Types of Trains to Machu Picchu
The marvelous sanctuary of Machu Picchu is located 74.7 km from the city of Cusco, and to get there, it is necessary to take a car and then transfer to take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
In Cusco, there are two train companies that operate to Machu Picchu Pueblo: Perurail and Inca Rail. These companies offer various types of trains to cater to all preferences. Regardless of which train you choose, the train travel time is always 1 hour and 40 minutes.
We understand that it can be a bit challenging to compare these trains online. That’s why Cusco Transporte aims to simplify the comparison process so you can choose the best train for your visit to Machu Picchu through this blog, which describes all the types of trains offered by both companies.
Choose the best train class, and we will take care of designing your itinerary to visit Machu Picchu with the best transportation and tour services in Peru, as you already know!
PERURAIL
This train company offers 3 types of trains:
Hiram Bingham:
This train is one of the best on the route to Machu Picchu, thanks to the high-quality onboard services. Furthermore, the train’s carriage interiors are exclusively inspired by 1920s Pullman carriages to provide a dreamy experience during the journey.
The Hiram Bingham train features a dining car, a bar car, and even a panoramic balcony where you can enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, you will be treated to a live music performance that adds an unforgettable and unique ambiance to this train journey.
Here are some details about this train:
- Included services: Enjoy live music onboard, an open area to connect with nature, restrooms on the train and at train stations, and receive a “Hiram Bingham” backpack.
- Boarding stations: Poroy (Cusco), San Pedro in bimodal mode (Cusco), or Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Routes: From Poroy to Machu Picchu Pueblo and return to Poroy.
- Departure days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
You can rely on us for your transfer to the train station!
Vistadome:
This train on the way to Machu Picchu offers a new experience. Because all its tourist cars have large windows on the walls and the ceiling that allow panoramic views!
Furthermore, the Vistadome train allows you to have a privileged view of the surrounding nature due to the constant changes in altitude levels that we will experience on the way to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
- Included services: Enjoy typical dances or a textile aisle onboard, as well as listen to Andean music audios and tourist information. Additionally, there are restrooms (on the train and at train stations), and there is even an open car for enjoying nature, along with large windows in each car.
- Boarding stations: Poroy (Cusco), as well as San Pedro in bimodal mode (Cusco), or Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Routes: From Poroy to Machu Picchu Pueblo and back to Poroy. Also, from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo and back to Ollantaytambo.
- Departure days: Every day of the year, at different times.
Expedition:
If you desire an affordable and fun train journey to Machu Picchu, along the Vilcanota River, then the Expedition train is the one for you.
This tourist train offers comfortable seats for you to enjoy the journey, and it features Inca decorations on all the walls of the carriage. Furthermore, the quality of onboard service makes the Expedition train an important prelude to visiting Machu Picchu.
- Included services: Enjoy audio music and restroom facilities on the train and at train stations.
- Boarding stations: Poroy (Cusco), San Pedro (Cusco) bimodal, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Routes: Poroy – Machu Picchu Pueblo – Poroy. Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo – Ollantaytambo.
- Departure days: Every day of the year, at different times.
INCA RAIL
This train company also offers 3 types of trains:
First Class:
This train on the way to Machu Picchu offers a higher level of comfort and interior space. In this luxury train, you can enjoy a strategically decorated environment with panoramic windows that provide a better appreciation of the canyon landscapes you will pass through. Additionally, you will enjoy comfortable seats with personal tables. But the highlight of this train is the Observatory-Lounge with live music; this space is a balcony that puts you in direct contact with all the beauty of the surrounding nature.
- Included services: Audio and live music, personalized onboard service, panoramic windows, balcony, restrooms on the train and at train stations.
- Boarding stations: Cusco (bimodal), Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Routes: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo – Ollantaytambo.
360°:
If you desire unique panoramic views on the way to Machu Picchu through the Vilcanota Canyon, this train will surprise you.
The panoramic windows of this train are much wider and taller than those of other trains. Additionally, this train features a carriage that includes an open space to enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
This train is the only one with Wi-Fi onboard, so you will never be disconnected from the world!
- Included services: Audio music, Wi-Fi, panoramic windows, open carriage, restrooms on the train and at train stations.
- Boarding stations: Cusco (bimodal), Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Routes: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo – Ollantaytambo.
- Departure days: Every day of the year, at different times.
The Voyager:
Begin your adventure on the way to Machu Picchu aboard this train that offers high-quality seats and services.
Enjoy the landscapes offered by this route; during the journey, you can see the snow-capped Veronica Mountain, the start of the Inca Trail, Wiñayhuayna, and other impressive places from the comfort of your seat.
If you’re looking for a high-quality train at affordable prices, this is the best choice.
- Included services: Audio music, personalized onboard service, restrooms on the train and at train stations.
- Boarding stations: Cusco (bimodal), Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Routes: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo – Ollantaytambo.
- Departure days: Every day of the year, at different times.
SOLVING SOME QUESTIONS
How long does the train from Ollantaytambo to Cusco take?
This train journey takes 3 hours, so while you travel back to Cusco, you can enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes.
How do I get from Cusco Airport to Aguas Calientes?
The first part of this journey must be done by car until you reach Ollantaytambo (2 hours), then you need to transfer to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1 hour and 40 minutes), and that is the easiest and fastest way to visit Machu Picchu.
And what about the train schedules?
Both train companies have different schedules. You can check them on the PeruRail website or the IncaRail website.
Is there a bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco?
In reality, there is no direct bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. The only way to return to Cusco is by taking the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then taking a car or bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Additionally, this is the safest way to return from Machu Picchu.
Now that you have chosen your favorite train type, we will be delighted to plan your itinerary for Machu Picchu, taking care of all your transportation and tourism services in Cusco and Peru, so you can comfortably visit the jewel of the Andes: Machu Picchu. Contact us!
