The train ride to Machu Picchu takes you from one of the stations in Cusco to the final station in Aguas Calientes. This last site is only 10 kilometers from the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Learn how much luggage is allowed on the train trip and other aspects of the trip that you should know.

• What transportation tickets do I need to get to Machu Picchu?
• Travel by train to Machu Picchu
• How much luggage can I take?
• More prohibitions on train travel
• More information about the train
• Photo gallery

The train that will take you to Machu Picchu

What transportation tickets do I need to get to Machu Picchu?

• To get to Machu Picchu you will need the train tickets. It is best to reserve them immediately after knowing the entrance tickets.
• If you do not enter Machu Picchu by train, there are only two other ways in which you can enter Machu Picchu directly: one is the famous 4-day trekking route called the Inca Trail. The other route to Machu Picchu is possible by mixing walks and buses through the alternative route through Santa María.
• The Inca Trail requires hiring a tour through a tourism agency. Due to high demand, it is recommended to book the tour 6 months in advance.
• The route through Santa María does not require tickets, only the transportation service from Cusco to the Hydroelectric station. From there, there is a 10-kilometer walk to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• However, the easiest and fastest way to enter Machu Picchu is by train.

Travel by train to Machu Picchu

• The train trip starts at one of the 4 stations in Cusco: Cusco station (San Pedro), Poroy station or Ollantaytambo station.
• Depending on the station where you board your train, the trip will take approximately 4 hours to 1 hour 40 minutes.
• The final station is in the town of Aguas Calientes. This site is also known as Machupicchu town because it is only ten kilometers from the Inca archaeological site.
• Train travel is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Machu Picchu. The other option is the 4-day route through the Inca Trail or the 8-hour route through Hidroeléctrica (Santa María). This walk includes a final walk of 2 hours).
• Train tickets can be purchased online or in person in Cusco. There are only two companies available: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Choose the option that suits you best!

How much luggage can I take?

The allowed luggage is a handbag or backpack that meets the following characteristics:

PeruRail:

• A maximum weight of no more than 5 kilos (11 lb).
• One dimension not to exceed 62 linear inches (157 centimeters in height, length and width).

Inca Rail:

• A maximum weight of no more than 8 kilos (17 lb).
• One dimension not to exceed 46 linear inches (118 centimeters in height, length and width).

More prohibitions on train travel

• Passengers cannot carry any luggage that does not allow easy transit through the train aisle. In the car there are ideal areas for backpacks and handbags to allow easy movement of visitors.
• During boarding the train there is no inspection of the passenger’s baggage. However, if the presence of unauthorized objects is detected, the passenger may be asked to abandon the trip.
• In addition to the objects and utensils mentioned, tourists will not be allowed to board the train while intoxicated.
• In case of not boarding the train on time, the tourist loses the right to the trip without claim or refund.
• In addition, the consumption of food is prohibited during the train journey. Food sales are canceled until pandemic restrictions are lifted.

More information about the train

• The tourist is responsible for carrying, and safely, valuable or fragile objects such as money, jewelry, electronic devices or important documents. Train companies are not responsible for loss or damage to valuables.
• El consumo de snacks o bebidas sí están permitidos en el tren. .
• Inca Rail offers the luggage storage service.
• For more information, tourists can communicate directly by email or chat on the Peru Rail or Inca Rail websites.

Photos of the Train to Machu Picchu

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu Train

By: Mario Alberto R.

“Fascicante“

“It is the first time that I go to Machu Picchu by train, incredible everything that the Incas could do in the mountains so far away.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 29, 2023