Inca Rail’s The Premium and Lounge Train: Comfort and Exclusivity on the way to Machu Picchu

Information

Schedules: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Duration: approximately 1h 40m

Priority boarding

Pisco Sour Tasting: Available on return

Live music show

Allowed luggage: Up to 8kg

Food: Experience with Andean flavors

Lounge/Bar Car

Seating Type: Comfortable, spacious and designed to maximize the viewing experience

Open-air observation car

Summary

Inca Rail’s The Premium and Lounge Train offers an exclusive and luxurious experience to Machu Picchu, combining comfort and indigenous cultural elements. With spacious and comfortable seats, panoramic windows that allow you to admire the Andean landscapes, and a lounge car with a bar, this train creates a perfect environment to relax while enjoying local cuisine and live music.

What train schedule is best for me from Cusco?

The train schedule that best suits you to make the most of the day is the one that leaves in the morning. If you are going from Cusco, you would opt for the bimodal route with the following itinerary:

If you decide to take the Inca Rail The Premium and Lounge train (Light Service) leaving at 8:30 AM from Cusco (via the bimodal route Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu) (and return Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco), here is the optimized itinerary to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary departing at 8:30 AM:

Departure from Cusco – Ollantaytambo (bus):

Schedule: Bus departure from Cusco at 08:30 AM to go to Ollantaytambo.
Duration of the journey: Approximately 2 hours.
Arrival in Ollantaytambo: Approximately 10:30 AM..

Departure from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (The Premium and Lounge Train):

Inca Rail’s The Premium and Lounge train leaves Ollantaytambo at approximately 10:30 AM and arrives in Aguas Calientes around 12:30 AM.
Duration of the train journey: Approximately 2 hours.

Bus trip to Machu Picchu (own account):

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu. Buses usually leave every 10-15 minutes.
Bus travel time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Arrival at Machu Picchu: Approximately 1:30 PM.

Visit to Machu Picchu (own account):

Upon arrival at Machu Picchu at 1:30 PM, you can begin your tour.
We recommend taking a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
Recommended visit duration: Between 3 and 4 hours depending on the amount of time you wish to spend exploring the site.

Return from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (own account):

Return by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 5:00 PM depending on when you finish your visit.

Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo:

Return train schedule from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: The ideal time to take the 7:00 PM train is after having eaten and had a short tour of Aguas Calientes.
Duration of the train journey: Approximately 2 hours.
- If you take the train at 7:00 PM, you would arrive in Ollantaytambo around 9:00 PM.

Return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (bus):

Schedule: The bus back to Cusco will leave at approximately 9:00 PM.
Duration of the journey: Approximately 2 hours.
Arrival in Cusco: Around 11:00 PM.

Premium and Lounge train in high season

It’s important to book your ticket in advance, especially in peak season, to secure your place on The Premium and Lounge train, as seats can sell out quickly. Purchasing your tickets in advance not only ensures you get the time you prefer, but also allows you to take advantage of any special offers and discounts available, such as those offered to students and children.

Inca Rail The Premium and Lounge Train service route map

Detailed map of the train route to Machu Picchu, highlighting iconic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Includes major stops such as Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, with information on amenities, tourist attractions, and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.

Main routes The Premium and Lounge train by Inca Rail

Travel comfortably on Inca Rail’s The Premium and Lounge Train from Ollantaytambo to the magical town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to one of the wonders of the world.

Buy your tickets today and secure your spot on this unique journey. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the history, culture and beauty of Machu Picchu. Book now and make your dream trip come true!

Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Route

Departure station: Ollantaytambo
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes

Departure times:

Schedule	Departure time	Arrival Time
Diurnal	11:15	12:41

Types of service and prices:

Type of Service	Approximate price	Includes
Light	99 USD	Live music Luggage storage Snack and drink Priority boarding Lounge/Bar Car

Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo Route

Departure station: Machu Picchu.
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes

Departure times:

Schedule	Departure time	Arrival Time
Nocturnes	19:00	20:41

Types of service and prices:

Type of Service	Approximate price	Includes
Light	92 USD	Live music Luggage storage Snack and drink Lounge/Bar Car

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Bimodal Route:

Description: On this route travelers will begin their journey on a bus from the city of Cusco to Ollantaytambo, from there they will board the Inca Rail The Premium and Lounge train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
Departure and arrival stations:
- Bus:
  - Departure: Cusco
  - Arrival: Ollantaytambo
- Train:
  - Departure: Ollantaytambo
  - Arrival: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Duration of the trip:
- Bus: Approximately 2 hours from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Train: Approximately 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Total: Around 4 hours from Cusco to Machu Picchu, depending on bus and train connections.

Departure times:

Schedule	Departure time	Arrival Time
Diurnal	08:30	12:41

Types of service and prices:

Type of Service	Approximate price	Includes
Light	99 USD	Live music Luggage storage Snack and drink Priority boarding Lounge/Bar Car

Bimodal Route Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Description: On this route travelers will board the Inca Rail The Premium and Lounge train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo, from there they will take a bus to the city of Cusco.
Departure and arrival stations:
- Train:
  - Departure: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
  - Arrival: Ollantaytambo
- Bus:
  - Departure: Ollantaytambo
  - Arrival: Cusco
Duration of the trip:
- Train: Approximately 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus: Approximately 2 hours from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
- Total: Approximately 4 hours from Cusco to Machu Picchu, depending on bus and train connections.

Departure times:

Schedule	Departure time	Arrival Time
Nocturnes	19:00	23:00

Types of service and prices:

Type of Service	Approximate price	Includes
Light	91 USD	Live music Luggage storage Snack and drink Lounge/Bar Car Priority boarding

Discounts for children and students

Inca Rail offers special discounts for children and students to make the trip to Machu Picchu more accessible. Children under 2 years old travel free on Inca Rail trains, as long as they do not occupy a seat. For children from 2 to 11 years old, a discount is applied to the cost of the ticket, which varies depending on the season and the type of service chosen. In addition, students can access discounted rates by presenting their card or certificate proving their student status.

Recommendations

Prices are per person per route and include general sales tax. Please note that payment of general sales tax (IGV) is mandatory under Peruvian law.
Children up to 2 years of age do not pay a fare and will occupy the parents’ seat, unless they request a seat for themselves. In the case of an adult passenger traveling with two children up to 2 years of age, the second child must occupy a seat, therefore, he or she must pay a child fare ticket and request a free ticket for the first child.
The baggage allowance must not exceed 8 kg/17.64 lbs per passenger.
We remind you that on the day of your trip you must arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train departs.
Passengers wishing to travel with a pet must request this 48 hours prior to travel. Pets must pay USD 50.00 for the fare. Visually impaired people who require a trained animal to guide them may transport them free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Premium & Lounge Train offers a luxurious experience with comfortable seating, panoramic windows, an exclusive lounge car with a bar, an open-air balcony and live music, providing a unique experience of comfort.

The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on road conditions and departure station.

Services include comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, snacks, access to a lounge car with bar, open-air balcony, live music and exclusive treatment for passengers.

Yes, Inca Rail offers special discounts for students with a valid card and for children under 12 years old.

Yes, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and take advantage of possible discounts.

Yes, The Premium and Lounge Train is designed to be accessible for people with reduced mobility.

The train is equipped with trained personnel, ventilation systems and safety protocols to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Each passenger can carry a backpack or small bag weighing up to 8 kg.

Change and cancellation policies may vary depending on the rate purchased. It is important to consult the terms at the time of purchase.

The bimodal service includes a bus transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, followed by a train ride. It is ideal for those starting their journey from Cusco.

Yes, the observation car can be enjoyed at any time during the journey, allowing a direct connection with nature.

Yes, depending on the schedules selected, it is possible to travel there and back on the same day.

Yes, dietary options can be requested at the time of booking.

Yes, it is highly recommended to make an advance reservation to secure your spot, especially during peak season.