If you are planning your trip to Machu Picchu, the first thing to keep in mind is that the only way to get to this incredible destination is by train. This does not necessarily have to be a disadvantage: it adds a bit of excitement to the journey, since your way is surrounded by mountains, crops and postcards that you will not find in other places.
You should take into consideration that you are only allowed to visit the Machu Picchu Citadel for 4 hours. The best time to travel by train is between 6 to 9 in the morning, as it is more congested. Our tours usually start early in the morning, to anticipate the accumulation of people in the place. In the case of private tours, we offer schedules to suit your agenda.
There is a great variety of trains to travel to Peru: among them we can find the most exclusive ones where you can enjoy additional services, and the economic ones. In all cases, the destination will be the same and will last about an hour and a half, until you reach the Aguas Calientes station or Machu Picchu village.
Next, we will analyze in detail each of them to make the right choice:
The Voyager
This is a standard Inca Rail service, very similar to the Expedition trains mentioned below. This is not to say that its service does not stand out: it is a highly recommended transport because it is economical, but also because it has very comfortable seats and panoramic windows that allow you to observe the scenery as you head to Aguas Calientes.
Let’s analyze in detail what services you can count on with The Voyager:
- Onboard service for any questions you may have during the trip
- Comfortable tables and seats for two people
- Panoramic windows to observe the postcards along the way
- Relaxing music
- Private waiting room in Ollantaytambo
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 6:40 am | 8:01 am |
| 11:15 am | 12:41 pm |
| 12:36 am | 2:00 pm |
Departure times from Machu Picchu:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 2:30 pm | 4:04 pm |
| 7:00 pm | 8:41 pm |
| 9:30 pm | 10:54 pm |
Expedition
This is a standard rail service, but with spacious seats, tables and large windows to enjoy the views during the trip. The wagons are themed to the Inca culture, and it is an economical service that is within the reach of all those who wish to enjoy a unique trip.
Next, we will analyze the services you can count on:
- Snacks and beverages for sale on board. In the final section of the carriage you will have a stand ready to purchase them.
- Onboard service for any questions you may have during the trip
- Comfortable tables and seats for two persons
- Large windows to enjoy the scenery
- Inca decoration inside the carriages
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 5:05 am | 6:35 am |
| 6:01 am | 7:40 am |
| 7:45 am | 9:15 am |
| 8:29 am | 9:54 am |
Departure times from Machu Picchu:
| Departure from Machu Picchu | Arrival at Ollantaytambo |
| 5:03 pm | 6:35 pm |
Vistadome
One of the most selected premium trains for its comfort and excellent service on board. Vistadome offers panoramic windows to offer the best views of the journey, including roof windows that are much wider than the Expedition train.
Its leather seats are spacious and the environment is equipped with music and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable ride. The services you can count on are as follows:
- Trapezoid-style panoramic views to offer a wider view of the landscapes.
- Complimentary snack and a beverage (hot or cold).
- Onboard service for queries or doubts during the voyage
- Live dances and fashion shows
- Sale of textile products on board
- Very spacious and comfortable leather seats
- Air conditioning and background music throughout the trip
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 8:00 am | 9:24 am |
| 8:53 am | 10:29 am |
| 9:15 am | 10:52 am |
Departure times from Machu Picchu:
| Departure from Machu Picchu | Arrival at Ollantaytambo |
| 3:25 pm | 4:57 pm |
Vistadome Observatory
A variant of Vistadome with a plus that is designed for those who like to contemplate the scenery on their way to Machu Picchu. Its observatory type car and its wide windows will guarantee a complete view of the whole environment, something that will be worth for unforgettable pictures of the road.
Let’s analyze its amenities and services:
- Fully panoramic view
- Observatory car to enjoy the best view of the trip.
- Dances and live music along the way
- Explanatory audios during the journey
- Parades and sale of textile products on board
- Complimentary snacks and beverages (hot or cold) on board
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 7:45 am | 9:15 am |
| 13:27 am | 14:50 am |
Return schedules:
| Departure from Machu Picchu | Arrival at Ollantaytambo |
| 10:55 am | 12:32 am |
| 4:22 pm | 6:10 pm |
The Voyager Premium and Lounge
This preferential boarding is an exclusive service for all those who seek to travel with all the comforts. Its open-air balcony, combined with its soft traditional Andean music and the hospitality of its staff will complement a unique trip.
What are the services you will be able to have in this exclusive train? Let’s analyze them:
- Bar available for travelers
- Observatory balcony
- Andean music throughout the trip
- Complimentary snacks and beverages (hot or cold) on board
- Much larger and more comfortable seats and tables
- Large windows to enjoy the scenery
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 11:15 am | 12:45 am |
Return schedules:
| Departure from Machu Picchu | Arrival at Ollantaytambo |
| 7:00 pm | 11:00 pm |
360º
A train that is designed so that you can make the most of the panoramic views of the landscape until you reach Machu Picchu. An experience that we definitely recommend for those looking to take lots of pictures along the way without leaving comfort aside. The service also includes a healthy box lunch service with organic products and live shows.
The services that you can find on the 360º train are the following:
- Large panoramic windows allowing views from every angle
- Observatory balcony
- USB devices for charging smartphones during the trip
- Complimentary snacks and beverages (hot or cold) on board
- Much larger and more comfortable seats and tables
- Exclusive waiting area in Ollantaytambo
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 7:22 am | 8:48 am |
Return schedules:
| Departure from Machu Picchu | Arrival at Ollantaytambo |
| 4:12 pm | 5:50 pm |
Hiram Bingham
The Hiram Bingham train is the most expensive and exclusive of the options to travel to Aguas Calientes. The concept of this service is to turn this journey into your dream trip, in which attention is paid to every detail. Within our catalog of tours, you will find our itinerary that includes tickets with Hiram Bingham. You can get more information by clicking here.
The services that you can find in the Hiram Bingham train are the following ones:
- Welcome show with traditional dances
- Car Bar with Peruvian cocktails of excellent quality
- Gourmet lunch on board
- Observatory balcony to enjoy the scenery
- Live music show
- VIP waiting room at Machu Picchu Station
- Afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
Departure times from Ollantaytambo:
| Departure from Ollantaytambo | Arrival at Machu Picchu |
| 10:47 am | 12:25 am |
Return schedules:
| Departure from Machu Picchu | Arrival at Ollantaytambo |
| 5:45 pm | 7:20 pm |
¿ There are discounts to travel by train to Machu Picchu?
- Within our tours to Machu Picchu we offer free tickets to children under 3 years old (traveling loaded) and 50% discount to children under 12 years old.
- We also offer a 50% discount to children from 3 to 12 years old and free admission to children under 2 years old (traveling loaded).
- Special prices are offered to students who show a valid student ID.
- Peruvian citizens can purchase tickets at a lower price than foreigners.
¿ What are the requirements when traveling by train to Machu Picchu??
- National Identity Card or passport.
- Minors must present a passport or identity card.
- Use medium size luggage no larger than 5 kg/ 11 lb and maximum 157 cm (height + length + width). In case of larger dimensions, it must go in the hold of the train.
- Tickets must not have erasures or amendments.
¿ It is possible to take food on the train to Machu Picchu?
You will be able to carry treats, snacks and/or drinks in your luggage, but you should know that there are food vending services on the trains; some of them include drinks, snacks and even gourmet lunch with the purchase of the ticket.
¿ Which train is the most advisable?
There is no single answer for all tourists, as this depends on the services you wish to purchase and the budget you have available.
To begin with, we recommend analyzing how you would like to enjoy the transfer to Machu Picchu: if you consider that just observing the scenery is enough, you can opt for the Expedition, Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory.
If you would like to have additional services during your trip to Aguas Calientes, you can opt for a premium train (Hiram Bingham and The Voyager Premium and Lounge), which can include additional services. Unlike the aforementioned, the most exclusive ones have more comfortable and spacious areas, as well as waiting rooms and complimentary snacks or drinks to enjoy.
If you have doubts about which one best suits your expectations, or want to know about their prices, we recommend that you contact us for more information.