Train to Machu Picchu 2026 — PeruRail vs Inca Rail
The train is how 95% of visitors reach Aguas Calientes. Two private operators run the route: PeruRail and Inca Rail. They have similar schedules, similar pricing, and the same destination. Choosing between them comes down to specific time slots, service class, and which one has availability for your dates.
Where the trains depart from
- Ollantaytambo (OLL) — the main station, used by ~80% of travelers. 1h30-1h45 to Aguas Calientes. Cheapest fares. Most departures.
- Poroy / San Pedro (Cusco) — closer to the city itself. 3-4 hours total to Aguas Calientes. Limited departures, higher fares. Mostly used by premium-class passengers.
- Urubamba (URO) — Sacred Valley station, used by some hotels in that area. Mainly Inca Rail.
2026 prices (one-way, foreign adults, USD approximate)
| Service class | Operator | One-way price (Ollantaytambo) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition | PeruRail | $72-90 | Standard panoramic windows. Cheapest reliable option. |
| Voyager | Inca Rail | $72-90 | Equivalent to Expedition. |
| Vistadome | PeruRail | $95-130 | Glass roof panels, snack, dance show on return. |
| 360° | Inca Rail | $95-130 | Panoramic windows, complimentary meal. |
| Vistadome Observatory | PeruRail | $114-160 | Open-air observation car at the rear. |
| First Class / Sacred Valley | Both | $280-350+ | Gourmet meal, bar, premium seating. |
| Hiram Bingham | PeruRail (luxury) | $500-600+ | Belmond luxury train. Gourmet 4-course meal, bar, includes citadel entry + bus + tour. |
Round-trip fares are typically 1.8-2× the one-way price (slight discount for booking both directions together).
How to book
- PeruRail: perurail.com — direct booking, no fees, English/Spanish.
- Inca Rail: incarail.com — direct booking, no fees, English/Spanish.
- You will need: passport number for each passenger (must match the passport you bring to board), travel date, departure time, service class.
- Tickets are emailed as PDFs. Print them or have them on your phone — both work, the conductor scans a QR code.
Choosing a departure time
Match your train arrival in Aguas Calientes to your citadel entry slot, with buffer.
| Citadel entry slot | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| 06:00 entry | Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. Catch first bus 05:30. |
| 09:00-10:00 entry | 06:10 train from Ollantaytambo (arrives ~07:50). Catch bus 08:00-08:15. |
| 12:00-13:00 entry | 09:00 train from Ollantaytambo (arrives ~10:40). Catch bus ~11:00-11:30. |
| 14:00-15:00 entry | 11:00-12:00 train. Allows day-trip from Sacred Valley. |
Practical advice
- Arrive at the station 30 minutes early. Both operators check passports against tickets at boarding.
- Luggage limit: 1 small bag (5 kg) + 1 carry-on (5 kg). Larger luggage must be left at your hotel in Cusco/Sacred Valley.
- The journey itself: The Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes stretch is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The train hugs the Urubamba river, descends into cloud forest, and the temperature/humidity rises noticeably as you drop ~1,000 m.
- Sit on the right (downstream) heading to Aguas Calientes. Best river views.
- Returning: Sit on the left for sunset light on the mountains.
- Snacks: Even Expedition class includes a small snack and drink.
- Bathrooms: Available on board, but they're small. Use the station before boarding.
What if I miss my train?
Both operators have a strict no-show policy. If you miss the departure, you typically forfeit the ticket. Same-day rebooking depends on availability — call the operator or visit the station as soon as possible. Travel insurance with trip-interruption coverage is genuinely useful for this trip.