Train Machu Picchu 23 articles
Acquiring train tickets to Machu Picchu
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How to get train tickets to Machu Picchu?

Train tickets to Machu Picchu are purchased online or in Cusco. The most used form by tourists from all over the world is the internet. By booking the ticket through the web, the entrance to the Wonder of the World is guaranteed.

How to book train tickets on the web? You just have to choose the type of train, the date of the trip, the personal data and make the payment.



Go by train to Machu Picchu, it's a spectacular trip
Go by train to Machu Picchu, it’s a spectacular trip

The train ride to Machu Picchu

The train trip to Machu Picchu travels through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes, the final destination. This picturesque town is known as Machu Picchu town because it is located at the foot of the Wonder of the World.

During the journey (approximately 2 hours), the tourist can enjoy a quality on board service. Depending on the type of service, there are dance shows on board, live music, welcome cocktails, gourmet lunch and even free bar.

Types of train service Machu Picchu

There are 2 railway companies: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both have various services, from tourist class (economic), to the most exclusive services.

Peru Rail Services:

  • Vistadome.
  • Expedition
  • Vistadome Observatory.
  • Belmond Hiram Bingham (luxury train).

Inca Rail Services:

  • The Voyager.
  • The 360º
  • The Private (exclusive train).

Learn more about the train service to Machu Picchu.


How to get train tickets to Machu Picchu?

The 2 most important things to visit Machu Picchu are getting entrance tickets and train tickets to Aguas Calientes.

To get train tickets, you must make your reservation online in the official Peru Rail or Inca Rail pages:

  • Enter the website online

    Enter the official websites of Peru Rail or Inca Rail.

  • Choose the type of train, day and time of the trip

    In the main menu choose the date, time, type of train and number of passengers.

  • Fill in your personal information

    Fill out the reservation form with your personal information: names, nationality, passport, etc.

  • Make the payment

    Make the payment online through the different means of payment of Peru Rail and Inca Rail: PayPal, Western Union, Visa, MasterCard.

  • Print your tickets

    After making the reservation and payment, print the tickets. Tickets must be presented at the train station, the day of your trip to Machu Picchu.

What are the train schedules to Machu Picchu?

The trains to Machu Picchu depart every day from 3 stations: Wanchaq (Cusco), San Pedro (Cusco), Poroy and Ollantaytambo. The round trip is at an exact time.

These are the train schedules to Machu Picchu:

‘Vistadome’ Peru Rail train schedules:

Departure timeTime of arrival
5:05 am (Ollantaytambo Station)6:35 am
7:05 am (Ollantaytambo Station)8:27 am
8:00 am (Ollantaytambo Station)9:25 am
8:53 am (Ollantaytambo Station)10:29 a.m.
9:15 am (Ollantaytambo Station)10:52 am
10:32 am (Ollantaytambo Station)12:11 pm
1:27 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)2:50 pm
3:37 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)5:02 pm
7:04 Pm (Ollantaytambo Station)8:45 pm
6:40 am (Poroy Station)9:54 am
8:25 am (Poroy Station)12.11 pm
7:30 am (San Pedro Station)12.11 pm

Expedition Peru Rail train schedules:

Departure timeTime of arrival
5:05 am (Ollantaytambo Station)6:35 am
6:10 am (Ollantaytambo Station)7:40 am
7:45 am (Ollantaytambo Station)9:15 am
8:29 am (Ollantaytambo Station)9:54 am
12:55 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)2:25 pm
7:04 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)8:45 pm
9:00 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)10:45 pm
6:40 am (Poroy Station)9:54 am
7:30 am (San Pedro Station)12:11 pm
8:25 am (Poroy Station)12:11 pm

‘Vistadome Observatory’ train schedules:

Departure timeTime of arrival
7:45 am (Ollantaytambo Station)9:14 pm
1:27 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)2:50 pm

‘Hiram Bingham’ train schedule:

Departure timeTime of arrival
9.05 am (Poroy Station)12:24 pm

Train timetable ‘Voyager’ Inca Rail:

Departure timeTime of arrival
6.40 am (Ollantaytambo Station)8.01 am
11.15 am (Ollantaytambo Station)12.45 pm
11.30 am (Ollantaytambo Station)1.06 pm
4.36 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)6.09 pm
7.27 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)9.09 pm

*All tickets include the Bimodal transfer service (by bus) from the city of Cusco (Wanchaq station).

Train timetable ‘The 360’ Inca Rail:

Departure timeTime of arrival
7.22 am (Ollantaytambo Station)8.48 am
12.36 pm (Ollantaytambo Station)2 pm
5.55 am (Poroy – Cusco)8.48 am

*All tickets include the Bimodal transfer service (by bus) from the city of Cusco (Wanchaq station).

Train timetable ‘The Private’ Inca Rail.

The private train schedule is coordinated during the purchase on the official Inca Rail website.


How much in advance do I need to book train tickets to Machu Picchu?

You can book train tickets to Machu Picchu up to 3 weeks in advance. If you are coming during the high season of tourism (between April to October); It will be necessary some months in advance, due to the high demand for tickets.

Train tickets are as important as the entrances to Machu Picchu. It is recommended to make the reservation immediately after knowing the dates of entry to the Wonder of the World.


How is the train route to Machu Picchu?

The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 2 hours. The route is incredibly beautiful. Tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas next to the Urubamba River. In the distance you can see the Vilcabamba chain in the Andes Mountains.

Most trains depart from Ollantaytambo station. The final destination is Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The distance is 30.5 kilometers.


More recommendations to buy your train tickets to Machu Picchu

Keep in mind the following recommendations before buying your train tickets to Machu Picchu:

  • You will have to book the train tickets, only after booking the Machu Picchu tickets.
  • If you have any disability, special medical or physical condition, inform the company. There are cases where the staff will prevent you from boarding the train for safety reasons.
  • Your ‘passport’ is extremely important, since you will not be allowed to board the car if you do not present this valid identity document.
  • If for some strange reason you have to cancel your trip to Machu Picchu, do it several days before. Remember that the less time between the cancellation and the travel date, the greater the penalty will be.
  • You can cancel your train ticket up to 24 hours before. After this time you will have no option to exchange or refund of any kind.
  • Remember that weather conditions and others outside the control of train companies, can cause delays, reprogramming or even the cancellation of itineraries.

10 frequently asked questions about train tickets to Machu Picchu

  • 1) Is the train ticket to Machu Picchu valid for 1 day only?

    Yes. The ticket can only be used for the date and time shown on the ticket. The ticket can not be used for a day different from the one indicated.

  • 2) How much does the train ticket to Machu Picchu cost?

    Train ticket prices depend on the type of service. Check the Machu Picchu train fare.

  • 3) Can you buy train tickets in Cusco?

    Yes. Although not recommended, train tickets can also be purchased directly in Cusco. The purchase made with days in advance.

  • 4) Where are the ticket sales offices located in Cusco?

    There are several posts and stations where you can buy train tickets to Machu Picchu:

    Wanchaq station: Pachacutec Av. s/n, District of Wanchaq (Cusco).
    Ollantaytambo station: Av. Ferrocarril s / n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Cusco).
    Poroy Station: Roldan Street s / n, District of Poroy, Cusco.

  • 5) What is the local train?

    The local train to Machu Picchu is an exclusive service for Peruvian citizens and residents of the Cusco region. These trains are not tourist so the cost is symbolic 12 Peruvian soles (3 U$D).

  • 6) What is the Hydropower train station?

    The Hydroelectric station is the busiest used by tourists. It is located approximately 10 kilometers from the Machu Picchu station. Although it is possible to buy tickets and travel by train, most tourists prefer to walk (2 hours).

  • 7) Do children pay the normal price of the train ticket to Machu Picchu?

    No. Children from 0 to 3 years old do not pay the price of the train ticket as long as they travel in the arms of the father or mother. Children from 3 to 12 years old have a 50% discount.

  • 8) How long does it take to travel by train to Machu Picchu?

    The train ride from the city of Cusco takes more than 3 hours. The section from Ollantaytambo, a maximum of 2 hours.

  • 9) Who can not take the train to Machu Picchu?

    People who are drunk or under the influence of drugs can not board the train.

  • 10) How to get to Machu Picchu without a train?

    The most used way to get to Machu Picchu without a train is the alternative route through Hidroeléctrica. This form is longer (6 or 7 hours) but it is the most economical.

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 5, 2022