There are different ways to get to Machu Picchu. One of them is with the train trip. If this was the option you chose, there are different types of trains from which you can choose. Here are the differences between the most popular trains to reach the Inca city: the Vistadome and the Expedition.

• Vistadome train
• What are the Vistadome train departure times?
• How is the service on board Vistadome?
• How is the arrangement of Vistadome train seats?
• Expedition train
• What are the departure times of the Expedition train?
• How is the service on board the Expedition?
• How is the seating arrangement of the Expedition train?
• Vistadome or Expedition? Which to choose?

There are several train services to Machu Picchu: Hiram Bingham, Sacred Valley, Voyager, 360º, etc. However, the two most popular trains are the ‘Expedition’ and ‘Vistadome’ services. Both include comfortable seats, large windows, tables and much more.

Vistadome train

• Peru Rail rail service that has comfortable seats, large tables and panoramic windows to appreciate the beautiful scenery on the way to Machu Picchu. It is one of the most popular services due to the on-board service it offers: complimentary snack, dance show, fashion show, music and more . It is one of the services that has more frequency of daily departures.

Vistadome train service to Machu Picchu

What are the Vistadome train departure times?

• The Vistadome train has four possible departure stations for Machu Picchu. All as the same destination: the Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu town).

Schedules at San Pedro station

• Station located in the same city of Cusco. It has two daily departures for the outward journey. It works only from April to December (it is closed from January to April because of the rains in Machu Picchu) .

Schedules at Poroy Station

• Station located just 30 minutes from the city of Cusco. It has two daily departures for the outward journey. The station is closed from January to April due to constant rains.

Schedules at Urubamba station

• Station located 1 hour from the city of Cusco. It offers only one daily departure (in Vistadome service) for the outward journey. The station works all year.

Schedules at Ollantaytambo station

• This station is 1 hour 45 minutes away from Cusco. It has seven daily departures for the outward journey. It is the station with the highest number of departures in all train services.

How is the service on board Vistadome?

‘Vistadome’ trains include the following:

• Panoramic view – Trains are characterized by large trapezoidal windows that offer a complete view of the landscapes. It also includes comfortable seats and large windows.
• Complimentary snacks – Both the round trip include a complimentary snack (cold or hot non-alcoholic). In addition there is sales service on board.
• Live dance – The return trip includes a dance show on board. The dance of ‘Saqra’ (devils) is characteristic of Cusco.
• Fashion show – The return trip includes a fashion show from the exclusive collection of ‘baby alpaca’ products. These products are for sale within the trip.

How is the arrangement of Vistadome train seats?

• The seats are leather and quite comfortable, with more space for feet and arms than the ‘Expedition’ service . They are distributed in rows for two people. The seats are in groups of four (facing each other) and have a table in the middle.
• All trains are equipped with air conditioning, heating and a high quality sound system.

Expedition train

• Peru Rail rail service that offers comfortable seats, tables and large windows to enjoy the trip to Machu Picchu. The wagons are decorated with an Inca theme. It is the cheapest tourist service and has several daily departures. The train includes: service on board, sale of drinks and snacks .

Expedition Train Service to Machu Picchu

What are the departure times of the Expedition train?

• The Expedition train has two possible departure stations to reach Machu Picchu. The arrival station is in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) .

Schedules at Poroy Station

• The station has 1 daily departure of the Expedition train to Machu Picchu. During the rainy season (from January to April), the station remains closed. It is located just 30 minutes from Cusco.

Schedules at Ollantaytambo station

• This station has 8 daily departures from the Expedition service in the direction of Machu Picchu. The station operates all year, even in the rainy season. It is located 1 hour 45 minutes from Cusco.

How is the service on board the Expedition?

‘Expedition’ trains include the following:

• Large windows – The trains have Inca designs in all their cars. Its windows are wide to appreciate the beautiful landscapes.
• Comfortable tables and seats – All seats (arranged for two people) are comfortable and have large tables.
• Sale on board – All trains have on-board drinks and snacks sales service. The stand is arranged in the final part of the car.
• Service on board – Tourists are carefully served by people offering the service on board. Tourists can consult with them any questions during the trip.

How is the seating arrangement of the Expedition train?

• The ‘Expedition’ service is equipped with quite comfortable leather seats and regular foot spaces. They are distributed in rows for two people (face to face) and a center table.
• They are equipped with air conditioning and heating. They also have a high quality sound system.

Vistadome or Expedition? Which to choose?

• The main difference between Vistadome and Expedition services lies in the service on board and in the comfort offered on each train.
• The Vistadome train has a more complete service than the Expedition. It offers greater comfort, complimentary snacks, live dance show and a fashion show with alpaca garments .
• However, the price of the Expedition train (approximately $ 64 per person on the outbound journey) is lower compared to Vistadome trains ($ 86 for the same journey).

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024