Overview — Taking the Train to Machu Picchu

The train to Machu Picchu is the most common and convenient way to reach Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the small town at the base of the citadel. Two companies operate the route: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer multiple daily departures with a range of service classes from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury.

There is no road access to Aguas Calientes, which means your only options are the train or a multi-day trek. For most visitors, the train is the ideal choice — it’s scenic, comfortable, and gets you there in under two hours from the Sacred Valley.

Train Routes to Machu Picchu

There are two main departure points for the train to Machu Picchu, each with a different travel time and experience:

Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes

This is the most popular route and the one included in most of our Machu Picchu tours. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and follows the Urubamba River through a spectacular valley flanked by steep mountains and lush vegetation. Ollantaytambo is located in the Sacred Valley, about 1.5 hours by road from Cusco.

Poroy (Cusco) → Aguas Calientes

This longer route departs from Poroy station, about 20 minutes outside Cusco city center. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes and offers a more complete scenic experience, winding through the highlands before descending into the subtropical valley. This route has fewer daily departures and is only available during certain months of the year.

Both routes arrive at Aguas Calientes station, from which Machu Picchu is a short bus ride or hike away.

Train Service Classes

Both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer multiple service tiers. Here’s a comparison of the main options available for the train to Machu Picchu:

Train Service	Operator	Key Features	Best For
Expedition	PeruRail	Comfortable seats, large windows, snack service	Budget-conscious travelers
Vistadome	PeruRail	Panoramic windows including ceiling glass, complimentary snacks and drinks, live entertainment	Travelers wanting a scenic experience
Hiram Bingham	PeruRail	Luxury 1920s Pullman-style carriages, gourmet brunch/dinner, cocktails, observatory car, guided tour included	Luxury travelers and special occasions
Voyager	Inca Rail	Comfortable reclining seats, panoramic windows, light snack	Standard comfortable travel
First Class	Inca Rail	Premium seating, gourmet menu, open-air observation deck, cocktail bar	Premium experience seekers

All train services include assigned seating and operate on fixed schedules. The Vistadome and Hiram Bingham services from PeruRail tend to sell out fastest during peak season.

Booking Tips for the Train to Machu Picchu

Getting your train tickets sorted early is key to a smooth Machu Picchu experience. Here are our top recommendations:

• Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (June–August). Popular departure times — especially early morning trains — sell out quickly.
• All Wonders of Peru Expeditions Machu Picchu tours include round-trip train tickets. We select the best departure times and handle all bookings so you don’t need to navigate the ticketing systems yourself.
• Bring your original passport. You must present it when boarding the train — your ticket is linked to your passport number and staff will check it at the platform.
• Choose morning departures if possible. This gives you the most time at Machu Picchu and the best lighting for photos.

What to Expect on Board

The train journey to Aguas Calientes is one of the highlights of any Machu Picchu trip. Here’s what you should know before you board:

• Assigned seats: All trains have assigned seating. Your seat number is printed on your ticket.
• Luggage limits: Each passenger is allowed one personal bag weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs). Larger luggage must be left at your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo — there is no checked baggage service.
• Stunning scenery: The route follows the Urubamba River through a narrow valley with towering peaks, terraced hillsides, and cloud-forest vegetation. Keep your camera ready.
• Journey time: Approximately 1.5 hours from Ollantaytambo, or 3.5 hours from Poroy/Cusco.
• Onboard service: Varies by class. Expedition and Voyager include a light snack. Vistadome adds drinks and entertainment. Hiram Bingham is a full luxury dining experience.

Getting from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes by train, you still need to get up to Machu Picchu itself. The citadel sits on a mountain ridge approximately 400 meters above the town. There are two options:

Shuttle Bus (Recommended)

Consettur operates a fleet of shuttle buses that run continuously from the bus station in Aguas Calientes up to the Machu Picchu entrance gate. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes along a series of steep switchbacks. Buses depart every few minutes starting at 5:30 AM.

Bus tickets can be purchased at the Consettur office in Aguas Calientes or online in advance. If you’re traveling with Wonders of Peru Expeditions, bus tickets are included in all of our Machu Picchu tour packages.

Hike Up

For those who prefer to walk, a steep trail of stairs leads from Aguas Calientes to the entrance gate. The hike takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your fitness level and the altitude. It’s a strenuous climb — roughly 1,700 stone steps — but rewarding for those who enjoy the challenge.