Trains to Machu Picchu: stations, companies and which class to choose

There's no road to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Unless you arrive on foot via the Inca Trail or the hydroelectric route, the train is how you get there. The journey, following the Urubamba river between ever-greener mountains, is one of the experiences of the trip in itself. This guide explains which companies operate, which stations trains leave from, the differences between classes and how to choose the option that best fits your itinerary and budget.

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The two companies

• PeruRail: runs the Expedition, Vistadome and Vistadome Observatory services, plus the Hiram Bingham luxury train operated by Belmond.
• Inca Rail: runs The Voyager, The 360° and First Class services, plus private services.

Both have departures throughout the day and sell tickets on their official websites and through agencies.

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Departure stations

• Poroy: about 20 minutes by car from central Cusco. The closest station to the city for most services.
• San Pedro (Cusco): in some seasons there are departures from the city centre, beside San Pedro market.
• Ollantaytambo: in the Sacred Valley, with many more departures and a shorter ride to Aguas Calientes. Many travellers come here by road from Cusco and take the train.
• Urubamba: some services also leave from this valley station.

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Budget classes

• Expedition (PeruRail) and The Voyager (Inca Rail): the cheapest options. Comfortable seats, large windows and snacks for sale or simple snacks on board. Perfect for most travellers.

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Mid-range classes

• Vistadome and Vistadome Observatory (PeruRail): panoramic roof windows, snacks included and an on-board cultural show; the Observatory adds a carriage with an open balcony.
• The 360° (Inca Rail): panoramic windows, an open-air observation car, Andean snacks and live music.

Worth it if you want to enjoy the scenery more, especially on the daytime outbound journey.

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Luxury trains

• Hiram Bingham (Belmond): leaves Poroy in the morning and returns in the evening. Includes gourmet meals, a bar, live music, an observation car and the bus transfer to the citadel. It doesn't necessarily include Machu Picchu entry, which you should confirm when booking.
• First Class (Inca Rail): three-course menu, bar-lounge and open balcony.

They're an experience in themselves, ideal for special celebrations.

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What you'll see from the window

From Ollantaytambo the line follows the Urubamba river as it narrows between rock walls. At first you'll see fields, Inca terraces and, on clear days, snow-capped peaks. From kilometre 82, the starting point of the classic Inca Trail, the valley closes in and the vegetation turns more tropical, with orchids, ferns and cloud forest. Sit on the river side for the best views and, if your train has a panoramic roof, look up too: the mountains seem to tumble onto the carriage.

How to choose

• Tight budget: budget class from Ollantaytambo.
• Day trip from Cusco: early train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo and return in the afternoon.
• Scenery: Vistadome or 360° on the outbound journey.
• Special occasion: Hiram Bingham or First Class.
• Night in Aguas Calientes: arrive in the afternoon and visit the citadel first thing the next day.

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When to book

In high season, May to September, the most popular departure times sell out weeks ahead. Book your Machu Picchu entry first, since it's the most limited, then fit the train time around it with a margin.

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Luggage on the train

Trains have hand-luggage limits, usually one small backpack or bag per person. Leave big suitcases at your hotel in Cusco or the valley and travel with what you need for one or two nights.

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Alternatives to the train

• Inca Trail: the classic route on foot, with limited permits.
• Hydroelectric route: by car to the hydroelectric plant and a two-to-three-hour walk along the tracks.
• Treks: Salkantay or Inca Jungle end near Aguas Calientes.

• Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica and Santa Teresa: the budget route step by step
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: permits, when to book, the 4-day route and the short version
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: route, difficulty, best season and how to plan it

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).