Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the most famous Inca city and attracts millions of tourists every year. It is probably the star of every trip to Peru.

It is a global trend to visit the best places in the world forgetting the agencies and organized tours, and if this is the way you chose to travel, it will be very important that you know how to get to Machu Picchu. There are 3 ways to get to Machu Picchu: Through the Inca Trail and alternative hikes, second with the long route through Hydroelectric and by train (Machu Picchu by car). If you are not one of the people who enjoy outdoor hiking, you should choose the train ride. The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a beautiful journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu village), at the foot of the Wonder of the World.

 

Machu Picchu Tours 2023 & 2024

 

How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, but if you’re on a budget we recommend taking the best train from Cusco to Machu Picchu! Breathtaking views, Peruvian specialties and traditional music played by the resident. Imagine a trip to Machu Picchu like the luxury train such as Hiram Bingham train Luxury or Vistadome train Machu Picchu and 360 train Incarail, these two last train mentioned are panoramic trains is within your grasp.

 

There are two train companies in Cusco. “IncaRail and Perurail” and you can choose the best service train to Machu Picchu for your trip to the lost city of the Incas. These two companies offers differents services train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The trip is an incredible experience, the route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas is considered one of the most amazing short train journeys in the world, but if you want to do it on your own, the first thing you should do is get the Machu Picchu tickets.

 

When is the best season to visit to Machu Picchu?

The best season is to do it in the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2023 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.

 

 

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

 

Book train tickets

If you have already purchased the Machu Picchu tickets and have little time before the day of your visit, book the train tickets. What’s more, we recommend booking them immediately after knowing the day you will enter Machu Picchu, many of the services usually run out weeks before.

 

Peru Rail or Inca Rail – Which one to choose to travel by train to Machu Picchu?

There are two companies with authorization to travel the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, and vice versa.

Both train companies have adequate services for tourists. Below we detail what each of them includes.

 

Peru Rail

Peru Rail is the oldest company, authorized to operate the Machu Picchu route, it has different services. His website is www.perurail.com

• Vistadome: It is a train with wide wagons, with panoramic windows in the roof and the sides that will allow you to take photographs of the entire route through the valley.
• Expedition: The Expedition has wagons totally covered by panoramic windows and service on board, snacks and Peruvian food.
• Sacred Valley: This train links Urubamba with Machu Picchu on a luxurious journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Includes lunch (or dinner) in the observatory car or the dining car.
• Belmond Hiram Bingham: It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world, exclusive and with service on board. It has 4 choches, dining car, car bar, gourmet dinner, transportation and tickets to Machu Picchu.

Inca Rail

Inca Rail is a Peruvian company that offers rail transportation services from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Its website is www.incarail.com

• The Voyager: The cars have comfortable seats, folding tables and panoramic windows. Set with Latin American music. There is on-board service and a selection of drinks made with Andean fruits and herbs.
• The 360º: They have large panoramic windows, set with Latin American music, on-board service, with a selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as selling handcrafted products on board.
• The First Class: It has ambient music, natural flowers and covered tables. You will be served a welcome cocktail, lunch and / or gourmet dinner. Serves only in high tourist season (from April to October) and special dates.
• The Private: With capacity for 8 people. The car, known as the ‘Princess Inca’ is of the presidential class. The car has many details in its decoration, food on board, free bar. This train operates only by request.

 

Train tickets from Cusco to Machu Picchu

You can choose the best train from Cusco to Machu Picchu for your trip. Below you can view the schedules of the Peru Rail and Inca Rail train companies.

 

RELARED: VISTADOME VS 360 TRAIN

 

CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		FREQUENCY
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	41	04:20
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL DOOR TO DOOR	41	04:20
THE 360° BIMODAL	61	04:50
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	43	08:30
THE VOYAGER PREMIUM & LOUNGE BIMODAL	43	08:30
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	65	09:55
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	45	13:30
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	67	16:15

 

OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		FREQUENCY
THE VOYAGER	41	06:20
THE 360°	45	07:22
THE VOYAGER PREMIUM & LOUNGE	43	11:15
THE VOYAGER	41	11:15
THE VOYAGER	43	12:36
THE VOYAGER	65	16:36
THE VOYAGER	45	19:27

 

MACHU PICCHU TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

SERVICE		FREQUENCY
THE VOYAGER	41	08:30
THE VOYAGER	62	10:32
THE VOYAGER	44	14:30
THE 360°	64	16:12
THE VOYAGER	43	12:36
THE VOYAGER	65	16:36
THE VOYAGER	46	19:00
THE VOYAGER	68	21:30

 

MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

SERVICE		FREQUENCY
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	42	08:30
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	62	10:32
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	44	14:30
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL DOOR TO DOOR	44	14:30
THE 360° BIMODAL	64	16:12
THE 360° BIMODAL DOOR TO DOOR	64	16:12
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	46	19:00
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL DOOR TO DOOR	46	19:00
THE VOYAGER BIMODAL	68	21:30

 

CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	33	03:20	07:40
VISTADOME	301	04:20	08:27
VISTADOME	83	05:10	09:15
EXPEDITION	83	05:10	09:15
VISTADOME	33	05:40	09:54
EXPEDITION	33	05:40	09:54

 

RELATED: PERU RAIL CUSCO MACHU PICCHU

 

CUSCO (SAN PEDRO TRAIN STATION) TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	203	07:30	12:11
VISTADOME	203	07:30	12:11

 

POROY TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	33	06:40	09:54
VISTADOME	33	06:40	09:54
VISTADOME	203	08:25	12:11
EXPEDITION	203	08:25	12:11

 

URUBAMBA TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
VISTADOME INT	601	06:50	09:24

 

OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	71	05:05	06:35
EXPEDITION INT	81	06:10	07:40
VISTADOME INT	301	07:05	08:27
VISTADOME INT	83	07:45	09:15
EXPEDITION INT	83	07:45	09:15
VISTADOME	601	08:00	09:25
VISTADOME INT	33	08:29	09:54
EXPEDITION INT	33	08:29	09:54
EXPEDITION INT	203	10:32	12:11
VISTADOME INT	203	10:32	12:11
EXPEDITION	91	11:52	13:34
EXPEDITION	73	12:55	14:25
VISTADOME	73	12:55	14:25
VISTADOME	303	13:27	14:50
EXPEDITION	603	15:37	17:02
VISTADOME	603	15:37	17:02
EXPEDITION	75	19:04	20:45
VISTADOME	75	19:04	20:45
EXPEDITION	51	21:00	22:45

 

MACHU PICCHU TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	50	05:35	07:44
EXPEDITION	72	08:53	10:52
VISTADOME	302	10:55	12:32
VISTADOME	204	13:27	15:04
EXPEDITION	74	14:55	16:31
VISTADOME	74	14:55	16:31
VISTADOME INT	34	15:20	17:08
EXPEDITION INT	34	15:20	17:08
VISTADOME INT	304	15:48	17:29
VISTADOME INT	504	16:22	18:10
EXPEDITION INT	504	16:22	18:10
EXPEDITION INT	32	16:43	18:31
VISTADOME INT	32	16:43	18:31
VISTADOME	604	17:23	19:02
EXPEDITION INT	84	18:20	20:05
VISTADOME INT	84	18:20	20:05
EXPEDITION	86	20:50	22:20
VISTADOME	76	21:50	23:35
EXPEDITION	76	21:50	23:35

 

MACHU PICCHU TO POROY

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	34	15:20	19:05
VISTADOME	34	15:20	19:05
VISTADOME	32	16:43	20:23
EXPEDITION	32	16:43	20:23

 

MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO (SAN PEDRO TRAIN STATION)

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	32	16:43	21:23
VISTADOME	32	16:43	21:23

 

MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	34	15:20	19:45
VISTADOME	34	15:20	19:45
VISTADOME	304	15:48	20:05
EXPEDITION	504	16:22	20:30
VISTADOME	504	16:22	20:30
EXPEDITION	84	18:20	22:30
VISTADOME	84	18:20	22:30

 

HIDROLECTRICA TO MACHU PICCHU

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	72	07:54	08:35
EXPEDITION	504	14:50	15:34

 

MACHU PICCHU TO HIDROLECTRICA

SERVICE		DEPARTURE	ARRIVAL
EXPEDITION	71	06:45	07:29
EXPEDITION	07	13:15	13:46

 

RELATED: BUS FROM CUSCO TO HYDROELECTRIC

 

Where to board the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

There are 3 boarding stations for the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

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

 

How long does it take to travel by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The duration of the train trip (one way) depends on the station where the train is approached:

• From Poroy station (Cusco): The trip takes 3 hours and 15 minutes approximately.
• From the Urubamba station: The trip lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, approximately.
• From the Ollantaytambo station: The trip lasts a little less than 2 hours.

 

How is the train trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

The distance from Poroy station (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes is approximately 65.8 kilometers. The route crosses the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes 3 hours and 15 minutes approximately.

The distance from Urubamba to Aguas Calientes is 47.6 kilometers. The route is parallel to the Vilcanota River and the mountains. The trip lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, approximately.

The distance from the Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes is approximately 30.5 kilometers. The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu runs through the beautiful and green Sacred Valley of the Incas along the banks of the Urubamba River. The trip lasts a little less than 2 hours.

 

Conditions to board the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu

You must follow the following instructions to board the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu without complications:

• When boarding the train, you must show your travel ticket and your identity document or passport.
• The railway company will check your ticket before and during the trip.
• If you can not prove that you own the ticket, you will be prevented from boarding the train, with no option to claim.
• They will not let you board the train if your health condition is delicate. So also women in a state of gestation greater than or equal to seven months.
• They will prevent you from boarding the train if you are in an obvious state of drunkenness or under the influence of other substances.
• Young children must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

 

BIOSECURITY PROTOCOLS

CUSCO MACHU PICCHU TRAIN: NEW REGULATIONS

From November 15, 2021

Passengers over 45 years old who take the bimodal service (departure from Cusco) must present the complete vaccination dose.

From December 10, 2021

Passengers over 18 years will be able to embark the train if they show their certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 with full dose. Otherwise they must show a negative molecular test within the 72 hours prior to embark.
Passengers over 18 years will be able to entry to Peru Rail Inca Rail’s station, ticket office, waiting lounge and other closed spaces to attend the public, showing their digital or printed certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 with full dose.

 

CONTROLS AT THE ENTRY – STATION AND WAITING ROOMS

• Mask and face shield must be worn at all times. Otherwise, access will be restricted. This requirement is waived for people with special needs, newborns and infants.
• Upon entry, you must disinfect your hands. You will have at your disposal alcohol gel and/or disinfectant solution at the entrance and inside our facilities, as well as a tray for you to disinfect your shoes (sole).
• When entering, it must be in order, maintaining a minimum distance of 1.50 meter from other passengers.
• Authorized staff will take your body temperature. If you have a temperature higher than 38.0°C, access will be restricted and a medical evaluation will be indicated.
• The boarding pass and identity card must be carried and shown directly from your cell phone, thus avoiding physical contact.

CONTROLS WHEN BOARDING

• Mask and face shield must be worn at all times. Otherwise, access will be restricted. This requirement is waived for people with special needs, newborns and infants.
• Before boarding, body temperature will be taken. Passengers with a temperature higher than 38 °C will not be allowed to enter and will be given a medical evaluation.
• Before boarding, a sworn statement must be submitted in format digital or printed in accordance with current regulations.
• You can find and download the health affidavit forms here.
• We will provide you with disinfection trays for shoes (soles) as well as hand disinfectant prior to boarding.
• Your luggage must be disinfected before boarding and you will be informed where they must be located on the train.
• Follow the instructions of our staff and signs to enter in order maintaining the physical distance of at least 1.50 meter at all times.
• Have your digital boarding pass and your identity card at hand.

CONTROLS INSIDE THE TRAIN

• You must wear your mask and face shield throughout the journey.
• You must sit in your assigned seat and for your own safety, once in your seat, avoid moving around in order to reduce the risk and exposure of other people inside the train.
• The introduction and consumption of food and beverages on board is not allowed.
• For your safety, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth without first washing and/or disinfecting your hands.
• As far as possible, avoid touching surfaces of greater contact within the carriage.
• Disposal of the waste will be in accordance with the instructions of the On-board Service staff.
• Disposal of the waste will be in accordance with the instructions of the On-board Service personnel.
• We have an emergency protocol for handling any suspicious case that might arise on board, which includes a COVID-19 emergency kit and a first aid kit, as well as soap, alcohol/disinfectant solution, paper towels, waste cans and contingency plastic bags for solid waste disposal.
• Toilets are for urinal use only.
• You will receive safety information and instructions from our On-board Service staff.

CONTROLS AT DISEMBARKING

• Disembarking will be carried out in an orderly manner and without crowding.
• Follow the instructions of our On-board Service staff when getting off the train and respect the required physical distance.
• In order to comply with the established protocols, we will take your body temperature again.
• Forgotten objects will be disinfected and placed in a first use bag. You will need to inform our On-board Service staff so that they can guide you.

CARRIAGE CLEANING

• Our cleaning staff will periodically and frequently clean and disinfect the carriage (before and/or at the end of each journey) as well as the different environments and/or contact points (points of sale, waiting rooms, passageways, toilets, locks, door and window plates, handrails, etc.). Disinfectant solution and/or water + chlorine/bleach will be used in accordance with the health recommendations issued by the health entities.

 

Cusco to Machu Picchu tours

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

• Salkantay Trek
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem. Tierras Vivas offers the best Machu Picchu tours for you, you can browse our website