PeruRail trains heading to Machu Picchu

Book everything you need to reach Machu Picchu. In addition to the train ticket, our advisors can help you get the entrance ticket to the Inca citadel. Also, you can get a free quote for other options and adventures in Cusco with no commitment.

Expedition Train to Machu Picchu

The most affordable option from PeruRail for traveling to Machu Picchu. It offers comfortable and personal seats throughout the journey. The easiest way to reach Machu Picchu with all the amenities for a safe trip. Daily departures are the highlight of this train. All of this without sacrificing the comfort of an unforgettable journey.

Information about the Expedition Train by PeruRail

• The Expedition train features a special design to ensure a comfortable journey.
• Thanks to its decorations and layout, it offers beautiful views of the landscape.
• The passenger wagon has large windows.
• The interior is made of local materials such as Andean motifs, wood, and more.
• The seats are arranged around a foldable table.
• The wagon offers the option to listen to audio about the places traveled and Machu Picchu.
• Onboard services and snacks with beverages are available.
• This train offers several daily departures and also has great availability.

The Expedition Train includes these services

• Travel wagon with comfortable and personal seats.
• Panoramic windows that allow you to enjoy the landscapes.
• Foldable tables and comfortable chairs around.
• Onboard service with snacks and beverages available.
• Background music and a comfortable atmosphere for a pleasant journey.

Benefits of traveling on the Expedition Train

• Tourist or economy service by PeruRail.
• You can make reservations online with complete security.
• Ideal train for the journey with a variety of schedules.
• Secure virtual payments with Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal credit or debit cards.
• Option to cancel and change travel dates (with 3 days’ notice).
• Travel assistance to complete your trip to Machu Picchu with tickets and new routes or services.
• Constant communication and follow-up on the services provided.

Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu

A more comfortable option with onboard service. You will be part of a train with beautiful views on the way to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the best experiences of traveling by train. The Vistadome train offers onboard service, where you can purchase snacks and beverages. Experience the magic of the landscapes along the route to Machu Picchu and enjoy a live dance show.

Information about the Vistadome Train

• The Vistadome train is an ideal option to witness the beautiful landscapes along the route to Machu Picchu.
• It is a great train for having new experiences during the journey.
• The travel wagon has panoramic windows, including windows on the roof.
• It features comfortable and personal seats for each reservation.
• A cultural performance, expressed through dance, is presented during the return route.
• Enjoy onboard service with snacks and beverages available for purchase.
• It operates every day.

The Vistadome Train includes these services

• A travel wagon with comfortable seats and ample space for luggage.
• Ambient music can be played onboard.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages are available.
• Some areas offer audiotours with information about the route and Machu Picchu.
• Brief stop near Laguna Huaypo, ideal for photos (subject to availability).
• Beautiful views of Nevado Chicón, Verónica, and Salkantay.
• On return trains, you can enjoy a display of woven alpaca garments.

Benefits of traveling on the Vistadome Train

• A service that provides new experiences along the route to Machu Picchu.
• Secure online reservations with complete peace of mind.
• An ideal train for family travelers and groups of friends.
• Offers stunning views during the journey.
• Experience the change in geography upon reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• Completely secure virtual payments using Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.
• Option to cancel and reschedule the trip (with 3 days’ notice).
• Travel assistance and suggestions for additional activities.
• Communication for any inquiries before and during the service.

Vistadome Observatory Train to Machu Picchu

A panoramic option to enjoy the entire route to Machu Picchu. Ideal for photography and experiencing a new way of traveling. This train service allows you to enter the balcony car for a while to enjoy stunning views of the different landscapes. Live shows, such as dances and music, are also part of the experience. Discover new experiences in complete comfort.

Information about the Vistadome Observatory Train

• The train has spacious cars with large windows and comfortable seats.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape along the way.
• The additional Observatory car has a balcony and socializing spaces.
• This car offers live music performances.
• The minimalist design of the train ensures a pleasant journey.
• Snacks and beverages are available during the trip.
• You can also enjoy a display of alpaca clothing and live dance performances.
• The train operates daily departures.

The Vistadome Observatory Train includes these services

• Spacious car with comfortable and personal seating.
• Exclusive car with a balcony, where you will spend part of the journey.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages.
• Onboard service with additional snacks, beverages, and other products available for purchase.
• Live music performances.
• Live dance shows.
• Fashion show in Cusco.
• Comfort for both the outbound and return trips.

Benefits of traveling on the Vistadome Observatory Train

• Exclusive service from PeruRail.
• Reserve your ticket from the comfort of your home.
• Perfect for stunning views and photography opportunities.
• Secure payment platform, accepting Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
• Option to cancel or reschedule your trip (with 3 days’ notice).
• Travel assistance and recommendations for other activities.
• Constant communication and service follow-up.

Hiram Bingham Train Route Cusco – Machu Picchu

Arrive at Machu Picchu with the best service from PeruRail. Enjoy luxurious decor and stunning views. Discover the Hiram Bingham train in our gallery. This train offers several onboard services, including a gourmet menu, a traditional welcome show, and live music during the journey. It also features an observation car, perfect for the best views of the Cusco landscape.

Information about the Hiram Bingham Train

• The Hiram Bingham train is the luxury option offered by PeruRail.
• It is one of the best trains offering services for the most discerning tourists.
• The train features spacious cars with comfortable seating arrangements.
• The travel cars have large windows and luxurious decor.
• You can access the observation car, which has balconies for better views.
• This car also has a space to sit and enjoy the landscape.
• Live music is also available in the observation car.
• A gourmet menu is served during the journey.
• The train’s departure time varies based on availability, sometimes departing from Poroy station and other times from Río Sagrado station.
• This train does not operate daily.
• It is recommended to make reservations in advance to secure entry tickets to the Inca citadel.

The Hiram Bingham train includes the following services

• Cars with luxurious decor and furniture.
• Gourmet lunch or dinner served in luxury glassware.
• The gourmet menu includes appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
• An observation car with a balcony, exclusively for passengers.
• Advance reservations for this train include tickets to Machu Picchu.
• Wine, cocktails, and other beverages available for tasting.
• Live musicians, a dance show, and a fashion show.
• Snack sales and onboard services.
• Welcome show at the train station’s waiting room.
• Snacks and beverages in the waiting room (subject to availability).

Benefits of traveling on the Hiram Bingham Train

• Exclusive luxury service.
• Option to make advance reservations to secure your entry ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Secure reservation and constant communication.
• Option to taste Peruvian cuisine.
• Access to other services and destinations for an additional fee.
• Receive your ticket weeks before the trip.
• Easy booking process, plus discover train availability.
• International payment options with the best payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.
• Option to cancel or reschedule your trip (with 3 days’ notice).
• Travel assistance and recommendations for other activities from the TrenMachuPicchu.net team.
• Constant support for any inquiries.

Train journeys to Machu Picchu are a unique experience

What is the experience of traveling by train to Machu Picchu?

• Train journeys are safe and really comfortable, regardless of the type of train you choose.
• All types of trains offer comfortable seating, ideal for the 5-hour journey to Machu Picchu.
• You can travel both day and night, thanks to the variety of schedules available.
• The journey can start from Cusco or other stations such as Ollantaytambo and Poroy.
• The journey allows you to reach Machu Picchu in just one day.
• All trains have hygienic facilities on board, increasing comfort.
• The trip offers a chance to appreciate the change in geography as you enter the high jungle of Cusco.
• You will also experience an increase in temperature as you enter the high jungle and the tropical climate of Machu Picchu.

When should I opt for the complete or bimodal service?

• The bimodal service involves traveling to Machu Picchu using two types of transportation.
• Normally, this service is offered by tour operators for those traveling to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
• In this sense, the bimodal service differs from direct train journeys.
• The bimodal service begins at a station in Cusco, from where you will board buses to another train station.
• Other stations depend on availability and the time of year the trip is made.
• The most common station is Ollantaytambo, but you may also find stations at Poroy and Río Sagrado.
• This service should be booked if you want to avoid traveling on your own to the train station outside Cusco.
• The train ride from Cusco can take up to 5 hours. One option to shorten the trip by nearly an hour is to use the bimodal service.
• If you are doing a hiking route, such as the Inca Trail, it’s recommended to take the direct train.
• The latter ensures you enjoy more time on the train journey and experience.
• The second leg (Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo) takes about 2 hours.

The best PeruRail schedules to reach Machu Picchu

• For a Machu Picchu Full Day
  • If you plan to visit Machu Picchu in just one day, it is recommended to take the earliest trains of the day.
  • For departures from Cusco, it is recommended to take the 03:20 or 05:10 morning trains.
  • For departures from Ollantaytambo, the recommended times are 05:05, 06:10, and 07:05 hours.
  • For this, tickets for Machu Picchu must be scheduled for entry at 7:00, 8:00, or 9:00 hours.
  • The travel time from Cusco to Machu Picchu is 4 hours.
  • The travel time from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is 1 hour and 32 minutes.
  • For the return train, you can choose trains that depart after 16:00 hours.
  • This will give you plenty of time to explore more of the Machu Picchu district and its artisan market.
• For an afternoon visit to Machu Picchu
  • Visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon is possible with proper timing.
  • One ideal schedule from the Wanchaq station is at 07:20 hours.
  • If departing from the Ollantaytambo station, the recommended time is 10:32 hours.
  • The approximate arrival time is 12:11 hours, perfect for a delicious lunch.
  • It is recommended to have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo before entering the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
  • Entry to Machu Picchu should be scheduled for 14:00 hours or later.
  • The recommended route is Circuit 2, as this allows entry up until 15:00 hours.
  • For the return, it is recommended to take trains departing from 18:20 hours.
  • There are also trains departing at 20:50 and 21:50 hours.
• For the 4-day Inca Trail
  • To start the Inca Trail, you must take a short train ride to kilometer 84.
  • You can begin the journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
  • The most recommended schedules for departing from Cusco are 03:20 and 05:10.
  • You can also travel from Ollantaytambo at 05:05, 06:10, 07:05, and 08:29 hours.
  • It is recommended to inform the train staff of your intention to disembark at kilometer 84, near the Piscacucho community.
  • The hike starts from the Piscacucho camp.
• For the 2-day Inca Trail
  • To start the 2-day Inca Trail, you must take a short train ride to kilometer 104.
  • You can begin the journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
  • The most recommended schedules for departing from Cusco are 03:20 and 05:10.
  • You can also travel from Ollantaytambo at 05:05, 06:10, 07:05, and 08:29 hours.
  • It is recommended to inform the train staff of your intention to disembark at kilometer 104, near the Chachabamba camp.
  • The hike starts from the Chachabamba camp.

How to acquire bus service to the Machu Picchu archaeological site

Machu Picchu Pueblo is the district that houses the last train station to reach the archaeological site. From this point, there is still a brief journey or walk to get there. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• It is possible to make reservations online well in advance, even before arriving in Cusco.
• It is important to mention that the reservations do not have a fixed schedule.
• However, it is recommended to arrive at the station 40 minutes to an hour before your entry time.
• Upon arriving at Machu Picchu Pueblo, the eco-friendly bus station is less than 10 minutes away from the train station.
• Getting there is quite easy, and many people will be heading to that location.
• The buses have a limited capacity, so each tourist will have a seat.
• The seats are assigned randomly or in some cases on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The travel time to the Machu Picchu entry area is 30 minutes.
• Some tourists choose to walk up, and the estimated time for this activity is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• The route is entirely uphill, and at some points, you will have to follow stairs with uneven terrain.
• The walking route is quite safe, but it is demanding.
• To walk, you should follow the bus path until you cross the bridge, then follow the pedestrian trail.
• To descend back to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you can choose either option.

Information about PeruRail

Since 1999, PeruRail has been operating the Cusco-Machu Picchu route. Over time, improvements were made, and new train stations were opened to maintain smooth service. Additionally, since 2003, it has been possible to take luxury trips on the Hiram Bingham train.

Later, trips to other destinations such as Puno and Arequipa were introduced, following the first rail lines. The experience gained over 25 years has firmly established it as one of the main options for traveling to Machu Picchu. It also offers many alternatives and services on its trains.

Frequently Asked Questions