Machu Picchu Train
Machu Picchu Peru surely needs no introduction. One of the 7 wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Incan ruins rightly rank high on many tourist bucket lists.
However, what many visitors don’t realize is that careful planning is needed to organize a successful visit to Machu Picchu.
Unless you trek the Inca Trail then there’s only one way in and out, and that’s on the Machu Picchu train.
So, for sure, you’ll have to pre-book train tickets to/from Machu Picchu and Cusco. It can be a little confusing, which is why we’ve put together this blog post to guide you smoothly through the process.
So, keep reading for all of the information you’ll need about the Machu Picchu train. How, Where, and When to buy tickets. Which train companies operate the Machu Picchu route? Which train stations to use? Plus, much more.
Machu Picchu Train Map
Let’s start at the beginning by looking at the Machu Picchu train route map.
There is no road access to Machu Picchu, and the only train line runs from the city of Cusco. So, if you are in Lima, Arequipa, Puno, or any other Peruvian city, then you’ll need to pass through Cusco to reach Machu Picchu.
As you can see, the Machu Picchu train map is not complicated. There’s just one train line, with very few stops along the way. Broadly speaking it runs from the environs of Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu.
Perhaps the most common confusion is that there is no “Machu Picchu Train Station”. Instead, passengers alight the train at the small town of Aguas Calientes, which is the perfect base at the foot of the mountain from which to explore the citadel.
At the other end of the line, and equally confusing, neither is there a “Cusco Train Station”. The end of the line is, in fact, at Poroy, located some 13km outside of Cusco. To get to or from Poroy, you’ll need to take either a taxi or book a private transfer from Cusco.
The only stop between Poroy and Aguas Calientes is at Ollantaytambo Train Station.
Located within the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is a popular jumping-on/off point for Machu Picchu tourists. For example, many visitors take a road tour to the Sacred Valley staying at Ollantaytambo overnight, depart on the Machu Picchu train the following day, and return to Cusco on day 3 after visiting the citadel.
Both Machu Picchu train operators share the same track, winding along the Urubamba River, passing by breathtaking Andean Mountain views.
Trust us, this is one of the world’s most spectacular train rides!
Machu Picchu Train Companies
There are 2 different Machu Picchu train companies in operation: Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
PeruRail has departures from both Poroy and Ollantaytambo train stations. They offer 3 service classes to choose between, depending on your budget.
Expedition Class has regular windows and includes a modest snack. Vistadome Class has larger windows to enjoy the views, plus more legroom and better snacks. At the top end, Hiram Bingham Class boasts luxurious carriage interiors, fine dining, and live music.
Inca Rail operates only between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Their service classes range from Expedition to Economic, and First Class.
So, which Machu Picchu train company is best?
They both do the job of getting you from A to B, but, in general, Peru Rail services are more popular. Their trains also seem newer and are well maintained.
How to Book Machu Picchu Train Tickets?
1. Direct Booking Online
Machu Picchu train tickets can be booked directly online on the official websites of Peru Rail or Inca Rail.
Here you’ll find a complete list of scheduled departures each day, plus the pricing in each class.
Note that some people have reported difficulties processing payments online using foreign credit cards on these sites.
2. Pre-book an Organised Tour
If you are traveling on a longer, organized tour itinerary of Peru then your travel agency will likely take care of the logistics of Machu Picchu train tickets for you.
Happy Gringo, for example, offers this service to all clients who join one of our private Peru Tours.
This can be a great way to avoid all of the hassles of the Machu Picchu train and entrance ticketing process.
Fast Machu Picchu Train Facts
Cusco to Machu Picchu Train Price
It’s best to check the Peru Rail and Inca Rail websites directly for up-to-date pricing information. Their prices vary by route, class, time of day, and level of demand.
For now, to provide a generic guide of Machu Picchu train rates, the cheapest return fare is typically between $100 and $120, going all the way up to $500+ on the Hiram Bingham service.
Is the Panoramic Train to Machu Picchu Worth it?
It really depends on your budget. Yes, the views will be easier to appreciate, but even on the cheaper train classes, the windows are plenty large enough.
Machu Picchu Train Ticket Refunds
A very important consideration when you book Machu Picchu train tickets is that there are no refunds. So, if afterward, you need to cancel or modify your booking, then, unfortunately, no refunds will be given by the train companies.
Machu Picchu Train Luggage Limits
Another very important and often surprising rule is that Machu Picchu train services operate with strict luggage restrictions.
Due to limited space onboard the Machu Picchu trains, you may only bring one piece of hand luggage with you per person, up to a maximum weight of 5 kg (11 pounds). In addition, the size of your pack must be within a total linear dimension of 157 cm (62 inches), which is the sum of length, width, and height.
Yes, it is indeed a very small limit. But, on the flipside, remember that most people stay just 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu on the following day before returning to Cusco.
So, it’s not really as bad as it sounds, but yes you will still need to pack light. Large packs or cases can be left at your Cusco or Ollantaytambo hotel and picked up on your return journey.
Both train companies are usually quite strict about this rule, so please do take it seriously.
You’ll Also Need a Shuttle Bus to Visit Macchu Picchu
Alighting the train at Aguas Calientes, a little more effort is still required to visit Machu Picchu. The Citadel is located high up in the surrounding mountains. The easiest way to reach the ruins is to take the Machu Picchu Shuttle Bus.
Shuttle buses to Machu Picchu run every day from 05:30 to 15:30. The return trip operates from 6:00 to 18:00. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
When there are high volumes of visitors, it is common for queues to form for the shuttle bus. We, therefore, recommend adding some buffer time into your plans and joining the queue from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at least 30 minutes before your time slot.
The shuttle bus fee is NOT included in the Machu Picchu entry fee and should be purchased separately.
If you pre-book through a travel agency then your bus tickets should already be organized for you. Alternatively, visitors can buy their own Machu Picchu bus tickets from the ticket office in Aguas Calientes.
For more information about visiting Machu Picchu, also read our detailed blog about Machu Picchu entry tickets, including time slots, circuits, and more.
Check out Happy Gringo’s 7-day Cusco & Machu Picchu itinerary, or the longer 14-day Peru Highlights trip. Both have entrance to Machu Picchu with licensed guides and train tickets included, so you can enjoy the trip hassle-free and without problems.
Happy Gringo can also custom-make your Peru itinerary, tailoring your visit to your precise needs.
In conclusion, be sure to plan your visit to Machu Picchu Peru. Most importantly, you’ll need to pre-book your Machu Picchu train tickets. To do so, you’ll need to choose your preferred route, departure time, and train company.
Yes, it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming at first sight. But, with a little patience, it’s not so complicated to make the right decision before taking the plunge to buy tickets.
It is still perfectly possible to do your own Machu Picchu travel organization and ticketing. Alternatively, avoid the hassles by going through a reputable travel agent. Either way, your vacation to Machu Picchu is sure not to disappoint!
Note: All information is correct at the time of publishing, but may be subject to change by local authorities.
