The train ride to Machu Picchu travels through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes, the village at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is built. This short train route is considered among the most amazing in the world, but it is also the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu and the best alternative for people who want to avoid the four-day hike to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail.

• Here’s what you should know about the trains to Machu Picchu
  • When to book train tickets?
  • Which are the train companies to Machu Picchu?
  • Where to board the trains to Machu Picchu?
  • How to get to Ollantaytambo station?
  • To make the trip on your own
• Other things to keep in mind when booking your train to Machu Picchu

Train bound for Machu Picchu

Here’s what you should know about the trains to Machu Picchu

When to book train tickets?

Many of the train services sell out weeks in advance, so the best time to book them is immediately after booking your Machu Picchu tickets. Keep in mind that if you book Machu Picchu Picchu tickets that include the mountains in the first groups, it would be best to arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes one day before your visit.

Book round-trip train tickets, less expensive train services usually sell out many weeks in advance.

Which are the train companies to Machu Picchu?

There are two companies that provide train services to Machu Picchu. PeruRail is the oldest and offers different services, in many schedules; in addition, depending on the service you hire, you can board your train at one of the different stations. IncaRail is the other company that provides train service to Machu Picchu, and like the previous one, it has several services and schedules; from tourist class, to the presidential service on board the Inca Princess.

Where to board the trains to Machu Picchu?

Most of the services of both train companies will depart unfailingly from Ollantaytambo station; however, some services will depart from alternative stations, in the cities of Poroy or Urubamba. You will be interested to know how to get to Ollantaytambo; this city is located two hours from Cusco.

How to get to Ollantaytambo station?

You can get to the city of Ollantaytambo by boarding the buses, cars or minivans that leave from Pavitos street, in Cusco. These vehicles charge around 20 soles and will take you in approximately 2 hours to the city of Ollantaytambo. Your final stop is in a garage located half a block from the train station.

To make the trip on your own

If you decided to come to Machu Picchu on your own, remember to organize your timetable very well. The train schedule you choose must match the type of ticket you have chosen. You have to be in Machu Picchu at 7 am, if you booked the tickets that include the mountains in the first group. If this is the case, we recommend you book the train tickets for a day before, and spend the night in Aguas Calientes. The final station of the trains to Machu Picchu is in the town of Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is built. And just two blocks from it, the bus station to Machu Picchu.

View of the landscape from inside the Vistadome train on the trip to Machu Picchu

Other things to keep in mind when booking your train to Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu is currently one of the most important destinations on the planet and to access all services, we recommend booking train tickets as soon as you know your date of entry to Machu Picchu.
• If you have any type of physical disability or special medical condition, please inform the company; the train staff will prevent you from boarding the train if they consider that your health may be affected during the trip.
• There is no way you will be allowed to enter the train if you do not have your “valid passport”, or your ID if you are a member of the CAN (Andean Community of Nations). If you do not have them, you will not be allowed to board the train. And remember that tickets are non-refundable.
• If you wish to cancel your train tickets, please do so at least 30 days in advance. The closer to the day of travel, the greater the cancellation penalty will be. Failure to do so in time will result in forfeiture of your train tickets.
• Events such as strikes, natural disasters and others beyond the company’s control may result in delays or cancellation of service if it is believed that the safety of you and the rest of the group is put at risk.
• You can change the date of your train ticket up to 24 hours before your trip; after this time there is no possibility of cancellation or change of any kind.

A trip to Machu Picchu needs an excellent organization, to avoid mishaps and unforeseen expenses. If you wish, we can take care of your entire itinerary. Contact us at info@boletomachupicchu.com.

Advice from people who have been there

Train to Machu Picchu

By: Gabriela U.

“Perfect trip“

“We booked our seats on the Vistadome train from Perurail, I traveled with a friend and it was a great experience, it has windows on the roof and this is very useful in a place like the sacred valley. There was dancing, music and a fashion show that enhanced our incredible visit to Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 12, 2024