Types of tickets and trains

Routes and types of trains

Choosing a train ticket to Machu Picchu requires understanding the logic of transportation in the Cusco region. The two public railway companies, PeruRail and IncaRail, operate the line between Cusco and Aguas Calientes [also called Machu Picchu]. Depending on the point of departure, availability, and other factors, the trip may be entirely by train, or first by bus and then by train. In all cases, from Ollantaytambo, the journey must be made by train to Aguas Calientes [also known as Machu Picchu Village].

The departure (or arrival) stations are therefore the following, depending on the train and availability:

Bus station of Wanchaq, in Cusco (east).^P
Bus station of Avenue El Sol 843, in Cusco.^I
Bus and train station of San Pedro, in Cusco (west).^P
Bus and train station of Poroy, 20 minutes from Cusco.^P
Bus and train station of Ollantaytambo, 90 minutes from Cusco.
Bus and train station of Urubamba, 90 minutes from Cusco.^P
Train station of Aguas Calientes.
Train station of Hidroeléctrica, which we do not offer.^P

^POnly for PeruRail.
^IOnly for IncaRail.

Itinerary between Cusco and Aguas Calientes

When buying your tickets from our pages, we automatically add the transfer bus if necessary. The price therefore already includes the bus. An example trip would be a bus from Wanchaq station (Cusco) to Ollantaytambo, then a train to Aguas Calientes. This double mode of transport is called the bimodal.

It should be noted that there are 4 categories of trains for each of the 2 companies, and round trips throughout the day. This represents no less than 133 trips per day! Fortunately, our booking page simplifies your choice by automatically showing the available trains for each company.

Terms and conditions

All train tickets correspond to a trip on a specific date and time, with a reserved seat, and therefore subject to availability. Boarding usually takes place at least 30 minutes before departure. The permitted luggage is limited (small bag or cabin suitcase), in accordance with the company’s baggage policy. Train tickets do not include the bus to Machu Picchu, nor the entrance to Machu Picchu or any other site, which can be purchased separately on our dedicated site https://ticket-machupicchu.com.

The 4 categories of trains

1) Expedition^P or The Voyager^I — the economical and practical option

Comfortable seats, functional carriages, Andean atmosphere.
Standard side windows (less panoramic than Vistadome).
Basic onboard service (snacks/drinks for sale or offered depending on route).
Ideal for a controlled budget without sacrificing reliability.

2) Vistadome^P or The 360°^I — panoramic views and superior comfort

Large side windows + glass roof panels to enjoy the Sacred Valley.
More spacious seats, bright atmosphere, enhanced photo experience.
Snack and drink often included on some services, occasional entertainment.
Excellent compromise between comfort, views, and price.

3) Vistadome Observatory^P or The Prime^I — the observation car

Access to an observation car (lounge/bar/platform depending on train) to admire the landscape.
More immersive experience: possibility to move for the views, live music on some departures.
Service and comfort of Vistadome, with the extra “observatory” advantage.
Higher price than the standard Vistadome; observatory seats subject to availability.

4) Hiram Bingham^P or The First Class^I — the luxury experience

Orient-Express style: restaurant car, bar, lounge/observation.
Gourmet meals, selected drinks, live music atmosphere.
Ideal for a unique and high-end experience.

Tips for choosing

Views and photos: choose Vistadome/Vistadome Observatory.
Budget: Expedition offers the best price.
Complete experience: Hiram Bingham for an “all-inclusive” trip (depending on date).
Outbound ≠ Return: you can mix (e.g., Outbound in Expedition, Return in Vistadome).
Stations: Ollantaytambo is the most used; Cusco/San Pedro, Poroy, or Urubamba available depending on season and works.
Schedules: early morning departures = more time on the site; late afternoon returns = golden views of the valley.

Schedules and availability

It is important to carefully choose the departure/arrival station, schedule, and category at the time of booking. And since seats are limited, anticipation is essential. In addition, as with plane tickets, the train ticket price increases as the travel date approaches. Changes are generally not possible after ticket issuance.

When purchasing, choose precisely: date, departure station, arrival station, schedule, and category. We remain available to help you optimize your combination (e.g., go early in Vistadome, return late in Expedition).