútec s/n, Cusco.
Poroy Station: Calle Roldan s/n, Cusco.
Urubamba Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n Urubamba, Sacred Valley – Cusco.
Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley – Cusco.
Aguas Calientes Station: Las Orquideas neighborhood, Machu Picchu
How to buy your train tickets in Inca Rail?
1.- Via the Internet:
- Enter the official website of Inca Rail (www.incarail.com)
- Complete the required data: date of departure and return, number of travelers, and currency.
- Choose a route and select the mode of service.
- Complete the spaces that require your personal information.
- Choose a payment method and make the payment.
- Finally, print your voucher or train ticket.
2.- In the offices or points of sale
Portal de Panes 105, Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
Av. Sol No. 843, Cusco.
Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo district
Aguas Calientes Station: Machu Picchu district
