PeruRail Expedition Train: The most economical option to Machu Picchu

Summary

Schedules: Multiple daily schedules
Duration: Depends on the route chosen
Allowed luggage: Up to 8kg
Seat type: Comfortable and spacious
Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, PayPal.
Onboard services: Audio tour, Ambient music
Sale of food and drinks on board
Bathroom: The train has a comfortable bathroom

Resumen

PeruRail’s Expedition train is an economical and comfortable option for travelling to Machu Picchu. Its interior design is inspired by Incan culture, offering an authentic atmosphere during the journey. It has large panoramic windows that allow you to enjoy the impressive Andean landscapes throughout the trip.



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Itinerary departing at 5:40 AM:

1

Departure from Cusco – Ollantaytambo (bus):

  • Schedule: Bus departure from Cusco at 05:40 AM to go to Ollantaytambo.
  • Journey time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Arrival in Ollantaytambo: Approximately 07:30 AM.
2

Departure from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Expedition Train):

  • The PeruRail Expedition train leaves Ollantaytambo at approximately 08:00 AM and arrives in Aguas Calientes around 10:00 AM.
  • Train journey time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
3

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 11:00 AM.
4

Visit to Machu Picchu (own account):

  • Upon arrival at Machu Picchu at 11:00 AM, you can begin your tour.
  • I would recommend taking a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
  • Recommended visit duration: Between 2 and 4 hours depending on the amount of time you wish to spend exploring the site.
5

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

  • Return by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM depending on when you finish your visit.
6

Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo:

  • Return train times from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: There are afternoon options, but the ideal is to take a train between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, after having eaten and had a short tour of Aguas Calientes.
  • Duration of the train journey: Approximately 1.5 and 2 hours.
    • If you take the train at 16:43 PM, you would arrive in Ollantaytambo around 18:30 PM.
7

Return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (bus):

  • Schedule: The bus back to Cusco will leave at approximately 7:00 PM.
  • Journey time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Arrival in Cusco: Approximately at 9:00 PM.



All routes of the PeruRail Expedition train

Travel comfortably on PeruRail’s Expedition 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
    • Approximate price: USD 60.00
    • Departure times:
      Schedule Departure time Arrival Time
      Day 05:35 07:44
      Day 08:53 10:52
      Vespertines 12:55 14:25
      Vespertines 15:20 17:08
      Vespertines 16:36 18:09
      Nocturnes 19:04 20:45
      Nocturnes 21:00 22:45
  • Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo Route
    • Departure station: Machu Picchu
    • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
    • Approximate price: USD 60.00
    • Departure times:
      Schedule Departure time Arrival Time
      Day 05:35 07:44
      Day 08:53 10:52
      Vespertines 13:37 15:04
      Vespertines 14:55 16:41
      Vespertines 15:20 17:08
      Vespertines 16:22 18:10
      Vespertines 16:43 18:31
      Vespertines 17:23 19:02
      Nocturnes 18:20 20:05
      Nocturnes 20:50 22:20
      Nocturnes 21:50 23:37
  • Hydroelectric Route – Machu Picchu:
    • Departure station: Hidroeléctrica (near Santa Teresa).
    • Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes.
    • Approximate price: USD 39.00
    • Departure times:
      Schedule Departure time Arrival Time
      Day 07:54 08:35
      Vespertines 14:50 15:34
  • Machu Picchu – Hydroelectric Route:
    • Departure station: Machu Picchu
    • Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes.
    • Approximate price: USD 39.00
    • Departure times:
      Schedule Departure time Arrival Time
      Day 06:45 07:29
      Day 13:30 14:15
  • Poroy – Machu Picchu Route
    • Departure station: Poroy (13 km from Cusco)
    • Availability:
      • May – December
    • Travel time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • Machu Picchu – Route Poroy
    • Departure station: Machu Picchu
    • Availability:
      • May – December
    • Travel time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

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 PeruRail Expedition train leaving at 5:40 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.


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.
  • Infants under 3 years old do not pay a fare and will occupy the parents’ seat, unless they wish to have a seat for themselves, in which case the cost will be 25% off the ticket purchase.
  • Children ages 3-11 are eligible for a 25% discount on ticket purchases.
  • 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.
  • PeruRail Wifi: Exclusive Internet access service for passengers at the Poroy, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu stations.
  • Seat assignment is random.

Preguntas frecuentes

Yes, the train tracks are open all year round. This is because access to Machu Picchu is also open all year round. However, during the rainy season, flooding and overflowing of the river sometimes occur. This unforeseen environmental and natural event often causes trips to be delayed or, in more extreme cases, closure until the train tracks are rehabilitated. In the event of these problems, the client or tourist is notified so that they can take the necessary precautions.
At the time of booking, you will need to show your identity documents or passport, this is only to validate your information and proceed with the reservation. On the other hand, you may need to book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket in advance so that both reservations coincide and you do not have any unforeseen events or delays on your trip.
Yes, you can book entrance tickets with some discounts that the operating agencies see fit. You can also find other offers on our platform RailMachuPicchu.com
When booking a trip to Machu Picchu, you are usually asked for your entrance ticket to the Inca citadel, to help you make the reservation and also to guide you. You can book the train trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo without needing to have a reservation for the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. That is, you can make the trip for other purposes without any problem.
There are no restrictions that prevent you from travelling directly. However, travellers are asked to only travel with what is necessary. Although there are some trains with dedicated spaces for luggage, in the end they end up being a nuisance even for the owners themselves. But if you absolutely must take your luggage with you, you can use the storages at the train station or at the hotels where you will spend the night. The luggage allowed for travellers is one carry-on bag.